A new booklet and poster campaign has been launched to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) young people in schools around the country.
The campaign, launched today by The Equality Authority, is there to support young LGBT people, who feel isolated, or suffer from bullying because of their sexual identity.
The project, entitled 'So Gay', was designed by young members of the BeLonG ToYouth Project and is the first of its kind in the Republic.
BeLonG To'sco-ordinator Mr Michael Barron said: "The idea for producing this poster and booklet came from LGBT young people, most of who are presently in school.
"They pointed out that the only information about gay people that they are exposed to in school and in their local communities is negative and that homophobic bullying is rampant among young people.
"They have produced these resources to counteract this and to let other isolated LGBT young people know that they are ok and not alone," he said.
Many of those involved in the production of the resources see it as a way of offering the support they never got.
Jamie (18), who left his school and area due to homophobic harassment, said: "We made this poster and booklet because
there are gay young people all over the country who have never been told that it is absolutely normal to be who they are. I had a terrible time in school, if these materials were available then they really would have helped me a lot".
The resources contain advice on how to 'come out' as LGBT and personal stories from young people that dispel the myths and stereotypes about LGBT people.
Julian, a 16-year-old member of BeLonG Tosaid, "It is really important that this poster and booklet are made by young people for young people because we know what it is like in school. It's also great to see the support which we are getting with this - it's a sign that Ireland is moving in the right direction towards a more open and equal society"
The resources will be distribute to guidance counsellors nationwide and the The National Youth Council of will be sending them to the majority of youth projects.