LGBT Ireland are calling on people in Mayo to get involved in their new campaign

LGBT Ireland have launched a new campaign aimed at empowering and supporting LGBTQI+ people in Mayo ahead of National Coming Out day on Wednesday, October 11.

'Empowering Anthems' is calling on the people of Mayo – allies and members of the community alike – to choose their most inspiring song, share it on social media and make a donation to support the work of LGBT Ireland.

All funds raised will go towards supporting LGBT Ireland deliver its quality services for the LGBTQI+ community in Mayo and across Ireland.

“Coming out is one of the most significant milestones in any LGBTQI+ person’s lifetime, and it can be a hugely challenging and emotional time for people. Fear of rejection and worry for the future can often create anxiety. However, it can also be an incredibly empowering experience and can open up the door to self-acceptance and joy.”

That’s according to Paula Fagan, chief executive of LGBT Ireland, speaking today at the launch of the campaign.

“We all know the positive impact music can have on emotional well-being, and so this year we are encouraging people in Mayo to support their LGBTQI+ friends and family by choosing an empowering anthem that motivates them and makes them feel good about themselves, sharing the song on Instagram or any other social media and tagging LGBT Ireland, and then making a donation to support our services.

“At the end of the campaign, we will compile and share our playlist of Empowering Anthems which we hope will help anyone who might be struggling with their identity to feel empowered and loved, and to remind them that support and help is available to them through LGBT Ireland.”

A number of well-known faces are supporting the campaign and have chosen their empowering anthems, including comedian Shane Daniel Byrne, designer, businesswoman and entrepreneur Sonya Lennon, presenter and designer Brendan Courtney, psychotherapist and presenter Dil Wickremasinghe, Cian Griffin, social media influencer, and presenter and actor David O’Reilly.

Speaking at the launch, Sonya Lennon said: “My anthem is Diana Ross’s 'I’m Coming Out'. I first remember listening to it on a Walkman. The song encapsulates the emotion of being exactly who and where you want to be. It’s a celebration.

“I believe that being an ally is about accepting everyone for who they are when you’re with them but also advocating for their interests when you’re not.”

David O’Reilly, whose chosen anthem is 'Rhythm Of The Night' by Corona, said: “Being part of any campaign that aims to alleviate any stigma, trauma or difficulty for any minority group is an honour. In a world where regression on LGBTQI+ rights is on the rise, it is so vitally important for me to support LGBT Ireland who continue to have their fingers on the pulse in supporting vulnerable members of the LGBTQI+ community.”

At the end of the campaign, LGBT Ireland will share a mammoth empowering Spotify playlist compiled from all the songs people have tagged them in. Use the hashtags #EmpoweringAnthems and #ShareYourAnthem when sharing your selection.

Ms. Fagan concluded, “We also want to highlight that once someone comes out, they never stop coming out for the remainder of their lives – for example, when they start a new job, join a new social group or meet new people in any situation. We hope that our playlist of anthems will help anyone who might need to feel empowered and lifted up by the community and our allies, whether they came out 30 years ago or last week.”

For further information, see https://lgbt.ie.