Stand Up Awareness Week at Monaghan Institute by Ann-Marie Rice (MI Learner)

Monaghan Institute showed its support for the LGBTQ+ community by participating in BeLonG To Youth Services national annual campaign, Stand Up Awareness Week. A valuable initiative which aims to take a stand against homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.

With the help of the Monaghan Institute Pride Society, fun events took place at the college during the week of 15 – 20 November. At recent Pride Club meetings all members contributed their time and skills to make the event a success. Decorations were put up and informative posters were created by the talented Multimedia students. A Pride stand was present throughout the week in the canteen, fully stocked with a selection of leaflets containing valuable information regarding relevant issues facing the LGBTQ+ community today. They also included contact details for the many support groups out there. Pride, Equality and Ally badges were also available to purchase at the stand.

The Pride Group also organised a crossword and wordsearch free competition in which the lucky winners received their prizes on Friday.

The event was well received and supported throughout the campus, demonstrating Monaghan Institutes commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ community, promoting inclusion, allyship and acceptance. By taking part in Stand-Up Awareness week, it shows the Institutes commitment in providing a safe learning space where students feel equal and valued.

We hope that our students and staff will be allies and ambassadors not just in Monaghan Institute but at home and in their wider community. For more information or support regarding the LGBT community please contact LGBT Ireland at lgbt.ie.