CROSSROADS Survey Launches to Examine Rising Hate Towards LGBTQ+ Communities in Ireland and the Solutions Needed

A major new community-led research project is inviting LGBTQ+ people across Ireland to take part in a national survey exploring rising hate, hostility, discrimination and misinformation, and the changes needed to better support LGBTQ+ communities.

The project, titled CROSSROADS: Understanding Rising Hate and the Changes Needed to Support LGBTQ+ Communities in Ireland, is being carried out by the Sexual Health Centre Cork in partnership with NB Social Justice Studio as part of an Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) funded research project.

The anonymous survey asks LGBTQ+ people about their experiences of safety, public life, discrimination, online hostility, community support, housing, services and belonging in Ireland today. Organisers say the research comes at an important moment, as many LGBTQ+ people, particularly trans and gender-diverse communities, report growing levels of hostility and misinformation both online and offline.

The project aims not only to document harm, but also to identify what support, policy changes and community responses are needed to help create a safer and more inclusive Ireland.

Fiona Finn, CEO of Sexual Health Centre Cork, said:

“This research is rooted in a simple principle: people closest to these issues should help shape the questions, the analysis and the solutions. We want this work to strengthen understanding, inform policy and support meaningful community responses'

Dr Michael Barron of NB Social Justice Studio said:

“Across Ireland we really are at a crossroads, many LGBTQ+ people are telling us that something has shifted in recent years, in public discourse, online spaces, and everyday life. CROSSROADS is about creating space for people to speak about those experiences, while also identifying the practical changes needed to support safety, dignity and belonging.”

The survey is open to LGBTQ+ adults aged 18 and over living in Ireland and particularly welcomes participation from trans and gender-diverse people. It takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete and participants can skip questions or stop at any time.

The findings will contribute to a wider research report examining the impact of rising hate and intolerance towards LGBTQ+ communities in Ireland, alongside recommendations for public policy, services and community support.