Letter: A new LGBT centre in Belfast or elsewhere does not need to be overly expensive
I read with interest Adam Kula's article regarding the consultation on a new LGBT Centre in Belfast (‘DUP says council must 'be mindful' of public spending when it comes to idea of a new and bigger LGBTQQIA+ centre in Belfast’, January 17, see link below)
As a gay member of the UUP who completed the consultation, what I want to see is greater connectivity of the LGBT community in Belfast and beyond.
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Hide AdI live in Newtownards and my council Ards and North Down doesn't have an LGBT centre or any regular LGBT events.
Thus, I regularly travel to Belfast to attend LGBT events.
This can be expensive to me in terms of transport though I don't have any other choice for socialisation.
I have long advised my own council that more needs to be done to help the LGBT community in Ards and North Down.
I also think other councils in Northern Ireland could do more.
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Hide AdFor me, a new LGBT Centre does not have to be overly expensive.
I noticed the consultation was extensive in asking what services respondents would like to see from it though I think this was to gauge demand for services more than anything else.
The most demanded services would then be implemented depending on funding.
A dedicated place that can be used for events or can organise events for purposes of socialisation for the LGBT community would be all I would want. This would help in tackling loneliness and social isolation and therefore improve mental health.
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Hide AdHope this provides clarity and thank you for covering this story.
Michael Palmer, Newtownards, UUP Member, Ards and North Down