How Ireland’s LGBTQ+ Youth Movement was Built

“Barron delivers a powerful chronicle of the courage and conviction of a generation of anti-homophobia and transphobia activists who opened the floodgates of goodness and grace, creating a pathway of support for future leaders – and ensuring that the gates remain open, come what may.” Mary McAleese, Former President of Ireland and Chancellor of Trinity College Dublin

“Michael Barron offers deep insight into what it means to advocate for the visibility of LGBTQ+ people at a crucial time, when authorities worldwide seem to compete over who can most effectively trample our right to exist. May this publication inspire us to keep fighting – until we are all liberated.” Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, Ugandan LGBTQ+ human rights defender and Martin Ennals Award Laureate

“A must-read from a key figure in Ireland’s LGBTQ+ youth movement that combines the rigour of careful academic treatment with the insight of extensive experience in the field.” Conor O’Mahony, University College Cork

“Barron is a force of nature who has been a pivotal, tireless, good-humoured voice at the forefront of deep and dramatic social change in Ireland for over three decades. Never one to be underestimated, he’s managed to pull off another unlikely coup here: making what could have been a rather dry treatise on civil society and forging change into something personal, vital and entertaining!” Rory O’Neill (AKA drag performer Panti Bliss)

“Michael Barron’s book is a powerful reminder that change is built from the margins, by those most excluded yet most resilient. As an activist working in a context where queer visibility is still punished, I found deep affirmation in this honest, strategic and hopeful account of youth-led transformation. It’s not just Ireland’s story – it’s a blueprint for us all.” Xheni Kara, Executive Director of the Alliance against LGBT Discrimination

“Barron’s book delivers a powerful message of hope: that love wins despite institutional barriers, ignorance and hate. At its heart is youth leadership and organising – urgently needed in an era of disinformation and global turmoil.” Tomas V. Raskevičius, Leader of the Freedom Party, Lithuania

“Now more than ever, we must approach our shared struggles with an intersectional lens and remain vigilant in the face of oppressive forces that seek to divide those furthest from power. Michael Barron’s powerful and timely book is a vital reminder of the necessity of radical solidarity – without it, we risk working against emancipation for all.” Senator Lynn Ruane

“Michael Barron generates a unique social memory of how transformative social change was achieved in Ireland, particularly among self-organised communities of LGBTQ+ youth. Making a compelling case for the link between activism and academia and a radical multi-layered approach to research, this insightful analysis reveals the critical role of LGBTQ+ civil society organisations in policy making.” Ursula Barry, University College Dublin (Emerita)

“This book captures how class-conscious queer youth activism built real power. It reflects the solidarity we built together – with Michael Barron’s strategic clarity and relentless commitment helping shape its course.” Gillian Brian, Executive Director of Swan Youth Services, Dublin

“Barron offers a timely and inspiring account of how activism can shift not just policy, but public values. This book provides a practical model for how civil society can navigate today’s hostile climate – and light a path toward a future far brighter than that promised by authoritarian and far-right forces.” Shana Cohen, Think‑tank for Action on Social Change

“Barron’s deft and compelling study reveals the oft-overlooked history of the queer youth movement in Ireland. So many of us found connection and purpose as members of BeLonGTo. His analysis of this queer community, as history, mission and structure of feeling, is a wonderful gift. It is also essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand, and protect, Ireland’s commitment to equality.” Declan Kavanagh, University of Kent and former member of BeLonGTo

“Michael Barron offers a powerful account of how grassroots activism, solidarity and civil society transformed Ireland from a country that decriminalised homosexuality in 1993 into a global leader in LGBTQ+ equality. In sharp contrast to Russia, where the same year marked legal change without liberation, this book traces how justice can only be realised when communities organise and persevere. Drawing on three decades of pushing through hostility in Ireland, Barron offers not just a history but a very relevant guide, sharing hard-earned lessons for those pursuing queer rights in today's increasingly hostile world.” Alexander Kondakov, University College Dublin and leading author on LGBTQ+ rights in Russia

“Michael Barron’s book offers a vital, compelling narrative that unravels the complex history of social change and policy development.” Kris Clarke, University of Helsinki

“Michael has created an original and valuable piece of participant observation of social change. He shows how the stories told by people at the margins gradually penetrated policy thinking with new understanding. It broke down prejudice and promoted far reaching change in Ireland’s old democracy, frequently seen as conservative and set in its ways.” Richard Bruton, Former Minister for Education and Skills and long-serving Irish Cabinet Minister

“Michael Barron tells the magical hope-filled story of how a hidden and marginalised community came together, self-organised and radically transformed Irish society. In doing so, he places appropriate emphasis on the personal courage, shared creativity and strategic genius of a generation of LGBTQI+ activists that made that change possible.” Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission

“The position of LGBT+ young people in Irish social policy has changed beyond recognition in recent decades. Such change would not have happened if the policy makers had been left to their own devices. Combining sophisticated scholarship with reflection on direct experience and activism (his own and others’), Michael Barron’s lively narrative and incisive analysis explains how and why it came about. Among many other things, the book provides a highly valuable case study of the potential for community development and youth work to advance social justice.” Maurice Devlin, Maynooth University

“Barron's book belongs alongside Let the Record Show and We Do This Until We Free Us on the shelves of those prepared to do the work of building power. I was proud to have him as a colleague and inspired by his work, and am grateful these insights are recorded here for new leaders in our daunting times.” Eliza Byard, U.S. LGBTQ+ youth advocate and former Executive Director, GLSEN