A content creator has launched a new fundraiser to support struggling LGBT youth in Ireland.
Chris Murphy is a prolific TikTok star and boasts over 800,000 followers on the platform. His sketches combine queer and Irish language content and have gained traction in recent years.
Chris wanted to partner with an LGBT charity during Pride Month. He decided on Belong To, a national LGBT charity that carries out educational talks across Irish schools.
He was prompted to start the fundraiser due to his own personal experience as a gay person in school. The content creator explained he felt unable to come out as a teenager, as another pupil in school had caught "a lot of flack" for disclosing their sexuality.
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He said: "I went to an all boys Catholic school which wasn't very progressive. I never came out while I was there but someone else did and it was awful for them. I suffered a sense of survivor's guilt from that because I just couldn't reveal it, knowing what could happen."
Chris later felt comfortable to come out as gay while in college. He praised the work of Belong To in Irish education as the charity provides valuable education for the wider school community.
He added: " I wanted to prioritise queer youth, especially those who are not accepted by their families or who are going through unnecessary bullying at school. Belong To highlights the homophobia that might be in schools and how that could affect someone."
The fundraiser currently has a target set at €10,000. Chris has spoken candidly about his experience on TikTok to promote the campaign, a change from his usual light-hearted content.
He added: "I'm not normally vulnerable on my page and people often come to it looking for an escape. My story doesn't exactly resonate with the comedy side but hopefully it will encourage people to donate."
The GoFundMe page has raised €535 to date. You can find out more about the campaign on the GoFundMe website.
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