'Out In The World' - The Story of Ireland's LGBTQ+ Diaspora

In June, the Consulate General of Ireland in partnership with the Midwest’s foremost LGBTQ+ community center the Center on Halsted in Chicago invites you to a reception to launch the 'Out In The World' exhibition. Guest speaker Tonie Walsh, civil rights activist and writer, will talk about Ireland’s LGBTQ+ history and journey over recent decades through a time of radical social change.

Tickets are limited and not transferable. Please register early.

Reaching out to Ireland’s large diaspora here in the Chicagoland area forms a central part of the work of the Irish Consulate. In recent years the Irish Government has placed an increasing focus on connecting with those men and women who left Ireland as it was not seen as a welcoming place for them, due to their sexuality, gender identity, race, or views. Sadly many LGBTQ+ people had left Ireland in previous decades as it was a cold house for members of this community.

Today, following a period of significant social and legislative change, Ireland has become a more welcoming place. As a country we have also been reflecting on our past and the generations of LGBTQ+ Irish people who left in search of better futures. These women and men did so much for their adoptive countries and communities. As a means of recognising the significant contribution of those LGBTQ+ Irish diaspora members throughout the world, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and our National Museum of Emigration produced this exhibition called ‘Out In The World’. Given the large Irish community here in Chicago, and the significant numbers of members of the LGBTQ+ diaspora members who found a welcome home in this city, we are delighted to host the exhibition in partnership with the Center on Halsted.

Out In The World tells the stories of some of the trailblazing members of Ireland’s LGBTQ diaspora.