Statement from Labour LGBTQ+ on the passing of Deborah Ballard
Statement from Labour LGBTQ+ on the passing of Deborah Ballard - The Labour Party
Labour LGBTQ+ is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Deborah Ballard on Monday 16 March.
Deborah made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland over many years.
Through her work with Gay Community News, including several years as editor, she brought a powerful and distinctive voice to LGBTQ+ journalism. Her writing was thoughtful, incisive and deeply human, and she ensured that GCN remained a platform that reflected the full diversity of our community with integrity and care.
Her impact extended far beyond journalism.
Deborah played a significant role in shaping LGBTQ+ arts and culture in Ireland. Her long-standing involvement in curating the Dublin International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, and later GAZE, helped to platform LGBTQ+ stories and voices, enriching Ireland’s cultural landscape and giving visibility to experiences that might otherwise have gone unheard.
Those who worked with Deborah will remember her as warm, sincere and generous with her time. Always approachable, always committed, and always guided by a strong sense of honesty and purpose.
Her legacy is one of creativity, inclusion and quiet leadership. The influence of her work continues to be felt across the arts and community life.
We extend our sincere condolences to her wife Carol, her wider family, and her many friends.
Codladh sámh