Be Proud!!!!!

I'm a part of a Dublin Transgender group and last week the topic of transgender Travellers came up. Now, I have to be honest people there dont know I'm a Traveller, not because I'm hiding it but because I'm not yet comfortable with talking about that with them....yet. As having to possibly challenge some sterotypes or defend the community is something we've all taken part in and I don't want that to shadow the progress I feel we are making.

Any ways as I was saying the topic of Transgender Travellers came up and to be honest I was shocked at the support I heard there. There is a lot of understanding and acknoledgement of the challenges we all face as well as the isolation that's very much a part of our lives at times.

Our lgbt pavee group is not only noticed but it's very much an important part of the whole lgbt pride and strive for equality and freedom. We are those that must not be left behind as if we are then no one really makes any progress.

I know I've only met a handful of you here but I want to say I love you all very much. Even though we may not know one another I love you. I love your courage. Your hope. Your want for change. I love that you keep the good fight going that your not just walking away into the shadows. That you are in your own way and time, making it forward to the light of of your very own rainbow.

Never give up, never surrender and despite it all, never stop being proud as you know what, your f*cking amazing!

The LGBT Pavee banner was carried at both Dublin and Galway Pride's this year. Yesterday we marched in Galway Pride. Again we got a warm welcome from others attending Pride. It's fabulous to find genuine support.

On Tuesday as part of Galway Pride a Community Development Worker, from Galway Traveller Movement & a member of LGBT Pavee hosted a workshop/ discussion on equality and diversity. There was a good discussion at it and again support from those attending.

North West Pride are keen to make links with LGBT Pavee too - unfortunately Forum members couldn't make it there this year. They want to make sure that LGBT Pavee Forum members make it to next year's Pride and get to the North West before then.

It's good to hear that the Forum is important to members. We all walk taller together as we take our place in the LGBT Community. Keep you heads up!