A new door opens on Leeside for the LGBTI+ community
A new community centre has been purchased which will serve as a dedicated, safe, and inclusive space for LGBTI+ individuals and allies.
Gay Project bought the centre describing it as a significant milestone for the local LGBTI+ community and reflects decades of dedication and vision from numerous stakeholders, including Arthur Leahy, a long-time advocate for an LGBTI+ community space.
Arthur’s early advocacy, which began over 40 years ago in meetings with the founders of the Cork Gay and Lesbian Community Development Project, played a pivotal role in highlighting the importance of a space where LGBTI+ people could come together for connection, support, and empowerment.
In a symbolic moment, Arthur Leahy, who had envisioned this space, was honoured to turn the key to the new building, 40 years after his initial efforts. The new community centre will enhance Gay Project’s ability to provide a long-lasting, vibrant hub for social events, support services, workshops, and more. It is set to become a vital resource for the LGBTI+ community, promoting inclusion and community cohesion for years to come.
Stephen Spillane, Chairperson of Gay Project Board, said: “This centre represents decades of work, commitment, and hope.
“We are incredibly excited to take this step forward and we invite everyone in the community to help us create something extraordinary for generations to come,” he added.
To ensure the centre is fully accessible to all members of the community, several essential building works are required.
This includes the installation of an accessible toilet and other renovations designed to make the building inclusive to everyone.
In the coming weeks, Gay Project will be launching a fundraising campaign to cover the costs of these necessary upgrades and help support a portion of the mortgage, ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the centre.
The organisation welcomes personal donations via donorbox.org/gay-project, and will also be reaching out to local businesses and community allies to seek their support in securing the future of this essential space.
Further details about the building project and upcoming fundraising initiatives will be available soon on Gay Project’s official website gayproject.ie.
Gay Project said it extends heartfelt thanks to its staff, volunteers, and the dedicated members of the Gay Project Board, whose tireless work has brought this vision to life.
They also thanked HSE Cork South Community Work Department for their ongoing support throughout this process.