Following a year-long process we are delighted to announce that we have been awarded Belong To’s Rainbow Award.
The Rainbow Award
The aim of the Rainbow Award is to bring each organisations on a journey of embedding LGBTQ+ inclusion into their Youth Service. Belong To wants every young person to be able to access local youth services that are free from homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia.
The Belong To’s Rainbow Award is a holistic approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion in youth organisations that involves the whole community. Over the course of 12-18 months, youth organisations are supported in implementing evidence-based actions across a number of key areas, which research shows improve the wellbeing and safety of LGBTQ+ youth.
The Rainbow Award initiative was established in 2023 to support and accredit LGBTQ+ safe and supportive youth organisations. The initiative is based on learnings from the Rainbow Award pilot programme, guidance from youth workers in the National Network of LGBTQ+ youth groups, the latest national and international research on best practice in LGBTQ+ youth work, and Belong To’s experience of LGBTQ+ youth work over the past 20 years.
"Inclusion is at the heart of what we do and is central to all our planning. Today, we celebrate a milestone in inclusive practice at Youth Theatre Ireland. The Rainbow Award is an accreditation for LGBTQ+ inclusive youth organisations in Ireland. And I take Pride is saying, that Youth Theatre Ireland has received our Rainbow Award." Deputy Director of Youth Theatre Ireland Alan King, speaking at the launch of Finding Your Authentic Voice - A Youth Theatre Practice Symposium - at TU Dublin, 14th November 2025.
Belong To
Belong To is the national organisation for LGBTQ+ young people in Ireland. Belong To offers youth groups, advice, information, and crisis counselling for LGBTQ+ youth, and supports LGBTQ+ youth groups across Ireland. They also campaign to ensure policy is informed by the voice and experiences of LGBTQ+ young people.
Find out more about the youth groups and all their services here:
