Uncategorized Archives - The Rainbow Project

Contribute to the LGBTQIA+ ‘Before I Die’ Wall

Alexa Moore — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:27:47 +0000

The ‘Before I Die’ wall is a global public art project that encourages people to reflect on their own mortality, hopes, dreams and goals by completing the sentence: ‘Before I die I want to…’

This will be a safe space for reflection and connection within the LGBTQIA+ community. Reflect something you would like to do, achieve or change anonymously, and at your own pace.

If you can’t drop into the exhibition itself (open 11am-4pm, 6th-10th April Foyle office, Waterloo House, Derry) submit your contribution below, and one of the team will include it in the wall for you.

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The Rainbow Project named in top 10 UK Charities for ‘GSK Impact Awards’

Alexa Moore — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:40:58 +0000

The Rainbow Project, a charity based in Belfast and serving all of Northern Ireland, has secured one of this year’s GSK IMPACT Awards, one of the most prestigious honours for health and care charities in the UK, which is awarded by global biopharma company GSK in partnership with The King’s Fund.

The award recognises the charity’s work delivering crucial health and wellbeing services for Northern Ireland’s LGBTQIA+ community, amid a context of high levels of mental distress in its community, alongside longstanding religious, political and social pressures in the country.

Socially conservative political pressures in Northern Ireland have significantly shaped the pace of LGBTQIA+ rights, contributing to delayed reforms. As a result, Northern Ireland was the last part of the UK to decriminalise homosexuality and to legalise same-sex marriage. LGBTQIA+ communities experience disproportionately poorer health outcomes and care. This is particularly evident in mental health: The Rainbow Project’s own survey of more than 1,100 members highlights the scale of the issue, with 39% reporting self-harm, 45% experiencing suicidal ideation and 65% reporting depression.

Following a rigorous selection and assessment process, The Rainbow Project was chosen from a record number of award entries as one of the 10 winners of the 2026 GSK IMPACT Awards. Now in its 29th year, the awards are delivered in partnership with leading health and care charity The King’s Fund.Since its inception in 1997, more than 570 charities have received a GSK IMPACT Award. The awards are widely seen as a hallmark of excellence in the charity health sector and are designed to recognise outstanding small and medium-sized charities working to improve people’s health and wellbeing in the UK. Award- winners will receive £40,000 in unrestricted funding, as well as a place on a highly coveted leadership- development programme provided by The King’s Fund.

The award judges were particularly impressed by The Rainbow Project’s co-cultural counselling service – the only one of its kind in Northern Ireland. All counsellors are members of the LGBTQIA+ community and deliver sensitive, tailored care using an LGBTQIA+ affirmative approach, with demand doubling over the past year. The charity is also leading efforts to ban conversion practices in Northern Ireland, which attempt to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Judges also praised The Rainbow Project for its strategic partnerships across Northern Ireland, its role in meeting identified need and filling service gaps, and its innovative health and care initiatives that genuinely reflect the needs of LGBTQIA+ people.

One example is its Cancer Champions programme, developed with Macmillan Cancer Support, which supports LGBTQIA+ people affected by cancer by promoting screening, improving inclusivity and providing information and advice. This includes groundbreaking work supporting trans and non-binary people to access breast screening, with clear, accessible guidance on what to expect and how to attend.

Lisa Weaks, Senior Associate at The King’s Fund, said: ‘The Rainbow Project stood out for its exceptional commitment to tackling deep‑rooted inequalities affecting LGBTQIA+ people in Northern Ireland. It delivers compassionate care and support to those who are often experiencing high levels of mental distress and who have poorer physical health outcomes. The judges were impressed by the organisation’s sexuality and gender identity‑affirming services, strong partnerships, and strategic leadership at system level. Its impact is profound – reaching individuals facing the greatest barriers, while also driving structural change to create a more inclusive future.’

Scott Cuthbertson, CEO of The Rainbow Project, takes a selfie with the Rainbow Project bloc at Belfast Pride in 2025. Image: Astra Photography NI

Commenting on the award, Scott Cuthbertson, Chief Executive Officer of The Rainbow Project, said: ‘We are delighted to be one of the 10 winners of the 2026 GSK IMPACT Awards. The Rainbow Project is a charity about making change: as LGBTQIA+ people, we know that the status quo does not work for us, so our impact is vitally important to us. We have worked hard to build an organisation that meets the needs of the communities we serve, while standing resilient to the challenges faced in Northern Ireland. We are very much looking forward to the leadership development programme provided by The Kings Fund, to continue to improve our impact in future.’

Charities are operating in a more difficult financial environment while demand for their services continues to grow. As the Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland (HSCNI) service experiences significant pressures and undergoes structural changes, charities remain essential for meeting the needs of underserved communities and working with the service to ensure LGBTQIA+ people receive the standard of care they deserve.

Against this backdrop and amid growing demand for services, the judges were impressed by The Rainbow Project’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality counselling services, noting that the organisation provided more than twice as many counselling sessions in 2024/25 compared with the previous year.

Established by volunteers in 1994, The Rainbow Project was initially formed in response to concerns about the spread of HIV among gay men in Northern Ireland, providing information on HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, alongside safer sex materials. Since then, the charity has expanded to support the entire LGBTQIA+ community, offering more holistic physical and mental health support, including counselling delivered both online and in person to reach people in more remote areas. It also provides employability advice for young people, including access to a youth work qualification.

The Rainbow Project has played a pivotal role in campaigning for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality. Working in partnership with HERe NI and Cara Friend, two LGBTQIA+ partner organisations in Belfast, it has led calls for a ban on conversion practices that seek to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The charity also works with Rainbow Refugees to support LGBTQIA+ people seeking asylum. In 2025, it was awarded a contract by the Public Health Agency to deliver support for transgender young people and their families, providing a vital safe space for families to connect and share experiences.

In 2023/24, the charity delivered more than 1,700 counselling sessions, supporting around 240 people, distributed over 30,000 safer sex packs across Northern Ireland, and provided 189 rapid HIV or syphilis tests. It also trained more than 800 professionals across the public, private and voluntary sectors on sexual orientation and gender awareness and delivered 314 ‘listening ear’ wellbeing sessions for people awaiting counselling.

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Press Release: “NI Executive, Stop Playing Politics with Trans Lives”

Alexa Moore — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 12:34:10 +0000

The Rainbow Project unequivocally condemns the decision by the Health Minister to suspend Northern Ireland’s participation in the puberty blockers clinical trial following a significant amount of political pressure.

This decision runs contrary to the Executive’s stated agreement to participate in this trial, and demonstrates that the apparent need for evidence-gathering and more research are being abandoned in favour of political game-playing and culture wars.

Alexa Moore, Policy Campaigns & Communications Manager at The Rainbow Project, said, “The Executive claimed that its ban on puberty blockers was based on evidence: this decision is very clearly based on politics. This clinical trial was held up by Executive parties across the board as a means by which to gather the evidence for the use of blockers, assess their safety and efficacy, and make a decision on their use on that basis.

“Trans communities are bearing the brunt of a political culture that views us as a stick with which to beat political opponents, not as real people with real lives and real healthcare needs. This decision demonstrates that no amount of evidence, no amount of research, no amount of suffering within trans communities will trump the need for politicians to score political points against each other at our expense.”

A Freedom of Information Request submitted by Belfast Live and seen by The Rainbow Project showed that, when approving the indefinite ban on puberty blockers, “Ministers agreed that the scientific and medical advice must be followed and noted the importance in public messaging of referring to the clinical trial as providing an evidence base for future policy decisions in this area.”

Scott Cuthbertson, CEO of The Rainbow Project, said, “The Health Minister’s reversal of his position on this clinical trial, coming on the same week as the Justice Minister was forced by Executive colleagues to remove protections for trans people from her Hate Crime legislation, demonstrates very clearly that this Executive is not interested in doing anything at all to improve the lives of trans people.

“We are clear: the Executive’s decision to ban puberty blockers was contingent on both the funding of gender services and participation in this clinical trial. All Executive parties agreed to this course of action. If Northern Ireland will not partake in these trials, Northern Ireland should not have a ban on puberty blockers – it should be reversed, and doctors should once again be empowered to make decisions in the best interests of their patients.”

ENDS

Notes to the editor:

The Freedom of Information request referenced above can be found here: https://www.rainbow-project.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Final-Executive-Minutes-E-M-24-22-Executive-meeting-10-December-2024-1.pdf
The indefinite ban on puberty blockers, passed by the Executive in December 2024, only applies to their use as treatment for under-18s experiencing gender incongruence. Puberty blockers remain routine medicine used in other treatments, including for under-18s, such as precocious puberty.
The Justice Minister stated in the Assembly on Tuesday 10th February that “I sought the agreement of [Executive] colleagues to include “transgender” in the list of protected groups under the hate crime provisions in the sentencing Bill. Regrettably, there has been a lack of consensus on that measure, so I have had to remove “transgender” from the list of protected groups identified in the Bill.”

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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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The Rainbow Project launches “Being LGBTQIA+ in Northern Ireland” Survey – Respond Now!

Alexa Moore — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:40:20 +0000

The Rainbow Project has launched their largest and most ambitious survey to date aimed at capturing the lived realities of LGBTQIA+ people across Northern Ireland. The survey hopes to gather experiences around public safety, community services, and public services such as health and education.

The Belfast component of the survey is being carried out by Out Connections Belfast, a collaborative project of The Rainbow Project, HereNI and Cara-Friend, which 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.

Previous surveys gathered over 1000 responses which fed into and informed the work of the organisation, helping shape The Rainbow Project’s services and campaigning priorities.

Scott Cuthbertson, CEO of The Rainbow Project, said “In all of our work, we strive to make sure that we’re listening to LGBTQIA+ people in Northern Ireland and responding to their needs. Our services have developed to directly in response to community feedback – the expansion of our counselling services, our social supports, sexual health testing, all have changed and evolved to respond to what our communities need. It’s vital that LGBTQIA+ people across the region respond to the survey and tell us what’s important to them.”

The survey will remain open until the end of February, but responses from Belfast are encouraged by the 30^th of January to ensure that the findings are included in the Out Connections Belfast project.

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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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The Rainbow Project brings together LGBTQIA+ Organisations across UK & Ireland

Alexa Moore — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:00:46 +0000

The Rainbow Project had the pleasure of hosting LGBTQIA+ organisations from across Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland over three days at the beginning of December in our new Foyle office for two conferences focused on building collaboration and strengthening our LGBTQIA+ movements across these islands.

We held the first ever meeting of the East-West LGBTQIA+ Forum, bringing together organisations from across Britain and Northern Ireland, and the sixth All-Island LGBTQIA+ Forum, building collaboration with organisations across the island of Ireland.

The two Forums had an afternoon session together where they mapped shared issues, built their knowledge of each others’ work, and laid the groundwork for future collaboration across these islands.

We’re so grateful to all those organisations who took part, travelling from all corners of the island of Ireland and across the Irish Sea to be in Derry/L’Derry for a few days, determined to build a stronger, more resilient movement for LGBTQIA+ equality and strengthen the support services across these islands through sharing knowledge and building connections.

We’re particularly grateful to our co-organisers: LGBT Ireland for the All-Island LGBTQIA+ Forum, and LGBT Consortium for the East-West LGBTQIA+ Forum, for all the hard work they put into making this happen. A special thanks goes to Ruth Baldacchino, who facilitated both Forums with enthusiasm and care, working with us to create a space that celebrated and valued the expertise that exists across our communities.

A final huge thanks goes to the funders of these Forums: the Northern Ireland Office, who funded phase 1 of the East-West LGBTQIA+ Forum through their Connect UK Fund, and the Irish Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade, who provided funding for this year’s All-Island LGBTQIA+ Forums through their Shared Island Civic Society Fund. We couldn’t bring these organisations together without the continued generous support of these funders.

Over the next year we’ll be hosting more Forums like these, with the next East-West LGBTQIA+ Forum to take place in February and future All-Island LGBTQIA+ Forums to be confirmed.

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