The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
ScEEN’s full of Christmas cheer
MUSICIAN Owen Rua Herlihy got things off to a lively start as ScEEN in Kerry celebrated its Christmas party in the Ashe Hotel, Tralee, in recent nights.
It was the latest event organised by the group, which was set up in response to the ‘Visible in Kerry’ study on LGBT+ life in Kerry. The survey, commissioned by Listowel Family Resource Centre in partnership with the HSE and KDYS, found a lack of visibility and social outlets for the LGBT+ community in Kerry. ScEEN in Kerry has attempted to right that by organising a number of social events in recent months.
Karen Conway of ScEEN in Kerry explained that Owen Herlihy, himself a member of the group, got the night rolling and set in motion a great atmosphere that held through the night.
“After that, we had Ricky Clifford DJing, and this was his second time doing this for us,” Karen said. “He has almost become our resident DJ at this stage!
“There were some new faces as well from previous events.
“We set up a prop area, where a lot of people were taking Christmas-themed photos, and we also had subscription forms for anyone interested in signing up.
“There was a very mixed crowd, made up of all ages and background.
“That’s something we’re putting a big emphasis on: it’s not just for one section of the LGBT+ community, it’s for all sections, and it’s for our supporters, too.”
Karen, who also thanked photographer Regina O’Connor for her help on the night, said there is great momentum behind the group at the moment, and she is excited for the future.
“There’s a lot more to come in the New Year,” she said.
“Anybody that wants to keep up to date with our events can do so by following the ‘ScEEN in Kerry’ Facebook page.”