Future of region’s LGBT+ service in doubt
The future of the Midlands LGBT+ Project is in doubt, after it failed to secure vital funding from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
The project, which started in 2021 in Laois, and now serves the entire Midlands including Westmeath, was not among 25 services to be funded under the 2023 LGBTI+ Community Services Funding Call operated by the Department.
Christina Fitzharris, co-ordinator of the Midlands LGBT+ project, told the Westmeath Independent that the organisation had been funded from the scheme for each of the last three years. This funding accounted for 90% of its running costs.
She said the failure to be included in this week's announcement was “a big blow” and “could mean the closure of the service”. She added this outcome was “very likely” unless some resolution was found.
Describing the failure to secure funding as “very disappointing”, she pointed out the Midlands LGBT + Project was the largest rural service in the country and the funding scheme is specifically targeted at helping to reduce LGBT+ isolation among rural people.
She said activities and events already planned, including the Heartlands Pride festival in Athlone later this week, from November 10-12, would proceed as they had already been budgeted.
Under this year’s funding call, €984,482.52 was made available to 25 LGBTI+ community service-based projects to assist the development of rural community infrastructure to be inclusive and welcoming of LGBTI+ persons, address gaps in LGBTI+ services and support existing LGBTI+ community organisations.
Green Party Councillor in Offaly Mark Hackett has also voiced his concern that the Midlands LGBT+ Project was unsuccessful in securing the essential funding.
Cllr Hackett said:“ I have had the pleasure of working with Christina and Midlands LGBT+ Project. I am utterly stumped by the news that they have not been awarded funding for the coming year. I was delighted when this project was initially funded in 2020 as I am aware of the need they were meeting. Unfortunately, I have received hate-filled trans and homophobic responses to my work on behalf of the community. I see this as in indicator of the importance of the work of Midlands LGBT+ in Offaly.”
He said the annual allocation of funding has allowed the project to employ three people and grow into Offaly, Westmeath and Kildare having identified the need for a Midlands Support Service due to the huge demand.
Cllr Hackett said “I’m aware of the budget constraints that exist within Departments and understand that funds are often allocated in a very clear-cut way. While I am aware that funding has never been so high nationally, in a county where I know LGBT+ people feel the extra isolation of a rural setting I will continue to fight for funding for the locally led support service of Midlands LGBT+ project. This funding is essential and, without it or some other intervention, the project will not be in a position to continue.”
“I’ve joined with other Green Party representatives in Laois, Westmeath, and Kildare in writing to Minister O’Gorman and his Department to ask for either an alternative source of funding, or that the funding call is reopened with a broadening of the criteria. I will also be bringing a motion to Offaly County Council asking that we express our collective support for the community and to raise this funding matter with the Minister.”