Rainbow Flag raised for LGBTI+ Awareness Week

The campaign began on Monday when Lord Mayor of Cork Mick Finn took part in the ceremonial raising of the Rainbow Flag at City Hall, while a second flag-raising ceremony took place at Cork County Hall with County Mayor Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy on Tuesday.

At the launch at City Hall, seven individuals and organisations were honoured by the LGBTI Inter-Agency Group for the support in raising awareness that it is everyone's job from civic leaders to communities to tackle homophobia and transphobia.

Those recognised were former Director of Cork City Council, Pat Ledwidge and current Chief Executive Ann Doherty for their key roles in the creation of the LGBTI Cork City Inter-Agency Group

Cllr John Buttimer and Dr Paul Colton were honoured for their work in helping the LGBT+ community. Cllr Catherine Clancy was honoured by the Inter-Agency Group for being the first Lord Mayor of Cork to formally raise the Rainbow Flag over a civic or public building in the country.

For his role in signing the Rainbow Memorandum with Cork's twin city San Francisco, Cllr Tony Fitzgerald was also honoured at the launch. Lord Mayor Mick Finn was honoured due to his commitment to equality and inclusion for the LGBTI+ groups in Cork.

Throughout the week there are events taking place with this year's theme being 'Allies for Inclusion'. There will be two keynote seminars focusing on important issues. The first taking place on Wednesday called Allies for Youth, where a briefing on the National LGBTI Youth Strategy will be given with inputs from an official from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and local initiatives. The second keynote seminar, Allies at Work - What Works in the Workplace?, takes place at the Republic of Work, presenting various workplace initiatives from businesses including UCC LGBT+ Allies Scheme, HSE National LGBT Network and more.

Other events include an art exhibition titled LGBTI+ Allies in Art on Thursday at Crawford Art Gallery from 2:30 PM, showcasing artwork with LGBTI+ themes. While on Friday the Triskel Arts Centre will host a culture night at 6:30 PM.

For more information about this years LGBTI+ Awareness events, visit https://www.facebook.com/CorkLgbtAwarenessWeek/.