Oliver Grant, Author at The Rainbow Project

GSK Impact Awards 2026: The Rainbow Project

Oliver Grant — Fri, 15 May 2026 13:12:22 +0000

Since 1994, the Rainbow Project has been working for a better Northern Ireland for LGBTQIA+ people and their families. We change lives through our service provision which mitigates the impact of discrimination, and we change society through our training, campaigning and policy work, which seeks to eliminate the root causes of that discrimination and deliver full social and legal equality for LGBTQIA+ people.

Every day, we work alongside LGBTQIA+ people across Northern Ireland to provide safe, affirming support for those facing discrimination, isolation, poor mental health and barriers to healthcare. Alongside our direct services, we deliver training, influence policy and campaign for lasting change to help create a more equal and inclusive society.

Our work is rooted in community, compassion and lived experience. We believe everyone deserves to feel safe, supported and able to thrive, and we remain committed to challenging the inequalities that continue to impact LGBTQIA+ people today.We’re incredibly proud to have this work recognised by the GSK IMPACT Awards. This acknowledgement reflects the dedication of our staff, volunteers, partners and the LGBTQIA+ community we work alongside every day. We’re grateful to GSK and The King’s Fund for recognising the importance of this work and for supporting organisations creating meaningful change within their communities.

Watch Our Video Below

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Film Screening – Different Journeys

Oliver Grant — Thu, 14 May 2026 13:54:07 +0000

Join us for a special screening exploring LGBTQIA+ history in Derry & Strabane on Thursday 16th July at 6pm.

This community screening is part of the PEACEPLUS project and is open to the public. Friends and family are welcome to attend.

Please note this film does not have an official age rating.

We recommend minors attend with an adult using their own judgement.

Trigger warnings include discussions of violence, hate and discrimination.

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The Rainbow Project Presents: Run With Pride 2026 Sponsored by The Maverick Belfast

Oliver Grant — Fri, 01 May 2026 09:52:50 +0000

Kindly sponsored by The Maverick and supported by Lidl & Belfast Front Runners.

The Rainbow Project is delighted to announce their first ever ‘Run With Pride’ event.

Why not kick off Pride Week in Belfast with an inclusive 5K run in Ormeau Park.

Enjoy a traffic-free route set within the park’s tree-lined paths – perfect for runners of all abilities and everyone is welcome to join in and take part!

Every participant receives a commemorative medal and pair of rainbow laces.

Bespoke ‘Run with Pride’ event t-shirts are also available to purchase upon signing up for your space.

Come together, get moving, and ‘Run with Pride’!

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Impact Report 2024-25

Oliver Grant — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:09:37 +0000

We’re really proud to share The Rainbow Project’s Impact Report 2024-25. It reflects a year where, despite growing challenges and increasingly hostile rhetoric, we continued to show up for LGBTQIA+ people across Northern Ireland as a trusted, visible and vital support.

Between 2024-25, we’ve reached more people than ever before. From delivering over 1,300 counselling sessions to supporting young people through Rainbow Youth and launching new work like our Cancer Champions programme, this report shows the real difference that support, safety and community can make in people’s lives.

At its heart, this report is about people. It’s about those who trusted us with their stories, and the staff, volunteers and partners who make this work possible every day. It shows how, together, we are not only changing lives, but helping to build a more equal and inclusive society.

As we look ahead, our focus remains clear. We will continue to stand with our community, deliver vital services, and push for the lasting change needed to build a better Northern Ireland for LGBTQIA+ people and their families.

You can view the full report below

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Launch Of Our New Foyle Centre!

Oliver Grant — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:23:01 +0000

We opened the doors to our new Foyle LGBTQIA+ Centre on the City Walls!

It’s something we’ve been working towards for a while, and it comes at a time when the need for support and space in the North West has been steadily growing.

Why this space matters

Over the past few years, more people have been accessing Rainbow services in the Foyle area, particularly through Rainbow Youth, but across all of our work.

Our previous space had reached its limit. It was clear we needed something that could properly support what’s already happening, and what’s still to come.

This new centre gives us that.

What’s here now

The centre brings a range of services together in one place, including sexual health support, counselling, peer support, cancer support, youth services, and wider community programmes.

Just as important as the services is the environment itself.

The aim was to create somewhere people feel comfortable coming into, somewhere open, accessible, and genuinely welcoming, without barriers.

Hearing from people using it

Since opening, it’s been encouraging to hear how people are experiencing the space.

Young people have talked about how it feels more open and easier to be in, particularly for those with sensory needs. Others have mentioned the difference having more room makes, being able to move between spaces, see what’s happening, and take part in more activities.

Those small things add up to a very different experience.

A full circle moment

There’s also something significant about opening this centre in Foyle.

This is where The Rainbow Project began. Now upgrading with a new space reflects how much has changed, not just in the organisation, but in the scale of need and the visibility of LGBTQIA+ communities across the region.

Looking ahead

The new centre includes a number of flexible spaces that can be used in different ways, from support groups and youth work to events, exhibitions, and community gatherings.

To find out more about the centre and venue hire contact us at: studio@rainbow-project.org

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LGBT History Month

Oliver Grant — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:44:52 +0000

February marks LGBT+ History Month – a time to reflect on our past struggles, celebrate those who came before us, and draw strength from our community as we continue the fight for equality.

Many of the challenges our communities have faced are not distant history. Landmark changes such as the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1982, the introduction of the Gender Recognition Act in 2004, the right for LGBTQIA+ couples to adopt, civil partnerships, and later marriage equality – have all taken place within living memory. These hard-won victories remind us that progress is possible, even when it feels slow or out of reach.

As we move through February, we’re reflecting on the extraordinary progress achieved by LGBTQIA+ communities and the wider global movement in a relatively short space of time. At the same time, we recognise that equality is not yet a given. From the ongoing regression of trans rights closer to home, to the reality that homosexuality remains criminalised in over 60 countries worldwide, our history reminds us why visibility, solidarity, and continued advocacy matter.

This LGBT+ History Month, we honour the global movement that has shaped LGBTQIA+ rights – and the powerful local stories that have built and sustained our community here in Northern Ireland.

Our history is woven from moments of resistance, courage, and solidarity across the world, alongside quieter but no less courageous acts of grassroots activism closer to home. It is shaped by people who spoke up when it wasn’t safe to do so, who showed up for one another, and who pushed for change even when progress felt impossible.

Here in Northern Ireland, our LGBTQIA+ community has been built through resilience, care, and collective action. From organising and campaigning, to creating spaces of safety, joy, and belonging, local voices have played a vital role in shaping the progress we see today. These efforts often led by volunteers, activists, and community members – have helped carve out a future that is more inclusive and more hopeful.

This month is a chance to celebrate how far we’ve come, to honour those who paved the way, and to recognise the many stories that have too often gone unheard. It is also a reminder that while progress has been made, there is still vital work to do to ensure equality, dignity, and safety for everyone in our community.

By learning from our past and standing together in the present, we continue to build a future rooted in inclusion, compassion, and hope where everyone is free to live authentically and proudly.

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Run For Rainbow – Belfast City Marathon 2026

Oliver Grant — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 11:18:56 +0000

We’re delighted to be taking part in the Belfast City Marathon, one of the city’s biggest and most exciting events, bringing thousands of people together to take on an incredible challenge and raise funds for causes that matter.

This year, we’re inviting supporters to run in aid of The Rainbow Project, helping us continue our work supporting LGBTQIA+ people across Northern Ireland. By taking part, you’ll be helping to raise vital funds that support our services, advocacy work, and community programmes.

We have a limited number of charity places available, so if you’ve been thinking about taking on the Belfast City Marathon and want to make your miles count, we’d encourage you to sign up as soon as possible.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or taking on your first marathon, you’ll be running with purpose – and we’ll be there to support you every step of the way.

Pop us an email, let’s have a chat about it: events@rainbow-project.org

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Thank You Belfast Giants: A Powerful Night of Pride and Support

Oliver Grant — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:22:55 +0000

We were incredibly proud to be the chosen charity for this year’s Belfast Giants Pride Match! The Rainbow team had a blast at the match, and it was incredibly powerful to see the team take to the ice wearing their 2026 Pride jerseys in support of LGBTQIA+ communities across Northern Ireland.

Fans had the opportunity to purchase the Giants’ Pride jersey, which was also worn by the team, proceeds from which went towards our work to deliver LGBTQIA+ equality in Northern Ireland. Fans were also able to buy tickets for the Shirt Off The Back raffle, giving them the chance to win jerseys worn by some of the Giants during the Pride game, again with all proceeds donated to The Rainbow Project to help fund our vital services. This support directly helps us continue delivering mental health support, advocacy, impactful campaigns, and life-saving services for LGBTQIA+ people and their families.

On the night, our team were also based on The Bridge, speaking with fans about the work we do and sharing information about how people can access support. It was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when sport and community come together in solidarity.

A huge thank you to the Belfast Giants and their supporters for standing with us – all are equal in the land of the Giants!

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Cancer Champions launch YouTube series ‘Screening for all’

Oliver Grant — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:04:25 +0000

This series is created by and for the trans and non-binary community, responding directly to the real questions, worries, and experiences shared by trans and non-binary people around breast and chest health, imaging, and screening. It centres lived experience, acknowledges the barriers many people face when accessing healthcare, and aims to replace uncertainty with clarity, confidence, and care.

Filmed on location in Antrim Area Hospital’s Breast Imaging Unit, the series brings together LGBTQIA+ sector staff and NHS radiographers for open, honest conversations. Together, they share accurate, accessible, and affirming information about what to expect from breast and chest imaging, how screening works, and how services can better support trans and non-binary patients. These discussions are grounded in compassion, respect, and a shared commitment to inclusive healthcare.

With thanks to Belfast Trans Resource Centre, Northern Trust HSCNI, and our funders at Macmillan Cancer Support, this series forms part of Screening for All and is delivered by the Cancer Champions team at The Rainbow Project. At its core, the project is about ensuring trans and non-binary people feel seen, informed, and supported when engaging with cancer screening and health services.

Click here to check out the videos

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Belfast’s LGBTQIA+ Sector Launches Community Engagement Project across Belfast City Council

Oliver Grant — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:20:23 +0000

Northern Ireland’s leading LGBTQIA+ charities are launching Out Connections Belfast – a Belfast-focused LGBTQIA+ community engagement project supported by Belfast City Council and PEACEPLUS.

Cara-Friend, the Rainbow Project, and HEReNI unite to present a comprehensive programme that: builds greater collaboration across the LGBTQIA+ support infrastructure; promotes and strengthens the delivery of local LGBTQIA+ services; and delivers an outreach programme that will increase awareness, understanding, and respect for the LGBTQIA+ community. This project forms part of the €17.1m Belfast PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plan (a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body [SEUPB]), and is being delivered by Belfast City Council.

Out Connections Belfast engages local charities, community groups, businesses, statutory agencies, and councilors in a collaborative project with the objective of making Belfast a safer, more inclusive place for LGBTQIA+ people from all walks of life. Through education, outreach, and networking, Out Connections Belfast brings local communities together and links them to LGBTQIA+ people and services across Belfast.

Community Engagement Manager for the project, Keely McDonald, said, “This project is a stepping stone to a stronger, more connected LGBTQIA+ community. Out Connections Belfast is an opportunity for people across the city to learn more about LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences. There are many valued communities that make up the fabric of Belfast and building relationships between them is the key to a more vibrant and inclusive city.”

Out Connections Belfast launches with a conference that introduces the projects’ objectives and implementation plan. Participants to the conference can expect to gain insight from

LGBTQIA+ service providers, find out how we’ll engage with communities across Belfast, and enjoy themed music and storytelling. However, those who are unable to attend have the opportunity to get involved in other ways. Out Connections Belfast is looking for participants to take part in case studies, focus groups, and surveys. Strengthen the community by ensuring your voice is heard!

The Out Connections Belfast launch conference will occur on 9th January 2026 at the MAC, Belfast. Conference spaces are limited!

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