GCN’s Pride edition is one built on solidarity within our community in Ireland and this year, we have a special feature in collaboration with the Rowan Trust and the Hope and Courage Collective that takes this message a step further. As we celebrate Pride Month across the island, we must confront the harsh reality that our community faces a rising tide of disinformation, scapegoating and hate.

ILGA Europe found that 2022 was the most violent year for LGBTQ+ people in Europe in a decade and, according to the latest report published by An Garda Síochána, 2022 saw a major increase in hate crimes in Ireland, with the LGBTQ+ community being the second most targeted group.

With the recent rallies targeting libraries and schools, the spread of fear and disinformation about LGBTQ+ people and an environment where we too often witness brutal assaults on members of the community in Ireland, the need for unyielding solidarity is more evident than ever.

In partnership with the Rowan Trust and the Hope and Courage Collective, GCN will platform the voices of people from communities targeted by the far-right or folk working in groups that combat the same.

Launched in GCN’s Pride issue, the #StrongerTogether campaign will focus on highlighting how our community can come together in solidarity and affect positive change. The initiative will see a series of interviews with different members of our community, featured online on GCN’s website and social media throughout the month of June.

The broader community is also encouraged to get involved and share messages of solidarity over social media using the hashtag #StrongerTogether.

Executive Director of the Rowan Trust, Michael Barron, shared a few words on the initiative, saying: “Pride resonates with the echoes of our defiant history. It draws inspiration from the Queer warriors that fought for our liberation. Their courage is a thread that weaves through the fabric of every Pride flag, reminding us that we too can ignite change.”

Barron continues, “We stand shoulder to shoulder with brothers and sisters in other minority communities who are being targeted with hate. We are strong, we are resilient and we know how to change this country for the betterment of everyone. We won’t be dragged backwards by those who want to sow division and sell fear”, he continues.

The organisers of this special collaboration announced, “We stand together to affirm that Ireland is a country that embraces, cherishes and celebrates everyone. Solidarity means celebrating diversity and amplifying the voices on the margins. It means using our platforms to uplift and empower those voices that are too often silenced. It means building an unstoppable movement of hope and courage.

“So let us yet again dig deep and rise stronger together. Let us harness our hurt, our determination, and our unyielding solidarity to protect our progress and each other, and build an unstoppable movement of hope and courage.”

Do you want to show your solidarity and be featured in this special campaign? Share your message on social media using #StrongerTogether, tagging GCN or email us at [email protected].