One year on from the Referendum: Calls to LGBT Helpline INCREASE

While we may have been the first country to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote, that doesn't mean every member of the Irish LGBT community feels wholly content with their place in Irish society.

And with the Dublin Pride Festival kicking off next week, National Coordinator of the Helpline, Paula Fagan, confirmed that the LBGT Helpline can actually expect a surge in the number of calls placed by members of the Irish public.

Speaking at the launch of the helpline’s partnership with eir this week, Paula explained that the festival can stir up a variety of emotions from members of the LGBT community and their family members.

“For most people, Pride is a time of celebration and fun but, for many, it can also be a time when they feel in need of support,” she said as she explained that calls can quadruple during this time of the year.

“For people who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity or feeling anxious about coming out, Pride season can bring these feelings to the fore,” she added.

While explaining that Pride season seeks to shine a spotlight on the LGBT community, Paula acknowledged that this can ultimately have a domino effect.

“For family-members and friends of LGBT people, Pride can be the time for them to seek additional information about LGBT issues, or to reach out for support around their or a loved one’s LGBT identity.”

As part of ‘It’s Good to Talk’, the LGBT Helpline and eir will have a highly-visible presence in the Dublin Pride Parade on 25th June.

With a large tent at the Pride Village and Helpline volunteers  on hand to provide emotional support and information to anyone who needs it, Pride Festival is ALL about the love.

Dublin Pride Festival is kicking off on June 22 and running until June 26.