The Cork Gay Community Development Co. Ltd. evolved from political and social initiatives dating back to the early 1980’s. In the early Seventies the first recorded meetings took place in Popes Quay under the guise of the Cork Naturalist Club.

Our Mission Statement: To ensure that the Gay community is enabled to fully participate in the social, economic, cultural, political and artistic life of the wider Cork and Kerry area.

Events

Queer Vibes LGBT+ Social Café: A social café for all members of the LGBT+ community over 18 years of ages to meet new people and make friends. Whether you’re a local, a blow-in or totally new to the city, this group provides an opportunity to meet some new people, make some friends and have a chat.

Tea, Coffee and snacks provided. The café is open weekly on Tuesdays in Gay Project from 5:30pm-7:30pm. See https://gayproject.ie/events/ for next dates.

GOLD Café for Older Men: An opportunity for older gay men to meet, socialise and chat with other guys of a similar age. The café is facilitated by staff and volunteers in our Community Room weekly. The GOLD Group also goes on monthly trips decided on by the group. Previous trips include a gallery tour of Crawford Art gallery, and a tour of Fota House and Gardens. Meets Fridays in Gay Project from 12-3pm.

UP Cork LGBTI+ Youth Project: Organised in partnership with CDYS. The group welcomes members aged 15+. The vision is to provide a holistic, inclusive & empowering service to LGBT+ young people. The mission is to provide a community-based response to LGBT+ young people by offering them opportunities for active participation & inclusion in addressing issues that affect their lives through personal & social development. Contact via email at [email protected], or phone at 086 0443745.

Midweek Drop-in Café: Takes place on Wednesdays 1pm – 3pm in our Community Room in Gay Project, Sawmill Street. This space is open to anyone that wants to pop in, have a cup of tea or coffee, read a book, meet friends or make friends, chill out on your lunch break, or just relax in a welcoming space.

Gay Ramblers and Hillwalking: This group is for members of the community who have an interest in rambling and hillwalking and who would like to share that interest and experience with others. If you’d like to be added to the WhatsApp group email [email protected].

Cork Rebels Football Club: A football team for the LGBT community of Ireland. Based in Cork, the aim is to have football for all! Contact: [email protected]

Frontrunners Cork: Frontrunners Cork is an LGBT+ running club, designed to remove barriers to physical activity for the community. The club is social and non-competitive in nature – from time to time the club enters races for fun. It is comprised of runners with mixed levels of experience ranging from total beginners to more experienced.

New members with experience are accepted throughout the year. First-time runners are welcomed to join our Couch to 5K programs. Contact:
[email protected]

Cork Hellhounds Inclusive Rugby Club: The Cork Hellhounds are an LGBT-inclusive rugby team based in Cork, Ireland. Beginners and experienced players welcome! #BrúArAghaidh. Contact via their website.

The Cork Racketeers: An all-inclusive LGBTQIA+ friendly badminton club. The group meets in the James Kenneally Hall, Hollyhill weekly on Tuesday evenings. Newcomers are always welcome, no previous badminton experience necessary. Contact via their Facebook or Instagram.

Queer Bike Rides: A monthly cycling event for queer folks in Cork. To keep up to date with their schedule and details on how to join a cycle, contact them on Instagram.

Free Rapid HIV Testing: Cork Gay Project provide free monthly community based rapid HIV testing in partnership with the Sexual Health Centre as part of the Know Now program. Schedule updates are posted on social media. Contact: 021 4300 430

Yoga for Men: Open to all GBQTmsm+ men, Yoga for Men with Graham Daly takes place weekly on Tuesdays 7:45-8:45pm in Gay Project. No sign up required. All variations of poses are offered for all levels.

Out of Your Mind Online Meditation Club: During these weekly lunchtime sessions Derrick will introduce you to the basics of meditation, what meditation is and what it isn’t. All sessions are held on Zoom so you can join in from your home, work place or anywhere you feel comfortable. Contact [email protected] for the Zoom link.

Outlit LGBT+ Book Club: An LGBT+ book club that usually meets monthly in the Cork City Library on Grand Parade to discuss our group chosen book for the month. New members always welcome. Contact [email protected]

Outstaged Drama Group: Our Outstaged Drama group provides an opportunity to let OUT your inner Drama Queens! The workshops are facilitated by a professional drama instructor and run weekly. The group is always taking new members who are interested in acting, writing, production and more. Contact [email protected]

Drag School with Mia Gold: Funded by Cork Education & Training Board Community Education Fund, this 10 week programme aims to enhance Cork’s continued history and contribution to the art of drag in Ireland. It seeks to promote the vibrant culture of drag and support the ongoing evolution of drag in Ireland. Participants will learn valuable life skills, build their self-confidence and personal development growth.

If you’d like to be added to the waiting list for further details about the next drag school programme please email [email protected]

The Cork Drag Rec Room: Asafe and brave space for all queer folk and allies over the age of 18 who are interested in the art of drag. Fortnightly activities are chosen by members and are guided by the groups objectives. Contact them via their Instagram.

Support

Here at the Cork Gay Project, we provide support and resources for the Gay Community.

Many people aren’t sure what the term mental health means and only think of mental illness when they hear the term. But mental health is more to do with our overall sense of well-being and how we feel we are getting on in our lives, as well as how we feel about ourselves and those around us. It is normal to feel worried or down at times and one in four people will experience a major mental health problem at some time in their life. So if you are concerned about your mental health you are not alone. Mental health problems like anxiety and depression are relatively common and with the right help and support most people recover fully and get back to living their lives the way they want.

Stay in Touch

South Parish Community Centre
Sawmill Street
Ballintemple
Cork
Ireland
T12 CX32

Phone: 021 430 0430

Email: [email protected]