New space for LGBTQ+ young people opens in Dublin

A new haven for LGBTQ+ young people has officially opened its doors in Dublin's city center, offering a much-needed space for community and support. Belong To, the national LGBTQ+ youth organization, spearheaded the initiative, designing the center with direct input from the young people it serves.

The newly launched space is envisioned as a place where individuals can connect with peers, engage in various workshops and group activities, and access crucial counseling services. Located at their Dublin 2 office, the design reflects the needs and desires of the youth community.

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Safe spaces like this are so important for LGBTQ+ young people to feel like they belong and they can be themselves.

Youth worker Brenda Kelly emphasized the profound importance of such safe environments. "Safe spaces like this are so important for LGBTQ+ young people to feel like they belong and they can be themselves," she told RTÉ News. Kelly highlighted that the space is vital in combating the higher rates of bullying and discrimination experienced by the community.

The opening signifies a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and safety for LGBTQ+ youth in Dublin. The initiative directly addresses the challenges of feeling unsafe and facing discrimination, providing a tangible resource for support and affirmation.

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We also know from our young people that come into the service that bullying and discrimination, and just generally feeling unsafe, is a lot higher among the community, so spaces like this are vital.