SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite has said that a proposed new hub would be transformative for Belfast’s LGBT+ community.

He was speaking after Belfast City Council launched a public consultation to consider the need for the LGBT+ hub.

Councillor de Faoite encouraged the public to respond to the consultation.

Councillor de Faoite said:

“I’m delighted that after years of hard work we are finally making significant progress with establishing a much needed LGBT+ hub in Belfast. There has been much talk and promises around delivering this hub for a number of years to serve our rainbow community, but it has taken the efforts of council’s LGBT+ councillors working together to finally drive this project forward.

“We have made huge strides in dealing with issues impacting our LGBT+ community in recent years, including reforming and supporting the return of the city’s hugely successful Pride festival and providing support for our LGBT+ community organisations throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are lucky in Belfast to have a range of organisations that work with and support our LGBT+ community and this hub would bring them together in one dedicated space, allowing them to work together and offer expanded services. The impact these groups have on the lives of LGBT+ people in this city cannot be overstated and we as councillors have a duty to support and enhance their capability to carry out their lifesaving and life-changing work.

“I’d encourage anyone interested to respond to the public consultation and give their views on the form the hub will take. This consultation will be key to reflecting the needs of our LGBT+ community and will help shape the project going forward and it’s important that we hear from as many voices as possible. I will continue to work with my fellow LGBT+ councillors and everyone committed to this project until we deliver a hub that can make a real difference to the lives of LGBT+ people in Belfast.”