What is the Cork LGBTI+ Advocate Network?
Led by Gay Project, and funded by Cork City Council Social Inclusion Office under the Department of Rural and Community Development, Dormant Accounts Action Plan, the project’s aim is to build a network of LGBTI+ advocates across various community and professional work sectors and educational institutions across Cork City. It will provide training, useful resources, promote awareness raising campaigns that support the work of Gay Project and the LGBTI+ community generally, and to provide a space for network members to work collaboratively to continually develop the networks reach in promoting advocacy.
Why is it important?
Building a network of LGBTI+ advocates across Cork is important as it can provide those struggling with their LGBTI+ identities a vital source of support. While Gay Project and other LGBTI+ organisations and groups in Cork provide some fantastic services for LGBTI+ community members, it can be difficult to reach some members. This can be due to a variety of factors such as:
- Geographical Location – The person lives to far from services.
- Technological Challenges – Some potential service users may not have access to computers where some support/social groups post-pandemic are still hosted.
- Promotional Reach – It can sometimes be difficult for community organisations to reach those that need their services most through the more common advertising and promotional methods.
The Cork LGBTI+ Advocate Network provides an opportunity for LGBTI+ advocates to work with Gay Project to build the tools they need to be an effective advocate to those in the LGBTI+ community.
Who can become a member?
Currently the network is open to membership of those from various community, public and professional work sectors and educational institutions across Cork City.
What are the benefits?
Members will have access to LGBTI+ advocate training and resources for their organisation members, staff, and/or students. Participants of the training will enhance their understanding of LGBT+ identities and challenge their own biases to become better advocates. By the end of the session participants will be able to:
- Understanding – Understand basic LGBTI+ Terminology and how to use it appropriately.
- Challenging – Identifying the issues still faced by those in the LGBTI+ community and how to challenge them
- Personal Development – Develop the tools and skills to be a better LGBTI+ Advocate
- Signposting – Ability to signpost people to relevant LGBTI+ services and supports
When is training?
Our first training event will take place in Cork City Centre (venue to be confirmed) on Thursday 30th March from 10:30am-12:30pm.
For more information and to register please click here:
Our Advisory Panel
Project Lead: Konrad Im (Gay Project, Community Development Worker)
Paula McCarthy (Principal, CCFET: Douglas Street Campus)
Elaine Allen (Disability and Inclusion Officer CCFET: Morrisons Island Campus),
Gráinne Walsh (Ballyphehane/Togher Community Development Project),
Siobhan Kangataran (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, MTU),
Alannah O’Connor (Welfare Officer UCC Students’ Union),
Kelda Mac (Vice President for Welfare – MTU Cork Students Union).