Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)

I am glad to have the opportunity to contribute to these statements on Pride. I am proud to be an ally of the LGBTQI+ community. I am glad that in voting for marriage equality ten years ago, we did not just stop at that point and say "Job done". It is important that we continue the conversation and face head on the challenges that remain for those in the LGBTQI+ community. The inequalities that community faces endure and the battle to overcome these inequalities continues, so we must also continue to break down those inequalities and ensure that every person who lives on this island, no matter who they are, feels equal and safe in being who they are and never feels like they have to answer for, explain or battle for it.

As my party's spokesperson on children, I am particularly mindful of young people and the challenges they face as part of the LGBTQI+ community as they grow up. Every child deserves to grow up feeling valued and safe. That is not always the case. Our world can be especially cruel online. I acknowledge BelonG To, particularly its youth groups, and the work it does to raise awareness of the challenges young people face in their communities. Its Block the Bad campaign raised awareness of online bullying and the nasty rhetoric most of us are used to seeing in the online world. I wish to use the following as an example of the part we can all play. Roscommon Community College in my constituency, in partnership with Roscommon County Council, unveiled the first Pride rainbow crossing in Roscommon town in 2022. This was done on foot of a request from the school's student LGBTQI+ and allies group. They wanted it to be a visible symbol of inclusivity in their town. That goes to show the part young people and people of all ages can play in their communities and in schools in particular, which is important.

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