Cork can be LGBT-eriffic
Cork may be on its way to becoming the best place on earth to be lesbian, gay, bi or transgender (LGBT).
That’s according to the Cork Gay Project who are convinced that the Rebel County can become a shining beacon for LGBT rights around the globe.
Speaking to the Cork Independent, Cork Gay Project Coordinator Pádraig Rice said: “This could be the best place in the world to be LGBT. I think we're doing really well.”
In an ambitious proposal to be launched this Friday, the gay rights group will urge all candidates for the upcoming elections to commit to implementing the goals outlined in their programme.
The overall proposal will consist of five separate propositions which it is hoped will propel Cork to the number one spot on the planet for LGBT rights.
One of the more pressing propositions is to ensure that Cork works with the HSE and other services to establish a holistic gay men’s health service in line with the existing service in Dublin.
Mr Rice said: “At the moment in Cork the sexual health services aren't comparable to what's available in Dublin. Last year we saw the highest number of new HIV infections in Ireland.”
Continued on page 4
HIV rates are at the highest they've ever been. We know that health outcomes for gay, bi and trans men aren't as good as they should be.”
Another main goal of the proposition is to ensure that there is an awareness and visibility of LGBT people and that an “LGBT lens” is applied to all policy making.
“Since 2014 the landscape has completely changed in terms of LGBT rights. We've got the marriage equality referendum and we've also got the gender recognition act,” said Mr Rice.
He continued: “During the referendum a lot of people came out in the public, people like media presenters, and sports figures like Donal Óg, who came out and had a huge impact in terms of the awareness and acceptance of LGBT people, especially in young people who are coming out and are looking for a role model. They are saying 'It's okay to be gay'."
The launch is set to take place on Friday from 5.30-6.15pm at Gay Project, 4 South Terrace and all are welcome to attend.