Rebel Awards NEXT MONTH!

Get your tickets for the Rebel Awards being held by our Munster neighbours. The event will take place on Saturday November 10th in the Imperial Hotel!

We are delighted to announce that the date has been set for the 2012 Cork Rebel Awards!

Tickets: Will soon be available online and are € 35.00 each (excluding booking fee) and include

Mulled Wine Drinks reception
4 Course Meal
Awards Ceremony
Late Entertainment with Collage
Dress Code – Formal (not black tie)

(Please note tickets must be paid at time of purchase)

Details can be found at www.CorkRebelAwards.com

Take our survey

We’ve set up a survey to get your feedback on the direction sOUTh will take in the future. We would love to hear your opinions so please take a moment to fill it in. We’d also appreciate if you could share it with other LGBT individuals in Waterford & the South East so we can reach as many people as possible.

The survey can be taken here - https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X5NT3CD

Counselling service

An appointment for our new counselling service can be booked by contacting 0863174847. Trained individuals are available to meet you one on one to discuss any LGBT issues and offer support, guidance and help where needed. No issue is too small so don’t hesitate to contact us.

Counselling service - 0863174847

Get your Rebel Awards tickets

Details for the Rebel Awards being held by our Munster neighbours have been released. The event will take place on Saturday November 10th in the Imperial Hotel!

We are delighted to announce that the date has been set for the 2012 Cork Rebel Awards!

Tickets: Will soon be available online and are € 35.00 each (excluding booking fee) and include

Mulled Wine Drinks reception
4 Course Meal
Awards Ceremony
Late Entertainment with Collage
Dress Code – Formal (not black tie)

(Please note tickets must be paid at time of purchase)

Details can be found at www.CorkRebelAwards.com

Out For The Weekend – THIS WEEKEND

OUT For The Weekend, Kilkenny’s Gay Pride festival is returning from 24th - 26th August this year. Now in its third year thanks to funding from The Community Foundation of Ireland and The Councils of the City & County of Kilkenny, the festival is offering up a more diverse line up of performance, art, theatre, music and symposiums to cater to everyone of all ages, genders and persuasions.

This years festival will be mostly focused on the Parliament Street area of Kilkenny City and kicks off on Friday 24th August with the opening of the Irish Queer Archives. A major coup for the festival, The Irish Queer Archives contains the most comprehensive collection of material in Ireland relating to homosexuality and general queer studies, providing fascinating insights into the social, cultural and political history of the LGBT communities in an Irish and international context during the latter half of the 20th century. It will be followed up by a night of performance, pop, dance and burlesque with cabaret crooner Captain Anchor accompanied by DJ Alex on the decks. Entry for this kick off party is free!

In another coup for the festival, Devious Theatre will be performing their acclaimed new show Phantasm by John Kennedy in Cleere’s Theatre for five performances from Thursday to Saturday night. The drug-addled romantic comedy opened at Solstice during Cork Midsummer Festival and this will be its debut performance in Kilkenny.

Saturday sees LGBT Diversity presenting Gay & Lesbian Health and Well-Being workshops in the Abbey Business Centre with free entry for all. One of Saturday night’s big shows sees the return of Rosie Howick perform her exhilirating Kylie, Lady Gaga & Katy Perry tribute extravaganza. DJ Razor’s 90’s Mixtape will be opening proceedings with DJ Iano wrapping things up with dancing into the wee hours.

The Sunday events include WalkabOUT Kilkenny, which begins at the Parade on Sunday morning with everyone welcome to join. The big musical hit of last years festival was the Rock OUT competition with this years Rock OUT Final taking place in the Foróige Drum Youth Centre at 4.30pm with some of the regions best young bands duking it out for a cash prize. Only the best will survive!

The weekend will be wrapping up with the dynamic twosome of the All Time DJs returning with an 80’s megamix entitled Now That’s What I Call All Time 80’s. The event takes place in Kilkenny from 24th - 26th August and all information can be found at the festival website www.OUTForTheWeekend.ie You can also hook up with OUT For The Weekend on Facebook and Twitter at @outftw.

Out For The Weekend – NEXT WEEKEND

OUT For The Weekend, Kilkenny’s Gay Pride festival is returning from 24th - 26th August this year. Now in its third year thanks to funding from The Community Foundation of Ireland and The Councils of the City & County of Kilkenny, the festival is offering up a more diverse line up of performance, art, theatre, music and symposiums to cater to everyone of all ages, genders and persuasions.

This years festival will be mostly focused on the Parliament Street area of Kilkenny City and kicks off on Friday 24th August with the opening of the Irish Queer Archives. A major coup for the festival, The Irish Queer Archives contains the most comprehensive collection of material in Ireland relating to homosexuality and general queer studies, providing fascinating insights into the social, cultural and political history of the LGBT communities in an Irish and international context during the latter half of the 20th century. It will be followed up by a night of performance, pop, dance and burlesque with cabaret crooner Captain Anchor accompanied by DJ Alex on the decks. Entry for this kick off party is free!

In another coup for the festival, Devious Theatre will be performing their acclaimed new show Phantasm by John Kennedy in Cleere’s Theatre for five performances from Thursday to Saturday night. The drug-addled romantic comedy opened at Solstice during Cork Midsummer Festival and this will be its debut performance in Kilkenny.

Saturday sees LGBT Diversity presenting Gay & Lesbian Health and Well-Being workshops in the Abbey Business Centre with free entry for all. One of Saturday night’s big shows sees the return of Rosie Howick perform her exhilirating Kylie, Lady Gaga & Katy Perry tribute extravaganza. DJ Razor’s 90’s Mixtape will be opening proceedings with DJ Iano wrapping things up with dancing into the wee hours.

The Sunday events include WalkabOUT Kilkenny, which begins at the Parade on Sunday morning with everyone welcome to join. The big musical hit of last years festival was the Rock OUT competition with this years Rock OUT Final taking place in the Foróige Drum Youth Centre at 4.30pm with some of the regions best young bands duking it out for a cash prize. Only the best will survive!

The weekend will be wrapping up with the dynamic twosome of the All Time DJs returning with an 80’s megamix entitled Now That’s What I Call All Time 80’s. The event takes place in Kilkenny from 24th - 26th August and all information can be found at the festival website www.OUTForTheWeekend.ie You can also hook up with OUT For The Weekend on Facebook and Twitter at @outftw.

Out For The Weekend

OUT For The Weekend, Kilkenny’s Gay Pride festival is returning from 24th - 26th August this year. Now in its third year thanks to funding from The Community Foundation of Ireland and The Councils of the City & County of Kilkenny, the festival is offering up a more diverse line up of performance, art, theatre, music and symposiums to cater to everyone of all ages, genders and persuasions.

This years festival will be mostly focused on the Parliament Street area of Kilkenny City and kicks off on Friday 24th August with the opening of the Irish Queer Archives. A major coup for the festival, The Irish Queer Archives contains the most comprehensive collection of material in Ireland relating to homosexuality and general queer studies, providing fascinating insights into the social, cultural and political history of the LGBT communities in an Irish and international context during the latter half of the 20th century. It will be followed up by a night of performance, pop, dance and burlesque with cabaret crooner Captain Anchor accompanied by DJ Alex on the decks. Entry for this kick off party is free!

In another coup for the festival, Devious Theatre will be performing their acclaimed  new show Phantasm by John Kennedy in Cleere’s Theatre for five performances from Thursday to Saturday night. The drug-addled romantic comedy opened at Solstice during Cork Midsummer Festival and this will be its debut performance in Kilkenny.

Saturday sees LGBT Diversity presenting Gay & Lesbian Health and Well-Being workshops in the Abbey Business Centre with free entry for all. One of Saturday night’s big shows sees the return of Rosie Howick perform her exhilirating Kylie, Lady Gaga & Katy Perry tribute extravaganza. DJ Razor’s 90’s Mixtape will be opening proceedings with DJ Iano wrapping things up with dancing into the wee hours.

The Sunday events include WalkabOUT Kilkenny, which begins at the Parade on Sunday morning with everyone welcome to join. The big musical hit of last years festival was the Rock OUT competition with this years Rock OUT Final taking place in the Foróige Drum Youth Centre at 4.30pm with some of the regions best young bands duking it out for a cash prize. Only the best will survive!

The weekend will be wrapping up with the dynamic twosome of the All Time DJs returning with an 80’s megamix entitled Now That’s What I Call All Time 80’s. The event takes place in Kilkenny from 24th - 26th August and all information can be found at the festival website www.OUTForTheWeekend.ie You can also hook up with OUT For The Weekend on Facebook and Twitter at @outftw.

Rebel Awards tickets on sale!

Details for the Rebel Awards being held by our Munster neighbours have been released. The event will take place on Saturday November 10th in the Imperial Hotel!

We are delighted to announce that the date has been set for the 2012 Cork Rebel Awards!

Tickets: Will soon be available online and are € 35.00 each (excluding booking fee) and include

Mulled Wine Drinks reception
4 Course Meal
Awards Ceremony
Late Entertainment with Collage
Dress Code – Formal (not black tie)

(Please note tickets must be paid at time of purchase)

Details can be found at www.CorkRebelAwards.com

Touching The Surface Book Launch

TranSE - Transgender South-East

Cordially invites you to the;

Trans Voices ‘Touching the Surface’ Book Launch

Date; Friday 20^th July 2012

Time; 7pm-8.30pm

Venue; Bishops Palace, The Mall, Waterford City

The Mayor of Waterford Councillor Jim D’arcy

Will officially launch this first ever book of its kind in Ireland

Canapés, wine, tea, Coffee and Light refreshments will be served

A number of guest speakers will join us on the night

Please RSVP by Tuesday 17^th July (if possible) to Vanessa@teni.ie

Phone; 085-1477166

Dundalk Pride this weekend!

Dundalk Pride will take place this weekend!! More details can be found at www.DundalkPride.com

Follow our blog!

We here at sOUTh try our best to keep you up to date with all the info and goings on however if you have any information you’d like us to post either here or on the website, please don’t hesitate to mail us at news@southlgbt.com

In the meantime we’d be delighted if you could click “join site” to the left!

Pink Parenting

We’ve just been made aware of the following magazine and thought we’d bring it to your attention. Looks like a very worthwhile read!

Hi Everyone,
If you have kids or want them - The Premier Parenting Magazine for the LGBT Community... http://www.facebook.com/PinkParenting - please like us and spread the word.. Thank you!

2012 Rebel Awards

Details for the Rebel Awards being held by our Munster neighbours have been released. The event will take place on Saturday November 10th in the Imperial Hotel!

We are delighted to announce that the date has been set for the 2012 Cork Rebel Awards!

Tickets: Will soon be available online and are € 35.00 each (excluding booking fee) and include

Mulled Wine Drinks reception
4 Course Meal
Awards Ceremony
Late Entertainment with Collage
Dress Code – Formal (not black tie)

(Please note tickets must be paid at time of purchase)

Details can be found at www.CorkRebelAwards.com

Dublin Pride listings

For this visiting Dublin Pride this weekend, here’s what’s going on in the capital!

SATURDAY 30TH JUNE

Outhouse Champagne Breakfast
What better way to kick start the day? Champagne, Strawberries & Cream. For further information contact Outhouse on 01 873 4999.
Venue: Outhouse, 105 Capel Street, D1
Time: 11-1:30pm
Admission: Free

Dublin Pride Parade 2012
Venue: Garden of Remembrance
Time: Assembly at 12pm and moving off at 2pm sharp
Admission: Free

Pride In The Park
With main stage performances from Brian Kennedy and Fierce Fitness pole dancing troupe as well as DJ Tonic spinning decks there’s something for everyone at our post parade event. Feel free to explore our dedicated family picnic zone, interact with our sponsors 98fm, Facebook, Barefoot Wines and Red Bull or simply chill out after walking the parade route in Merrion Square and its environs.
Venue: Merrion Square, D2
Time: 3.30pm
Admission: Free

Pantibar’s Pride Street Party
Venue: Pantibar, 7-8 Capel Street, D1

Pride Parade Day at the George
Pump Up The Jam at 6pm
6 DJ’s including the return of DJ Anto and Craic Out the Back
Venue: The George, 89 South Great George’s St., D2
Admission: €10

The Front Lounge: Dublin Pride 2012
Join us at the Front Lounge to celebrate Dublin Pride 2012. DJ’s from 5pm.
Venue: The Front Lounge, 33 Parliament Street, D2
Admission: Free

Gaydar.ie presents Gaydar Pride
Doors open at 4pm. Dragged Up with Victoria Secret & Guests. Pop Mezz with Regina George, DJ Ruth & DJ Patrick Scahill on the Main Floor and Gaydar Radio DJ Phil Marriot from Midnight.
Venue: The Dragon, 65 South Great George’s St., D2
Admission: Free before 9pm / €5 after (Doors at 5pm)

Bukkake Pride All Day Event
Thats right, this year for Dublin Pride Bukkake are at it all day. From 5pm to very very late, they're having a street party, with guest DJ's in the Bar. An all day roof top Party In The Sycamore, and the club will be cranking open from 9pm.
Venue: Purty Kitchen, Temple Bar, D2

Pride: Mothers’ Bloc Party!
Mother is throwing a Bloc Party & BBQ with FREE Admission to all! Join us for AL FRESCO ELECTRO with DJs Will St Leger, GhostBoy & Rocky T Delgado on the Decks from 3pm! ! ! ! ! In Mothers Underground Pride Party (Kicking off from 9pm): Join DJs GhostBoy & Rocky playing the finest in Synth, Electro & Disco ‘til the wee small hours!
Venue: Mother, Copper Alley off Dame Street, D2
Admission: Free admission to the block Party / €10 to the underground Party from 9.

Dublin Pride Presents Kaleidoscope: Pride True Colours!
Please support the OFFICIAL Dublin Pride night.
Venue: The Button Factory, Curved Street, Temple Bar, D2
Time: 9pm
Admission: €13/€10 (early bird)

SUNDAY 1ST JULY

Ceremony of Love & Remembrance
This is an event which allows us to take time to remember our friends and loved ones who are no longer here with us to celebrate Pride. Guest speakers and singers.
Venue: Oscar Wilde statue, Merrion Square, D2
Time: 6pm
Admission: Free

Now that’s what I call Pride! Bingo with Shirley Temple Bar
Don’t let all that Pride go to your head. Join Shirley and the gang for the perfect way to end a great weekend.
Venue: The George, 89 South Great George’s St., D2
Time: 8.30pm
Admission: €5

Official Closing Party of Pride 2012
Boy George DJ set with support from DJ Sarah Lennox
Venue: Sauce @ The Kitchen Nightclub, The Clarence Hotel, D2
Time: 10.30pm
Admission: €20 (€50 wristbands as well and that includes entry and a free bar all night long on vodka splash ,whiskey splash and heniken all night long)

Bubble is back!

Bubble is set to return and the new Friday night club will be split between the Forum and Dignity! Full details in the poster below!

Dundalk Pride

Dundalk Pride will take place on the 12th to the 14th of July!! More details can be found at www.DundalkPride.com

Marriage Equality at pride festivals

This from Marriage Equality -

This Pride we're going to have shirts in each colour of the rainbow, each highlighting a different inequality. Last year it was a Sea of Purple, and this year we want to see a Marriage Equality Rainbow marching through:

Dublin - June 30th
Dundalk - July 14th
Cork - August 5th
Northwest - August 11th
Galway - TBC
Waterford - August 18th
and Limerick - September 8th

We hope you'll join our rainbow this Pride season, and help us send a colourful but serious message that Civil Partnership is not enough, and it's not equality.
Will you be marching with us? Drop us a line to let us know you'll be there - don't forget to mention which Pride you'll be at! info@marriagequality.ie

The Voice Of Dignity final TONIGHT!

The Voice of Dignity has reached the end and tonight 1 person will walk away with €3000! Leanne Murphy, Clare Smith, Eoin Gallagher and Eric O’Hickey are the finalists and it looks like it will be a tense final. It kicks off from 9:30pm in Dignity.

Dublin Pride

Dublin Pride will take place later this month and will attract people from all over Ireland including many from Waterford and the South East. The full line up can be found at www.DublinPride.ie and it looks like the event will be bigger than ever! We at sOUTh are certainly looking forward to it!

Tonight at Dignity

For those looking for what’s on tonight on Waterford’s gay scene, Dignity features the return of Roxxi Sparks who’ll be joining Charmin and Divalicious for some fun, games and madness. DJ Chloe will be DJing until the early hours.

Join TranSE on Facebook

TranSE, the trans group for the South East region has a new group page on Facebook. Transgender South East (TranSE) endeavour to provide a supportive and safe environment for all individuals who identify as transgender. They embrace all aspects of gender diversity and will work towards respecting individuality, raising transgender awareness and supporting transgender individuals, their families and friends through their support group.

The Facebook page is here - http://www.facebook.com/groups/120086862025/

Dungarvan event in the Dungarvan Leader

The Dungarvan LGBT night in Davitts on June 22nd has made it into the Dungarvan leader this week. Picture below!

Cork Pride

The new poster for Cork Pride has been released with the new dates of 29th of July to 6th of August. We try to do our best to support the other LGBT events in Munster and hope you do too. Full details of the festival can be found at http://corkpride.com/

Pre-Dungarvan drinks at Dignity

We’re delighted to announce that Dignity will be doing special drinks promos on Friday 22nd before the bus leaves from outside at 9pm to the LGBT night in Dungarvan. We’ve also been offered a few tipples for the journey! It’s looking like it’s going to be a great night!

Dungarvan’s First LGBT Night!

Do you fancy a change of scene??!!
The hottest and best nightclub in town, Davitts is holding Dungarvan’s 1st LGBT night June 22nd.

Entertainment on the night includes the lush Ms Victoria De Tampax with Cabaret and Blind Date show. Will you find your perfect match??! Meal voucher for the winning couple. Then party the night away in the club with 2 dance floors on 2 levels.
We also have Lucy Luice from Cork's gay bar Chambers.

Drink promos on the night -
7 Deadly Sins Cocktails @ €5 What sin are you
Mix and Mach any 6 shots for €20
Mix and Match any 6 bottles of Miller, Breezer, Smirnoff Ice €20
The classic BullRound 4 vodkas 2 Redbulls €20

Best of all for all the Waterford guys and gals a bus will depart from Waterford at 9pm on John Street (outside The Front Lounge) to Dungarvan. Bus and entry to club only €15! You will be brought home again at the end of night.

With support from South LGBT

LGBT South East Awards Winners

South East LGBT friendly business

Dignity Bar, Waterford

 

South East DJ

DJ Shaz

 

South East entertainer

Charmin Eletrik

 

South East LGBT event

Waterford Pride

 

South East LGBT organisation

TranSE

 

South East LGBT person

Berni Smith

 

South East LGBT social group

sOUTh

 

South East straight

Ross Costigan

 

South East volunteer

Tracy Morrisey

 

South East youth initiative

Gay Youth Wexford

 

Irish LGBT event

Mr Gay Ireland

 

Irish LGBT media personality

David Norris

 

Irish LGBT organisation

TENI

 

Irish LGBT website

Gayse.net

Richie Hayes tonight in Dignity

Tonight in Dignity see’s The Voice of Ireland's Finalists Richie Hayes, Kiera Byrne, Kym Haden, along with our girl's from the Voice of Dignity Leanne Murphy, & Leona Keogh. Also a very special guest from Cork Lorraine McCarthy. €8 entry on door or use the password Supercalfragilisticexpialidocious to get in for €5 :):) One show not to be missed.

LGBT Awards TONIGHT

The LGBT South East Awards are happening tonight in Mojo, Waterford. Tickets are available from €10 at the door. The champagne reception starts at 8pm and finger food will be provided. Last years entertainer of the year, Joanna Ryde, will be on hand to host proceedings and DJ Chloe will be DJing until the early hours! Looks like it’s going to be a great night.

For those Twitter fans out there, the hashtag is #SEawards12

LGBT Awards THIS FRIDAY!

Don’t forget the LGBT Awards are on THIS FRIDAY!  in Mojo Lounge, Waterford. Tickets can be purchased from the sOUTh committee in advance or at the door on the night. The awards will be hosted by our very own Joanna Ryde followed by DJ Chloe on the decks! Promises to be a great night!

LGBT night in Dungarvan

ITS OFFICIAL!!!! Dungarvans 1st LGBT night will take place on the 22nd of June in the hottest venue in town, Davitts Dungarvan. Entertainment on the night will be a Cabaret show and a version of Blind Date hosted by the fab Victoria de Tampax. Bus will be provided from Waterford to Dungarvan and even better for those travelling, the bus will take you home again at the end of the night!

LGBT South East Awards 2012

The LGBT South East Awards will take place THIS FRIDAY in Mojo Lounge, Waterford. Tickets can be purchased from the sOUTh Committee in advance or at the door on the night. Below is a list of the nominees!

South East LGBT friendly business

Dignity Bar, Waterford

Geoffs Bar, Waterford

Mycrofilms, Kilkenny

O'Keefe's, Clonmel

Revolution/Mojo, Waterford

River Sanctuary Holistic Centre, Waterford

 

South East DJ

DJ Chloe

DJ Cullie

Stephen Duggan

Ian Doran

DJ Shaz

 

South East entertainer

Charmin Eletrik

Divalicious

Joanna Ryde

Storey

Victoria De Tampax

 

South East LGBT event

Gay Wedding Kildare

Mr Gay South Tipperary

Out For The Weekend

Waterford Pride

TransAction 2

WIT Rainbow Day

 

South East LGBT organisation

Chill Out

Out For The Weekend

sOUTh

LGBT South Tipperary

TranSE

WIT LGBT

 

South East LGBT person

Alan Slattery

Berni Smith

Deirdre Ni Dhubhaill

Jim Gordon (Flash)

Thomas Ryan

Tracy Morrisey

Vanessa Lacey

 

South East LGBT social group

Dining Out Kilkenny

sOUTh

Sunrise LGBT Kildare

Wanna Bees Glee Club

WIT LGBT

 

South East straight

Amanda Kavanagh

Brian Staunton

Denise McCarthy

Ger Taylor

James Bishop

Jonathan Rolle (Chuckie)

Mary Byrne

Mary Roche

Ross Costigan

 

South East volunteer

Aideen Aulsberry

Dee Bushell

Kevin Kelly

Thomas Ryan

Tracy Morrisey

Trina Tsai

 

South East youth initiative

Chill Out

Gay Youth Wexford

LGBT Parents

RockOut Kilkenny

Stand Up

 

Irish LGBT event

Alternative Miss Ireland

Dublin Pride

Mr Gay Ireland

Ms Gay Ireland

Pink Training

 

Irish LGBT media personality

Alan Hughes

Brendan Courtney

David Norris

Michael Barron

Panti

 

Irish LGBT organisation

Belong To

GLEN

LGBT Diversity

Marriage Equality

TENI

 

Irish LGBT website

Belong To

Gaelick

GayCork.com

Gayse.net

JoannaRyde.com

Out For The Weekend

QueerID

TENI

sOUThLGBT.com is now live

Our new website, sOUThLGBT.com is now online! As well as connecting to the blog, you’ll also be able to get information on support, groups, events and all the details you need to contact us! If you have anything you’d like to feature on the website, feel free to contact us!

LGBT South East Awards 2012

The nominations for the 2012 LGBT South East Awards will close tomorrow! This is your last chance to vote!

Go to http://www.southlgbt.com/awards to nominate now!

Looking for LGBT people for TV projects!

We have been contacted by the following TV companies looking for LGBT individuals!

A television production company called Below the Radar is looking to speak to LGBT families on the challenges they face because of the current situation around Irish legislation. We’re currently on a fact finding mission, so if you’re interested in sharing your story, send an email to patrick@belowtheradar.tv

A documentary on RTE 2 are searching for the following people :-
1. A Gay man who has adopted
2. A Gay man who decided to have a child with a lesbian or heterosexual woman
3. A Gay man who has been through 'surrogacy'

Family Day–Dublin 2012

Welcome to Family Day, Sunday 13 May 2012

What is Family Day?

Family Day is a big annual celebration of the diversity of families and family life in Ireland. As broadcaster Ian Dempsey explained at today’s launch, ‘Families come in all shapes and sizes and Family Day is a day for everyone to celebrate their family, no matter what its make-up, and to think about what family really means.’

Family... Day is brought to you by One Family, Ireland’s leading organisation for one-parent families, in association with EBS. It is One Family’s 40th anniversary this year, so we want your support to make Family Day 2012 bigger and better than ever.
On Sunday 13 May 2012 One Family and EBS will host a wonderful family event with free entertainment, family sports activities, face painting and arts and crafts workshops in Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens – come and join us and bring your own picnic to celebrate family day. If you don’t have time to prepare your own picnic, visit our food village for a range of quality refreshments. Or if you are not based in Dublin – why not hold your own event? Just register and tell us all about it. The type of family event you hold is entirely up to you and can be held any time during the week of Monday 7 to Sunday 13 May. If you are an organisation, you may want to organise a family-themed arts and crafts project, or a storytelling hour or even a formal talk – if you are a family you may prefer to have a family outing such as a treasure-hunt, or a family X-Factor competition. See here for loads of ideas.

This year you could win €500 in our art competition by drawing or painting your family portrait and dropping it into any EBS office – or by posting it to One Family, 2 Lower Pembroke St, Dublin 2. The closing date for portraits is 31 May.

Why not turn your event into a fundraiser for One Family?

One Family is the national organisation for people who parent alone or share parenting, because sometimes it isn’t easy being mum and dad. Monies raised will go to our askonefamily national helpline which gives support, information and a listening ear to lone parents going through a difficult time. See here for details on how to hold a fundraiser.

Why Celebrate?

We believe all families matter, and that individuals who feel cared for and supported by those around them – whether families or others in their lives – help to make stronger communities for us all. We know that families are not all the same. We define a family as two or more people, related by blood, marriage, adoption or commitment to care for one another. We celebrate all types of family – blended, extended, adoptive and foster families, and those with one-parent or same-sex parents.

Who supports Family Day?

Family Day is brought to you by One Family in association with EBS, with media support from Today FM and The Evening Herald. It is supported by community and voluntary groups, schools and charities around the country, see partners and supporters for how to sign up your group’s participation or add your support.

Next steps…

Register your own Family Day event

Enter our art competition to win €500*

Attend our Family Day Picnic.

“Like” our Facebook Page and mark yourself as attending the Family Day Picnic on our Facebook Event page

See which individuals and organisations are supporting Family Day 2012.

Watch the One Family Stories video to see why we support one-parent families.

Tell us your story – what family means to you and why family is important to you.

Munster’s Premier Eurovision party

Munster’s First Ever Eurovision Preview Party live in The Basement Bar, Revolution on Friday 18th May!

Watch this years songs on the Big Screen, then party into the small hours to your favourite Eurovision & National Final Gems, mixed by DJ Chloe Jackson of Lamph.

Bingo every Wednesday

We’ve decided to start a weekly Bingo outing to the Forum every Wednesday meeting up outside at 7:45pm. It’s only a fiver to play and it’s all great fun in a relaxed environment! All are welcome!

Nu Scene is back THIS FRIDAY!

Nu Scene is BACK on the 27th of April in conjunction with the WIT LGBT society to bring you another fun filled night in the Forum Waterford! It will be held upstairs in the Venue Bar for that intimate setting with a Gay Bar feel to it!

Come along and bring your dancing shoes because it's going to be a mad one :)

What activities would you like to see?

We are currently looking to find out what activities YOU would like to see us organise. Is there a sport that interests you or a hobby you’ve always wanted to partake in? Perhaps training or education interests you or maybe you just want a way to meet new people? We’d love to hear your feedback and we’ll do our best to organise it! Contact us here or on Facebook!

Nominate for the 2012 LGBT South East Awards

Nominations for the 2012 LGBT South East Awards are now open! Every vote counts so get onto the site and cast yours now. Nominees will be announced in early May with the ceremony taking place on June 1st in Mojo Lounge, Waterford! We’d appreciate if you could also spread the word.

Nominate here - http://www.southlgbt.com/awards/

Alternative Miss Ireland this Sunday

The last ever Alternative Miss Ireland will take place this Sunday in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre! The South East will have 2 representatives in the form of Pixie Woo (native of Kilkenny) and Avryll Nitrate (Originally from Clonmel). Over the years, the South East has had a number of contestants take part and Waterford itself saw Penny Tration and current Dignity star Charmin Eletrik take part. We’re even proud to have a former winner in our midst in the form of Joanna Ryde who’s been living in Waterford for the past 2 years! Below are some video’s from Joanna’s winning entry in 2007. Please be advised they contain strong language.

Waterford Pride 2003

This is a little something we found in Free Magazine in relation to Waterford Pride 2003!

Though many of the specifics were being confirmed as we went to print, highlights this year include 2 huge drag shows, 2 club nights, the White Ball plus many more activities including appearances by Veda, Panti, Shirley Temple Bar, Dolly Grip, Fabula DeBeaumarchais and Waterford’s own Gloria Access.

Looking back at Prism

The following appeared in Free Magazine in March 2005!

Prism was set up in 1998 when a group of individuals who has undergone community development training organised by the Waterford Gay Lesbian Resource Group that existed at the time had identified the need for a drop in service for all members of sexual minorities in Waterford. They set about securing some funding and a premises and formed a drop in service in the community in Lady Lane House. Here they operated a small café and information centre on a part time basis and supported the development of groups within the centre.

The aim of Prism is to provide the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community of the South East a safe space to meet others, take part in work shops and social outings. There are no age boundaries if visiting the drop in. Unfortunately in 2003 they lost the use of the premises due to renovation work and became homeless for a period of time until the Waterford Area Partnership kindly offered their building to the group. Since then Prism has been operating a limited service to the community from these premises on Wednesday nights from 8pm to 10pm.

The lack of permanent premises has affected other support services for the LGBT community such as Gay Line South East. This confidential phone line provided a much-needed facility for the area but was forced to suspend its service in August 2004. This was due to a lack of volunteers, low level funding and an increase in running costs due to premises change. The phone line is hoping to resume their normal service when a new premises is secured.

The absence of a resource worker and dependence on volunteers has caused prism to experience times of uncertainty and has put on hold the amount of development that can take place. Its volunteers however have kept the facility in existence over the past year and a half and are now very excited about the changes that are soon to take place.

Over the past year a group called sOUTh have been working on the task of securing a space for all of the services to the LGBT community to use. SOUTh are an amalgamation of members of Prism, Gay-Line South East, WIT LGBT society, Pride and active members of the gay community.

They have been successful in obtaining funds from the Waterford Area Partnership for 2005. The premises will give the community the ability to expand, create more support groups and help the services of the South East to develop. It is our hope that a parents support group, transgender support, women's group, men's group and youth group could be just some of the groups that form as their needs are very often very separate from one another. The facilitation of workshops both for personal and creative development will be part of our work along with organising social meets and fundraisers.

This expansion can be daunting for people who might consider volunteering with the groups but our emphasis is on training and learning together. There will be ongoing training throughout the year to ensure volunteers will be kept as up to date as possible. Our hopes for an improved service cannot take place unless we have the volunteers to run it. Giving just one hour a week could make a huge difference to the development of Waterford as a great service provider for the South East LGBT community. Prism drop in is held every Wednesday 8-10pm in the Waterford Area Partnership.

Queerbash 2012

Queerbash 2012 will take place in Dolans on April 13th! If you’re in Limerick be sure to check it out!

Exhibition for The Kasey Kelly Trust Fund

Exhibition in aid of The Kasey Kelly Trust Fund in The Front Lounge, Thursday April 5th, hosted by Brendan Courtney. It's sure to be a great night, for a great cause, make sure to come check it out (artwork will be available to preview in The Front Lounge from Sunday the 1st of April).

Kasey Collective is an exhibition of work in aid of The Kasey Kelly Trust Fund. Kasey Kelly is a one year old girl who has been diagnosed with AT/RT Cancer (Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor). She is currently in Crumlin Hospital, but the life s...aving treatment she needs to survive is not available to her here in Ireland. As a result her family need to raise €500,000 to send her to Boston to get the care she requires. Kasey Collective brings together the work of dozens of artists from many different backgrounds, who between them have many different styles, but who do have one thing in common - they all wanted to help raise the vital funds for Kasey's treatment. The exhibition is sure to have something for everyone - from the street art style of Maser's work, Adrian and Shane's skillful stencil-work, Will St. Leger's always comical commentary on Irish society and many more.

The audience is offered two different ways of purchasing works. The first way is a guaranteed-to-win raffle. Raffle tickets will be sold on the night, which guarantees the purchaser a piece of work, they just don't know which work. At the end of the night numbers will be pulled and purchasers will be informed which piece they have won. All works not in this category will be priced, but will also have an option to 'make an offer'.

This is an event not to be missed, come have a great night, check out the artwork and help a great cause at the same time.

Other participating artists include Solus, Fink, Emma Blake, Jess Szepsy, Donna Kelly, Claire McCluskey, Orla McNally, Kate Stitt, Maeve O'Flaherty, Aine O'Flaherty, Mark O'Toole, Emma Ray, Mason McMillen, Jennifer Quigley, Cats Byrne, Hannah McMillen, Thomas Moran, Sarah Murphy, Sarah Fitzpatrick, Derbhla Leddy, Doug Barratt, Emma Brown, Nicola Carragher, Aisling Ní Chlaonadh, Alan O Reilly, Paul Bailey, Debbie Hopkins, Adrian Langtry, Keith Kavanagh, Dona Stankune, Steph Gallagher, Paul McGrane, Marc Guinan, Marie Cowley, Maria Quigley, Aisling McKenna, Rosslyn Cowley, Linda Byrne, Bridie Farrell, Sarah Carney, Melinda Kugyelka, Chris Dicker, Martin Baker, Lucie Pacovska, Aurélie Montfrond, Deirdre Spain, Caroline Sweeney, Paul Aherne and Anto Ross (of Spilled Ink Tattoo Studio).
The exhibition will be open for the public to preview the work from Sunday the 1st of April.

If you would like to know more about The Kasey Kelly Trust Fund, or how you can help Kasey get her treatment go to her website www.kare4kasey.com or Facebook page www.facebook.com/kaseykellytrustfund

Wexford Meet Up - 9th March

Gay Wexford will be having a meet-up on the 9th of March in South51. Go along and support them if you can.

Following on from a great February event, a great turn out and a fantastic atmosphere we are delighted to announce details of our March event.
We are back once again @ South51 Bar on Wexford's South Main St
All the usual trimmings can be expected on the night
...
* Late Bar
* Dj Cullie Paul on the decks
* Complimentary finger food
* Spot Prize give-aways
* And introducing some interactive party games - win and you might be lucky to bag yourself a free shot or cocktail :-)
Admission as always is free and the party kicks off from 9pm
All you gotta do -- is be there :-)

Bernie Fitzgerald speaks at TransAction 2

TransAction 2 was held in Waterford over the weekend and was a fantastic success! Here’s a video of a speech by Bernie Fitzgerald!

Dungarvan Meet Up TONIGHT!

Don’t forget the Dungarvan meet up is tonight in Davitts for all those interested in attending.

sOUTh are holding a meet and greet for the LGBT community in Dungarvan on Wednesday February 29th in Davitts from 6pm – 9pm. This is a chance for the LGBT people of Dungarvan to air their views and would help us to assess the need for regular meetings and events etc as well as a chance to maybe join in on activities in Waterford City and Tramore.

There will be a meeting room booked for anyone concerned about privacy. Please spread the word.

Irish Investigation Launched into Transphobic Ad

From Teni

The Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland (ASAI) has launched an investigation into Paddy Power's 'Ladies Day' advertisement.

On Thursday 23 February, having received a volume of complaints, the ASAI wrote to Paddy Power to inform them that it was investigating the offensive ad. The ASAI also asked Paddy Power to voluntarily withdraw the ad while its investigation was ongoing. On Friday 24 February Paddy Power responded, confirming that the ad would not be screened on TV3 or 3E after Sunday 26 February.

The ASAI's request to withdraw the ad highlights the gravity of the case, as detailed in their guidelines:

"If a case is considered by the Secretariat, in its absolute discretion, particularly grave the Secretariat may request interim action by the advertisers/promoter or agency including the immediate amendment or withdrawal of a marketing communication pending completion of the investigation and adjudication by the Complaints Committee."

TENI Director Broden Giambrone commented, "It is a small but significant victory. The less exposure that ad has, the better. TENI looks forward to the decision of the ASAI. On a broader level, I hope that the widespread reaction to the Ladies Day ad has given marketing departments pause for thought: transphobia is not a joke, and it is not acceptable."

TransAction 2 “Educate for Health” THIS SATURDAY!

TransAction 2 will be happening THIS SATURDAY, February 25th from 9:30am to 5pm in the Edmond Rice Conference Centre on Barrack Street, Waterford City. The conference will focus on education as a tool to raise awareness and reduce some of the challenges facing the Transgender community and their families in Ireland.  

We look forward to seeing you there!

Dungarvan meet-up in association with sOUTh

sOUTh are holding a meet and greet for the LGBT community in Dungarvan on Wednesday February 29th in Davitts from 6pm – 9pm. This is a chance for the LGBT people of Dungarvan to air their views and would help us to assess the need for regular meetings and events etc as well as a chance to maybe join in on activities in Waterford City and Tramore.

There will be a meeting room booked for anyone concerned about privacy. Please spread the word.

TENI respond to Transphobic Paddy Power advert

FROM GCN

The Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) has responded to an offensive new ad campaign by Paddy Power, which calls on visitors to Ladies Day at the Cheltenham festival to "spot the Stallions from the Mares".

The 31-second ad, which broadcast on SkySports UK and Ireland over the weekend and refers to Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Festival, starts with a commentator referencing a Facebook comment on Paddy Power's page saying "can't wait to see some beauties at ladies day".

The voice-over then says that to make things "interesting", some trans ladies will be added into the mix.

Viewers were then asked to "spot the Stallions from the Mares."

TENI have contacted Paddy Power to complain about the ad's deeply transphobic content. Paddy Power – currently Ireland's largest bookmaker – has said they are taking the matter seriously and will issue a response shortly.

"The situation in Ireland is that transgender people face a huge amount of marginalisation," said Broden Giambrone, Director of TENI.

"The longer that ad stays up, the longer it is causing harm. We want for Paddy Power to do the right thing and remove it."

Watch the ad below.

Win a weekend away at Hotel Westport’s Gay Weekend

Fancy a weekend away at Hotel Westport’s Gay Weekend? Read on to find out how…

Hotel Westport is hosting a special Gay Weekend this March, and we have a weekend away for two people to give to one lucky winner! The prize includes two nights Bed & Breakfast plus entertainment from March 23 - 25.

To be in with a chance to win, simply head over to Hotel Westport's Faceook Page, click ‘like' and your name will be entered into the draw!

Hotel Westport's Gay Weekend will be held from 23rd - 25th March and again from 9th - 11th November this year. The next Girls Weekend will be held from 20th - 22nd April and 16th - 18th November. To book email reservations@hotelwestport.ie

Good Luck!

THANKS TO GCN

Our new blog!

Welcome to sOUTh’s new blog! This is just the beginning of a brand new web presence that we’ll be building up for Waterford’s LGBT organisation. We’ll be updating you on events and news from Waterford and the South East as well as anything we think might interest you from all over Ireland and the rest of the world. In the meantime, spread the word and let your friends know we’re here. You can subscribe to the blog by clicking on the button on the left or you can follow us by clicking “join this site”