Michael Barron Awarded ‘Person of the Year’ at Ireland’s National Gay & Lesbian Awards

Michael Barron Awarded ‘Person of the Year’ at Ireland’s National Gay & Lesbian Awards 

Monday, 25 February 2013 

We are delighted that Michael Barron, co-founder and Executive Director of BeLonG To was awarded ‘The Person of the Year Award’ at Ireland’s national Gay & Lesbian Awards (GALAS) on Saturday night, February 23rd. 

The GALAS which are organised by the National Lesbian & Gay Federation (NLGF) honour those individuals, groups and organisations who have worked tirelessly for the Irish lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and celebrates their effort and achievements. 

Speaking on behalf of BeLonG To, David Carroll, Director of Services said, “We are so happy for Michael. For the past decade he has worked incredibly hard and has shown such leadership in the fight to make Ireland a better place for LGBT young people. He is innovative and approaches everything from a strong belief in the fair treatment of all young people. His work is making a difference in local communities, in national policy, and indeed over the past few years he has had a major impact on the international human rights stage.” 

Speaking on his acceptance of the award Michael said, “I am hugely honoured to be given this award! This year is the tenth birthday of BeLonG To and it’s been such a privilege to work with so many young people and such an incredible staff & board team over this past decade. In accepting this award I’m thinking of all the courageous LGBT young people who are coming out in schools and families all over Ireland and who, by doing so, are changing attitudes and transforming communities. They are the real catalyst for change. I want to also thank the NLGF for the award. It is so important that as a community we honour and support each other, particularly in these times of scarce resources. To be honest – getting this award feels great!“ 

Previous winners of the GALA for Person of the Year include international bestselling author Emma Donoghue, Dr. Lydia Foy and Drs Katherine Zappone and Ann Louise Gilligan.