Main pic: L to R Jen McCarron, Inishowen Pride; Belinda Glackin and Sinead McLaughlin, Donegal Library Service, and Myra McAuliffe, Changemakers Donegal.
Read with Pride will provide free picture books for children aged 3 – 12 years to families in Inishowen.
The initiative is being organised by Inishowen Pride in collaboration with Changemakers Donegal and Donegal County Library Service.
The books celebrate all different types of families and individuals, according to the organisers.
“They promote awareness and acceptance of different identities through stories and books, and include LGBTQ+ topics and characters, which reflect the true diversity that exists in our communities locally and globally,” they said.
“It is important for LGBTQ+ young people to see themselves reflected in the world around them.”
The LGBT Ireland research report 2019 highlighted that people are becoming aware of their LGBTI identity and coming out at a younger age in comparison to previous generations.
“The findings of this research highlighted the need for us as a community to take active steps to create positive visibility.”
There are numerous studies in Ireland and globally that highlight how LGBTQ+ youth are at
increased risk of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying and harassment.
LGBTQ+ youth are at increased risk of suicidal ideation and self-harm because of negative experiences.
“This book project aims to introduce positive themes of LGBTQ+ community and characters that have the potential to tackle prejudice in early years before it takes form,” Jen McCarron, Inishowen Pride Committee said
“This project aims to create positive visibility that will contribute to protecting the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people and encourage young people to envision and contribute to a world where all people are entitled to live full and equal lives.”
The books, available in Buncrana, Carndonagh and Moville libraries, are offered on a first-come, first- served basis.
Opening hours of the Inishowen libraries can be found on the Donegal County Library webpage
www.donegallibrary.ie and further information can be obtained by contacting Inishowen Pride at inishowenpride@gmail.com
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