Stand Up Awareness Week 2023 is scheduled to run from Monday, November 6th to Friday, November 10th. The central theme for this year is centred on the ideas of friendship and allyship. This designated week offers a valuable opportunity to take proactive measures in creating safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ youth. According to a national survey conducted by BelongTo, one out of every five young LGBTQ+ individuals encounters bullying, and an alarming 76% of LGBTQ+ students report feeling unsafe in their school environments. By joining forces, we can forge spaces where LGBTQ+ youth can experience safety, equality, and a sense of value.
Over the past year, our concerted efforts have been dedicated to the establishment of a support network comprising both students and staff. We’ve successfully implemented our North Mon IRIS Allies group, convening every Tuesday, conducted essential staff training, launched student awareness initiatives, and introduced an online reporting platform, among other strategic initiatives. Stay tuned as we continue to actively support our community.
Join us for various activities in the coming days and weeks…
Stand Up for Your LGBTQ+ Friends
Activities for the Week:
| Monday | Word of the Day Quiz and Activities (All Year Groups – during English classes)
LGBTQ Timeline (to be completed by TYs) LCA Horticulture |
| Tuesday | Talk and Discussion – Library from 12pm (Student Council/Senior Cycle)
IRIS Allies Meeting – Library at 1pm |
| Wednesday | Mindfulness Colouring – 1st Years during Period 1
Design A Badge Competition – Junior Cycle LCA Baking |
| Thursday | LGBTQ+ Historic Talk (Student Council/Senior Cycle)
LBGTQ+ Historic Exhibition from 11AM (Junior Cycle/TY) LCA Baking |
| Friday | Word of the Day Quiz
Cupcakes for Junior Cycle Cake for Senior Students/Staff Pride Film: TY |
| Wednesday (November 15) | Inclusive Training for Staff |
| Tuesday (November 21) | Youth Sexual Health Services Talk from 12pm (Senior Cycle) |
If you need support and other guidance you can contact a member of our IRIS Allies group or contact one of the many organisations below.
Local and National LGBTQ+ Supports
Cork Gay Project – Sawmill St, Ballintemple, Cork, T12 CX32
T 021 430 0430 / 087 1646 072E info@gayproject.ie We provide information, support and resources for the gay, bi, queer and trans community. From our community centre in Cork we provide a range of resources including free condoms and lube, LGBT books, magazines and DVDs, LGBT and general health leaflets – we also provide support by phone and email. The centre is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12 – 3pm for resources and info and every evening for events. |
| LINC – 11a While Street, Cork City
LINC is a resource centre in Cork city for Lesbian and bisexual women. We run a full programme of activities and have other supports based in the centre such as an alcohol and drugs support group. Monday to Wednesday 11am to 3pm and Thurs 11am to 8pmT 021 – 480 8600 |
| Gender Rebels
T 087 366 9055 Gender Rebels Cork is a group based in Cork City which advocates for and supports all transgender, non-binary, intersex and gender non-conforming individuals. |
| BelongTo Youth Service – Parliament House, 13 Parliament Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
T 01 670 6223 BeLonG To is an organisation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) young people, aged between 14 and 23. |
| Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) – Unit 2, 4 Ellis Quay, Dublin 7
T 01- 873 3575 Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) is a non-profit organisation supporting the transgender community in Ireland in all its variety. |
| Bi+ Ireland
E biirelandnetwork@gmail.com Bi+ Ireland aims to create a space where bi+ people can make friends, access peer support and reduce any isolation they may experience. We aim to increase the visibility and presence of bi+ people in Ireland and to create diverse, vibrant and welcoming communities. |
| UP Cork Gurranebraher & Churchfield Youth & Community Resource Centre – Gurranebraher Rd, Gurranebraher, Cork
T 086 044 3745 UP Cork is a youth project for LGBTQ young people aged 15-24 years. Meets twice weekly. |