President Catherine Connolly Announced as New Patron of Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland

Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland is deeply honoured to announce that the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, has formally accepted an invitation to become the organisation’s Patron.

The appointment marks a significant milestone in the history of the national LGBTQ+ youth organisation, which has been supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer young people across Ireland since 2003. President Connolly’s patronage provides a powerful endorsement of the rights, dignity, and value of LGBTQ+ youth during a period of increasing challenges for the community.

Kieran O’Donovan, CEO of Belong To, commented: “We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured that President Connolly has chosen to stand with LGBTQ+ young people as our Patron. Her lifelong dedication to social justice and her unwavering voice for the excluded makes her a beacon of hope for the youth we serve. This patronage sends a clear, compassionate message: that every LGBTQ+ young person is deserving of protection, celebration, and love.”

Throughout her distinguished career, President Connolly has consistently championed human rights and equality. Her principled support for Marriage Equality, the Gender Recognition Act, and her advocacy for the rights of transgender people have resonated deeply within the LGBTQ+ community.

Patricia Carey, Chairperson of Belong To, added: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our gratitude to President Connolly for accepting this role. It’s a clear message of hope and solidarity for the young people we work with. It reinforces our commitment to creating an Ireland where no young person is left in the shadows. We look forward to working under her patronage as we continue our vital work in frontline youth services, advocacy, and research.”

The announcement comes as Belong To prepares for its annual Pride celebrations. During this season, visibility is more than just symbolic; it is a vital lifeline for young people across the country. Having the President’s support as we head into June reinforces the joy and belonging at the heart of Pride, ensuring that LGBTQ+ youth see themselves reflected and celebrated nationwide.