Limerick Drag Kings

2009-08-15T14:46:00.000+01:00

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2009-08-15T14:45:00.000+01:00

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2009-08-15T14:42:00.000+01:00

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Cross-posted: 13th June 2009 Red Ribbon Ride Out

2009-06-11T18:23:00.005+01:00

Reposted from one of the organisers Bebo page:

Hi Everyone,

The Irish AIDS Day Ride Out is back due to popular demand!!

This year it is slightly different.....we do not require sponsorship for you to ride with us!! YEH!!

It's just slap a €20 on the table and away you go!!

We are riding the coast again, and stopping for lunch on the way.

Meeting in Bedford Row at 11.30 to hang around and look cool, make noise and attract onlookers (and possibly other riders)!!

Leaving for the run at 2pm sharp.

We will be accompanied as always by the Red Cross, The Irish Motorcycle Marshalls and the Guards.

So if you want more infromation about how you can get to be waved through red lights and make a huge noise all in the name of charity contact John Simons (event organiser) on 061314354 or John (at) redribbonproject (dot) com.

Hope to see you all there,

Keep it between the ditches and rubber side down!!

*****************

This boi has had the pleasure of joining the Red Ribbon Ride Out in previous years as a passenger. The bikers are a brilliant bunch of people coming together for a great cause. If ya like bikes this really is the place to be, even if you don't have or bring your own. If you're like me, you may even find that a rider might have a spare helmet and be willing to take a passenger. :) Ya never know.

Turn up, cheer 'em on and slap some money on the table as a donation (even if it is 50cent).

NOISE - Civil Marriage Equality

2009-06-11T09:25:00.001+01:00

A request from NOISE:

In the lead-up to the next NOISE rally, we hope to introduce the Irish public to the people who are the true face of the campaign for equality in marriage: you, your friends and your family. This will form the theme of the upcoming march for marriage (details to follow) and we'll be encouraging you to bring your straight friends and family to march for your right to choose marriage.

We as LGBT people, while belonging to a vibrant gay community, are also part and parcel of the wider Irish community. This might be obvious to us, perhaps, but it's also something that can get lost in the debate on LGBT rights: discrimination against LGBT people affects not just us, but also our straight friends and families, and the whole Irish community. That message is something NOISE wants to spread loud and clear.

To do that, we need volunteers to appear in photographs, interviews and news features in the national and local media. Ideally, we're looking for pairs or groups along the following lines:

- straight parent WITH LGBT son or daughter;
- LGBT parent WITH straight son or daughter;
- LGBT parent WITH LGBT son or daughter;
- LGBT people WITH their siblings;
- LGBT people WITH their straight friends

There are far too many hateful voices keen to push the idea that LGBT people are sub-culture to be shunned. What better way to expose such a lie than to proudly show the truth? The idea of having your words published can be daunting - but you'll only have to talk about things you're comfortable with, and remember: you're the expert in your own
life story, no-one else. Noise will be on hand to help, too.

With Father's Day (21st June) coming up, we'd particularly love to hear from any fathers and sons out there. If you'd like to volunteer, please send your contact details info@lgbtNOISE.ie or send me a message.

Please don't leave it to somebody else.

Love and Noise,

The Noise Team

Civil Marriage & our creative brain drain

2009-06-09T22:28:00.003+01:00

I opened my e-mail to find a note from Bryan who lives stateside with a link to this interesting article.

Have a read.

It's economic incentive to push forward equal civil marriage rights.

Thanks Bryan

:)

Happy Cork Pride!!!!

2009-05-31T21:15:00.003+01:00

HAPPY PRIDE!!!!!

Sheila Fits Patrick, Chase N. Koch-Rayne, Madonna Lucia & Sharon Arseburn

Limerick Pride supporting Cork Pride
Check out the brand spanking new banner.

Howdy!!

Heads up folks

2009-05-25T19:09:00.005+01:00

The following is Rainbow Support Services Wish List.

Every charity has a list of out-goings that are part and parcel of running an enterprise offering face-to-face and telephone support: specialist professionals, electricity, rent, phone and stationary. Beyond that there are items that are beyond the reach of regular funding or donations but which would contribute towards the smoother or more comfortable running of the charity.

Have a look.

See what you can do.

***********

Telephone Bill - 109 euros a month

Counselling services for friends and family of LGBT people who can't afford it - 300 euros a month

Rent of Office, Switchboard Room (Helplines), Meeting Room - 750 euros a month

Youth Cafe - 550 euros a month

Airtricity (ESB) - 200 euros a month

Administrator and Support Worker - 52 euros a month

Stationery :

Ink - 32 euros

Stamps - 55 euros

Paper - 30 euros

Donations of Items:

If you have any of these items and would like to donate them, or even donate towards them we'd love it.

Lino for Stairs and Attic Space

Old Game Consoles

DVD Player

Video Camera

Mini Fridge

Old Cd's, DVD's

Sewing Machine, Material, Thread

Pinball Machine

Smoke machine

Disco Lights

Contact Rainbow Support Services, Leamy House, Hartstonge Street, Limerick City, Limerick.

Cheaques, Postal Orders and Bankers Drafts accepted, made out to Rainbow Support Services, Leamy House, Hartstonge Street, Limerick.

Call Vanessa @ Rainbow 061 468611 or 061 310101

Thank you.

Reposted from Rainbow Supports Bebo page.

Limerick Pride 2009

2009-05-23T07:53:00.002+01:00

Rainbow Youth Cafe

2009-05-22T23:26:00.005+01:00

Seeing that I missed the speeches - and pretty much the whole opening kaboodle - due to my impeccably reliable time-keepig (always tardy) I can't give a first hand account of the opening. Instead I'll repost from the MYLGBT bebo page.

Here ya go:



	Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) youth groups from Dublin, Waterford and Galway travelled to Limerick last weekend to take part in the celebrations for the opening of the first LGBT Youth Cafe in Ireland. Rainbow Support Services café was launched on Saturday May 9th in Leamy House, Hartstonge St. Cecily Maher-Youth Officer with Rainbow Support Services said “we are delighted to be opening our Youth Café, it will allow our youth group to meet more frequently and also provide a drop-in safe space for LGBT people aged between 13-25.” Speaking at the event, David Carroll-National Co-Ordinator Belong To Youth Services, outlined the very positive moves forward that have taken place for young LGBT people in Ireland, that are reflected in the opening of such an innovative project. Tasha, Youth Group Member, shared with the guests what being a member of the youth group for the past three years has meant to her and how she has seen first hand the importance of having somewhere safe and supportive to call to as a young LGBT person. For more information regarding the MY LGBT Youth Group in Rainbow Support Services please contact Cecily on 085-2850107 or mylgbrss AT gmail DOT com

It almost makes me want to be a youth again.

Nah.

Being a grown up kid will just have to do me.

Instead of repeating myself (& because it's Friday night) please follow this link to a post on my other blog about how nifty the cafe looks now.

Have a great weekend folks.

Limerick Pride 2009 & If you go down to the woods.......

2009-05-20T19:04:00.003+01:00

Limerick Pride has itself a brand spanking new blog.

Get thee here and have a good perusal of same.

Steve Murray: Wearing Chase N. Koch-Raynes hat
Graphics Meister & all round Tech Geek
(& Sci-Fi Nerd)

:)

Evil Steve (yes, the same cub who created Chases wanted poster) has had input on this so expect it to be quite nifty.

:bounce:

He's also been involved in putting together South West Bears for the bear identified folks in South West Ireland.

There are plans afoot.....

So stay tuned to their FB page and website.

Oh fun times ahead to be sure.

Roll on Pride Season!

Whoot!

Eurovision Party 2009

2009-05-17T12:49:00.005+01:00

Oh the fun.

Cheers to Sheila/Mike & Madonna/Evan for putting this shindig together.

Hi to Squid from Limerickblogger. Cheers for coming up and saying hello

Madonna Lucia discusses Eurovision favourites

Downstairs in Scott's Bar proved to be a cosy venue with friendly staff. Ta muchly to the lovely barman who walked my Pringles loving DD upstairs to find the flavour of her choice while I chilled with my beer. :)

Now that's service.

Sheila Fits-Patrick, my DD Megs & Cowboi's fave cub Steve

There are more photos this cowpoke could share but I figure I'll spare folks blushes! :)

Happy times to y'all despite the downpour.

Damning report on health of LGBT people in Ireland

2009-05-14T10:00:00.001+01:00

Damning report on health of LGBT people in Ireland

Posted using ShareThis

Marriage Equality Needs You :insert appropriate imagery reminiscent of Uncle Sam posters....here:

2009-05-08T17:09:00.001+01:00

Dear Everyone ,

We urgently need your help to fight for Equality.

We have an offer of €50,000 from a donor on the condition that we raise the same amount by the end of September 2009. Through your generosity we have already raised nearly €7,000 but we need your help to raise the balance €43,000.

Currently approximately 10% of the population have no freedom to marry and therefore have no access to the ordinary rights that are afforded to married couples such as spouses' pension's entitlements, inheritance rights, taxation and social welfare benefits or even visitation rights if their partner is in hospital.

We need you to invest in human rights. We cannot let equality and rights slip, even in an economic climate like todays. This is the time we need them the most. Equality is not a luxury product. Equality and human rights promote mature democracies and ensure political and civil stability. You can help by making civil marriage rights and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) couples a reality.

Here are just some of the projects that we would like to do this year, but we cannot do it without your help: - .

- LGBT Families Conference (leading on to ground-breaking research in this area)
- Poster campaign - Different Families, Same Love
- 'Tie the Knot' Campaign (as seen worn at the Oscars this year)
- Postcard Campaign - 40 years of LGBT Rights since Stonewall - See how far we've come?
- Re-Launch of our "Out to your TD" Campaign
- Further polling and research on attitudes in Ireland and experiences of LGBT people
- Legal Conference - with international speakers

MarriagEquality has already been very successful with the work we have undertaken. Even at this early stage we have had a significant impact in changing hearts and mind of members of the LGBT Com munity, the wider public, politicians and the media. We have worked hard to carve out a respected profile for the organisation and keep equality on the political agenda. We need your financial assistance to continue our work and you can rest in the knowledge that you have contributed to making a difference, to a campaign that will give equality to LGBT people, our families and our children in a very real and lasting way.

Please help us by holding a "Wedding Breakfast" in your home. Here's how:

It's as simple as inviting six or more friends over to your home for a breakfast, lunch or dinner, asking for a minimum donation of €20 each and hey presto, you've just successfully fundraised for MarriagEquality. We want you to have fun, no stress about what to cook, emphaisis on having a laugh. If you're not a dab hand in the kitchen then have a coffee morning with tea/coffee and scones, pancakes if you're feeling adventurous.

If you think this is a runn er, you might find that on the actual day, guests want to know more about civil marriage equality for the LGBT people community. We'd be more than happy for you to contact us and we can send out an information pack about our work, or you can download information from our website www.marriagequality.ie . If any questions arise at your wedding breakfast that aren't answered by the pack please do feel free to contact us anytime, we're always here for you.

So by now we are hoping that you are thinking ' Great, what's next'? Here are some tips on what to do follow;
1) Set a date well in advance to give people time.
2) Decide on breakfast, lunch, dinner.
3) Pick 6+ friends who you think would be interested, give them a call and invite them over.
4) Plan the menu and remember, keep it simple. It's meant to be fun.
5) Don't forget to collect the donations. We can provide envelopes.
6) Call us if you want infomation packs on civil marriage equality for LGBT people in Ireland.
7) Enjoy yourself and tell your friends about it, and ask them to hold a wedding breakfast in aid of MarriagEquality too!

Please pass this e-mail on to friends who you think might also be interested in joining the campaign for equality and if you'd like to help today, please donate via our website by pressing the donate button on the top right hand corner.

Help us raise €47,000 by the end of September so that we can continue to work with you for equality for same sex couples and our families and children.

We are holding ours on the 17th of May, which is also International Day against Homophobia.

Have fun and Happy Fundraising for Equality!

From Moninne, Dawn and Andrew in the MarriagEquality office.

Sharon Arseburn

2009-05-08T16:52:00.004+01:00

If you haven't had the great good fortune to stumble across these little gems while traversing YouTube, please get thee gawking at them now.

Sharon Arseburn on top giggleworthy form in a series of vids for the Draginators.

View week three here.

"Cut!! I'm weak!!"

She's weak on them crabs!!

NLGF

2009-05-07T16:40:00.002+01:00

Reposted from Red Ribbon Bebo page:

Hi everyone,

This is just a little message to ask you to log onto this link and fill out the questionairre before May 15th.

The National Lesbian and Gay Federation (of Ireland) is in need of 300 more participants. They have 700 already!! WOHOO!!

Participants who are under represented so far include LGBT people over the age of 54 and LGBT women.

So if you think the activists have gone off all half-cocked on the wrong issues or if you want to make sure that the groups in this country that fight for LGBT equality and Human rights are fighting for the things that really matter please log on: www.nlgf.ie

If your not LGBT please talk about this with other friends who may be interested and.....

If your an organisation please make everyone in your organisation aware of it!

Thanks very munch!!
Billie

A Practical Way to Help

2009-05-06T08:13:00.001+01:00

As re-posted from Limerick Pride


	Hello to you all... 'I LOVE LIMERICK 2009' will be happening during the week of 13 - 19 of September. We are at the moment without funding, and are putting in place several fundraising ideas. During this time of recession I know its a bit much to expect people to fork over their much needed cash, so we'll understand if you can't help out. On this particular occasion, what we are looking for is any loose change you may have in your pockets, which we hope you will throw into the 'I love limerick' cans that will be appearing all over the city. We do sincerely appreciate any and all help we can get. Thank you all so much.

Cork Women's Fun Weekend

2009-05-02T11:06:00.005+01:00

Limerick Drag Kings would like to wish everyone involved with the Cork Women's Fun Weekend kudos, have a great time and great work!

Have a nice day folks.

Oh lookee! :D It's getting to be that time of year again

2009-04-27T18:41:00.005+01:00

PRIDE TIME!!

It's really just around the corner.

Keep up to date by checking out Limerick Pride's web page and Facebook profile.

If ya fancy offering up sponsorship, your time or your dosh you can go forth and e-mail them at:

limerickpride at live dot com

*Edit - 06.05.2009

As per Steve's comment the official Limerick Pride e-mail is

limerickpride at gmail dot com

Sharon Arseburn

2009-04-22T16:27:00.007+01:00

Check out Sharon's Dragiator vid here.

Dragiators has been dreamed up by Joanna Ryde. Check out her vid here.

Muchly giggleworthy. Please do follow the link and in the meantime enjoy the fruits of the impromtu photo session Limerick Drag Kings got to have with Sharon before filming her Dragiator video began.

Club Wilde Fundraiser

2009-04-14T13:52:00.005+01:00

For those folks who weren't able to make Club Wilde, which is the fundraising vehicle for Rainbow Support Services, how about dropping €5 into their offices in Leamy House on Hartstonge Street during the week?

It's what folks would've paid on the door on the night of Club Wilde.

It's what this lil ole king will be doing.

Who's with me?

Alphabet Soup have moved

2009-04-10T16:57:00.001+01:00

To here

Club Wilde Fundraiser

2009-04-02T14:00:00.005+01:00

Rainbow Support Services
fundraiser
Club Wild disco
on

Saturday 11th April

@

Jerry O'Dea's Pub
Mulgrave Street
Limerick

10pm-1am

€5 on the door

Free shot to first 40 people to arrive
Drinks promotions
Free Easter Egg Hunt
DJ's Flav and Clancy playing a wide range of music with smoke machines,
Lasers and lights,
Own entrance into Club Wild,
Snug room,
Dance floor,
Large bar area,
Covered smoking area
Beer garden.

ALL WELCOME

For more details phone Rainbow on 061 468 611 during office hours or
check out their website www.rainbowsupportservices.org

Passed on from:
Vanessa Buswell
Co-ordinator
Rainbow Support Services

This is Vanessa.
She's as friendly as she looks in this picture.
Call her for more information about Club Wilde or other facets of Rainbow :D

More diversity under the rainbow

2009-04-02T09:20:00.003+01:00

I read this today from the Queers United blog and thought I'd pass it along.

It's about Autism Awareness day. While it's not Limerick focused the topic is not geographically bound. Plus, I like how the post acknowledges multiple layers of identity.

Members of the autistic communities also identify as non-heterosexual - lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans.

Have a peep.

A post worthy comment

2009-04-01T13:09:00.004+01:00

This was my reply to Steve's comment or continuation of my thought process, whichever. Comments tend to get lost in Google Reader so I'm posting it.

......

No-ones experiences are gonna be the same but certain elements will raise their heads time and again.

A lesbian mom pushing a buggy can be just as invisible both within and outside of the LGBT communities.

Add girlfriend and leave the child at home, adjust clothing to culturally signal that she's under the L, and presto she's suddenly visible.

I wonder how many guys identify themselves under the G, and indeed the B, and would happily march in Pride, volunteer in projects and generally make themselves known, if their gender presentations and whole selves were acknowledged?

As is, it seems to be that to be seen as G, a guy needs to walk a certain way, talk a certain talk and maintain a certain level of misogyny and heterophobia in order to be welcomed into the club, both metaphorically and literally. Bouncers on the doors of LGB clubs have turned away guys who don't look or act "gay".

What happened to diversity under the rainbow?

I 'should' feel safe walking into any store and trying on any garment.

Gay men 'should' be recognised in all their diversity and be able to go anywhere at any time without of fear of gendered or homophobic violence.

Lesbian women 'should' be recognised in all their diversity and be able to go anywhere at any time without of fear of gendered or homophobic violence.

Bisexuals 'should' be recognised as clear minded and sincere in their attraction to any gender and be equally welcomed and recognised irrespective of their partners gender/genetics/dress code.

Transgendered/Transsexual individuals - well, that's a big ole really diverse kettle of fish with umpteen variations - who nevertheless 'should' be recognised in all their diversity and be able to go anywhere at any time without of fear of gendered or homophobic violence.

People ask why folks under the LGBTQ banners still make a fuss and walk in Pride march.

The above is the why.

The LGBTQ communities still don't have all their 'shoulds' open to them.

That's why we march.

That's why we need propertly funded LGBTQ support networks.

That's why we bring 'it' up as something that matters.

We make 'it' an issue so that it won't be an issue anymore.

My 30th Solar Return

2009-03-29T11:48:00.003+01:00

On This Day: March 29: Dr. John Styth Pemberton produced the first batch of Coca-Cola in his backyard, and Eric Idle, Amy Sedaris and, Elle Macpherson were born.

Happy birthday to all the other fiery Aries celebrating their Solar Return today.

Happy Birthday to the editor of Alphabet Soup, Bridgina Molloy, also born on this day.

Acknowledge her work by checking out her the fruits of her Aries determination and obstinate optimism at Alphabet Soup.

Go on, make her day by volunteering your photography, writing, poetry and sharing LGBTQ events details.

In the immortal words of Mrs. Doyle.....

Ah, go on.

Go on, go on, go on, go on.

Go on!!

Invisible

2009-03-29T02:02:00.006+01:00

I'm 29 years old
(when I started typing this post it was the 28th).

I'm invisible as a transmasculine guy because I haven't had the opportunity to access a diagnosis of Gender Identitiy Disorder, take testosterone and have a bilateral mastectomy.

I identify as a member of the LGBT communities.

Most people are prepared to see me as the L part of the LGB communities.

I have been treated with disrespect by members of the L&G communities for acknowledging my bisexuality. Apparently the B is only for decoration and political correctness.

I'm a good little bisexual once I date someone with physical equipment matching my own.

I started using the gender neutral version of my name when I was 15.

I was much younger than that when I first started realising that T was the letter I identified with.

Thing is, in Ireland at that point, I couldn't find any references to transmen.

I didn't have a guy to look to who could show me that it was possible to transition from F to M.

There were references to folks who transitioned from M to F. Those references were medical and the language invoked images of individuals to be pitied, rather than the strong individuals. that they are. They were portrayed as victims of a psychological pathology rather than individuals striving to be their healthiest selves.

I don't identify as a victim. I didn't see myself or my potential self reflected.

I grew up with a mother who faces mental health challenges and I didn't identify with her as having a mental health issue. Certainly not in the way that the books I could access described that I should.

So anyway, I did what most folks do, if they can at all, I tried to make the best of a bad situation and blend in.

I'm really not made for blending in, as anything, let alone as a female who feels at home in their gender & sex.

I'm at the stage now where I can't face being a "decepticon" anymore. To me, drag is not me deceiving someone into thinking that I'm male; dressing as a woman is the part where I perceive myself to be carrying out such a stellar performance to date that now, folks are surprised that I'm not comfortable with the label that gets put on my jar.

I didn't chose my jar.

Right now, it seems that in order to be 'seen', I need to start on the road to making drastic alterations to my jar.

You know the saying that love is blind?

That you shouldn't judge a book by its cover?

Sure, you know those phrases. Everyone does. People like to think that they're true.

Our friends, family and strangers on the street aren't blind to the packaging of the people that we love.

We judge everyone by their covers.

It's human nature and an ancient survival mechanism. Nothing wrong with it.

It's about time we recognised that though and got real about it.

How's this for irony:

Picture this.

A bisexual who is out and vociferous in their own defence regarding the expression of their love.

A transman who finds themself attracted to a cisgendered gay man. (Google it).

A cisgendered gay man who's comfortable in both his gender and orientation.

Now remember the bisexual? Well, this person knows that the transguy identifies as male even if he's not there yet in terms of hormones and consistent gender presentation.

In fact, as he's drifted more towards a male presentation: guess what? He's looking more and more like the stereotypical dyke. Short hair, men's clothing...you get the drift. But, he doesn't look at the cisgendered gay guy and wish the guy was straight. No. He looks at the other guy with the same gleam in his eye and squirm in his pants that the other gay guys have when they see an attractive piece of salty goodness (plus he's got an attractive personality & all that jazz).

So, anyhow, transguy binds and packs. So when gay guy leans back against him, he feels another guy nudging up against him. Flat chest and a "I'm glad to see you" bulge in his pants. Pretty much ticks the boxes for the cisgendered gay guy. Plus, face to face, he looks like a cute younger guy. Boy next door type with some stubble cos he hasn't shaved all weekend.

Hmmmmm.

What would any gay-indentified-guy do when the opportunity to explore with another cute guy presents itself?

Heh heh.

Hmmmmmm.

Add alcohol.

Add a dash of curiousity and oh well.....

Add a crowded mixed venue that's predominantly gay.

Add more alcohol and transguy and cis-guy kiss.

Still friends.

But now they know each other a tad differently.

Plenty of guys snog each other and nothing more is made of it. They're friends might notice and go "ooohhh so any news?" but that's pretty much it. Guys flirt. Get over it. Old news.

Re-enter the bisexual. And recall now, this individual knows the transguy & has apparently accepted their need to finally be themselves.

Doesn't seem to matter though......

Cue months of slagging for the cisgendered guy, by the bisexual, for forgetting his orientation.

Months of being prodded about whether he's confused.

Cos doesn't he know that it wasn't a real guy he kissed? (Despite the bulge and the flat chest, despite whatever they might have in common, despite anything of actual substance).

Months of not being able to do any of the normal stuff with the transguy that cute, young, flirty guys can do, without some verbal prod or other being sent his way.

......by a bisexual who really ought to know better.

Cos even if the transguy weren't a transguy....

...even if it weren't the masculinity, as camp as it may be, that the cisgendered guy was attracted by.....

Isn't love meant to be blind? (or lust or the desire for warm arms and affectionate company).

Isn't it meant to be the LGBT COMMUNITY??

Isn't community meant to be supportive rather than judgemental and bigoted?

Can't other folks sexuality be as fluid as the bisexual's life story to this point has shown theirs to be?

:face palm:

Apparently, only some of us are entitled to fancy who we like....no matter how passing that fancy may be.

Apparently, we're allowed to be attracted to some people but not to others.

Apparently, only some of us are equal under the LGBT.

It's my birthday today at 2.30p.m..

I'll be 30.

I'll be invisible while I blow out the candles on my cake.*

(*except to those folks who acknowledge me as Lu/ke & know that change is afoot).

I planned on getting myself a three piece suit to wear to my birthday dinner.
That didn't happen.
The reality is, for a 5 foot 4 individual with boobs,shopping for clothes in the menswear dept , trying on guys jackets, while tall cisgendered strangers who only see a dyke are around, doesn't feel safe.
I didn't have my binder on and unlike another transguy I know, I don't 'pass' without trying.
All I needed was for one friendly face to make it safer for me.
Of the three people I thought of, 2 were at work and 1 had made it clear that he would find it too boring.
I felt so alone and invisible and unsafe.
I went home, sat down, cried and realised I need to medically transition in order to look more like me.
In order to become visible.

A while later my fed up self was whisked off to Tony Connolly's menswear by my female friend who utilised their tailoring service when she was still trying to be what her genetics decided she was.
The salesguy downstairs asked me if I knew that they did menswear & mens sizes. Well, d'uh!!
So, I was then told that short fitting sizes were available upstairs.
A lovely chap called Eric, who quickly copped on who responded to which pronoun, met us upstairs :

sorted me out with a sports jacket
kept everything gender neutral - except for acknowledging the two ladies with me :)
arranged to have the sleeves altered
made sure he got my name correct, down to the spelling
didn't charge for the alteration
gave us a discount on top of that
told me everything would be all right

So, I still don't have anything to wear for my birthday dinner as the jacket won't be ready til next week, but I do have a friendly face to go to from now on when I want to go shopping.

That's all I really needed.

Thanks Eric.

Thanks Ro.

Thanks Marianne.

Oh what a tease!!

2009-03-27T23:38:00.010Z

The Cliks

:insert BIG goofy boi grin here:

Okay, so this content has nothing to do with Limerick or its drag denizens - other than the fact that this lil ole king and newbie transboi really, Really, REALLY likes 'em.

Eh....and it's my birthday week so I get to digress.....now shushey.

And back to....

:BIG goofy boi grin here:

The Cliks: Dirty King
CD cover art

The Cliks have new material out and I can't listen to the player that Lesbiatopia ever so kindly provided a link to as it wont' play outside of Canada.

Harumph!

Harumph I say.

:mutter:

:grumble:

:kvetch:

Still, it means there's more good Cliks stuff on the way.

:bounce:

Yay!

*Edit - Had a brainwave (belatedly) & found that The Cliks had put their new tracks on their Facebook. I'm all happily listening to the Dirty King track now. And I like :D )

Morgan Doctor, Lucas Silveira & Jen Benton

Doesn't Lucas just look devilishly good in this? :D
(Not that the other two grrls aren't delightful too!)

Pics yoinked from Lesbiatopia and LOGOonline:NewNowNext

I learned a new word :)

2009-03-26T00:37:00.003Z

HeteroQueer

Follow the linky to find out more.

Cool beans.

The Launch of "Proud Voices"

2009-03-24T16:29:00.008Z

Whoot!!!!

The launch of Proud Voices was held yesterday in the Millstream out at the University of Limerick.

Photos were taken a plenty.

Attendees were treated to copies of the research, tea, coffee and yummy cakes.

Both the Executive Summary and the full research document are available to download as PDF's through Rainbow Support Services webpage. Follow the hyperlinks.

BeLonGTo Co-Ordinator
David Carroll

David Carroll is National Network Manager with BeLonG To Youth Service. David has worked with the gay community in a variety of capacities over the last 14 years. Previously, he worked as an Outreach Worker and Trainer with Gay Men's Health Project (HSE) for 7 years. Before this he was responsible for establishing and coordinating the AIDS West's Education and Prevention service. David was also a founder and member of Johnny, peer group for gay and bisexual men.

(*Edit - I had the wrong name here previously. Sorry David! Thanks to Cecily for letting me know. The above yoinked from BeLonG To's website).

Researchers - Eva Devaney & Emmanuel O'Grady Department of Education & Professional Studies University of Limerick

A colleague of the above researchers, who is not in the above photo, is Patricia Mannix McNamara. All three reseachers made repeated reference to youth isolation, homophobic bullying in schools and, for the most part, how badly our schools fail to protect children from homophobic bullying. The culture of silence and tacit acceptance of homophobia as an acceptable consequence for those fall outside the heteronormative mainstream has to be changed. The safety and physical, emotional and mental health of our LGBTQ youth and indeed our LGBTQ teachers depends on this change.

What was intended to be research focused on LGBTQ youth also attracted responses from those, sometimes significantly, outside the target age group. It makes for interesting reading. One parent of an LGBTQ youth also answered and asked for room to be made for those parents who seek to support their children.

Kudos to this parent.

1.2% of those who responded identified as Trans.

1.2%!!

The researchers let us know that this is on par in comparision with other surveys.

Where are all the other genderqueers??

Um.....hello!!

We need to be represented as well.

The researchers copped to using terms that are 'normative'.

They know that Trans-identified folks separate gender from sexuality, well, they do now, and that one survey doesn't fit all.

They do genuinely want to put our needs, as the diverse groups that we are, forward to the relevant bodies. Next time I plonk a link to a survey up here - please, please, pul-leeeesssseeee - take the time to have a gawk at it and fill it in. Even if the terms are quite spot on, or the questions are head-scratching, give it a bash and fill it in. Fill in the comments boxes on what you want and need and feel.

K?

Vanessa Buswell
Co-Ordinator Rainbow Support Services

Jan O'Sullivan

As Jan O'Sullivan rightly pointed out while this is an important piece of research, it requires action, follow-up and follow through.

Youthworker - Cecily
MyLGBT BeLonGTo affiliated youth group

My scarf did the rounds

Next up:

This evening
Leamy House
@6p.m.
Brainstorming Rainbow Support Services 3 year plan

The last session created so many ideas that 3 hours really didn't give enough space to discussing their merits.

Brainstorming rocks.

Quote of the day!

2009-03-19T20:52:00.003Z

Me paraphrasing to my sweet friend what she could quite rightly say in a certain support giving situation - if only just in a kvetch to me: -

"It's not like I can wave my magic wand and make it all right..........I'm not a transfairy y'know!

......Oh....wait........"

:snigger:

Then I realised that some of us are!!

:guffaw:

And before any of ye raise your hackles in misunderstanding about transphobic or queerphobic jokery; My friend is a transwoman and I i.d. as a queer transman.

I do come up with some truly hilarious stuff quite unintentionally and with absolutely no forethought whatsoever.....

Like when I used to make tea in the coffee dock and variously forgot.....

....the tea bag

.....the hot water

....the milk

.....the mug

...the spoon

...who exactly it was for.

I really should be in the panto!

Date for your Diary: Rainbow Support Services wishes to invite you to.....

2009-03-19T20:37:00.005Z

..........the Launch of

'Proud Voices'

: - An exploratory study into the needs of
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Young People
in the Counties of Limerick, Clare and Tipperary

@ University of Limerick
in the Millstream Building

On

Monday 23rd March @5.30pm

Jan O'Sullivan TD will be launching the research report 'Proud Voices'

With guest speakers and refreshments.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Further info at Rainbow Support Services 061 468 611

Reposted from Alphabet Soup :)

This week......

2009-03-12T20:54:00.005Z

......has this lil ole drag king tuckered out.

Monday night I attended Rainbow Support Services meeting from 6 - 9p.m. which focused on drawing up their new 3 year plan. There was so much creative brainstorming that another session is planned for March 16th.

Tuesday night I attended a volunteers meeting for the Attic Drop-in wherein there is change afoot and plans a brewing.

Wednesday night I attended to myself as I was bloomin' knackered I tell ya.

Alphabet Soup attended Wednesday night's Pride meeting. Then nudged yours truly about it this evening.

Thing is - in a city the size of Limerick, there really ought to have been so many people in attendence that the lack of my mush in the room shouldn't really have been all that noticable.

(...or maybe twas the absence of butting in with yet another idea that was noticed :snigger: Quiet. I am not).

Anyhow, where are all the folks bouncing with creative ideas and with project management skills?

There are those every year who kvetch that some facet of entertainment was over-looked.

And every year it turns out that those same folks weren't involved in any way.

Now me...I'll be poking my head in and offering myself as gopher and task tackler and will apply my 'day job' skills to getting stuff done. I'll distribute flyers, blog my heart out, attend every event and do anything and everything that I have the ability and time to contribute.

What are you gonna do for Limerick Pride 2009? Hmmmmmmmmm?

That includes any of you who read this bloggie who don't identify as LGBTQ but know folks who do and want to support them.

That includes those of you who own businesses who can donate time, money (recession bedamned, tis good karma), labour, advertising, space on the canteen wall to pin up posters, boxes of tea bags, bottles of fizzy pop. (You get the idea).

That includes art students looking for novel ways to get their work in the public eye.

That includes fashion students with ideas for novel costumes to bedeck folks in as they stroll down O'Connell street.

That includes unions who want to make a public show of support for their LGBTQ identified staff, members and service users who identify as LGBTQ by marching on down O'Connell street with a banner aloft.

That includes those of you who take out ads in Alphabet Soup. That revenue goes towards helping Rainbow Support Services.

That includes anyone and their granny who has the time, talent and wherewithal to make a positive impact with kind words, helping hands and useful ideas.

It's early days yet, which is when most of the planning gets done and when brilliant ideas can fall by the wayside because the person with the appropriate time, talent and resources didn't think to get on board in time.

Don't be shy.

Shake off the apathy.

Feck the recession.

Let's bedeck the place with colour.

If we have to make, do and mend. Let's pull another rainbow coloured pride rabbit out of the hat.

:)

Someone get me a box to stand on cos I'm on a roll now!

Childcare restraints kept me away from yesterdays pride meeting (along with the aftermath of the flu.....bleh).

What I'd like to see, and would very much like to follow through on, is a drag king workshop. A few of us wanted one last year, but our own time constraints and juggling of varied commitments post-poned that idea.

I'd love to hear from anyone who reads this blog who would like to get involved in creating and/or participating in a series of drag king workshops.

I'm going to suggest it as an element of Pride to the Pride committee when their next meeting rolls around.

(And possibly up my vitamin intake and create a clone of myself so I can attend all the Rainbow meetings!!)

To heck with waiting, I'll suss out their e-mail address and shoot off a message to them before that.

*Edit - found 'em by properly reading Alphabet Soup - alphabet_soup_lim@yahoo.com or Vanessa at rainbowlmk@eircom.net.

In the meantime, any of you interested in getting involved with drag workshops, please leave a comment.

Heck, just leave a comment to say hi!

*********************

Things we can get up to during Pride -
Mini Brainstorming Session:

A ceili

A barn dance

A barbeque

Horse riding

A burlesque show

A parent and toddler morning, afternoon or evening for those of us who are LGBTQ with tots.

A family fun day with lots of rainbows, donkey rides, clowns, face painting, stilt walkers - not on the same day as the Pride march and not necessarily in the city.

A sci-fi mixer where we get to be our favourite sci-fi characters - or where we can come as ourselves and just watch them on da telly.

An evening of queer cinema

An evening of queer drama

A traffic lights type social - red for taken but talkative, amber for available but shy, green for watch out here I come!

Speed dating

A costume ball

Workshops preceeding the costume ball where we can brainstorm ideas for costumes and support each other to make them.

A mini lesbian lives conference in UL with at least one queer reading of Shrek (Heh heh I just love Donkey).

A huge public Stitch'n'Bitch where everyone creates at least one item of Pride jewellery or a pride scarf.

Queer olympics - or miniature golf - depending on our fitness levels.

Lesbian soccer tournament followed by refreshing drinks for winners and consolation snogs for losers (.... yes I really typed that).

Queer rugby!!!!! Eye candy and swelled ranks for the local bear community. :)

A John Barrowman appreciation night for all of us who think he's really dishy! :)

I Love Limerick t-shirts.

An evening of high camp musical theatre (I know, even before you say it, what musicals aren't high camp, but I'm sure we can push the boat out).

An out of town drag king troupe to perform with the local drag king troupe (yes, I am that stubbornly optimistic).

My personal favourite (and least likely to happen): The Cliks to include Limerick Pride as part of their tour.

:le sigh:

A boi can dream.

:)

Okay....

I off to listen to Lucas and dream of sweet transguy nothings.

Heh heh.

Rightly off on a tangent now.

Seriously though, that impromptu list took me all of ten minutes.

Think of what we can do when we come together and pool our resources?

After all, Limerick rocks.

A Note from Marriage Equality

2009-03-12T19:19:00.002Z

Dear Everybody,

The National Lesbian and Gay Federation (NLGF) with the support of the Equality Authority are holding a National Symposium titled: Marriage Matters for Lesbian and Gay People in Ireland: Social and Legal Perspectives. This event will take place on Thursday 7th May 2009 in the Westbury Hotel, Grafton St, Dublin 2, from 10am - 4pm.

The symposium is a follow-up activity to the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All (2007).

Programme details will be available in early April.

All the best

The MarriagEquality Team

Rainbow Support Services Fundraiser

2009-03-11T22:42:00.001Z

A Note from the Rainbow Support Services Co-Ordinator

Hi,
We are having our Club Wild Gay disco this Saturday 10pm at Jerry O'Dea's Pub, Mulgrave St, next to Limerick Prison. €5 on the door all money going to Rainbow Support Services. We have a dance floor, bar area, snug room, covered smoking area, beer garden and DJ Davey. Please support and pass this info onto your friends and contacts.
Hope to see you Saturday night.

Thanks

Vanessa

www.rainbowsupportservices.org

Tel: 061 468611

Dates for your diary

2009-03-08T21:59:00.002Z


	Reposted from Alphabet Soup's Bebo page. Monday 9th: RSS 3 year strategic plan @ Leamy house, 6 - 9 pm Tuesday 10th: Volunteers meeting @ Leamy House Wednesday 11th: pride meeting @ Leamy house 6pm Friday 13th: GSM (Gay Scene Madness) @ Riddlers Saturday 14th: Attic Drop - in Stitch and Bitch Eden @ Riddlers Club Wild @ Jerry O'Deas Fundraiser for Milford Hospice @ Woodlands Hotel Sunday 15th: AMI (Alternative Miss Ireland) @ Olympia Dublin

Have I mentioned that I'm a huge fan of The Cliks?

2009-03-07T21:53:00.006Z

Interview with The Cliks

As it says on the info box of the youtube page....
The Cliks... the Canadian punk rock, gender-queer, trans band, giving a whole new spin to fierce, ferocious, and fun.

Have a look at the interview, be patient, see it all the way through. Towards the end Lucas talks about a young teenager who shyly came up to him after a gig. That vignette is part of the reason why it's so important that those who can come out do come out. After all, we all need someone to look up to, to show us what's possible. To show that we can be who we are and be happy, healthy and

......in Lucas's case IMHO

....fit

:insert big cheesy grin here:

Did I also mention that I'm a Lucas Silveira fan?

:D

Lucas Silveira
Lead Singer of The Cliks

What's my word?

2009-03-07T13:39:00.001Z

Your Word is "Think"

You see life as an amazing mix of possibilities, ideas, and fascinations.

And sometimes you feel like you don't have enough time to take it all in.

You love learning. Whether you're in school or not, you're probably immersed in several subjects right now.

When you're not learning, you're busy reflecting. You think a lot about the people you know and the things you've experienced.

What's Your Word?

I got the idea to do this here

Sparkles

2009-03-04T08:59:00.006Z

Feline v. Canine
Canine's response: It's not fair!!

Panti on screen
Madonna Lucia in praise

On Technology & Enduring Heels speaketh the queen

Decepticons, heels, bling........heels.

Alphabet Soup March Issue

2009-03-01T20:37:00.002Z

As I noted in my other blog tis hot off the printing presses and still freshly sizzling in cyberspace. Please do go have a good cover to cover or pixel to pixel read.

If you don't see anything to interest you, then volunteer your services as a writer and get cracking on making the next issue more appealing.

And if you are happy as the proverbial Larry about what you read, fire off an e-mail to the editor to let her know that she's doing a good job.

(Now you've been told. Heh heh).

I recovered sufficiently from my throbbing jaw and icky chesty flu to attend Sparkles in UL on Saturday.

I'm really glad I did.

It's been a while since I got to give a workshop on LGBTQ related themes and what I had to say went down well. I also enjoyed meeting new people from across the ages sprectrum, both student and non-student alike.

I shall upload photos and come up with the who, why, what and wherefore and get back to you with more details.

Read all about it!

2009-02-16T23:21:00.004Z

Updates from Rainbow. Reposted from here.

Leamy House, Hartstonge Street, Limerick
Former school of Frank McCourt
Current home to Rainbow Support Services

Attic Drop - in is open friday's 6 - 8, sat's 2.30 - 6pm

Social Group is active Friday's 8 till Late

March sees the launch of the new Volunteer Training Course

9th March meeting with Rainbow about 3 year strategic plan, all are welcome from the community and those interested in the future of Rainbow Support Services.

Rainbow are now actively seeking new Board of Management Personnel, if you are interested in becoming a board member contact Vanessa at Rainbow. (061 468611 or 087 - 9310252 or go to the contacts page of the website here)

The Garden Party and Art Auction is ready for new people with new ideas if you want to participate or be on the board for this endeavor, then contact Vanessa at Rainbow. It doesn’t have to stay as a Garden Party or it could be a themed Garden Party..it’s up to you!

Jerry O’Dea’s Pub is Club Wildes new venue, we will be holding it on the 2nd Saturday of every month 10-1pm. Our first Club Wilde is 14th March 10pm-1am at Jerry O’Dea’s, Mulgrave St., next to prison on N24.

Alphabet Soup the new LGBT Limerick Based News Letter / E-zine is up and running. They are currantly looking for contributions from the local community for the March Issue. contact them at alphabet_soup_lim @ yahoo.com

Oh lookee

2009-02-12T23:19:00.004Z

I liked this & I thought you might too.

How to be a drag king

I like the nod to the overlapping safety issues posed for both drag kings and transguys.

I figure both groups stand to gain from increased respect for diversity and increased understanding.

You'll find a link on the left of this page to the blog this comes from: Lesbilicious: the web's tastiest lesbian magazine.

Not a bad title, hey? :)

A note from NOISE

2009-02-10T22:18:00.003Z

This VALENTINE'S DAY, come and do your bit for love by showing your support
for Ireland's LGBT people - and their children - at the Central
Bank at 2pm. It'll be a great big Valentine's love-fest with a message - you bring the
love, we'll bring the music, balloons and blindfolds! (more on those anon)

Brian Cowen's government has announced that the Civil Partnership
legislation will be brought before the Dáil this spring, perhaps as early as
Easter - now is the time to remind Mr Cowen that a second-class 'registration
scheme' for gay couples is not acceptable in an egalitarian society. Justice, like love,
should be blind (hence the blindfolds!) and that means not creating arbitrary differences
through discriminatory legislation.
There is one way to grant equality to same-sex couples: we should be allowed
the choice to enter civil marriage.

So...come along to the CENTRAL BANK AT 2PM THIS VALENTINE'S DAY and make some NOISE!

A few words on Marriage and Civil Partnership...

Religious Marriage:

This is how different faiths recognise couples within their religion. It's
optional. Most couples in Ireland opt for this, but 1 in 5 do not.

Civil Marriage:

This is how the State legally recognises couples, giving them rights,
responsibilities and protections.

Civil Partnership:

This is the limited set of rights which the government will allow, possibly
this year.
Civil partnership is a law for gay people only.
It says:
That we are strangers in law to children we raise;
That we and our children cannot even be called a family;
That gay couples must pay higher taxes.

This law is being written right now, but we still have time to tell the government
that we will NOT be second-class citizens! There is only one way to grant
equality - through the choice of civil marriage.

SEPARATE IS NEVER EQUAL AND NEVER FAIR!

WWW.LGBTNOISE.IE

Alphabet Soup

2009-02-09T18:46:00.005Z

No. I'm not turning this into a food blog dear readers.

Alphabet Soup is Limerick's latest addition, and indeed edition, to be added to the array of LGBTQ (hence the alphabet) services in Limerick.

Follow this link to get to their web page.

Happy reading - whichever letter of the alphabet you may identify with.

:)

Awww...

2009-02-02T00:20:00.011Z

Well would ya look at who's increasing my viewer stats. Click here and scroll down far enough, (a presumably genetically male) blokey has provided a link to Limerick Drag Kings.

Hmmmm....yes, Limerick men are manly enough to don dresses in the name of charity and having a good laugh.

Madonna Lucia & Sheila Fits-Patrick
Alternative Miss Limerick 2008
@ Dolan's Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Go here for details of Alternative Miss Ireland 2009 and the history of the competition as put forth by Darragh Doyle through conversation with Panti.

AMI also has their own website.

The competition has raised a good deal of money for AIDS/HIV projects in order to help keep them up and running so that they can continue to provide awareness and support to those affected by the virus.

Then there are us Limerick bois who get to...........

...............pose with right purdy ladies :D

Ain't she a dish!

.......and show off on stage

.....while being a backing dancer for fellow Limerick Drag King
George Dykel

Limerick "ladies and gentlemen and variations thereupon" know how to have a good time AND raise money at the same time.

Talking about real men....I love men who can handle a good yarn :D

Welsh Rugby players knitting for charity
:swoon:

La Boutique - Dates for your diary

2009-01-31T23:33:00.003Z

This blog is about Limerick queer social life so I feel I must give due mention to what is now an institution on the queer social calendar.....as yoinked from their Bebo page

A TWICE MONTHLY NIGHT OF GAY DANCING UPSTAIRS @ DOLANS LIMERICK.

COMMERCIAL MUSIC WITH CLASS FROM DJ PAT

DATES FOR THE SOCIAL CALENDAR;

FEBRUARY 7TH & 21ST

MARCH 7TH & 21ST

GALA's Nominations

2009-01-30T01:40:00.003Z

Apologies to folks trying to click through the links to the GALAs site through yesterday's post.

Note to self: Copy and paste does not transfer hyperlinks.

:le sigh:

This technical glitch has now been noticed by the blogger (daft lil ole me) and rectified.

So please do go and nominate. Click here to get to the nomination page.

Thanks folks.

The Gay And Lesbian Awards - GALA's

2009-01-28T22:37:00.009Z

This is pretty much yoinked entirely from Abydos's bebo blog.

Billie a.k.a. Rodger Bait has mentioned them to me this very evening and their mention on Abydos's blog clinched their inclusion here.

http://www.galas.ie/nominations.aspx

(...FROM THE WEBSITE...)

The Gay and Lesbian Awards (GALAS) have been set up by the National Lesbian and Gay Federation to honor lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered people and organizations for their contributions to Irish society, both north and south of the border.

The awards are also to honor politicians, employers and other people who are committed to advancing equality and social acceptance for LGBT Irish people in Ireland. In this, the inaugural year of the GALAS, there will be 12 awards given to people and organizations from Southern and Northern Ireland. We are inviting you to nominate people and organizations who you feel should be awarded.

The nominations procedure is simple. All you have to do is click on each category and then tell us who you would like to nominate and why. You can nominate as often as you like, in as many of the categories as you like.

The long list created by your nominations will then be given to 12 key LGBT organizations across the country, who will be charged with the task of shortlisting three final nominees. The overall winner of the award will be chosen by the board of the National Lesbian and Gay Federation.

We want to make the GALAS a success in 2009 because we believe it's high time Irish LGBT people were recognized within the community and honored. Please take a short amount of time to help us achieve that goal, and get nominating!

http://www.galas.ie/nominations.aspx

I'll be voting.

will you????

I'll be nominating Limerick Pride 2008 under the appropriate category.

Will you????

***************

On an entirely different note I'm just back from a Trans Awareness evening delivered by a member of TENI and hosted by Rainbow Support Services. Seeing as I identify under the Trans continuum (sounds kinda Borg like doesn't it?) and am still in the 'coming out' phase, it was an interesting evening for me.

I was surprised and delighted to see how many people turned up and heartened by the inquisitive and positive vibe of the attendees who were a very mixed bunch and at first glance contained members from the LGB and straight communities as well as Transfolk of various flavours.

I actually got scolded for being uncharacteristically quiet - which I will take to mean that I'm normally a gobby so-and-so!

I would've thought that my being quiet would be sweet relief for this particular person but apparently it was cause for concern! Heh heh.

:D

:colour me amused:

Anyhow, TENI have a website www.teni.ie. TENI is the Transgender Equality Network Ireland.

This is yoinked from their website for those of you who don't follow links:

Who are TENI?

Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) is a voluntary organisation set up to support Transgendered and Transsexual people throughout Ireland. Our aim is to represent the needs and best interests of all those with gender identity issues in Ireland.

TENI is dedicated to promoting positive awareness about transsexuality (medically known as ‘Gender Identity Disorder') and to improving conditions and advancing equality for all Transsexual and Transgender people in Ireland. On our own and liaising with a variety of community organisations, we work toward this goal by overseeing support meetings, offering education and sensitivity training, and organising social events, workshops, courses, and much more.

New members are always welcome and we encourage Transgender people, Transsexuals, friends, partners, family and anyone with a real commitment to Irish Trans issues to join TENI.

It's only a tenner to join as a member and organisations can join too.

The talk this evening was given for free - no speaker's fee - although donations were gratefully received - which I think makes it a really accessible workshop for those on low-incomes & for fellow charities like Rainbow Support Services to hold.

There's oodles more information on their website so please do click through and have a look, if not for your benefit then for the benefit 0f those Transfolk that you don't realise that you know. Just as with the LGB communities not all Transfolk are 'obvious'. Some are 'in the closet' and pre-hormone, pre-surgery...pre-everything! Other's have transitioned to the stage where they live as their target gender and no longer introduce themselves as trans but simply as men or women.

Just like with the LGB communities, uninformed water-cooler talk can hurt those who aren't yet out or who are 'stealth'. Water-cooler talk is that banter that talks about members of whatever community you think is 'them' and 'other' without the realisation that 'them' can be one of your colleagues, friends or family.

Right.

I'm off for a cuppa and a sarnie.

Night folks and happy times to ya all.

:)

Reposted from Gay Clare's Bebo page - Doing my wee bit to support our neighbours

2009-01-26T10:25:00.008Z

20 hours ago

Hello, The Gay Clare Group wish to let you know that we are holding our first disco of 2009. It will take place on Saturday 14th February in the Inisheer Suite of the West County Hotel, Clare Road , Ennis. Time 10.30 till late. More information is available on www.gayclare.com or www.bebo.com/gayclare. If you require accommodation in the West County Hotel, call 065-6823000 and ask for Joanna. She is holding some rooms for us at a rate of €89. (Room only) Please spread the word and let anyone you know who might be interested in coming along. Hope to see you on February 14th. Also our friends in GLAM are holding a disco on January 31st in the Prince of Wales Hotel, Athlone. For full details see www.glam.ie Regards & thanks Gay Clare Group *Edit Flipping thing doesn't look like it's showing properly. Pffff! Best thing is to go check out Gay Clare & GLAM's website for the full stories. www.gayclare.com www.glam.ie

Out in UL present Sparkles: Acceptance Through Understanding: Tackling Homophobia

2009-01-24T21:35:00.002Z

This information is reposted from a comment left on my Chase N. Koch-Rayne Bebo page. Thought I'd pass it on.

Out In Ul U Sparkle’s

Acceptance through Understanding: Tackling Homophobia

IT’S FREE!!

Sparkle’s is a three day celebration that has never before been done in Limerick. It is a weekend of understanding, acceptance and fun. Sparkle’s is a safe space for members of the LGBT community and their friends.

*Feb 26th
Launch Party
Some food and drinks!
Meet a few friends, make a little love, get down tonight.

*Feb 27th
Queerbash 6
If you go to nothing else this year go to Queerbash. Our annual fundraising event, usually incorporating approximately 400 people, this will be a night of total debaucracy and madness!

*Feb 28th
Sparkles Workshops
Beginning at 11 this will be a day of workshops and talks based around the LGBT community

If anyone would like to attend our Sparkle’s Workshops please send us your e-mail and we will forward you the application forms

I am SO stoked to see these!!!! Vids of Limerick Pride 2008

2009-01-24T00:13:00.006Z

Limerick Pride March 1.1

Follow the link and see interviews with The Kylie Experience, Darren Shine, Myles Breen, Sharon Arseburne, Out in UL's Mike & Lorraine, Tom in his kilt and Frank of Rainbow Support Services MYLGB. *Edit* The interviews also include one with Steve a.k.a. somelimerickguy, this cowboi's right hand cub and graphics dude extraordinaire.

Ma cub Steve Murray (Left)
& Frank of MYLGB (Right)

Posing on Pride day in the Rainbow Coffee Dock

The mounting excitement & just sheer fun of the day is palpable as you watch the vids.

Rosie Howick of The Kylie Experience being interviewed

Limerick Pride Marc h 1.2

See Bille of The Red Ribbon Project whizzing about in the ever so stylish high viz vest. Those of you there on the day will no doubt remember Billie's rendition of Mary Harney is a drag queen.

Billie Whiz & that high viz vest

And what's not to love about Dan Lawless on his festooned bike? :)

Dan Lawless Cycles with Pride :)

Civil Marriage Equality Campaign

Shout Samba Group

Limerick Pride M arch 1.3

This section shows myself & cub racing ahead of the parade in order to get some decent shots. Then I decided to join the drag queens and proceed to dance along to the samba drummers which led to my nearing melting in the jacket. Phew!

Chase N. Koch-Rayne striding along with Limerick Drag Queen Royalty
Left to Right - Sharon Arseburne, Sheila Fits-Patrick and Madonna Lucia

(It's truly amazing how quickly these gals could walk in heels hence the blurring!)

OMG!

My face ended up so red!! Ha! didn't realise I'd ended up as part of these vids. Sweet!

I do not know how the queens kept walking in their shoes and they didn't know how I kept going in my leather jacket.

At this stage, neither do I!!

:)

As you may have gathered, I'm watching the vids as I type this.

Oh the memories.

So much fun!

Again, kudos to the Samba drummers who kept up the beats throughout the entire parade.

Limerick Pride Para de 1.4

Legend. Listen out for Billie on the megaphone announcing that "Kerry queers rock" :) in honour of the Kerry Lesbian & Gay Project who came to support Limerick Pride.

Kerry Lesbian & Gay Project

Watch out also for Rural East Clare LGB Project. A big shout out and hello to them. :)

Rural East Clare LGB Group

Notice the amount of kids out and about and carrying pride flags.

Awesome!

Limerick Pride Parad e 1.5

Check out the dancing in the street outside Leamy House.

As the parade went on the large flag changed hands as new people joined in and swelled the numbers marching.

:squee:

I LOVE LIMERICK!!!!!

I really do.

All over again!

Whoot!!

Limerick rocks.

Roll on Limerick Pride 2009.

:D
Cowboi 'n' Cub

I really also ought to mention that this Limerick Drag King loves his right hand cuddly Cub. Steve's irrepressible and irreplacable and I wouldn't change a thing about him. He adds to my enjoyment of drag, heck he plain adds to my enjoyment of life period, provides a cub security escort so I feel more comfy bouncing around Limerick in drag, creates really cool posters for my character, takes great pictures when I'm busy being a cowboi, magically appears with cups of soothing tea when I need them most, ditto with filled rolls and arms to catch me when I'm about to keel over from dancing like a mad hatter in a black leather jacket on a sunny day and most importantly of all........

..............he's my friend.

:)

I heart ya cub.

I love you in American Sign Language
in the bear flag colours

Credit for clipart

...psst have I also mentioned that Steve's a wee bit of a compliment whore?? ;)

Happy times to everyone reading this post.

I shall leave you with random extra pics of the day.

Oops!!

My father took this shot and well proud of his timing he was too. We're all glad that Sharon didn't do a Britney on it! Heh heh. We love ya Shaz.

From left to right - Conor O'Donnell, Chase N. Koch-Rayne & American friend Art

As my cowboi self having a laugh with a fellow Rainbow volunteer and Stitch'n'Bitch member Conor. Yes, we are laughing in Art's general direction but not at Art. Conor was pointing out the cool bear logo he was sporting.

And yes, Conor and I are wearing our own handknits. We're capable men. :D

An Garda Siochana
(who now no longer run away when drag queens approach! :D )

Limerick Tourist Attractions

2009-01-18T19:13:00.002Z

Hello there oh diverse readers you.

:)

I'd like to refer you to Joe's Blog wherein he writes about Limerick's tourist attractions and provides some nifty links.

Later folks and happy times to ye.

Even More Pride Pics

2009-01-13T21:47:00.006Z

MadeMarian crafting amid a sea of movement

Knackered Drag King Yours Truly Chase N. Koch-Rayne

Coffee Dock Bustle

A Visiting American Friend

Pride Pics as Promised

2009-01-08T18:55:00.006Z

It may take me a while but I do tend to follow through on what I say I'll do......eventually.

Here goes!

Riddler's New Year's Eve 2008

2009-01-06T22:42:00.001Z

Ms Skull & Kitty

DJ Ms. Skull & Kitty partake of some liquid refreshment after pumping out the choons and relieving revellers of excess amounts of dosh on the door :)

Downstairs folks chilled and chatted while upstairs folks danced 2008 away and welcomed 2009 with....well.....more dancing and a decent amount of snogging. Well......for some there was midnight snogging......

:sniff:

:plays world's smallest violin:

Of course, some of us will make up for lack of New Year's snogs with rousing games of kiss chase in the nights out to come.

:grins:

Oh yes.

:)

By the by, as has been said in this blog before, change is something we are all well acquainted with on the scene. Well......one of the latest change's at Riddler's has been a change of management. As far as this blogger knows the new bar manager is Shane.

So..........now ya know.

:shrugs:

New Year, new job.

Speaking of which, my fellow drag king Justin Casey-Cumms, from Dublin, has taken himself off to Vancouver and is currently plodding in the rain looking for work.

Justin Casey-Cumms
Waterford 2008

Best of everything with Vancouver dude!!

(.......including getting some less Irish weather!! Heh heh)

Welcome to 2009 Folks :)

2009-01-05T11:04:00.002Z

Belated I know but real life kept me away from the computer (ain't that great?).

This blogger has been chilled out, relaxing, socialising and indeed romancing. This lucky blogger got that rarest of gifts for Christmas, a human Christmas present.

:insert daft grin here:

Alas, the batteries have run out of that particular present, but as unexpected surprises go........

:insert daft grin here:

I hope everyone has had a pleasant, safe and merry ole Christmas and are embarking on an equally pleasant, safe and happy New Year (monetary constraints aside).

Decent blog posts to follow shortly including a pic or two from a Riddler's night out.

Stay tuned.

Awww shucks :)

2008-12-29T01:11:00.003Z

This blog got honourable mention by Gay Limerick here.

Thanks guys.

Riddler's Christmas Line - Up (a reminder)

2008-12-24T16:38:00.002Z

"The Riddle"

presents on

Friday 26th December 2008

DJ K2
&
DJ Darren Sonic
playing
Funky - Tribal - Tech to Old Skool Remixes

And

Saturday 27th December 2008

DJ K2
&
Guest DJ
playing
R'n'B - Hip-Hop - House Grooves

Club Times
10p.m. til late

Admission €5

Look what I got!!!!!

2008-12-23T00:27:00.005Z

I feel so...well....wanted :)

My best mate Steve Murray made this for me.

Every king should know a dude like Steve. He's invaluable for coming up with ideas and creating great graphics.

You can't have this particular cub though.

He's mine

(....except by prior arrangement and as long as he's not already working on a gig of mine :) )

Cowboi 'n' Cub

This was taken in Kennedy O'Brien's pub when we were absolutely tuckered out after Limerick Pride 2008.We both kinda drooped like balloons that had leaked their helium. Great day though. We both swore we'd do the day all over again........after a LONG nap.

I've just about recovered enough to start planning for next year's Pride.

Happy Holidays folks.

All's change

2008-12-21T18:38:00.015Z

...at least when it comes to Limerick's alternative venues.

That's an old chestnut for our communities and one with which we're very familiar.

As I've blogged before, one of the latest changes has been the introduction of Riddlers as a gay friendly bar.

So far so good.

Kinky Boots, however, following in what seems to be somewhat of a tradition for club nights, has fallen after failing to jump it's first few hurdles.

Kinky Boots is no more. Strike it from your social diaries for it shall venture forth no more.

The good news is, though, that the space is now free to host something new.

That's a bit of alright. It's not like Limerick couldn't do with fresh and different.

So, the question is now, who's going to be the first, most organised creative mind out of the hurdle to broach Chris, the manager, and make use of the space.

Hmmmm??

He's an approachable guy, won't bite and all that jazz. So all of you with great ideas and best intentions form an orderly queue and share your ideas. You'll most likely find him pulling pints behind the bar and if ya don't know what he looks like, ask for him. Don't be shy.

Watch this space for future developments.

In the meantime, here's a couple of dates for your diairies. I'm yoinking these details from the poster handed to me today. I'd have scanned it but my blasted printer's not big enough. Pfff!!

Anyhow here goes:

"The Riddle"

presents on

Also, for the first 50 folks to make their way in, there's a free CD up for grabs and let's just say there won't be any Kylie or S-Club (no offence to lovers of same!) on these CDs. It's like a Santa surprise bag except for grown ups.

:)

So, why not go grab yourself a few new choons?

For more info, the best thing to do is take yourself to Riddler's and ask the staff. They'll not put you wrong.

Oh Yes! Pictures!

I know, I said I'd see about getting pics to post of Riddlers, but between dancing with Rosie of the Kylie Experience in the South Court on Saturday night (and there is embarassing film footage of same), and prior to that recovering from my staff night out, well.......I've not gotten the chance, at least, not prior to consuming quantities of alcohol which meant that my camera was best off left at home.

:bows head in shame:

It IS Christmas and unlike some may think, I don't bring my camera everywhere with me (Pride 07 & 08 notwithstanding.....and the Art Auction & Garden Party....and AML.....well...maybe there is a grain of truth in that thought....).

I shall, however, strive to do better over the holiday period.

Until then, just to add a bit of colour, I shall leave you with images yoinked from friends Bebo's :)

(Don't even try to tell me they're not colourful enough)

(My personal favourite)

And because it was pointed out to me, by the same blokey who brought us

and,

that there's a precious few photos extant of Limerick Pride 2008 I've decided to do a series of posts using my VAST stash of photography. There has also been talk of a Flickr account in which we could all pool our photographic efforts for posterity.

Cool stuff does go on in our city. It just doesn't get reported or illustrated enough.

Okay...I can feel a ranty rant coming on so I'll cut myself short and just say that there's definitely something wrong when out of the oodles of photographers who showed up for Pride that there was such scant reporting in the press and poor respresentation in the media. Tut tut. We had a fun day out and a colourful parade. People laughed, danced and felt safe, free and proud to be part of Limerick society. We literally danced on the street outside Leamy House. My father even took photos of me prancing around as Chase N. Koch-Rayne in the parade. Multi-generational family acceptance of diversity (okay so he does call drag musical theatre but it kinda is).

Apparently, positive events just aren't newsworthy enough for the media. A scuffle may have been more what they wanted to sink their teeth into. More negative press to misrepresent our city with. Bad stuff goes on everywhere. That's more than outweighed by the good stuff though. There's also the wider creative going's on in Limerick in the realms of music, volunteering, art and grass roots businesses that are glossed over in favour of crime stories. It's just not......fair.

Anyhow, vent over. Pics shall be posted.

And more queer friendly events shall be highlighted here for your delightfully alternative selves. My individual attempt to balance up the scales a bit.

Happy Holidays Folks :)

A Reminder from Rainbow Support Services

2008-12-16T16:40:00.001Z

If you havn't filled in the on-line survey for our LGBT young peoples research for the Mid West and South Tipperary region please do so before the end of this week log onto www.rainbowsupportservices.org and click into 'location' and/or phone Patricia on 087 9294096 for an over the phone interview.

This research is for 13-25 yr olds, make sure you and your friends have your say in the LGBT services you want in your area.

Thank You
Vanessa Buswell
Rainbow Support Services

Reposted from here.

Kinky Boots

2008-12-16T11:56:00.007Z

The name of one of my favourite films and the latest addition to queer clubbing in Limerick city.

Yoinked from a Kinky Boots Bebo page

Told ya I'd go and I did. :)

I scooted through Riddlers and made my way along with my friend to the lady at the cash desk, moola was handed over, wrists were banded with sticky paper band yokey for future egress and re-entry and off up the stairs we went to Kinky Boots.

My only tut tut is aimed towards those folks who did nay bother hoofing it up the stairs (methinks that also has something to do with a distaste for paying entry into a club).

Round of applause for Blathnaid McGee and Juicy Dangler the drag queen entertainment for the night. These two do not need a crowd in order to step up and entertain. Well done to them. They kept me amused and I was in a stinker of a mood Saturday night and I'll make no bones about it. However, the combination of drag and Buy 1, Get 1 free alcohol did improve my mood greatly. :)

Although, I will say, that Sol is no Corona and in future if Corona isn't available I'll not be accepting Sol as a substitute. Ewwww.

Happily though, dark rum is available so I'll be able to indulge in my favourite tipple on future nights. Rodger Bait may be the pirate but I'm the one who loves Sea Dog Rum. Yum.

I was impressed that out of a fairly small crowd that enough folks were game to get up and join in the fun, fill the dance floor and volunteer for the on stage games devised by the nefarious drag duo. There were even prizes, including, but not limited, to nipple tassels and a strap on (if I heard correctly). Sweet!

As with the downstairs venue, the bar staff were friendly and smiley which always adds brownie points on a night out.

My favourite eye candy staff (yes, I do have favourites and seeing that it's me, it's one of each gender :D) were downstairs for the majority of the night, but still, one can't have everything on a night out, can one? I may well spend more time downstairs next weekend. Can't waste a good view now can I?

Kinky Boots will be holding their Christmas Party on 20th December.

I'll see if I can get photos for you have a gawk at in the meantime ( I wonder if I can get shots of eye candy staff? Hmmmm..... :) ).

Google map of Riddlers available here. Give it a minute to load then click on Riddlers Alternative Bar on the left hand side of the screen.

I remember......

2008-12-01T20:12:00.002Z

That it's World AIDS Day.

I remember with love and affection the lovely man who was the first person I met through Rainbow Support Services.

I remember his smile and kind patience as I enthusiastically bounced around the project. So happy to finally be able to access a safe space.

I remember when he told me he wasn't feeling well and to ignore his crankiness and that it was nothing that I had said or done.

I found this here.
Thank you "Knit Happens"

I remember when he told me that he had AIDS and that he'd lived longer than he'd expected to.

I remember crying at a house party months after he had passed away.

I'm crying now because I still miss him.

I remember being questioned in a work interview about why I wear a red ribbon......in this day and age and whether I was able to keep my views to myself.

My oft washed Red Ribbon

I remember being asked what the red ribbon is for....and explaining.

If you don't know what the red ribbon symbolises and if you have questions relating to any aspect of sexual health, or have a friend you want to support or require support yourself then this is the place to go to.

The Red Ribbon Project

Project

Red Ribbon Project
Redwood House,
9 Cecil Street,
Limerick

Opening Hours
Monday to Friday

9.30am to 5.00pm,
Wednesday:
9.30am to 7.00pm
Limerick

They also have a Bebo page.

This is still a current issue.

Check your facts and figures and remain in the loop by checking out the official:

World AIDS Day 2008 Website.

Well Wow

2008-11-26T18:59:00.006Z

As per my previous post, Rainbow Support Services have been making changes.

And my Wow is for the sheer amount of work that the volunteers have done in effecting those changes.

Abydos and Spiderchef, along with Janet the Administrator and Vanessa Buswell the co-ordinator (apologies to anyone I've left out) have lugged furniture hauled bookcases, desks and assorted office type paraphenalia up an impossibly narrow and winding staircase, cleaned, decorated and made cosy the attic space of Leamy House.

It is indeed a lovely and welcoming space thanks to their trojan efforts. So instead of being called the Rainbow Coffee Dock, the chill out space is now called Rainbow Drop-In.

I popped in to have a look see this afternoon and really didn't want to leave.

By the by the title of this post links to their website. Click through and you will find mention of an online survey. Pretty please take the time to fill the survey out. Ta muchly!

This Saturday will see the upstairs space host the Stitch'n'Bitch once more, in case you don't usually read my craftyrainbowhead blog you might want to take a wander over there to see what the S'n'B gets up to.

I decided that I need to start sharing more of my colourful pictures. So below you'll find scads of them for your viewing pleasure. Once I have photos of the brand spanking newly decorated attic space in Leamy House I will duly upload them so you can have a gawk.

Aside from S'n'B settling it's yarny self into the space, Saturday also heralds a fundraiser for Rainbow. The rainy day savings jar is empty and Rainbow needs your good selves to come celebrate Christmas with them on 29th of November.....eh.... this Saturday. give the lovely Vanessa a fiver on the door and come see one of the best known personalities on the queer scene in Limerick strut her stuff in style. Yes. Billie's coming in fancy dress. She's got a costume cooked up. Let your imaginations run wild, as she most certainly will have. Billie is also known to you, dear readers, as drag king Rodger Bait. You've seen her as a banshee in a previous post along with the two junior slayers. I, personally, am well looking forward to seeing her costume.

:drifts off into world of one's own imaging:

.....right, I'm back. Where was I?

Oh yes.

So, Saturday night.

Rainbow's Gay Christmas Party
for one night only at
The Hall,
Leamy House,
Hartstonge St,
Limerick.
DJ
9p.m.-late.
€5 on the door,
29th Nov

Inspired by Panti's blog

2008-11-24T23:23:00.002Z

We've had the Typealyzer. Now on to the GenderAnalyzer.

It would seem, methinks appropriately enough, that Limerick Drag Kings is.........

.........go look for yourself :)

Limerick's New Gay Friendly Bar

2008-11-23T19:32:00.004Z

Riddler's is where to be if you want to queer it up over the weekend.

It's been open as gay friendly for just over a week and I ventured in there last night with a friend to check it out.

I like.

We like.

Decent beer, friendly staff, free chicken goujons even! Twas all good.

There's even eye candy staff. Sweet!

So go and see if you like.

Also check out this link for Kinky Boots . This club night will be opening on 13th December.

All's change

2008-11-21T22:00:00.004Z

Folks wanting to drop into Rainbow for a natter will now need to head upstairs.

Due to the tightening of the belt that the rest of the country seems to be going through as well, Rainbow has had to let go of the lease on the coffee dock, back hall and upstairs offices.

So now everything has moved up to the attic.

Cardivascular excercise anyone?

Volunteers have been working hard to create a comfortable space up there.

So get thee there on Saturday, it'll be open at 1pm, and see what they've done with the place.

See ya there!

Table Quiz

2008-11-11T19:39:00.003Z

A Rainbow Support Services fundraiser in Ted's bar tonight at 9p.m. Entry €10 per head.

If you're local and free please get thee there and support.

You don't need to identify as anything other than interested in table quizs and altruistic.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-10T20:39:00.003Z

Faith, Banshee and Buffy
A Line up of supernatural kick-ass

Terrifying bug dude

A rather cheerful me morphed into Harry Potter
(thanks to some gooey fake blood)
I had come as Watcher Giles but Buffy & Faith had other ideas

Cute Pumpkiny Witch gracing the Coffee dock counter top

Watch out! The Bear cub witch's got a catapult and ain't afraid to use it.

Sir Grins-a-Lot

Twas very quiet in the coffee dock this year (considering there were 5 kids there this is a statement of relativity).

Most of the regular volunteers and those known for awesome costumes were preparing for Scarie Faeries Fancy Dress in Riddlers Bar on Sarsfield St. on Fri 31st of Oct from 10pm till late.

It was €6 In costume, €8 without and was a Fund-raiser in aid of Rainbow Support Service.

Rainbow is still in need of financial support in order to keep running.

The next fundraiser is a table quiz tomorrow, 11th November, in Ted's bar at 9p.m. and will be €10 per head.

Following this there will be a Christmas Party held in The Hall, Leamy House, Hartstonge Street, Limerick. €5 on the door, 9p.m. til late, DJ and bottle bar on Thursday, 29th November.

This will be the last time Rainbow will have use of the hall. Due to the ginormous costs associated with running the project and funding cuts, the Board of Management has had to take the decision to give up the lease on the lower rooms and relocate the office and drop-in facilities to the attic rooms. The MYLGB youth group already use part of the space and have made it quite cosy.

Please do your best to attend either or both of the fundraisers or call 061 - 468611 and let Janet or Vanessa know if you'd like to make a donation. Seriously. If you're considering donating a charity this year please consider supporting Rainbow Support Services. You may not need the service but you may know someone who has or will use the services in the future.

Limerick Pride Photos!!

2008-10-27T17:35:00.004Z

Rainbow Support Service Pride bus

Sharon Arseburn does her thang on the pink limo

Lookee. We got ourselves a crowd of folk :)

Shout Samba drummers

These guys kept up their rythms for the ENTIRE parade route!
Well done guys and gals. Thank you!!

Limerick Pride Photos!!

2008-10-27T17:23:00.003Z

Galway's Samba group, Katie Katai, Sharon Arseburn & Sheila Fits-Patrick

Och Aye! Our very own Tom models kilt and flag on Henry Street

Big, big, BIG Pride flag

Bear Pride badge courtesy of Steve Murray

I Love Limerick Pride Badge courtesy of Steve Murray

Limerick Pride Photos!!

2008-10-27T17:04:00.006Z

Madonna Lucia & Sheila Fits-Patrick greet their fans

Sheila Fits-Patrick, Chase N. Koch-Rayne & Madonna Lucia
marching proudly down Henry Street at the head of the parade

Chase N. Koch-Rayne & Parade Marshall Byron Graf

Madonna Lucia duets with the Kylie Experience in Dolans

Alternative Miss Limerick 2008

2008-10-13T15:23:00.003+01:00

It's coming!!

It's only just around the corner.

:bounces with anticipation:

Here's what the AML Bebo blog has to say.

And for those of you who just can't be bothered to follow links, here's their last paragraph reposted:

The Alternative Miss Limerick is a fundraiser for the Red Ribbon Project. The Red Ribbon Project offers safe sex education and help for those living within HIV and AIDS in the Limerick region. AML takes place in Dolans Warehouse in Limerick on Saturday October 18th and is hosted by Panti. Tickets are available from www.dolanspub.com or by telephone on 061-314483

So now you know.

What are you waiting for?!?

Get thee to the task of getting your ticket!

Mia Culpa

2008-10-08T11:35:00.005+01:00

First off, I feel like I should apologise to my poor bloggie for abandoning so thoroughly over the past while.

Y'see I've been preoccupied with other stuff and...well....blog posts started coming lower on the list of things to do.

I'M BACK!!

:)

First off.

This upcoming week marks the 10th anniversary of the murder of Matthew Wayne Shepard. Matthew was a gay American student at the University of Wyoming who was was robbed, pistol whipped, tortured, tied to a fence in a remote, rural area, and left to die near Laramie on the night of October 6 – October 7, 1998. He died from severe head injuries at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado, on October 12, 1998.

I got this from a blog I regularly read.

With AML coming up with it's delightful gender bending, and having a place like Rainbow Support Services and it's coffee dock available in which kings, queens and transfolk alike have chatted and chilled - I'm truly thankful to be me - to live in Limerick, to have friends who love me and passers-by who don't give two figs as to how I spend my time or choose to dress.

The reminder of Matthew Shepherd's passing reminds me of all that I have.

Nothing's perfect.

Nor is any place.

But in Limerick I feel safe.

Be it ever so humble there sure is no place like home.

Absolute Photo Shoot

2008-09-03T16:28:00.007+01:00

Best keep an eye on the national papers for pics from the photoshoot held in the Absolute Hotel yesterday.

I truly doubt that the Absolute has seen so many colourful outfits and personalities at the same time and in the one group.

What a laugh we had.

Great fun.

I'll make a better post tomorrow when I don't feel so fluey. .....but in the meantime......

Chase N. Koch-Rayne

Chase & Selene

A quick google showed that we've been mentioned in the Irish Examiner. No on-line pics though :(

A passing mention to Limerick Pride here.

Art Auction & Garden Party 2008

2008-08-29T09:59:00.006+01:00

Megan Fraser & Evan Kennedy's 'Red Queen'

The press launch for the Art Auction & Garden Party was held in the cafe of the Hunt Museum yesterday at around 2.30ish. My blond bombshell tagged along to see what the fuss was about.

Details of this years Art Auction & Garden party have made the front page of todays Irish Times!

As has the offspring of yours truly. Colour me chuffed. My blond bombshell can be seen above and here posing alongside one of Evan Kennedy's donated pieces. The lovely photo was taken by the talented Emma Jervis who has also donated two photographic images to the Art Auction this year.

Details were also included in the Limerick Post.

Richard Lynch dropped off a lovely big bag of I Love Limerick Pride badges (a photo of which will appear here shortly) to Rainbow House yesterday. Things are really gaining momentum for Pride.

:bounce:

Soooo looking forward to the festivities.

Limerick Drag News

2008-08-28T10:37:00.002+01:00

My fellow Limerick Drag Kings, Rodger Bait and George (surname to be found), are busy rehearsing for the upcoming AML 2008.

Leamy house is the site of their boi-ish shenanigans.

George a.k.a. Miriam will be fundraising for the Marie Keating foundation. A worthy cause you will no doubt agree.

So a big Whoooop! for our Limerick bois.

You go guys.

:)

Art Auction & Garden Party

2008-08-27T18:50:00.006+01:00

As you know from the previous post, I'm the Rainbow Support Services gopher at the moment. Today they asked that I go to the Hunt Museum and bring my trusty digital camera in order to take photos of the artwork once it was hung in the cafe.

A rear view of the Hunt Cafe exterior

The rear of the Hunt Museum

L-R Breda, Janet, Vanessa & Richard.
Fine-Tuning details prior to tomorrows press launch
(& topping up nicotine levels)

Breda Lynch sharing her professional thoughts on art placement with Evan Kennedy

Evan Kennedy His relaxed & 'manly' demeanour

More often seen on this blog as his alter ego........

Madonna Lucia (with microphone) & Shelia Fits-Patrick
(with Sharon Arseburn in Shocking Pink on the rear left)
(You can just about make me out behind Madonna with the red hearts tie)

A tad different, yes?

The art was hung by the patient Martin (whose surname I will duly input here when I have it), who also happens to be a printmaker and sculptor. Perchance he may submit some artwork himself to be auctioned off????? If he does I shall duly blog same.

It took a while until the lunch time rush died down to have enough space to place the art work in appropriate locations around the cafe. Breda Lynch, Master Printmaker and tutor with the Limerick College of Art & Design, kindly shared her artistic eye and experience to make sure the artworks were seen in their best light.

Once more string, for hanging (pictures not people!!), had been bought and Breda had assigned the artworks to their new transient abodes within the cafe, we left Martin in peace to continue with his work.

We'll be back down tomorrow so that I can photograph the pieces that have only just come back from the framers. The press launch will be at 2.30a.m. So I guess I'll have stick around for that s so that I can blog about it! :grins:

Must get back to my psychometrics portfolio now. I'm finally making progress on it.

Limerick Pride 2008!!

2008-08-20T21:01:00.009+01:00

Tis only a matter of weeks away now.

The preparations are intensifying and Leamy House is a hub of activity as brochures, accommodation, artistes and artwork are distributed, arranged, appeased and curated as appropriate.

Leamy House (Queer Castle), Hartstonge Street, Limerick

Check out the official Pride website

Vanessa, the co-ordinator, and Janet, the administrator, are up to their ears with Pride preparations, and that's on top of their regular work supporting members of the diverse queer communities. I'm their gopher in the afternoons for the next few weeks.

If any of you lovely folks who read this have a business or club where Pride posters, leaflets and booklets could be displayed then please do get in touch. We'll happily send some out to you or give you directions to collect some.

The office number is 061 - 468611. Give RSS a call between 9.30 - 5pm or send an e-mail to rainbowlmk@eircom.net.

Rainbow Support Services is a charity that is only part funded by the HSE.

The annual art auction, which this year is happening on the grounds of the Hunt Museum, has been their main source of funding for the past 14 years. Since well before Equality Legislation. Tickets €65 from Rainbow or for credit card sales call funireland.com at 061 320292.

For most of it's existence the Annual Art Auction & Garden Party has been held on the grounds of Dan Lawless & Clive Cooks own abode. Thank you very much guys!! Kudos also to Dan's mom, Nancy Lawless, who was the gracious hostess of the first Art Auction & Garden as far as I am aware. Way to go lovely lady.

So, the Art Auction and Garden Party has now outgrown anybody's home ground, no matter how breath-takingly beautiful, and is now relocated to the city centre. This is an important step. Years ago being out in the rural location of Murroe provided safety, as well as elegance and an incredible wow factor. Now, we can fundraise and celebrate smack bang in the heart of Limerick city centre without overly fearing any smacking, banging or bashing.

Thank you to all the fabulous people upon whose brave shoulders we now stand and cheer. We wouldn't have the wonderful Leamy House with it's open door and prominent sign if it hadn't been for the concerned members of the community who responded to the suicides of two young Limerick men by setting up a helpline which was the first step towards the umbrella project which is Rainbow Support Services.

If any of those individuals had reflected that as 'just one person' they couldn't make a change, we would have sorely missed out on the trojan work and forward thinking that has flowed from their practical concern and step by step action toward a better city.

Their actions have helped to create a project where I for one can relax and feel like I'm home. And like in the best of homes, I get to invite my friends back, no matter how different from me they are, and know that they'll be welcomed with respect and friendliness. How cool is that!

For the next generation check out Rainbow's link with BeLonGTo and details of the Limerick based youth worker post that's currently being advertised. The post is a joint venture between RSS, BeLonGTo and the Irish Youth Foundation.

That's all for now folks.

Happy Pride!!!!!!!

(Oh, by the way Galway Brod has kicked off. Go support them!!!!! Go on.....ya know ya want to).

Galway Brod - reposted from their Bebo page

2008-08-18T01:47:00.000+01:00

here is the line up for galway gay pride

21 aug thursday night A Traffic Light Ball in the Cellar Night Club Eglinton Street,

22 aug friday night club night upstairs in an pucan foster st

23 aug sat night club night in the black box dyke rd

24 aug sunday club night upstairs in an pucan foster st

sunday luxury cruise on the corrid full bar and dj betty herring on sunday at 4pm 24 th august

This Year will also see Galway unveil its own brand new massive Pride Flag called ‘The Pride of The West’ which was manufactured locally by Bridget’s Flags and Banners who say it’s the biggest flag they have ever made in the West of Ireland.

Contact us here on bebo, brodirelandwest@gmail.co
m or on 087-2274077

Check out our website for events details and ticket sales http://www.brodirelandwest.ie

Galway Brod

2008-08-16T23:06:00.003+01:00

Unfortunately due to the work and study commitments of our real world personas - The Cruzin' Kings will not be performing in Galway Brod next weekend.

We're truly blue about this. Galway Brod is gearing up to be a wonderful festival. If any of you can get yourselves up to Galway for any of their events then do so. You will have a wonderful time and meet fabulous individuals.

Happy Pride Galway!!

Line up for Galway Pride 2008 - Reposted from Brod's Bebo page

2008-08-14T00:36:00.001+01:00

Here is the line up for galway gay pride

21 aug thursday night A Traffic Light Ball in the Cellar Night Club Eglinton Street,

22 aug friday night club night upstairs in an pucan foster st

23 aug sat night club night in the black box dyke rd

24 aug sunday club night upstairs in an pucan foster st

sunday luxury cruise on the corrib, full bar and dj betty herring on sunday at 4pm 24 th august

This Year will also see Galway unveil its own brand new massive Pride Flag called ‘The Pride of The West’ which was manufactured locally by Bridget’s Flags and Banners who say it’s the biggest flag they have ever made in the West of Ireland.

Contact us here on bebo, brodirelandwest@gmail.co
m or on 087-2274077

Check out our website for events details and ticket sales http://www.brodirelandwest.ie

Reposted in part from Brod's Bebo Page - Please Support Pride Events which Support LGBTQ communities

2008-08-14T00:16:00.003+01:00

Pride in Galway is a community run organisation for the Gay Community by the Gay community where the monies raised goes to charities and groups such as AidsWest’, The Galway Gay Helpline, the Galway LGBT youth Group ‘Shout’ All other commercial venures have 51 weeks in the year to make profit. Now its time for them to support the Gay Community and Give something back to the Gay Community....... The only way to support to Gay Organisations is to support the OFFICAL Pride Events/Brod Ireland West events and discounted tickets can be got for these events on www.brodirelandwest.ie

2008 Limerick Pride Parade Route

2008-07-31T09:39:00.000+01:00

For those not in the know and who want to be in the know.

The following is copied from I Love Limerick: Limerick Pride's Bebo page.

ON SAT SEPT 13TH AT 1PM THE PRIDE PARADE KICKS OFF AT 1PM AT PERY SQUARE.Pride Parade Route begins @1P.M. Rain or ShinePery Sq – Hartstonge St – Henry St – Arthur’s Quay – Patrick’s St – O Connell St – Hartstonge St – Pery Sq

Here's the link to their Bebo page for those of ya who'd like to see it first hand.

http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=7436748727

Have a great day y'all.

On the subject of Soul Men & Soul Sisters

2008-07-28T22:53:00.001+01:00

For the first duet of the Waterford gig, I was Elwood and Justin was Jake.

Soul Man is a great excuse to bomb about on stage like a mad yoke.

Great fun.

Having fun and entertaining people is why I do drag. If it wasn't fun, then for me, it wouldn't be worth doing. There are enough things in life that are serious and profound. When I do a gig it's to get a giggle. If three people giggle and everyone else politely continues with their quiet drink or conversation then that's cool with me.

I love seeing other women giving drag a go. Anyone willing to try their hand at 'musical theatre', as my father puts it, has my utmost respect. No drag king emerges as a perfect creation from the mind of the woman behind him. We all start somewhere. In my opinion the perfect place to start is by having fun.

There are those who spend their time finding ways to knock a woman's enthusiasm - for any endeavour that she may choose to pursue - but specifically, with regard to this blog, for trying her hand at drag and at drag performance. This is a real pity. It reflects badly on women as a whole when we do not support one another in our endeavours. Particularly so when we identify as part of a minority community, and moreover as a minority within that minority who are willing to put ourselves out there as drag kings.

As children the first thing we learn how to do is to destroy. Toddlers take much pleasure in knocking over the tower of bricks their sibling has spent time and effort building, bashing and taking things apart. Presumably, we learn how to take things apart so that we can learn how to put them back together again.

I would hope that by the time most of us reach adulthood that we would prefer to build things and add to that which another has worked to build rather than reverting to our toddler selves and taking joy in tearing it down. But then I'm an optimist (that's why I'm in a drag collective with a realist lol!).

I'm going to continue to support drag kings - and indeed queens - of all shapes, orientations, races, ages, demoninations. It doesn't matter how slick the performance, or whether a king or queen does perform. What matters is that the person is willing to give it a shot. That's what I admire.

Part of the reason that I'll support any and all comers to drag is that amid those of use for whom it is all fun and an avenue to step outside ourselves and our everyday reality, for some it is the first step on the road to becoming who they truly are inside. I'll applaud every king and queen who steps out and genderbends because they are paving the way, and walking side by side with folks who identify along the trans continuum as transmen and transwomen or just plain ole genderqueer and for whom their drag persona is a little slice of their true selves that they are being brave enough to share with those around them.

So I'm up for having fun and supporting one another.

How about you?

Cruzin' Kings First Gig

2008-07-27T14:11:00.000+01:00

All drag king collectives start somewhere and the place where we popped our performance cherry was Eden @ Dignity, Waterford.

Man I was nervous!!

Thanks to Justin for help with my goatee.

A big thank you the lovely lady I plucked from the crowd to croon my lil ole heart out to during Achy Breaky Heart.Thank you and hugs to ya E. You are a fabulous sport Of course, E. was such a fabulous sport and such good eye candy on (and off)stage that she found herself crooned to again and again during Cruzin' Kings Waterford gig on Friday.

Thanks to DJ Cullie for being so friendly and supportive and a big shout out and hugs to Mike and Kevin for refuelling us kings after our night strutting our stuff. You guys rock.

Hugs and kudos to all who sang along with, flirted, danced, clapped and laughed good naturedly along with us. A thank ya kindly to those folks in the place who had never heard of drag kings and who gave us a chance to show them that it's all about having a laugh and being entertained.

Thanks, hugs and kisses to Sheila Fits-Patrick and Madonna Lucia for words of encouragement before we hit Waterford.

Thanks to Eden for having us down to strut our stuff.

New Limerick Drag King: Rodger Bait

2008-07-27T13:57:00.000+01:00

A big shout out and welcome to Limerick's latest drag king.

Whoop!! I'm not the only king in the village anymore. Whoop!!

I see a future Cruzin' King in the making. :)

I Love Limerick: Limerick Pride 2008

2008-07-22T23:59:00.000+01:00

http://www.ilovelimerick.com/

For more info use the above link.

Pride is growing, changing and diversifying.

I've already volunteered for the Garden Party & Art Auction which is Rainbow's main fundraising event. This year it's being held on the Hunt Museum grounds. This brings it smack bang into the city centre. After the lots of artwork have been auctioned off and everyone has had their fill of wine and food everyone will be guided over to the Trinity Rooms to party for the evening.

My role will be as 'Spotter' :) I'll get to keep my peepers peeled for any sign of a bid on a lot and will be noting who's bid on what and for how much.

Rainbow could do with more volunteers and will definitely welcome all comers to join in, say hi, march, be proud, clap, make noise and celebrate being here, being queer and no longer (for many of us) living in fear.

Follow the link and have a look see for yourselves.

Ya all take care now, y'hear!

Our first gig!!!!!

2008-07-21T17:38:00.001+01:00

Waterford here we come!!!!!

Can ya tell I'm bouncing?!?

We have a logo!!!!

2008-07-16T23:05:00.000+01:00

Much excitement and unmanly high pitched squeals of delight ensued when we saw the well cool logo that Melissa deftly created for Cruzin' Kings. A disagreement between my will and the stubborness of my pc won't allow me to upload it. However, if ya make you're way to our Bebo page you can check it out.

Follow the link in my previous post and let us know whatcha think!

:)

Galway Brod Poster

2008-07-14T23:15:00.000+01:00

So many ideas!!!!

2008-07-10T00:00:00.000+01:00

Put two completely different drag king bois in a rehearsal space and that's exactly whatcha get! Brainstormers extraordinaire. Justin's writing pad came in well handy to capture the creative energy we had going on.

Now we just need to put it all together in time for Galway Pride. Eek....um, I mean yay!!

Drag King Collective News

2008-07-01T21:50:00.000+01:00

My buddy Justin and I have joined forces.

Check it out.....

http://www.bebo.com/cruzinkings

Our first joint gig will be in Galway during their Brod Celebrations which are happening from 17th to 24th August.

You can check our their website below.

http://www.brodirelandwest.ie/

Supporting us in our Drag King exploits are the folks in Rainbow House, Hartstonge Street, Limerick.

http://rainbowsupportservices.tk/

or catch them on their Myspace

http://www.myspace.com/rainbowsupportservices

Rainbow have a sweet space to the rear of their building which can be booked for events and rehearsals. We are following in the illustrious steps of Teaspach Theatre company.

http://www.myspace.com/teaspachtheatre

We're tickled pink to be participating in Galway's Pride Celebrations and have also promised our Kinged up selves to I Love Limerick Limerick Pride.

Happy Pride Season Folks!! :)

Dublin Pride 2008

2008-06-23T09:43:00.001+01:00

Oh the fun......

the rain..........

the bomb scares.........

I kid thee not. It does take a goodly amount to dampen Pride enthusiasm. Not even the the individual(s) who called in the bomb warning which led to club patrons being evacuated onto the streets could scupper the sense of community joy and pride that was palpable over the weekend.

Panti's rousing speech had me whooping and cheering with the rest of the partygoers after the rather soggy but nevertheless well attended Pride March. I was standing with the Kerry Lesbian & Gay Project who adopted lil ole me for the day. Thanks guys!

The theme to this years Pride celebration was Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Bride. Panti's speech focused on how far our communities have come. So far indeed that there are those individuals who think, bless their cotton socks, that we have the full complement of rights accorded to our heterosexual counterparts. Indeed we do not. The acceptance of the majority of everyday people has not trickled up towards the policy makers of this country who still show tolerance rather than acceptance of our communities.

Indeed, within our own communities some of us are guilty of merely tolerating rather than accepting Trans identified individuals. LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Questioning/Queer. Tony Walsh, this years Pride Marshall, emphasised that we still have a journey ahead of us to not only have our unique families recognised under the law but also to recognise all the unique individuals within our own wider LGBTQ family.

I agree, and judging from the ringing in my ears from the whooping of the crowd around me so do quite a few others.

Rain couldn't quench our spirits.

Neither will bomb threats.

Intolerance and outright hate are things that our communities have dealt with for generations, not by cowering and quietly sitting in dark corners, but by coming together and joining the power of the individual to the power of the group and ultimately to the power of the united communities of those who identify on some part of the LGBTQ continuum. Those who love us and identify as straight also march with us, whoop as loudly, march as proudly, love as strongly and batter down the staid attitudes of policy makers just as tirelessly.

Mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, grandparents, children and grandchildren all took part in Dublin's Pride Parade.

I'm proud to be Irish and proud to be queer and proud of those who identify differently and who speak up to make our country a better place for all of us.

Straight folk rock.

Trans folk rock.

Bi folk rock.

We all rock.

I've been refuelled and re-energised for the year ahead off of the energy of the people who braved the rain, partied in the park and limbo danced under the Garda tapes surrounding the George during the bomb scare.

I'm so going again next year.

Technical Difficulties

2008-06-19T23:49:00.000+01:00

I've spent the last few hours watching Blogger endeavour to upload a vid of a fellow drag king who is based in Dublin. Alas, Blogger does not seem to want to upload said vid so therefore stills will have to suffice.

Seeing as my fellow Limerick Drag Kings are so limited in number as to be invisible to the naked eye I figure I'll give a shout out to my Dublin Drag King bros.

First off is Justin Casey-Cumms. I speak about Justin first partly cos I'm getting to meet up with him and his posse to join them in the Pride March in Dublin on Saturday.

Contemplative Justin

Justin competed in the Alternative Miss Ireland competition in 2007 in the Olympia.

You can check out the AML site here http://alternativemissireland.queerid.net/homepage.aspx.

This year he winged his way to the IDKE and had himself a whole lotta fun. Dude has a YouTube vid that dang well refused to load so here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IrVnltaiMA and another if the first whet your appetite http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xBoGbOfLmo.

Hopefully, I'll be able to upload actual vids next time.

Take care y'all now, y'hear.

Chase

Our Reigning AML & AMI Queen and her consort

2008-06-18T00:02:00.000+01:00

I figure I need to fill this blog out a bit more so who better to grace it than our very own Sheila Fits-Patrick and Madonna Lucia.

Photos as promised

2008-04-07T10:18:00.001+01:00

Me as Chase. Yes, Panti is that tall and yes I am that short! This was the evening wear section.

I was her "Teddybear" hence the stuffed toy props in her hand.

Swimwear section. Legs to be downright envious of. Way to go Madge!

The swimwear section where absolutely anything goes.

Go Madge, go Madge.

My first mosey on stage to the tune of Rawhide.

All of us on stage for the swimwear section. Oy, my legs. (Cringes)

The Reigning Alternative Miss Ireland

2008-04-07T00:22:00.000+01:00

The Reigning Queen of all that's glitz and glam on the Irish Drag scene is none other than our own wonderful Sheila Fits-Patrick. Sheila made her TV3 debut on Tuesday and was also on air tonight when Diary of a Beauty Queen was repeated.

Up Sheila!! You go girl. Woohoo!!

Evan backstage during the Alternative Miss Limerick competition as his persona Madonna Lucia

Myself as Chase N. Koch-Rayne and Mike as Sheila Fits-Patrick chilling & chatting backstage between sets. Passing beside us is the previous Alternative Miss Ireland who's name I will remember and put right here.

Mike and Evan are really nice approachable guys in their everyday wear and are really nice approachable drag queens, on stage, backstage, in the pub or on the street. They're pure gold and it's great to have them in Limerick and representing Limerick both on the drag scene and in the mainstream.

Limerick Drag Kings

2008-03-09T23:35:00.000Z

Currently the title of this blog is aspirational.

Recently, it's come to my atttention that I am, currently, Limerick's only Drag King.

I would sincerely like to see this change.

So, essentially, this post is a calling for all Limerick Drag Kings to get in touch so that we can collaborate and encourage each other.

Let's create ourselves a drag king troupe. A space where we can come together and work on our characters, make up and packing.

Let's give the Drag Queens some more Drag King company (and a little friendly competition).

Performing as Chase N. Koch-Rayne
Competing in AML 2007 held in Dolan's Warehouse

Ya never know. This time next year a few Drag Kings could be treading the boards in Dublin's Olympia Theatre as finalists in the Alternative Miss/Mr. Ireland.

The Reigning Alternative Miss Limerick

Oh, by the way, this years AMI kicks off on March 16th with our very own Sheila Fitzpatrick (Mike Shinnors) the reigning Alternative Miss Limerick who will be representing Limerick in this years final.

The very best of fun to our Alternative Miss. May she have a simply fabulous time :)