Dundalk IT holds ‘Pride Across the World’ event

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) welcomed five speakers to share their stories as LGBTQ+ members, at an event in DkIT's Whitaker Theatre co-organized by the DkIT Counselling Service and Dundalk Outcomers, and sponsored by N TUTORR, on 17 April.

The event’s focus was to raise awareness for the public about the community and to improve people’s knowledge about LGBTQ+ community struggles worldwide. DkIT says students were happy and very open to hear their experiences. The event also featured a Q&A element, where students could ask the panelists numerous questions. 

“Don’t judge me, be by my side", said Khatia, who struggled with discrimination and abuse in Georgia. Judgements, abuse and being treated differently is what most of the LGBTQ+ members have experienced, they said. In countries, where government has placed strict and forceful laws about the LGBTQ+ community, people of the community struggle daily.

Being afraid to come out to their own family or feel like the need to hide themselves is what all of the speakers and most of the community members have experienced, according to Dundalk Outcomers.

Speaker Pedro, from Panama was open about this abuse. People in his own country attacked him severely and he sustained many life-changing injuries, just because he is homosexual. This is one of the many reasons why some people are afraid to leave their comfort zone to reveal their true selves, says Dundalk Outcomers.

Since Ireland has laws protecting the LGBTQ+ community, including same sex marriage, people from the community have chosen to come to Ireland and live their best and honest lives, Dundalk Outcomers revealed. Speakers at the DkIT event, felt that when they first arrived in Ireland, they felt like here was home with little judgement and discrimination. Pedro called Ireland a ‘Paradise.’ Although they do still face a limited amount of discrimination or abuse, they still feel safer here, being themselves. 

Dundalk Outcomers says support needs to be shown to people that may be afraid of revealing or still figuring out who they truly are. Mental support like listening and trying to understand the LGBTQ+ community is a way of showing them that they are not alone, they add.

“Treat us in a normal way and support us no matter who we are.” Said Ernest from Lithuania. Dundalk Outcomers offers many ways to help LGBTQ+ people of all backgrounds. Reach out to Lorna, their youth coordinator via youth@outcomers.org.

DKIT says it is committed to creating a safe environment for LGBTQ+ students. If there are students facing any difficulties, they can reach out to Student Counselling Service. Students can also meet via DkIT Pride Society, where everyone is welcome. 

More education and understanding toward the LGBTQ+ community is what we need, Dundalk Outcomers said, adding that no one deserves to be treated differently just because of who they are.