Navan welcomes LGBTQ+ community with series of events

Starting this week, members of the LGBTQ+ community in Navan and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to come together for a series of important events at Leon's Café, Market Square, aimed at raising awareness and fostering support.

Organised by Outcomers, an LGBTQ+ organisation based in Dundalk and covering the north east, the events will provide a safe space for people, particularly older LGBTQ+ individuals, to connect and share their experiences.

Outcomers, established in 1996, has been a key resource for the LGBTQ+ community in rural Ireland, providing support and visibility for marginalised groups. Paul Bardin, Community Outreach Worker at Outcomers, says the upcoming series of events aims to address specific needs in rural Meath, particularly among older LGBTQ+ individuals.

The series will kick off with a Family Law Exhibition on Friday 21st November from 6pm–8pm at Leon's Café. The exhibition features photographs and a companion book exploring the challenges faced by same-sex families navigating Ireland’s legal system. "The exhibition showcases personal stories from same-sex couples, including one couple from Dundalk who faced legal challenges when registering their child’s birth," Bardin explains. "It highlights both the progress made and the work still needed for full legal equality for all families."

Following the exhibition, HIV Ireland will host a talk on Wednesday 26th November about the history of HIV in Ireland and the current state of living with HIV. Paul stresses the importance of such talks, particularly in rural areas where HIV awareness can be limited.

"There’s still a stigma surrounding HIV, and these discussions are key to breaking down misconceptions and providing important information," he says.

The final event in the series will be a LGBTQ+ over-18 meetup on Wednesday 3rd December from 10.30am to 12.30pm, also at Leon’s Café. This informal gathering will offer a supportive space for people to connect and share experiences. "For many older members of the LGBTQ+ community, just meeting someone who understands their experiences can be life-changing," says Bardin. "These meetups provide a safe environment for people to be themselves and build connections."

Bardin explains that, despite progress in LGBTQ+ rights, challenges still persist, especially in rural areas. "In smaller towns there’s often a lack of visible LGBTQ+ spaces or resources. These events are about making those spaces visible and accessible to everyone," he says, payingtribute to the success of the recent Pride festivals in the town.

The events are free and open to all, with the goal of building connections, raising awareness, and providing support to the local LGBTQ+ community.

"It’s about fostering relationships and making people feel seen and heard," Bardin concludes. "These events are just one way we’re creating a more inclusive and supportive community for all."

For more information about the exhibition, HIV talk, or the biweekly meetups, visit Outcomers' website or social media channels.