STAND UP! Week
BRYR ran a series of events for STAND UP! Week at The Reco.
Between between Monday 4th & Friday 15th April 2011, BRYR raised awareness on LGBT issues and promoted STAND UP! i.e. STAND UP! Against Homophobic bullying.
Week 1:
The Reco had the Rainbow Flag Flying both inside and outside the building as a signal to all Young People that The Reco is a safe space for LGBT Young People and their friends. Rainbow & STAND UP! badges were made by the Young People in all the Open Sessions and were a big hit with everyone!
On Street Work, The Outreach Team raised awareness on the street around LGBT issues, held discussion about STAND UP! Week and what it means. They also provided information and distributed Rainbow & STAND UP! Badges to the Young People.
In Open Friday, Gillian O’Brien, Clinical Coordinator, Jigsaw, Young Ballymun facilitated an Open Conversation with ex Roundabout Youth Theatre’s Liam Roe, who’s out and proud and a very positive role model for Young People. The conversation between Liam & Gillian took place in the middle of a circle of Young People, which then opened into a discussion of what it’s like to come out, how it feels growing up gay, issues and concerns for LGBT Young People etc. This was an amazing evening where the Young People were very involved and got to ask a lot of questions.
Week 2:
In Open Monday, Gillian O’ Brien, Project Manager of BeLonGTo & newly elected T.D. Mr. John Lyons of Labour hosted an information evening with videos from BeLonGTo’s STAND Up! Awareness Campaign which helped to get the conversation started. This was another amazing event where the Young People were able to ask direct questions to both Gillian & John Lyons, and have their questions answered.
In Open Friday, Roundabout Youth Theatre hosted a Forum Theatre Workshop in the hall as part of LIFT 2011, using improvised scenes to open discussion on what it’s like to come out to your friends, and the impact that has on Young People.
There was also an LGBT Sandwich as a special on The Reco Café’s Menu for the weeks!
See the photos of STAND UP! in the Gallery
And watch this space for updates on PRIDE Celebrations at The Reco in June!