Members of the LGBT+ community across the region are feeling isolated during lockdown

Cavan and Monaghan's LGBT+ youth development officer says lockdown is

forcing young members of that community to feel isolated.

Barry McSkeane says that since the beginning of the restrictions young

people locally who are struggling with their identity and sexuality have

felt alone and often trapped in their own homes.

He says that often this is because they feel unsafe to come out or discuss

these issues or thoughts with their loved ones and is encouraging parents

and guardians to open up the conversation.

Barry said he has had some heart-breaking conversations with young people

who were told they were 'disgusting' because of their sexuality.

He is asking families to let the young people in their lives know they love

them 'without restrictions':