Tender Opportunity: LGBTQI+ & Neurodiversity Research Project

Youth Work Ireland’s Proud Spaces programme is inviting proposals from researchers and research teams to undertake an important national research project exploring the intersection of LGBTQI+ identities and neurodiversity among young people in Ireland.

Across youth work and community settings, there is growing recognition that many young people navigate multiple and intersecting aspects of identity that shape their experiences, wellbeing and access to support. While awareness of both LGBTQI+ identities and neurodiversity has increased significantly in recent years, there remains a need for deeper understanding of the experiences of young people who identify across both communities.

This research project which is funded by the DCDE’s LGBT Community Fund 2026-2027 aims to address that gap by examining the experiences, needs and support requirements of neurodivergent LGBTQI+ young people aged 12-24. Particular attention will be given to the experiences of trans and non-binary young people, whose voices are often underrepresented in research and policy development.

The study will explore the realities facing young people in their everyday lives and consider how youth services currently respond to their needs. It will also seek to identify practical ways that youth services can become more accessible, inclusive and neuro-affirming, ensuring that young people feel welcomed, understood and supported.

Using a mixed-method research approach, the project will include a review of existing literature and evidence, engagement with young LGBTQI+ people, consultation with youth workers and key stakeholders, and the development of evidence-based recommendations for both practice and policy.

The successful researcher or research team will work in partnership with the Proud Spaces team to refine the research methodology and deliver all aspects of the project. This will include designing and analysing a national survey, facilitating qualitative engagement with young people, consulting with practitioners, analysing findings and producing a final report and executive summary. 

We are particularly interested in hearing from researchers with experience in youth-focused research, LGBTQI+ and/or neurodiversity-related research, participatory approaches and rights-based methodologies. Experience in ethical research practice and safeguarding is essential.

The project represents an opportunity to contribute to a growing evidence base that can help shape more responsive and inclusive youth services across Ireland. By centring the experiences of neurodivergent LGBTQI+ young people, the research will support a stronger understanding of how services, policies and practice can better meet the needs of diverse young people and promote wellbeing, belonging and participation.