Ennis, County Clare – February 13, 2024 – QuareClare’s Education Committee proudly announces an upcoming workshop, “Creating Inclusive Homes and Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Youth in Clare,” on March 9, 2024, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at Mna Ag Gaire (Women’s Shed) in Ennis. Led by Karina Murray of Conscious Connections, this event is tailored for parents, guardians, and those working with LGBTQIA+ youth.
Karina, with a First-Class Honours Degree in Social Care and a Master’s in Health Promotion from NUIG, is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in homelessness, youth work, mental health, and LGBTQIA+ community development.
The workshop will delve into essential topics to deepen participants’ understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth. Beginning with an exploration of LGBTQIA+ and Gender 101, Murray will navigate through the breakdown of acronyms, delve into commonly used identities like pansexual and non-binary, and differentiate between Gender Identity, Attraction, Gender Expression, and Sex.
A critical segment will focus on the experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth, drawing from pertinent Irish-based research studies such as those by Belong To, Focus Ireland, LGBT Ireland, and Growing Up in Ireland. Participants will engage in a group exercise providing a safe space to discuss and share their experiences.
The free workshop will equip attendees with information on the supports and resources available to both young people, their parents, and those working with youth. Tools for supporting a child’s emotional well-being will be shared, and positive examples from parents and youth workers will be highlighted.
Parent-youth communication will be a key topic, addressing identified barriers and presenting effective strategies such as active listening, staying positive, and promoting open-mindedness. The importance of finding accurate information and creating a safe space within the family home will be emphasised, with practical role-playing scenarios.
Karina Murray will also cover practical steps for inclusivity in the home, emphasising the significance of using correct pronouns and offering practical ways to be allies to LGBTQIA+ children.
Orla Vaughn, QuareClare’s Education Committee Chair, expresses excitement about the workshop, stating, “Education is pivotal to fostering inclusivity and understanding within our community. This workshop is a significant step towards creating safer and more supportive environments for LGBTQIA+ youth in County Clare.”
Post-workshop, participants will receive a document encompassing comprehensive information and resources. For further details and registration, visit QuareClare’s website to sign up for this free workshop or contact QuareClare at education@quareclare.ie for more information.
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive community for LGBTQIA+ youth in County Clare!
This workshop is generously funded by the Healthy Clare Micro Fund which is supported by the Department of Health’s Healthy Ireland Fund, Pobal and Creative Ireland Clare.
About QuareClare: QuareClare, founded in 2020, is a volunteer-led organisation with a mission to build a vibrant LGBTQIA+ community in Clare, celebrating diversity and inclusivity by creating spaces and opportunities for our community to thrive through education, advocacy, and community building. The organisation’s vision is to create and promote the conditions in which the LGBTQIA+ community in County Clare feels accepted, respected, and valued.
Media Contact: Chris KobleChair, Media/Communications CommitteeQuareClaremedia@quareclare.ie065 671 2737
