Gay Project

Welcome to Cork Queer College, proudly supported by Cork Education & Training Board (REACH Fund 2025), with additional funding from HSE South West – Community Work Department and Cork City Council Creative Communities Fund. We offer a unique suite of community education courses tailored to empower, inspire, and connect members of the LGBTI+ community in Cork.

Whether you’re looking to build practical skills, develop leadership abilities, or explore your creative side, Cork Queer College has something for you, all in a safe, affirming, and inclusive space.

We are now accepting applicants for Cork Queer College. 
  • All courses are in-person and designed to create a welcoming and supportive learning space.
  • Materials and resources are provided unless otherwise noted.
  • Spaces are limited, early booking is recommended!
  • Students must be 18 years + to attend.

Cork Queer College 2025 Programme:

Gays CAN Drive: Theory Test Preparation
Bust the myth and get on the road!
Many LGBTI+ individuals face social stereotypes and lack tailored support when learning to drive. Driving skills open greater freedom and employment opportunities. This 6-week course offers guidance and hands-on help to prepare for the Irish Theory Test, building confidence and independence. Our facilitator will provide support in navigating the Irish Theory Test and the rules of the road. Students that complete the programme will also receive discounted follow-on driving lessons.
When: Thursdays, 4th Sept – 9th Oct | 7pm–8:30pm  Course Finished

Outspoken: LGBTI+ Toastmasters
Find your voice and speak up!
Public speaking can be intimidating, especially for those who have experienced discrimination or exclusion. This course, inspired by the Toastmasters format, provides a safe, supportive, and affirming environment where participants can practice public speaking, storytelling, and presentation skills. Through structured exercises, peer feedback, and confidence-building techniques, learners will improve their ability to express themselves with clarity and conviction, whether in personal, community, or professional settings. Develop your communication and leadership skills vital for advocacy, career growth, and personal empowerment.
When: Mondays, 1st Sept – 29th Sept | 7pm–8:30pm Course Finished

GOLDen Plates: Air Fryer Course for Older Men
Cook healthy, eat happy!
Older LGBTI+ men often face isolation and health challenges. Nutrition and well-being are essential at every stage of life, and this practical, hands-on, peer-led course is tailored for older LGBTI+ individuals who want to explore healthy eating in an accessible, budget-friendly, and enjoyable way. Using the air fryer, a modern, energy-efficient cooking tool, participants will learn to prepare nutritious, delicious meals that fit their dietary needs and lifestyle. Alongside cooking demonstrations, the course will also involve collaborative recipe development, culminating in a community-created recipe book that celebrates cultural diversity, personal stories, and shared experiences within the LGBTI+ community.
When: Fridays, 5th Sept – 3rd Oct | 12pm–1pm
Course Finished

LGBTI+ Community Development
Lead change in your community!
This course provides participants with a foundational understanding of community development within an LGBTI+ context. It explores the principles of social justice, grassroots activism, and capacity-building, equipping learners with the skills to create meaningful change in their communities. By learning about policy advocacy, grant writing, and community organizing, participants will be empowered to establish initiatives, support networks, and inclusive spaces that enhance the well-being of the wider LGBTI+ community. This course is ideal for those who are looking to enhance their community development practice, or existing volunteers in the LGBTI+ community looking to build their skills passionate about making a difference and fostering collective empowerment.
When: Thursdays, 16th Oct – 13th Nov | 7pm–9pm
Where: Turners Cross Community Centre
Tutors: Guest lecturers
Who: Anyone 18+ interested in community development
Price: €10 Registration Fee

LGBTI+ Community Leadership & Advocacy
Step into leadership with confidence! Leadership within the LGBTI+ community requires a unique set of skills, including strategic communication, public engagement, and advocacy techniques. This 5-week course is designed to help participants develop confidence as leaders, whether they wish to advocate for policy change, run community projects, or represent LGBTI+ voices in local decision-making. Learners will explore effective leadership styles, lobbying strategies, and campaign development through a series of special guest speakers including a tour of An Dáil with Deputy Pádraig Rice. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the tools to drive change, challenge inequalities, and uplift their communities.

When: Mondays, 6th Oct – 10th Nov | 7pm–9pm
Where: Turners Cross Community Centre + field trips
Tutors: Guest speakers
Who: Anyone 18+
Price: €10 Registration Fee

Queer Lens: Capturing Our Community (Photography)
Tell stories through your lens!

Step behind the camera and into Cork’s rich LGBTI+ history with Queer Lens: Capturing Our Community – a 6 week photography programme for anyone interested in storytelling through images. Whether you’re a total beginner or have some photography experience, this creative journey will teach you the skills to shoot powerful portraits while collaborating on a special project: capturing the faces behind the history of Gay Project for a stunning community mural. Learn from professional photographer Ryan O’Sullivan, meet new people, build your portfolio, and be part of a growing queer creative community.
When: Saturdays, 6th Sept – 11th Oct | 1pm–4pm
Course Finished

Funded by: Supported and funded through Cork City Council by the Creative Ireland Programme, an all-of-government five-year initiative, from 2023 to 2027, which places creativity at the centre of public policy. Further information from creativeireland.gov.ie.

Creative Calm: Stress Management Through Art with Rainbow DiverseAbilities
Relax, create, and reconnect with yourself through art.
Living at the intersection of LGBTI+ identity and disability or neurodivergence can bring unique stressors, from navigating ableism to managing overstimulation in everyday life. Creative Calm offers a gentle, affirming space where participants can explore stress management through tactile, soothing art practices like working with clay, drawing, and painting.
Over four two-hour sessions, you’ll be guided by an experienced facilitator who understands the importance of sensory-friendly environments, emotional expression, and alternative communication styles. No prior art experience is needed—this course is about the process, not the product.
By engaging in creative play and mindfulness-based techniques, learners can:
• Discover new ways to regulate stress and anxiety
• Build self-awareness and confidence through artistic expression
• Connect with peers in a supportive, low-pressure environment
• Leave with simple tools for ongoing self-care and wellbeing

When: Monthly (Sept to Dec 2025): Sept 24th, Oct 22nd, Nov 26th and December 10th | 5:30pm-7:30pm

Where: Turners Cross Community Centre
Tutor: Jennifer Fitzgerald (Early Earth)
Who: LGBTI+ people who are disabled, neurodiverse, or both (18+)
Price: Free

The Green Room: LGBTI+ Drama Programme
Step into the spotlight, speak your truth, and celebrate your story.
No previous drama experience needed, this is a 9-week drama programme for LGBTI+ people who want to explore self-expression, build confidence, and connect through creativity. Whether you’ve always dreamed of being on stage or you’ve never acted before, this course offers a fun, supportive space to learn drama skills, try out performance techniques, and share your unique voice.
Each session will include confidence-building warm-ups, voice and movement exercises, and playful opportunities to explore character development and storytelling. Participants will also work together to create original scenes inspired by real-life experiences. The programme will conclude with a relaxed and optional sharing session where learners can showcase what they’ve created in a safe and affirming environment.
This course is about celebration, not perfection. Drama can be a powerful tool for healing, advocacy, and joy, especially for LGBTI+ people whose stories have too often gone unheard.
When: The second and fourth Friday of the month (July 11th & 25th, Sept 12th & 26th, Oct 10th & 24th, Nov 14th & 28th)  6:30-8:30pm
Where: Ballyphehane Community Centre
Tutor: Seán Guillfoyle
Who: LGBTI+ adults (18+) of all experience levels
Price: Free

Transcend: Make Up for Trans Women with Gender Rebels.
More than makeup – this is transformation.

Join us for a 4-part makeup course for Trans women taking place once a month, each session is designed to empower participants with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to express themselves through makeup.

The course will be facilitated by Liam Kelleher (also known as drag artist Liam Bee), a professional makeup artist with BPerfect Cosmetics. Liam brings makeup expertise offering a welcoming, affirming space to learn everything from makeup theory to practical application tips. Whether you’re just starting your makeup journey or looking to refine your skills, this supportive and creative course is for you!

Spaces are limited – sign up early to secure your spot! 

When: 2nd Wednesday of the month (Sept 10th, Oct 8th, Nov 12th, Dec 10th) | 7:30-9:30pm
Where: Turners Cross Community Centre
Tutor: Liam Kelleher
Who: Transgender, Intersex, and Non-binary identifying adults (18+)
Price: Free

For any further information contact:
info@gayproject.ie