Two Midwest based LGBTQI+ organisations honoured at 2025 GALA awards

Two Midwest-based LGBTQI+ organisations honoured at 2025 GALA awards

GOSHH and Mammies for Trans Rights recognised at 2025 GALA awards held in Dublin Royal Convention Centre

The GALA Awards honour and recognise the achievements of Irish LGBTQ+ people, Allies and organisations.

Two Midwest-based LGBTQI+ organisations were honoured at this year’s awards. GOSHH received the overall “Community Organisation” of the year award, while Mammies for Trans Rights were chosen as winners of “LGBTQ+ Ally” award.

Established in 2009 by the NXF (National LGBT Federation) and GCN (Gay Community News), The awards celebrate grassroots organisations, local community heroes, national advocacy organisations, businesses who create positive working environments for their LGBTQ+ colleagues and all those striving to build a more inclusive and equal Ireland.

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Mammies for Trans Rights – a group of parents and allies of trans kids was formed by two Limerick women, Karen Sugrue and Claire Flynn. Since then, the group has grown with hundreds of parents and allies across Ireland . Claire is also a board member of GOSHH.

GOSHH – a regional organisation providing a range of LGBTQI+ and Sexual Health services including rapid STI testing, HIV support, counselling, free condoms, LGBTQ+ social groups and youth groups, education and training, community development and outreach.

Deepesh Simpson Shah, Chairperson, GOSHH commented, “We’re honoured and delighted to receive this award from the NXF, GCN and our wider community. I’d like to extend our sincere gratitude to them for creating The GALAS – a vital platform that recognises and celebrates the tremendous work being done across Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community.

Recognition like this doesn’t happen in isolation. This award is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our CEO, Verena Tarpey, our incredible staff, our volunteers, our Board members, and our supporters. Anyone who walks through our doors can see the genuine passion Verena and the team bring to this work – it’s visible in every interaction, every conversation, every moment of support they provide”.

Karen Sugrue, Co-Chair Mammies, “We’re just parents who adore our kids. The theme on the night was solidarity and unity and the Mammies believe that has never been more important than it is right now.  At the end of the day, we are the same as every parent who wants our kids, and everyone’s kids to feel safe and loved and to be able to live lives that make them happy.”

Today’s climate reminds us daily how essential the work at GOSHH is. Where equality and inclusion remain under constant pressure, the work GOSHH does is more important than ever. Whether it’s providing personal support and counselling, health testing services, social spaces and clubs or creating safe spaces for people to explore their identity, we remain committed to promoting the equality and wellbeing of all people with a positive and respectful approach to sexual orientation and gender diversity.

Equally, The Mammies, a group of parents and allies of trans kids from all over the country, have been marching and speaking about trans rights for the last 3 years.

Claire Flynn, Co-Chair of Mammies and Board of Director of GOSHH, “We were started by two mams in Limerick who were really scared for their kids and we said if we’re not going to stand up for them, who the hell will?”

Both categories were exceptionally strong – GOSHH were shortlisted alongside national organisations like BelongTo, LINQ Ireland and Outhouse, all of whom deliver outstanding services to our community. Trans Mammies were nominated alongside the likes of University of Galway, Dr Claire O’Donnell, Comhaltas na Mac Léinn and Jeannie McDonagh. Thank you to those who nominated us for these awards and to the board of NXF and GCN for this special night.