Network lead officer, Alan Mercel-Sanca, who is Dublin-based, has had a very productive meeting with the lead of Dublin’s LGBT Centre, The Outhouse, and will be having meetings with leads of LGBT Ireland in the next few weeks: these in regard to supporting relevant Ireland LGBT+ organisations and groups concerning work in a number of areas through Alan, of the LGBT+ Network for Change. This in pursuit of both countries learning from each other’s experiences, needs, and issues on LGBT+ and LGBTQ+ community support, especially in regard to more vulnerable and often overlooked sections of our community.
Alan has provided support to the Bill currently progressing in the Dáil concerning comprehensive banning of ‘conversion therapy.’ This support has received acclaim from in particular the Green Party (Ireland) office of the Green Party Spokesperson for Justice, Deputy Patrick Costello TD, and also Ms Brid Smith TD (People Before Profit).
Through the guidance of Deputy Costello, Alan has also written to the Chairperson and all members of the Committee responsible for considering the Bill, with greatly appreciated feedback on the support for the Bill considerations Alan provided.