Kildare LGBTQ+ group shortlisted for GALAS awards 2023

A Kildare-based group which promotes and protects LGBTQ+ rights has been shortlisted for the GALAS awards 2023.

The shortlist for this year’s GALAS Awards, which celebrate contributions to the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland, has been announced recently.

Kildare organisation 'Midlands LGBT+ Project', which is nominated for 'LGBTQ+ Community Organisation of the Year (Paid Staff).'

Organised by the NXF, the National LGBT Federation, in partnership with Gay Community News, Ireland’s national media and press for the LGBTQ+ community, the GALAS Awards will be hosted by Panti Bliss and Lisa Connell.

Speaking at the shortlist announcement, Steve Jacques, NXF Board Director and Nominations Coordinator for the GALAS, said: "This year we had over 3,500 nominations from members of the public – our highest number yet.

"It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of LGBTQ+ advocates, workplaces and individuals around Ireland in working to progress equality to see such a high number and calibre of nominations."

He continued: "This year’s shortlist reflects the leadership and outstanding work of a number of people and organisations throughout Ireland who are working to support the LGBTQ+ in the face of rising threats, including rising anti-trans sentiment and far-right agitation.

"It is critical that Ireland as a society does not become complacent in our support and commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, and the GALAS is an opportunity to congratulate the hard work being done to champion equality.

"We congratulate each of the shortlisted nominees and look forward to celebrating with them in October," Mr Jacques concluded.

This year, there are a total of 13 categories, ranging from 'Outstanding Company' and 'Ally of the Year' to 'Event of the Year.'

Members of the public nominated their choices, which were subsequently reduced to a shortlist, chosen by LGBTQ+ advocacy organisations.

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SHORTLIST

The shortlist for each category is as follows:

Community Organisation of the Year – paid staff

• LGBT Ireland
• Midlands LGBT+ Project
• LGBTQ Development Project (Cumann na Daoine)
• Dundalk Outcomers
   

LGBTQ+ Community Organisation (Volunteer Staff)

• Equality For Children
• Na Gaeil Aeracha
• Kingdom Pride in Kerry
• Small Trans Library
   

LGBTQ+ Volunteer of the Year Award

• Lisa Daly
• Elysha Folan
• Daniel Boyne
• Morgan Queeney
   

LGBTQ+ Event of the Year Award

• Bród na Gaeltachta (Donegal Pride Festival)
• Queer Visibility in Football - Bohemian FC
• Sick Pride Picnic - Chronic Collective
• Dyke Nite Limerick
   

LGBTQ+ Young Trailblazer Award

• Christine O'Mahony
• Morgan Queeney
• Ruairi Holohan
• Gearoid Folan
   

LGBTQ+ Sports Award

• Giulia Valentino
• Pink Ladies Hockey Team
• Sarsfield Rugby Team
• Sporting Pride
   

Noel Walsh HIV Activism Award

• Plus Friends
• Will Kennedy
• Karl Hayden
• Poz Vibe Podcast
   

LGBTQ+ Ally Award

• Bohemians Football Club
• Cork City Libraries Staff
• Jeanne McDonagh
• Trans Family Support Helpline
   

Outstanding Company Award

• Aviva
• Bank of Ireland
• Google
• SSE Airtricity
   

LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group Award

• Bank of Ireland - WithPride Network
• Boston Scientific Clonmel Pride ERG
• Department of Justice LGBT+ Staff Network
• G-Force
   

International Activist Award

• Remy Bonny - Forbidden Colours
• Yildiz Tar - Kaos GL Association
• John Mathenge Mukaburu - HOYMAS (Kenya)
   

LGBTQ+ Arts & Entertainment Award

• Aerach Aiteach Gaelach
• Dame Stuffy
• Leonardo Guerrero - Lollipop Apparel
• Pride Poets
   

LGBTQ+ Person of the Year Award

• Beryl Ohas
• Senator Annie Hoey
• El Reid Buckley
• Ranae Von Meding

Further information about this year’s GALAS Awards can be found here: www.galas.ie.

There are limited tickets left which can be purchased here.

The awards will take place in The Round Room at the Mansion House on Saturday, October 7.