About Gay Project
Cork’s LGBT movement began in the 1970s with meetings held under the Cork Naturist Club. In the 1980s, the community expanded with the establishment of the Cork Gay Collective, the Quay Co-op, and Gay Health Action. This growth led to the opening of The Other Place in 1991, a dedicated resource centre that housed the Southern Gay Men’s Health Project, a café, and a disco.
In 2000, the Cork Gay Community Development Company was founded to further support the community. Nearly two decades later, in 2019, it was rebranded as the Gay Project. The rich history of Cork’s LGBT community is documented in The Queer Republic of Cork by Orla Egan, which is available through the Gay Project. Cork also hosted Ireland’s first national gay conference in 1981.
The Gay Project’s New Home
After 40 years, the Gay Project recently secured a permanent home, marking a significant milestone in its history, which was featured in the Cork Echo. After years of being in rented spaces, it has now secured a permanent community centre in Douglas, Cork. The organisation has been instrumental in Ireland’s LGBTI+ movement, especially following the 1982 killing of Declan Flynn and the subsequent outcry over the lenient sentences for his attackers.

Carol Murphy, GMC Member, The Hospital Saturday Fund, presenting Konrad Im, Manager, Gay Project, with a €4,000 grant towards Pride in Health – LGBTI+ Allyship Training Programme for Medical and Healthcare Staff in Cork and Munster.
Allyship Training Programme
The Pride in Health – LGBTI+ Allyship Training Programme aims to improve healthcare services for the LGBTI+ community in Cork and Munster by promoting inclusivity and awareness among healthcare professionals. It provides comprehensive training for GPs, nurses, administrative staff, allied health professionals, and medical students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to deliver respectful, inclusive, and effective care. The programme enhances understanding of the LGBTI+ community’s specific healthcare needs, creating a more welcoming environment where all patients feel valued and supported.
The Grant
The Hospital Saturday Fund awarded a grant of €4,000 to the Gay Project to support the expansion of the programme’s reach. This grant will ensure that more medical and healthcare staff receive essential education on delivering inclusive and affirming care.
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