A LIMERICK-based charity that focuses on the health and wellbeing of members of the LGBTQ+ community in the Mid West has hit out at far-right protests in the city last week.
GOSHH (Gender Orientation Sexual Health HIV) provides care and prevention services for LGBTQ+ people dealing with HIV/AIDS and other sexual health issues.
The non-profit organisation, working out of Davis Street in the city, told the Limerick Post that clients of their services have expressed fears for their safety in the wake of ongoing nationwide protests similar to those seen outside the Limerick City Library last week.
“Our clients are telling us that their own private safety is being threatened by these protests, and this is not in line with the approach and landmarks such as marriage equality, gender recognition, and incoming hate speech legislation that has been cultivated in Irish society,” Ann Mason, manager of GOSHH, said.
Ms Mason reiterated the sentiment of counter-protesters who showed out to meet the far-right element in the city last Thursday and Friday (August 3 and 4), which culminated in heated exchanges on Bedford Row.
“Limerick is and always will be a safe environment for members of the LGBTI+ community. We know this because our clients tell us,” Ms Mason said.
“These clients also use the valuable library services to help read about and see themselves represented in the books and characters of the wider world. They share with us how valuable places like libraries are to them. They have become safe havens which we hope will continue.”
The demonstrations were led by far-right figures Andy Heasman and Ross Lahive, accompanied by others, including children, on what they called a ‘sovereign voyage’ across last week. The group sailed from Limerick last Thursday, continuing up the Shannon to towns in County Clare. They were seen in Portumna, County Galway, and Banagher, County Offaly, this week, and are believed to be continuing their ‘voyage’ towards Athlone in Westmeath.
The group were demonstrating against the inclusion of trans writer Juno Dawson’s young adult non-fiction book, This Book is Gay, in Irish libraries. They attempted to enter a number of libraries in towns along the Shannon River across the past week.
Heasman and Lahive rose to prominence with their protests at Cork City Library earlier this year, which forced the Leeside library to shutter its doors temporarily.
Heasman was previously jailed for two months during the Covid-19 pandemic for his refusal to wear a face covering on public transport. He was also involved in protests outside the home of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s home in 2021.
Lahive was also heavily involved in protests over restrictions in place throughout the pandemic.
“Hatred and bigotry are not welcome in a society where people are living their true authentic lives. For decades LGBTI+ people have fought for, asked for, and advocated for minorities, including themselves. They have strived for a society that is fair, just, and welcoming of all. This has always been done with respect,” said Ms Mason.
“Our vision is to create an environment where the mental, emotional, physical, and social wellbeing of everyone is promoted and sexual rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.
We respect the right to protest but this should not be at the cost of safety for vulnerable communities.”
