YOUNG TRAILBLAZER

AWARD RECIPIENT

Christine O’Mahony

Christine earned this recognition for outstanding contributions in promoting diversity and inclusion within LGBTQ+ spaces.

As the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at DCU’s Student Union, Christine works to create a safe and welcoming space for all students, organising a Rainbow Week within the university to foster discussion and awareness around LGBTQ+ topics.

Their commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ rights is unmatched, and they are particularly passionate about making sure trans and bisexual voices are heard and respected. Christine helped expand LGBTQ+ resources for the Erasmus Student Network, which is an international student organisation that extends beyond Ireland.

Christine is deeply passionate about social justice and anti-racist work and was the chair of DCU’s Black Students and Students of Colour Advisory Group. As the Chairperson for the Anti-Conversion Therapy Coalition, Christine raises important conversations about the dangers of the so-called practice which has caused widespread harm across the LGBTQ+ community.

O’Mahony works closely with the Black Queer Bookclub, Outhouse, and Trans Harm Reduction and also founded Mullingar 4 All which works against racism, homophobia, and discrimination. Christine aims to help young people speak up for themselves, and contribute to change.

When accepting her GALAS award, Christine said it was truly unexpected, and gave a shout out to Sapphic Social for their community support. In addition to the pain of being outed in school, they talked about the racism they experienced and said: “I’m not going to let that bother me, I’m going to fight for my rights!” The acceptance speech ended with the chant “trans rights are human rights!” which got a big cheer from the crowd.

NOMINEES

Morgan Queeny

Morgan has been instrumental in creating visible, wellresourced LGBTQ+ communities locally and nationally. As Chair of Galway Pride, they spearheaded LGBTQ+ initiatives in Kerry schools and helped organise the Trans Kerry Support Group. They served as chairperson for Kingdom Pride in Kerry, and organised Pink Training with the LGBT society at the University of Galway. They also founded Rural Rainbows, a small publishing website for LGBT writing, and co-created a book with Tiernan Arnup called The Queer Book to benefit Amach LGBT.

Ruari Holohan

Ruari is a Louth teenager who initiated a campaign to improve the inclusivity of sexual education in Irish Secondary schools. Since coming out at age 13, he has been a vocal campaigner for equality. He also spoke at the United Nations General Assembly week as a UNICEF Youth Advocate, and has been interviewed on several media channels to promote greater LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

Gearoaid Folan

Gearoaid created Limerick Sarfields, an inclusive rugby team, and established the first LGBTQ+ society in TUS University where he serves as President of the rugby club. He’s also Vice President of the TUS LGBTQ+ Society and he leads a student radio show in Limerick.

by Nicole Lee