Cork Queer College 2025
Community Education for LGBTI+ Empowerment
Welcome to Gay Project’s Cork Queer College, proudly supported by Cork Education & Training Board (REACH Fund 2025) and Cork City Council Creative Communities Fund. Book your place today!
Running from September – November 2025, Cork Queer College offers a unique selection of 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.
We are hosting an Open Day on Monday 7th July where you can hear more about the courses on offer.
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!
Please note that there is a registration fee of €10 for Gays CAN Drive, LGBTI+ Toastmasters, LGBTI+ Community Development and Community Leadership & Advocacy. A payment link will be emailed to prospective students after booking.
Students must be 18 years + to attend.
Cork Queer College Schedule
Gays CAN Drive
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 up 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
Tutor: Kay O’ Regan
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 up 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
Tutor: Kay O’ Regan
€10 registration fee
LGBTI+ Toastmasters
Find your voice and speak up!
Public speaking can be intimidating, especially for those who have experienced discrimination or exclusion. This 5-week 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
Tutor: Angela Newman
Find your voice and speak up!
Public speaking can be intimidating, especially for those who have experienced discrimination or exclusion. This 5-week 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
Tutor: Angela Newman
€10 registration fee
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. In this 8-week course, participants will learn to use the air fryer participants to prepare nutritious, delicious meals that fit their dietary needs and lifestyle. Alongside cooking demos, 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 – 24th Oct | 12pm–1pm
Tutor: Will Kennedy
Who: Older men in the LGBTI+ community
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. In this 8-week course, participants will learn to use the air fryer participants to prepare nutritious, delicious meals that fit their dietary needs and lifestyle. Alongside cooking demos, 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 – 24th Oct | 12pm–1pm
Tutor: Will Kennedy
Who: Older men in the LGBTI+ community
Free Course
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 while engaging with real-world case studies of successful LGBTI+ activism. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the tools to drive change, challenge inequalities, and uplift their communities.
When: Mondays, 13th Oct – 10th Nov | 7pm–9pm
Where: In person + field trips
Tutors: Guest speakers
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 while engaging with real-world case studies of successful LGBTI+ activism. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the tools to drive change, challenge inequalities, and uplift their communities.
When: Mondays, 13th Oct – 10th Nov | 7pm–9pm
Where: In person + field trips
Tutors: Guest speakers
€10 registration fee
LGBTI+ Community Development
Lead change in your community!
This course provides participants with a foundational understanding of community development within an LGBTI+ context. This 5-week course 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 organising, 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
Tutors: Guest lecturers
€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. A 6-week course 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
Tutor: Ryan O’Sullivan (Ryan Portrait)
Who: Anyone 18+
Free Course
Tell stories through your lens!
Step behind the camera and into Cork’s rich LGBTI+ history. A 6-week course 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
Tutor: Ryan O’Sullivan (Ryan Portrait)
Who: Anyone 18+
Free Course
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 navigation ableism to managing over simulation 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 4x 2 hour sessions, you will be guided by a facilitator who understand 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.
When: 2nd Wednesday of the Month (Sept – Dec 2025), 5.30pm – 7.30pm
South Parish Community Centre
Tutor: Jennifer Fitzgerald
Who: LGBTI+ people who are disabled, neurodiverse or both
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 have always dreamed of being on stage or you have never acted, this course offers a fun, supportive space to learn drama skills, try out performance techniques and share your unique voice. 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: 2nd and 4th Friday of the month (July, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec | 6.30 – 8.30pm
Where: Ballyphehane Community Centre
For any further information contact:
info@gayproject.ie