An art exhibition entitled “LGBT and Me” was launched at the Narrow Space Gallery in Mitchel Street in Clonmel, Tipperary last week. The project is a joint initiative from the Clonmel Community Resource Centre and LGBTI Health South Tipperary. Its aim is to promote positive health and well-being among LGBT+ people living in Tipperary.

The exhibition is a collection of paintings, poetry and photography from members of Tipperary’s LGBT+ community, many of whom produced art-work as part of LGBTI Health South Tipperary’s art classes. The launch night of the exhibition saw members of the community come together for a night of music, art and celebration.

Students of the community centre’s art classes produced a large canvas called “Our LGBT Journey” for the art exhibition. The piece was inspired by the students’ own experiences of queerness in Tipperary.

LGBTI Health South Tipperary is a project funded by the Health Service Executive and delivered by the Clonmel Community Resource Centre.

The project’s aim is to provide inclusive services for Tipperary’s LGBT+ community as well as their families. The programme promises to offer confidential support to all those who seek out their services while working towards making Tipperary a welcoming and supportive place for the LGBT+ community.

LGBTI Health South Tipperary currently runs two support groups – one for lesbian, gay and bisexual people, and another for transgender people. Both groups are open to all over the age of 18. The support groups are facilitated by an LGBT+ healthcare professional.

Clonmel Community Resource Centre also offers support on an individual basis to those who feel they may not be ready for a group setting.

LGBTI Health South Tipperary organise a number of social events throughout the year, varying from table quizzes to bowling nights.

More information about the project’s services can be found on the group’s Facebook page.