A very impressive new mural to mark the first birthday of the the Midlands LGBT+ project was unveiled in Portlaoise yesterday when Minister of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman was on hand.
The mural is located in Lyster Square close to the library and its unveiling was also attended by Ministers Sean Fleming and Pippa Hackett as well as TD Charlie Flanagan.
The unveiling marks the first anniversary of the Midlands LGBT+ Project, the support and advocacy service helping to reduce isolation among LGBTQ+ people in the Midlands.
“I was delighted to visit Portlaoise to officially unveil a stunning mural in celebration of the first year of the Midlands LGBT+ Project,” said Minister O’Gorman.
“I want to congratulate the work of the Midlands LGBT+ Project over the past 12 months in supporting members of the LGBT+ community through the pandemic.
“My Department is supporting the expansion of the Project into Offaly and Kildare, and I’m delighted that many more people will be able to enjoy the welcoming sense of belonging and acceptance that is encouraged by the Midlands LGBT+ Project.
Coordinator Christina Fitzharris explains: “Midlands LGBT+ Project was established in February 2021 as a support and advocacy service for LGBT+ people in Laois and has grown in that time from one support group to almost ten monthly groups and over 100 service users in Laois, Offaly and Kildare.
“There is no doubt that this service is vital to support isolated LGBT+ people in the Midlands”.
The Healthy Ireland Framework introduces a vision “where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health and wellbeing to their full potential, where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level of society and is everyone’s responsibility” explains Emma O’Connor, Coordinator of Healthy Laois.
She goes on: “This Mural captures this vision and… I welcome the opportunity to be involved in this Project”.
On recognising the importance of mural art, Laois County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Conor Bergin said: “I welcome this important health and wellbeing initiative, that supports our local LGBT+ citizens.
“One of the key objectives of the Healthy Laois Plan is that all people are supported to develop and maintain their mental and physical health.
“Art and especially public art has an important role to play in supporting positive mental health. Mural art can be the first point of contact for someone who is struggling.
“It is important that we value it and I am delighted to support this initiative”.
In addition to the new mural, Laois County Council will fly the Pride flag outside their offices in Portlaoise, to mark the new mural and to recognise the work done by Midlands LGBT+ Project over the past year.”
