More than half LGBT+ people considered leaving midlands because of their identity

A groundbreaking study commissioned by Midlands LGBT+ Project has provided new insights into the lived experiences of the LGBT community in the Midlands. The research, titled 'LGBT+ Life in the Midlands' highlights both the progress made and the ongoing challenges faced by LGBT individuals in the region.

Midlands LGBT+ Project, established in February 2021, is a dedicated support and advocacy service for LGBT+ adults in Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, and Kildare. It is the only such adult LGBT+ service in the midlands.

Its comprehensive survey was conducted by Dr Ingrid Holmes in 2022, with 244 respondents.

Some 54% of people surveyed have thought about moving away from the Midlands because of their identity. One quarter of respondents said they are out to no one at work and 31% of those surveyed were out to none of their neighbours.

Some 42% of people ‘often’ or ‘always’ avoided holding hands with their partner in public due to fears of being assaulted, threatened or harassed, while one in five didn’t feel safe in the Midlands.

Trans respondents consider the Midlands to be marginally safer than Dublin, while only 35% agree that Ireland overall is a good place for LBGT+ people to live

When asked how to describe their connection to the Midlands region, one respondent said they felt “ a bit disconnected. Growing up I was quite introverted and non social so I just stuck with myself and never had proper exposure to other LGBTQ+ individuals. Because of this I just assumed the Midlands wasn’t much of an LGBTQ+ zone.”

Another respondent highlighted that “it's home, I want to be proud of it.”

When asked about the difficulties of being LGBT+ in the Midlands, someone said that the “lack of educational resources, many schools not adequately covering LGBT topics, large distances to travel for trans medical care, casual anti LGBT attitudes” are significant challenges.

Another respondent said that “more closed minded, rural communities are less understanding of diversity. Even when from time to time holding my pregnant fiancés hand, we get looks.

It can be uncomfortable at times but it’s important to still be yourself.”

Christina Fitzharris, Midlands LGBT+ Project manager, stated: "This research is a crucial step towards understanding the unique experiences of LGBT+ individuals in the Midlands. While we have made significant steps forward, our findings highlight the areas that still require attention, particularly in mental health and a sense of community."

The Midlands LGBT+ Project organises various activities, including monthly social groups, peer support sessions, pride and awareness events, and support for parents of LGBT+ youth. Groups that people can join for a sense of community include Coffee Morning Catchups, Queer Book Clubs, Over 50s Groups, Trans Midlands, and Sports Groups.

To join these groups, you can contact Midlands LGBT+ Project on their Facebook or Instagram pages, or you can email them at help@midlandslgbtproject.com

You can read the report, which was funded by Healthy Laois, here https://www.midlandslgbtproject.com/resource