Our LGBTI+ young people are Shining With Pride


Shine With Pride: Róisín Coffey Duff, 15, from Tyrrelstown Dublin 15 and Rhys Kennedy, 15, from The Kilkenny Foróige Drum Project attended the unveiling of their Shine With Pride mural in collaboration with SUBSET PHOTO: Leon Farrell/Photcall

Foróige, the National Youth Development Organisation, unveiled their Shine With Pride mural. The artwork was created in collaboration with SUBSET. LGBTI+ young people from across Ireland engaged in a series of virtual sessions with the artist KinMx to share their lived experiences of growing up LGBTI+ in Ireland and come up with the messages they wanted the mural to communicate.
Kilkenny LGBTI+ Young People from Identify, which is an LGBT+ youth group supported by The Foróige Drum Project, took part in the collaboration with SUBSET. Their participation in the mural project was funded by Tusla, with seed funding under their Child and Youth Participation Strategy.
The artwork tells the story of how the young people found deep solace in nature during their coming out journeys. The central character in the mural embodies LGBTI+ young people as they come out and blossom with pride into who they truly are as boundless, hopeful citizens of the world. The progress Pride flag colours; symbols for male, female and transgender people, as well as representations of the bonds of friendship, creativity and the arts are also evident throughout the piece.
Speaking about the collaboration and creation of the mural, CEO of Foróige Seán Campbell said: “It’s vital that all young people be able to express their individuality. To mark Pride month we’re delighted that LGBTI+ young people from Foróige got the opportunity to tell their stories and have their voices heard in such a creative and positive way. We’re grateful to have been able to collaborate with SUBSET on this important initiative.”
Foróige submitted this artwork for inclusion in the Government of Ireland’s Live Out Loud campaign, which promotes how LGBTI+ young people are visible, valued and included in Irish society, culture and sport.
Foróige’s submission includes a micro documentary which shows the journey from beginning to end of the collaboration between the LGBTI+ young people and artist KinMx.
The Shine with Pride mural can be seen on Camden Row Dublin 2.

Previous Lower back pain: Fix the problem and you won’t have to worry about the pain
Next TRAD CAMP 2021