Cork City Launches LGBTI+ Awareness Week with Focus on Trans Allyship

Cork City Council has launched its annual LGBTI+ Awareness Week, running from 12 to 18 May 2025, with this year's theme being 'Trans Allyship in Action'. The week-long programme of events aims to highlight the urgent need for meaningful and active support for transgender and non-binary people.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle, officially opened the awareness week on Monday, 12 May, at Cork City Hall. During the launch, he thanked the LGBTI+ Inter-Agency Group for their continuing efforts in creating a more inclusive city.

"This year's theme of 'Trans Allyship in Action' is a call to all the people living in Cork to engage in active 'Allyship' with our Transgender Community members, by showing solidarity, respect and friendship at every opportunity in all your social engagements," said Councillor Boyle.

The Lord Mayor also recognised the work of Siobhan O'Dowd, adding her to his Civic Awards list for 2025 for her leadership on LGBTI+ rights through the LGBTI+ Inter-Agency.

Cork City Council Chief Executive, Valerie O'Sullivan, welcomed keynote speaker Minister of State for Department of Rural and Community Development, Jerry Buttimer TD, and the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Mickey Murray, to this year's launch.

O'Sullivan noted that "this high level of engagement signifies an important all-island collaborative approach to social inclusion, equality and rights for the LGBTI+ communities across our shared spaces. It will bring further awareness to the issues faced by the LGBTI+ Community and their need for strong allies."

Councillor Boyle highlighted the significance of the Belfast Lord Mayor's attendance, stating that the invitation "enshrines Cork City as a 'City of Welcomes' which values connectivity, cooperation, outreach and collaboration."

Dr Kevin Hosford, representing Gender Rebels on the LGBTI+ Inter-Agency, emphasised the importance of this year's theme:

"At a time when trans rights are increasingly under attack globally, allyship must go beyond statements of support. It must be a commitment to advocacy, protection, and empowerment."

The week features a range of free events inviting people to come together to challenge homophobia, lesbophobia, transphobia, and biphobia, demonstrating the solidarity of the people of Cork with LGBTI+ communities locally and globally.

Key events include:

• IDAHOBIT Seminar 'Trans Allyship in Action' on Wednesday morning, 14 May in the Council Chamber, City Hall (registration required)
• LGBTI+ Culture Night on Thursday, 15 May at Triskel Arts Centre featuring a screening of the acclaimed drama RŪRANGI
• Rainbow Cities Network Photo Exhibition 'Queer Sports' on Friday, 16 May at the City Library at 1.00 p.m.
• Rainbow Picnic on Saturday afternoon, 17 May (IDAHOBIT Day) in Fitzgerald Park

Most events are open to the public with full details available at www.corkcity.ie/lgbti and on social media @CorkLGBTWeek.

The Cork LGBTI+ Inter-Agency Group comprises representatives from state and semi-state bodies, NGOs, and LGBTI+ community organisations, all working to increase awareness of LGBTI+ issues within their own provision and across society at large.