The Gay Project, which supports gay, bi, trans and queer communities in Cork, Ireland, has announced a major milestone – the purchase of a community centre building that will serve as a dedicated, safe, and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.
Announcing the news on Facebook, the Gay Project said: “This achievement is the result of decades of hard work and vision from many passionate stakeholders, including Arthur Leahy, whose advocacy for an LGBTQ+ community space began in meetings over 40 years ago.
“Arthur, and so many others who founded the Cork Gay and Lesbian Community Development Project, understood the importance of having a space we can truly call our own—where connection, support, and empowerment could flourish. Today, we stand on the shoulders of those trailblazers as we make this dream a reality, and we were delighted to have had Arthur finally turn the key 40 years later.
“We’d like to thank and commend the staff, volunteers and members of the Gay Project Board for their tireless efforts in realising the vision of the Gay Project.
“And we’d also like to extend a special thank you to the HSE Cork South Community Work Department for their continued support.”
The new centre will enhance the Gay Project’s work, ensuring a long-lasting vibrant hub for social events, support services, workshops, and more.
To ensure the space is accessible to every member of the LGBTQ+ community, the Gay Project will install an accessible toilet and other renovations to make the centre fully inclusive.
Additionally, the Gay Project will be launching a fundraising campaign to help cover the cost of these vital works and support a portion of the mortgage, ensuring the centre remains financially sustainable and accessible to all for generations to come.
To make a donation, CLICK HERE
More info on The Gay Project HERE