TWO organisations based in the Mid West were honoured at this years GALA Awards, which recognises the achievements of LGBTQ+ people and communities in Ireland.
Regional organisation GOSHH, based on Davis St in Limerick City, received the overall Community Organisation of the Year award.
The charity provides a range of LGBTQI+ and sexual health services, including rapid STI testing, HIV support, counselling, free condoms, LGBTQ+ social groups and youth groups, education and training, community development, and outreach.
Mammies for Trans Rights, formed by two Limerick women Karen Sugrue and Claire Flynn, were presented the LGBTQ+ Ally award.
A group of parents and allies of trans kids, the group has grown with hundreds of members across Ireland.
Established in 2009 by the NXF (National LGBT Federation) and GCN (Gay Community News), the GALA awards celebrate grassroots organisations, local community heroes, national advocacy organisations, businesses who create positive working environments for their LGBTQ+ colleagues.
Welcoming the award, GOSHH chairperson Deepesh Simpson Shah said that “recognition like this doesn’t happen in isolation. This award is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our CEO, Verena Tarpey, our incredible staff, our volunteers, our board members, and our supporters.”
Karen Sugrue, co-chair of Mammies for Trans Rights said “we’re just parents who adore our kids”.
“At the end of the day, we are the same as every parent who wants our kids, and everyone’s kids, to feel safe and loved and to be able to live lives that make them happy.”
