 Our friend Jon Hanna passed on Monday the 11th of March 2019. We are heartbroken. Jon was a parent, a husband, an activist and so much more - to so many. Jon was a coordinator with Bi+ Ireland, and as a community we are deeply saddened by his passing and still reeling from this news. In his ‘We Exist’ story, Jon tells us he was “Bisexual, Irish, cis, white, male, pagan, witch, parent, kinky, pro-choice AF, occasional depressive, rape survivor, of a working-class Northern Irish upbringing”. Jon Hanna was uncompromisingly and unapologetically himself. He was a leader for our communities, someone who led the way for many of us, whether literally at a march giving us sun cream, badges and a sure stride to follow, or inspiring with reassuring words in our community spaces, both on and offline. It’s hard to believe that Jon won’t be at Pride this year, or the March for Choice. Jon, who inevitably had a child in one arm and the other arm free for a hug. Jon who would be ready to chat, and ready to march with his children by his side, who would proudly carry a flag while pushing a pram.
Jon was also an incredible active member of RQR - Radical Queers Resist. He worked tirelessly in partnership with them in the lead up to the referendum on the 8th amendment. Jon and his leather jacket and Repeal jumper was synonymous with him making a space safe for the all of us  This Saturday (March 16th) at 2pm we will gather at Newlands Cross Crematorium to say goodbye to Jon. At the request of the family, please no flowers - donations can be made to Abortion Support Network or Rape Crisis Centre. - rip.ie. If you can, please wear your Repeal jumper or Free Safe Legal tshirt, or a Bi+/LGBTQIA pin or flag.
We know that people may have all sorts of different reactions, and they are all valid, and it's ok to let yourself have those feelings. Whether you knew Jon for a decade or met him once, or just chatted with him online, your grief is valid. Everyone is welcome to the funeral. If you want would like to join our community to attend the funeral, please do. There is a group meeting at 12 pm on Saturday at the Olympia Theatre, Dame St, and getting the bus to the crematorium. Bring bus fare and look for the bi flags. A paypal has been set up to help his partner and their kids with the practicalities of these difficult times. If you would like to make a contribution you can do so at https://paypal.me/pools/c/8cXeElETIG. If you wish to add your condolences or share your memories of Jon, we’re collecting them here and will pass on to his family. We are all struggling with this news, and know that we will for some time. Please take the time to seek additional support for yourself if you feel like you might need it, and know that our community will be here for you now and into the future. For additional supports: LGBT Helpline 1890 929 539, https://lgbt.ie/ Samaritans 116 123, https://www.samaritans.org/ireland/samaritans-ireland/ Dublin Rape Crisis Centre 1800 77 8888 http://www.drcc.ie/ Pieta House 1800 247 247 https://www.pieta.ie/
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 We at Bi+ Ireland welcome the news that Minister Bruton has called for a review of the RSE (relationships and sexuality education) curriculum, has identified consent as a priority, and also that LGBTQ+ issues will be addressed.
The current curriculum is sorely lacking in both of these regards, which is failing the young people of this country. We look forward eagerly to learning of what improvements will be made. Come celebrate with us around the country!
Celebrate with us online!
Join us at the March for Choice, September 30th
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This organisation is run 100% by volunteer coordinators. We welcome donations and promise 100% transparency with our spending. Learn more here.
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Bi+ Ireland is a network of people who fit somewhere under the bi+ umbrella, and who have close ties to Ireland. We are community group run by volunteers. You can reach us at biirelandnetwork@gmail.com.
As a pro-choice organisation we support Together for Yes - the national civil society campaign to remove the 8th amendment from the Constitution. |