Pay it Forward

Kudos to LGBT youth organisation, BeLonG To, who continue to empower young people to take a stand against bullying in Irish schools and youth centres with their annual Stand Up! LGBT Awareness Week.

It’s a way to get young people thinking about how anti-LGBT bullying breeds fear and isolation, and how standing up in solidarity against bullying, helps everyone. Each school and centre gets an educational pack, which includes a poster and activities, and a raft of fun events are organised to publicise Stand Up! Week and encourage young people to participate.

This year BeLonG To are fundraising to make sure Stand Up! Week takes place in as many schools as possible, giving you the chance to help change the culture of anti-LGBT bullying in schools, which still exists today despite marriage equality and gender recogntion.

The Inaugural Rainbow Ball on November 17 will begin with a drinks reception from 7pm, and the subsequent entertainment will include a three-course meal, very special guests, a raffle and an art auction. Prizes include pamper packages from Dylan Bradshaw, restaurant and hotel packages, Kasabian and Harry Styles tickets, and incredible artwork from Maser.

Young people will speak about their experiences of growing up LGBT+ in Ireland and the role BeLonG To has played in their lives.

If you were bullied at school, or know someone who was, this can be your way of helping stop it happening to younger generations of LGBTs. Pay it forward, folks!

The Rainbow Ball, November 17, Ballsbridge Hotel Dublin, tickets €125 each or €1,000 for a table of ten, tickets can be secured by contacting fundraising@belongto.org