CLEAR: Children’s LGBTQ+ Equality and Rights

This research explores how well the rights of LGBTQ+ children and young people are met in Ireland under the framework of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The following questions guide the research:

• What are the experiences of LGBTQ+ children and young people growing up in Ireland?
• How are their rights, as provided for under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), enjoyed or not enjoyed in Ireland?
• How well do current laws, policies and services uphold their rights under the UNCRC?
• Where gaps or barriers are evident, what measures are required to address these barriers appropriately and effectively?
• In what areas of law, policy or practice is Ireland performing well for LGBTQ+ children, and what can other countries learn from these positive examples?

Supported by an LGBTQ+ youth research advisory group throughout the life-cycle of this project, the following in-depth qualitative and quantitative research activities will provide comprehensive insight into the lived experience of the rights of LGBTQ+ children and young people in Ireland.  

• Strand 1: Desk-Based Review
• Strand 2: Creative Workshops and Focus Groups (Aged 10-18)
• Strand 3: Family Interviews (Aged 13 and under)
• Strand 4: Short Survey (Aged under 18)

The research will produce a child-friendly and full-length report, followed by peer-reviewed articles and other impactful dissemination activities.  

Project Funders

This study is funded by the Ombudsman for Children Office. 

Project Team & Advisory Group

Principal Investigator: Dr Aoife Neary Co PIs: Prof Deirdre Horgan & Dr Shirley Martin. This study is being conducted in partnership with Belong To LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland. CLEAR is informed and supported by a LGBTQ+ research advisory group throughout.