[Cork, 06/11/2023] – Gay Project is thrilled to introduce Konrad Im as the incoming Manager of Gay Project, effective from January 2024.
Konrad Im has been an integral part of the Gay Project for a number of years, serving as a dedicated Community Development Worker for the last two years. His involvement with the organization dates back to 2015 when he began volunteering with the Gay Project under the mentorship of the late David Roche, and he has even previously served on the Board of Management. Konrad’s commitment to the Gay Project has been unwavering, both in his voluntary contributions and his professional roles.
“This feels like a full-circle moment for me, having been very lucky in my journey to have received inspiration, mentorship, and training from Gay Project’s past and current Co-ordinators, Dave Roche, Pádraig Rice, and Ailsa Spindler, among many others in the community and voluntary sector in Cork. I have big shoes to fill but I’m delighted and humbled to be trusted to step into this role in the new year. The LGBT+ community still has many challenges and a lot of stigma to face, and I will continue to work closely with the Board, staff, and Gay Project’s amazing volunteers in continuing to provide and expand important supports to the LGBT+ community.” – Konrad Im.
A former Mr. Gay Cork and Mr. Gay Ireland, Konrad brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his new role. He holds a Level 7 Degree in Community Development and a Special Purpose Level 9 in Creativity & Change from MTU Cork, where he also served as the Chairperson of CIT LGBT* Society for 2 years. Most recently, he graduated with a postgraduate diploma in Community and Voluntary Sector Management from UCC. Furthermore, Konrad has been a Volunteer Youth Leader for UP Cork LGBTI+ Youth Project, worked as the LGBTI+ Sexual Health Support Worker in the Sexual Health Centre, and has contributed to the Board of Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival, in addition to playing a significant role in organizing Cork Pride Festival events. Ballyphehane native and a true ‘Haney’, Konrad has been involved in Ballyphehane/Togher CDP as part of his work placement, and he is also the founder of Ballyphehane Tidy Towns, which has received great acclaim locally and nationally in its short 2 years in existence.
“With Konrad’s extensive background, we have no doubt that he will continue to foster the growth and development of Gay Project. His passion and dedication to creating a fair and inclusive society for all, along with his belief that every individual can make a positive impact, are qualities that resonate deeply with the core values of the organization. The Gay Project Board is confident that his previous experience makes him well-equipped to lead the Gay Project into the future.” – John Buttimer, Chairperson of Gay Project Board.
In the coming weeks, Konrad will collaborate closely with Gay Project Co-ordinator Ailsa Spindler to ensure a seamless transition as Ailsa prepares for retirement later this year. Gay Project extends its heartfelt gratitude to Ailsa for their exceptional dedication and tireless efforts in leading the organization for the past 3 years. Under Ailsa’s guidance, the project successfully navigated challenging times during and out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanks to her leadership and the commitment of our remarkable volunteers, Gay Project’s service offerings have continued to expand, with the establishment of various new sports and social groups. The Board looks forward to Ailsa’s ongoing support during the forthcoming transition period.
“The past three years have been a challenging time for Ireland’s gay community, and it has been an honour to play a small part in advancing the interests of LGBTQI+ people in Cork and further afield. Gay Project offers a unique range of supports for gay, bisexual and trans men and men who have sex with men, and I will follow with great interest the organisation’s future under Konrad’s stewardship. Retirement doesn’t mean disappearing completely; rather it is a handing on of the baton to younger activists, and I couldn’t be happier than to see Konrad taking up the challenge.” – Ailsa Spindler, retiring Gay Project Co-ordinator.
Gay Project is excited about the future under Konrad’s leadership and remains committed to its mission of inclusivity and positive change within the community.