Bitches Be Crazy time. Photo: Una Mullally

Happy New Year, bitches!

Bitches Be Crazy is back for 2012: same Bitch time, same Bitch channel.

If you need a little sojourn away from the sobriety of dreary January, your best bet this BBC: there’s a 99% chance you will lose your shit every time a track starts playing, the music is just that good.

Confirmed DJs on the night are Alex, Una, Bucko, plus the fabulous Joey Kavanagh (@thebubbleboy and sphericalnotions).

The usual rules apply: BYOB. Doors 9pm. €5 before 10pm, €10 thereafter.

Here’s what you missed last time around: Bitches Be Hazy.

And here’s a guess at the kind of sounds you’re likely to hear. Maybe. (It’s just a guess.)

Azealia Banks – “212” ft. Lazy Jay

Scissor Sisters “Shady Love” ft Azealia Banks

Adrian Lux feat. The Good Natured – “Alive” (Basto Radio Edit) (Official Video)

Rihanna – “We Found Love” ft. Calvin Harris
(Skip to 48 seconds in.)

SBTRKT – “Pharaohs” ft. Roses Gabor

DJ Earworm Mashup – “United State of Pop 2011” (World Go Boom)
(Maybe.)

You may hear these sounds. Or you may not. I don’t know.

You’ll just have to head along to find out whether my predictions are correct!

Related posts:

1. Bitches be hazy…
2. One big room, full of bad bitches
3. Bitches Be Crazy? Witches Be Crazy

Bitches Be Crazy time. Photo: Una Mullally

Yesterday morning, in the aftermath of Bitches Be Crazy’s Christmas hoe-down, bitches were seriously hazy.

A gaggle of mates and I gathered to meet at the Spire in Dublin on Friday night, before making our way to the club. I’d been meaning to get to Bitches Be Crazy since I first heard about it in its previous home on Thomas Street. So we were first timers, each and every one of us.

As we stumbled out into the cold wee hours of Saturday morning some time later, none of us would shut the hell up about how great the music was, how great the crowd was, how positive the vibe was, how Dublin – nay, Ireland – shouldn’t have had to wait until 2011 for a club like this to come along.

In the past, we’ve had “alternative” club nights, which have promised much and delivered little. (Q+A, I’m looking at you.) After years of disappointment, our patience has finally been rewarded.

Thanks to all the crazy bitches for throwing an epic party!

And now that we’ve recovered, here are some of the highlights from the night.

(If you missed it, believe me, you seriously missed out.)

Jumper time. Photo: Vickey Curtis

“Deceptacon” by Le Tigre

“I think we’re alone now” by Tiffany

“When you’re around” by Frankmusik

Bitches Be Crazy in full effect. Photo: Una Mullally

“You oughta know” by Alanis

“We found love” by Rhianna ft. Calvin Harris

“Called Out in the Dark” by Snow Patrol

“Africa” by Toto

And finally, the highlight to beat all highlights:

• You know a club is run by women when there are ample supplies of toilet roll for the whole night.

Someone taking BYOB very seriously. Photo: Una Mullally

Related posts:

1. One big room, full of bad bitches
2. It’s 2012: Bitches be back
3. Bitches Be Crazy? Witches Be Crazy

Bitches Be Crazy, Dublin’s best queer pop-up DIY night, is back for the holidays! And this time, Bitches Be Crackers.

The party takes place this Friday, 16th December. Doors 9pm. It’s a fiver in before 10pm, and €10 after that. Bring your own booze and get loco. (Bitches be recession-aware.)

According to Le Cool’s Emily O’Callaghan, Bitches Be Crazy came into being after a conversation between organisers Katie Guinnane and Vickey Curtis about the absence of alternative and less expensive club nights.

Originally held in The Jam Factory on Thomas Street, the party has since moved northside. DJs include Ragin, Nic’la, Kay-Z, Corina Gaffey, Ashley, and more.

Confirm you’re attending via Facebook to get the full details.

Here are some photies from Bitches past:

The Bitches’ venue. Photo: Katie Guinnane.

Corina Gaffey at the helm. Photo: Una Mullally.

Ragin on the decks. Photo: Katie Guinnane.

Una Mullally at the controls. Photo: Fionn Kidney.

Bitches get crazy. Photo: Will St Leger.

Some of Ireland’s notables have been spotted. Photo: Emily O’Callaghan.

Supplies! Photo: Nickie Connolly.

A note:

This article title is a line from Kreayshawn’s “Bumpin’ Bumpin’”, later chopped and screwed in “Gucci Gucci”. Listen listen.

Related posts:

1. Bitches be hazy…
2. Bitches Be Crazy? Witches Be Crazy
3. It’s 2012: Bitches be back

As some of us recover from festive celebrations, we can ease through this week with plenty in the way of gentle socialising, and nothing too taxing. Praise be!

Monday, 12th December

Dublin

• TENI Family Support Group. For further details contact vanessa@teni.ie

Tuesday, 13th December

Dublin

• Volunteering with the Irish Feminist Network at The Duke, off Grafton Street. 7:30pm.

• Wet & Wild Sports Club on ice! At IMMA, 6:30pm.

Kerry

• Kerry LGBT Youth Project, for young people aged 15-18 years. Meets at 7pm. Contact (066) 712 1674 for info.

Wednesday, 14th December

Dublin

• Running Amach: Indoor Soccer. Places are limited; click the link for details.

• IndividualiTy, a social group for transgender young people and those questioning their gender identity. Meets at 5:30pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 6706223.

• BeLonG To Over 18s Group, for LGBT young people aged 18 – 23 from Dublin and surrounding areas. Meets at 7:30pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 6706223.

Mayo

• Shenanigans: ‘Tost’ Christmas Party at Le Chéile Family Resource Centre, Castlebar, 7pm.

Tipperary

• OUT Tipp, an LGBT support group for young people. Meets at 7pm. Contact outipp@gmail.com or 087 9100727 for info.

Thursday, 15th December

Cavan

• AIM LGBT Youth Group meets at 4pm. Contact youth@outcomers.org or 086 1625030.

Cork

• Unite* a confidential Gay, Bisexual and Transgender youth group (24 years and under). Meets at 6pm. Contact info@gayyouthcork.com or (021) 4278470.

Dublin

• The Ladybirds, a group for young lesbian, bi and trans* women (aged 14-23 years). Meets at 6pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 6706223.

• Glória celebrate Christmas at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. 8pm.

• Running Amach: Coffee shop hang out at Accents Lounge. 9pm.

• Prhomo at Dragon – One year anniversary! Free before 10pm.

Galway

• Shenanigans: Over the Edge Reading. 6:30pm at Galway City Library.

Limerick

• My Diversity, for young persons aged between 14 and 25 years. Meets at 7pm. Contact mylgbrss@gmail.com or 085 2850107 / (061) 310101 for info.

Louth

• AIM Young Adults Group, an informal support for LGBT young people aged 18-25 years old in the North East. Meets at 8pm. Contact youth@outcomers.org or 086 1625030 for info.

Related posts:

1. BLT Sandwich (5-8 Dec)
2. BLT Sandwich (2-4 Dec)
3. BLT Sandwich (7-10 Nov)

Events are picking up in pace and frequency as the festive season hots up. Wherever you are this weekend, there’ll be shindigs and shenanigans nearby!

Friday, 9th December

Cork

• Cork Action for Equality fundraiser at Chambers, Cork city. Cork Action for Equality: web / fb / twitter / marriagequality

Saturday, 10th December

International

• International Human Rights Day commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 63 years ago. Also: fb / twitter / youtube / Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

United Kingdom

• UK Feminista’s Muff March in Harley Street, London. 11:30am.

Belfast

• Dublin International Gay Social Group (D.I.G.S.) trip to Belfast!

Cork

• Linc‘s Craft Fair, 12-3pm. To reserve a place, contact emma@linc.ie or tina@linc.ie

• Cork Women’s Fantasy Ball at the Liquid Lounge. 9pm. Tickets eur10.

Donegal

• Breakout LGBT youth group. 2pm to 4pm. Contact lgbt@donegalyouthservice.ie or 085 7411607.

Dublin

• Dublin Front Runners at the Phoenix Park from 10am. More information: dublinfrontrunners@gmail.com

• Glória’s Great Afternoon Party! at The Rotunda Hospital 3-5pm.

• 13th Annual Carol Service for LGBT people, families and friends at the Unitarian Church, Dublin. 8pm.

• Lick at The Lost Society (formerly SPY), South William Street. Doors 10:30pm. €8 in.

Galway

• shOUT! 4-6pm. Phone: 087 7738529/087 3204575. Email: shout@youthworkgalway.ie

• Whoop it Up for Liberty! at 6pm in Druid Theatre.

Louth

• AIM Youth Group. 1pm to 3pm. Contact youth@outcomers.org or 086 162 5030.

Limerick

• My LGBT Young Adults Group (18-25 years). 12noon to 2pm. Contact mylgbrss@gmail.com or (061) 310 101 / 085 285 0107.

• Rainbow Teens (14-17 years). 12noon to 2pm. Contact mylgbrss@gmail.com or (061) 310 101 / 085 285 0107.

Mayo

• SMILY LGBT youth group (14-23 years) meets in Ballina once a month on a Saturday, 3-5pm. Contact smilynwys@gmail.com or 087 1802672.

• OutWest Christmas Dinner at Mangos Restaurant, Westport.

Sligo

• SMILY LGBT youth group (14-23 years) meets in Sligo town once a month on a Saturday, 3-5pm. Contact smilynwys@gmail.com or 087 1802672.

Waterford

• My Big Gay Xmas, Tramore.

Sunday, 11th December

Dublin

• BeLonG To Sundays. 3pm to 6pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 670 6223.

• Santa Dash in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation, North Bull Island.

Waterford

• Chill Out youth group. 2pm to 4pm. Contact chillout@wstcys.ie or 086 858 9865.

Wexford

• Gay Youth Wexford, a drop-in space for LGBT youth (aged 14-18 years). 4-6pm. Contact gayyouthwexford@gmail.com

Related posts:

1. BLT Sandwich (2-4 Dec)
2. BLT Sandwich (18-20 Nov)
3. BLT Sandwich (12-15 Dec)

Perhaps with people saving their energy for festivities later in the month, it’s a quieter week this week – but there are still events happening to keep you occupied!

Monday, 5th December

* tumbleweed *

Tuesday, 6th December

Cork

• Linc Book Club meets at 8pm. Under discussion: The Fires of Bride by Ellen Galford.

Dublin

• IFN Book Club: Tuesday December 6th, 7pm at Accents Tea & Coffee Lounge. The book is Sisters: The Personal Story of an Irish Feminist, June Levine. Also: Facebook event

Kerry

• Kerry LGBT Youth Project, for young people aged 15-18 years. Meets at 7pm. Contact (066) 712 1674 for info.

Longford

• Longford LGBT group, meets every Tuesday from 7:30–9.30pm. For more info email hayley@lgbtdiversity.com or call 087 9890336.

Wednesday, 7th December

Belfast

• Running Amach: Wednesday Older Women (WOW), starts 7pm.

Dublin

• IndividualiTy, a social group for transgender young people and those questioning their gender identity. Meets at 5:30pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 6706223.

• BeLonG To Over 18s Group, for LGBT young people aged 18 – 23 from Dublin and surrounding areas. Meets at 7:30pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 6706223.

Tipperary

• OUT Tipp, an LGBT support group for young people. Meets at 7pm. Contact outipp@gmail.com or 087 9100727 for info.

Thursday, 8th December (Tractor Day!)

International

• Horizon 2014: What LGBT rights in the EU? at the European Parliament, Brussels. 10:30am-12 noon. Registration closes 4th December. (Register online). More: LGBT Intergroup / EU Cmsn / FRA / ILGA-Europe

Cavan

• AIM LGBT Youth Group meets at 4pm. Contact youth@outcomers.org or 086 1625030.

• LGBTinC bowling at Astra Bowl. Contact info@lgbtinc.org or call/text 086 249 1821 for more info.

Cork

• Unite* a confidential Gay, Bisexual and Transgender youth group (24 years and under). Meets at 6pm. Contact info@gayyouthcork.com or (021) 4278470.

Dublin

• The Ladybirds, a group for young lesbian, bi and trans* women (aged 14-23 years). Meets at 6pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 6706223.

• Panel Discussion: Lesbian & gay parents & families: Experiences & Challenges, UCD, at 6pm.

• Running Amach: Weekly coffee shop meet-up, 9pm.

• Bitches with Wolves: A Bitchin’ XXXmas at the Sugar Club, Dublin. Doors 7:30pm. Tickets €12.

Limerick

• My Diversity, for young persons aged between 14 and 25 years. Meets at 7pm. Contact mylgbrss@gmail.com or 085 2850107 / (061) 310101 for info.

Dundalk, Louth

• AIM Young Adults Group, an informal support for LGBT young people aged 18-25 years old in the North East. Meets at 8pm. Contact youth@outcomers.org or 086 1625030 for info.

Related posts:

1. BLT Sandwich (12-15 Dec)
2. BLT Sandwich (2-4 Dec)
3. BLT Sandwich (9-11 Dec)

Finally! Tis the season: December is here, the month of World AIDS Day, Tractor Day, Human Rights Day, the winter solstice, and a festival of some kind towards the end of the month. (…What’s the name again..?) But that’s not all, there’s plenty more besides. Read on for this weekend’s festive offerings!

Friday, 2nd December

Cork

• Out4Dinner. To book a place, contact emma@linc.ie, tina@linc.ie or info@theotherplace.ie

• LGBT Diversity & TENI conference: “Working Together” at the River Lee Hotel, Cork. For details email Sarah at info@lgbtdiversity.com

Dublin

• Event to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities at TCD. 2pm. Registration is free, but register with Marie O’Connor at 01-716 8333 or e-mail Marie.Oconnor@ucd.ie

• underCURRENT presents CHEESE at The Workman’s Club. Doors at 7.30pm / Show at 8pm sharp! Tickets €15 on the door.

• #DubTweetMas : 3rd Annual Dublin Christmas Tweetup at McGrattans Pub, Baggot Street. From 6pm. Organised by @juleser.

• T-shirt WAR at Andrews Lane Theatre. 10pm. eur8 in, unless you can wangle free or cheap – click on the link for details.

Galway

• GOSSIP monthly meeting. Starts 7:30pm.

• Shenanigans: at Connacht v Treviso at the Sportsground. Kick-off at 7:30pm.

Saturday, 3rd December

International

• International Day of Persons with Disabilities. PwD in Ireland

• Bent Con, California (3 & 4 December). A comic convention. Only gayer.

• Start of Amnesty’s Write for Rights campaign: Amnesty International / Amnesty Ireland Amnesty UK

Donegal

• Breakout LGBT youth group. 2pm to 4pm. Contact lgbt@donegalyouthservice.ie or 085 7411607.

Dublin

• Dublin Front Runners at the Phoenix Park from 10am. More information: dublinfrontrunners@gmail.com

• Running Amach: at IMMA. 12 noon.

• Running Amach: Cruel Santa Chrimbo Party. 7pm.

• Wet & Wild Sports Club Christmas Party. Starts 5pm. (Newbies meet-up at 4:30pm)

• Miss-Match Christmas party. From 10pm in Odessa Club. (Fiver in before 11pm, tenner after that.)

• Strand Street Cabaret On Tour. Doors 8pm, Show 9:30pm. €15 in. Get your pre-sale tickets from: Rua Live, 199 Capel St. D1 (very top of Capel St, at Bolton St), email infoatrualive@gmail.com

• Panti Bar’s 4th birthday bash.

• MotherClub Discothèque. Doors 11pm. €5 Entry before 11:30pm.

Kerry

• Kerry LGBT Project/Ciarraí Amach annual Christmas meal. 7:30pm.

Dundalk, Co Louth

• AIM Youth Group. 1pm to 3pm. Contact youth@outcomers.org or 086 162 5030.

Galway

• Bully-proof workshop at shOUT! 4-6pm. Phone: 087 7738529/087 3204575. Email: shout@youthworkgalway.ie

• Shenanigans: at the Eye Cinema, Wellpark, and Cocktails at the G Hotel. 6pm.

Limerick

• My LGBT Young Adults Group (18-25 years). 12noon to 2pm. Contact mylgbrss@gmail.com or (061) 310 101 / 085 285 0107.

• Rainbow Teens (14-17 years). 12noon to 2pm. Contact mylgbrss@gmail.com or (061) 310 101 / 085 285 0107.

Ballina, Co Mayo

• SMILY LGBT youth group (14-23 years) meets in Ballina once a month on a Saturday, 3-5pm. Contact smilynwys@gmail.com or 087 1802672.

Sligo

• SMILY LGBT youth group (14-23 years) meets in Sligo town once a month on a Saturday, 3-5pm. Contact smilynwys@gmail.com or 087 1802672.

Sunday, 4th December

Dublin

• Dykes on bikes! Running Amach: motorbike ride-out. 11am.

• In4Squash Squash practice for all levels! 2pm at UCD. A tenner per person. Contact in4squashireland@gmail.com

• Running Amach: post-Cruel Santa pub grub & hair of the dog, 4pm.

• BeLonG To Sundays. 3pm to 6pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 670 6223.

Waterford

• Chill Out youth group. 2pm to 4pm. Contact chillout@wstcys.ie or 086 858 9865.

Wexford

• Gay Youth Wexford, a drop-in space for LGBT youth (aged 14-18 years). 4-6pm. Contact gayyouthwexford@gmail.com

Related posts:

1. BLT Sandwich (9-11 Dec)
2. BLT Sandwich (12-15 Dec)
3. BLT Sandwich (18-20 Nov)

As December approaches, the social and festive events keep a-coming – from Dublin to Cork to Galway, and from Limerick to Leitrim to Fermanagh. So get out there!

Monday, 28th November

Nationwide

• International 16 Days Action continues until 10th December. In Ireland, Women’s Aid are running their 16 Days campaign – Events around Ireland are listed at the Women’s Aid 16 Days blog

Limerick

• Akidwa/Doras Luimni FGM Awareness afternoon, Limerick. 2pm.

Fermanagh

• New LGBT Group for Women. Meets at 7pm.

Tuesday, 29th November

Dublin

• Running Amach book club at the Library Bar, 7pm. This month, “Briar Rose and Spanking the Maid”; next month, “The Gathering” by Anne Enright.

Galway

• Shenanigans: Amach! LGBT information evening, 8pm.

Wednesday, 30th November

Cork

• Meet ‘n’ Greet social evening at The Other Place. 7pm. Contact info@meetngreetcork.com

Dublin

• Irish Feminist Network Pub Quiz at Doyles pub, Fleet Street. 8pm.

• Running Amach indoor soccer at 6:30pm. A fiver per person.

Thursday, 1st December

Nationwide

• World AIDS Day. Open Heart House / Dublin AIDS Alliance / Cáirde

Cork

• Mná Mná choir meet at Linc, 8pm (every Thurs).

Dublin

• FLAC’s 5th Dave Ellis Memorial Lecture with keynote speaker Baroness Nuala O’Loan. 5:30pm at the Rotunda Hospital.

• First Out for women, at Outhouse, 7:30pm.

• LGBT Noise Table Quiz at the Front Lounge, 7pm.

• Prhomo at Dragon, 10pm.

• Glória perform at Christchurch, in aid of the GUIDE Clinic at St James’s Hospital and The Bone Marrow Trust for Leukemia. 8pm. Tickets €20 each. For credit card bookings, telephone (01) 4738314 or (01) 4284395

Leitrim

• First Out for women, at the North Leitrim Women’s Centre, Manorhamilton. 7:30pm.

Related posts:

1. BLT Sandwich (25-27 Nov)
2. BLT Sandwich (21-24 Nov)
3. BLT Sandwich (12-15 Dec)

This is one busy weekend around Ireland, including the Gay Prom, festive highlights, the return of Bitches Be Crazy, regular youth group meetings, and the start of 16 Days. Clear the diaries, folks!

Friday, 25th November

Nationwide

• International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: Start of International 16 Days Action (until 10th December). In Ireland, Women’s Aid are running their 16 Days campaign – Events around Ireland are listed at the
  Women’s Aid 16 Days blog

Cork

• Participants are needed for the Ms Gay Cork contest this Sunday! Please come & support. Proceeds go to Linc and Marriage Equality. web / facebook / facebook event

Dublin

• Art for Equality in aid of Marriage Equality. 14/15 St Stephen’s Green. Exhibition of works for auction runs until 6:30pm on Sat; Auction takes place at 6:30pm on Sat.

• Bitches Be Crazy. 8pm. Fiver before 9:30pm, tenner after. BYOB. Click “I’m attending” for details.

• BeLonG To Gay Prom at the Mansion House. Doors 8pm. Excitement!

 

• Plus! The Gay Prom After-Party will take place in Copper Alley (behind the Front Lounge). Admission is FREE with your Gay Prom ticket – (or if your dressed up to the 9s). Doors 1am. The Gay Prom After-Party will be rocking ‘til the wee small hours!

• The Electric Disco in aid of Barnardos at Tripod, Dublin, 10pm. €10 before 11pm and €15 after. Running Amach info. 2FM info.

Galway

• The shOUT! peeps are looking for people interested in becoming volunteer youth leaders within the shOUT! project. Get in touch if interested! Deadline is 26th November. Phone: 087 7738529. Email: shout@youthworkgalway.ie. shOUT! is a partnership of Youth Work Ireland, Galway with the support of BeLonG To.

Wicklow

• Civil Partnership & Co-Habiting: seminar on rights and obligations. Hunters Hotel, Wicklow. Starts 7:30pm. Info at 086 8074999.

Saturday, 26th November

Donegal

• Breakout LGBT youth group. 2pm to 4pm. Contact lgbt@donegalyouthservice.ie or 085 7411 607.

Dublin

• Dublin Front Runners at the Phoenix Park from 10am. More information: dublinfrontrunners@gmail.com

• Dr Sketchy’s B&W Christmas, 3pm at Le Cirk.

• Running Amach – Circle dance afternoon at Outhouse. 4pm.

• Art for Equality in aid of Marriage Equality. 14/15 St Stephen’s Green. Auction at 6:30pm.

• Strand Street Cabaret dinner & show. 8pm.

• Klub Diva Chrimbo Shindig at The Turk’s Head. Doors 9:30pm.

• Princess Ri-Ri WAR at Andrew’s Lane Theatre. “My vagina is just as hungry as Rihanna’s.” It’s a Rihanna special. Doors 10pm.

Dundalk

• AIM Youth Group. 1pm to 3pm. Contact youth@outcomers.org or 086 162 5030.

Galway

• Ceramics workshop at shOUT! Phone: 087 7738529. Email: shout@youthworkgalway.ie

• Deadline for expressions of interest for volunteer youth leaders with shOUT!. Get in touch if interested!

• Shenanigans meet for coffee. 3pm.

• Shenanigans at Wildes Bar. 9pm.

• The Full Moon Thai Party at Dignity.

Limerick

• My LGBT Young Adults Group (18-25 years). 12noon to 2pm. Contact mylgbrss@gmail.com or (061) 310 101 / 085 285 0107.

• Rainbow Teens (14-17 years). 12noon to 2pm. Contact mylgbrss@gmail.com or (061) 310 101 / 085 285 0107.

Sunday, 27th November

Cork

• Ms Gay Cork at Chambers. Doors 9pm. Proceeds to Linc & Marriage Equality.

Dublin

• Running Amach at the Science Gallery. 12 noon.

• Dublin International Gay Social Group (D.I.G.S.) monthly Sunday meetup. 1pm.

• BeLonG To Sundays. 3pm to 6pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 670 6223.

• Running Amach board games afternoon. 3pm in Temple Bar.

• Running Amach film meet up at the IFI (My Week With Marilyn). 4pm.

Waterford

• Chill Out youth group. 2pm to 4pm. Contact chillout@wstcys.ie or 086 858 9865.

Related posts:

1. BLT Sandwich (4-6 Nov)
2. BLT Sandwich (18-20 Nov)
3. BLT Sandwich (12-15 Dec)

They say that French is the language of love….

Well let me be the first to tell you, it’s also the language of total confusion!

For most people, flirting is hard enough in their own language. It’s ever harder in your second language, especially when you have yet to grasp the nuances of the language, and figure out the different ways people interact with each other in a foreign country.

According to the other girls here, they have all recieved pretty much the same text message off different French boys the morning after meeting them out. The messages are usually in English, and the line is, and I quote:

Can I come to sleep in your bed tonight?

Now, I’ve always been one for subtly. And for… you know… actually having a conversation with someone before even dreaming of trying the above!! I like to give these guys the benefit of the doubt, and assume that they send those messages because they don’t have the best grasp of English.

That said, I’d never text a girl I’ve just met with “Voulez-vous coucher aver moi ce soir?” just because it’s a French phrase that I know!

But I digress. When you’re on your own turf, and you’re texting someone, you can usually figure out if someone is flirting or not, from the jokes they make to the smilies they use. But everything is different here, and people aren’t flirting when they text certain things, they’re just being French!

First the broken gaydar, now the language barrier… At least I have my giant dictionary to spend quality time with!

Related posts:

1. Où est la bibliothèque?!
2. Où est la bibliothèque?! Part 3
3. Où est la bibliothèque?! Part 2

Need space? Outhouse’s multi-purpose venue is now open for busyness!

Located in the heart of Dublin city, Outhouse can host a wide range of events including:

Workshops // Rehearsals // Visual Art exhibitions // Auditions // Conferences // Live performance // Launches // Meeting Rooms // Readings // Film Screenings // Showcases

“How so?” you ask! Outhouse has 4 spaces available:

Red Room & Library

The Red Room and the Library are located on the second floor of Outhouse both rooms are filled with light, have wooden floors and high Georgian ceilings. The Red Room has a 30 person capacity while the Library can hold a capacity of 20 comfortably. These rooms are popular for workshops, meetings, AGM’s rehearsals and readings. A wall mounted plasma screen is available for use if required.

Outhouse Theatre Venue

The Theatre space is available for multi purpose use, to date it has hosted a wide range of events such as theatre festivals, dance workshops, exhibitions and functions. It has a 70 person capacity, solid temporary stage 12ft x 12ft with a audio visual, sound and lighting rig. Technical specification available on request.

Café

Outhouse Cafe is open from 1pm Monday to Saturday, it serves a selection of teas and coffee pastries and desserts. There is internet access and computers available for use. Outhouse is open from 10 am to 10pm Monday to Friday and all are welcome to drop in and have a look at the space or have a coffee and use the wifi. Art exhibitions run throughout the year in the Outhouse cafe. Please contact us if you would like to exhibit here.

Workshop and Rehearsal Room

Rehearsal and workshop space in the building is popular with theatre practitioners and dancers. The floor is solid wood, semi – sprung and the room is well heated with air conditioning when required. It has wheel chair access and free wifi, sound system and lighting desk. This space is ideal for functions and launches.

DON’T BE SHY. C’MON OVER!

Drop into us Monday to Friday to visit the space and different rooms and a chat about the techniclal specification and availability.

Outhouse can offer highly competitive rates for rental and are happy to discuss alternative use of the space.

email venue@outhouse.ie / call (01) 873 4999

web / tumblr / fb / twitter

/ click for map /

Related posts:

1. Fundraiser for Outhouse
2. Bring down the Outhouse
3. World AIDS Day 2011: Open Heart House events

It’s nearly all about the capital (Dublin) and the real capital (Cork) this week, but Galway’s representing the Wesht in the what’s on stakes.

Leave a comment or email if there’s anything to add!

Monday, 21st November

Cork

• Deadline for applications to Target 1000 positive health talks at Linc. Places are limited. Contact emma@linc.ie or fitzgerald.aileen@gmail.com

Dublin

• Running Amach film night at The Odeon.

Tuesday, 22nd November

Cork

• Badminton at Carrigtwohill (every Tues). 8-10pm. Contact 086 8479051 for details.

Dublin

• 50 50 Group Public Meeting.

• Running Amach film club at Panti Bar (showing Nikita).

Wednesday, 23rd November

Cork

• Phoenix Youth Group meets in Linc (every Wed). 6pm.

• UCC LGBT wine reception fundraiser at The Other Place followed by Freakscene goes formal.

Dublin

• Running Amach – Indoor soccer.

• Women’s Personal Development Course – at Outhouse. 7-10pm.

• Book launch of Diary of a Ryde by Joanna Ryde (Kolyn Byrne) at Andrews Lane Theatre (6:30pm).

Galway

• AMACH! LGBT Galway community meeting at Seville House, New Dock Street.

Thursday, 24th November

Cork

• Up (Phoenix and Unite joint youth group. Every Thurs) at The Other Place from 6:30pm.

• Linc drop-in: Fantasy Ball prep, 6pm. Contact Susanne on 086 2132035.

Dublin

• Feminist Open Forum discusses zines, blogs, DIY publishing. Web / blog / facebook / email: feministopenforum@gmail.com

• Running Amach at The Marvellous Land of Oz, Drumcondra.

• Women’s night at Outhouse.

• DIT LGBT Soc pub crawl.

• Wet and Wild Sports Club : AGM.

• Prhomo Thanksgiving: Win Rhianna tickets. At Dragon from 10pm.

Related posts:

1. BLT Sandwich (7-10 Nov)
2. BLT Sandwich (28 Nov-1 Dec)
3. BLT Sandwich (25-27 Nov)

Hold on to your hats, this is one busy weekend for events around the country! Whether you want to party, skill up, meet new friends, remember those who are absent, there is something happening somewhere near you.

Let me know what I’ve left out – otherwise, enjoy!

Friday, 18th November

Cork

• Final day of UCC LGBT Trans/GID/GD Awareness Week.

Donegal

• Wet and Wild Sports Club : Narosa Surf Weekend (Until 20th Nov).

Dublin

• Kissing WAR at Andrew’s Lane Theatre from 10pm.

Dundalk

• “Queer Conversation”: Dundalk Outcomers mixed night. From 8:30pm until 10:30pm.

Galway

• Pink Training (Until 20th Nov) – Follow #pt11 and #pinktraining2011 on Twitter.

Kerry

• NKWL/Ciarrai Amach LGBT bowling night, Tralee. From 7:30pm.

Mayo

• Running Amach Purple weekend at Hotel Westport (until 20 Nov).

Saturday, 19th November

International

• Conference: Mutual recognition of same-sex couples in the EU in Strasbourg, France.

Cork

• Cork Feminista Advocacy & Activism Training. Starts 1pm.

• 3rd Annual Cork Rebel Awards 2011.

Dublin

• Dublin Front Runners at the Phoenix Park from 10am. More information: dublinfrontrunners@gmail.com

• Gay Doctors Ireland AGM and Scientific Meeting at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin. Starts 2pm.

• Ceremony of Remembrance: GID/TG Year of Hope 2011 at the Unitarian Church at 8pm

• The Panti Show at PantiBar from 10pm.

• Mother with guest DJs at Copper Alley from 11pm.

Dundalk

• AIM Youth Group. 1pm to 3pm. Contact youth@outcomers.org or 086 162 5030.

• Dundalk outcomers youth group (ages 14 to 17 years) meet 3-5pm. Facebook page. Call John on 086 1625030 or email youth@outcomers.org

Galway

• AIDS West workshop at shOUT!. Starts 2pm.

• OutWest Disco at Menlo Park Hotel. Doors 10:30pm, a tenner in.

Limerick

• My LGBT Young Adults Group (18-25 years). 12noon to 2pm. Contact mylgbrss@gmail.com or (061) 310 101 / 085 285 0107.

• Rainbow Teens (14-17 years). 12noon to 2pm. Contact mylgbrss@gmail.com or (061) 310 101 / 085 285 0107.

Wexford

• Final day of Wexford LGBT visibility week – Details here and here

Sunday, 20th November

Dublin

• BeLonG To Sundays. 3pm to 6pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 670 6223.

• In4Squash, 2pm at UCD

• TENI Media Skills Training. Starts 1:45pm. Free but spaces are limited. RSVP to office@teni.ie

• Running Amach film night at the IFI (Wuthering Heights), 6pm.

Waterford

• Chill Out youth group. 2pm to 4pm. Contact chillout@wstcys.ie or 086 858 9865.

Related posts:

1. BLT Sandwich (2-4 Dec)
2. BLT Sandwich (4-6 Nov)
3. BLT Sandwich (9-11 Dec)

Judging my Facebook feed every weekend, there are a lot of X Factor fans out there. So here’s some great news for you! The Risk and Johnny Robinson will be performing live on stage at The George over the next few weeks.

Originally devised by the judges in the earlier days of the X Factor and mentored by Tulisa throughout the competition, The Risk – Derry Mensah (21), Andrew Merry (20), Charlie Healy(25) and Ashford Campbell (19) – will perform a selection of hits from the show on Thursday 24th November at Davina’s Show (starting at 11pm, with The Risk appearing at midnight)

Johnny Robinson, famed for his high-pitched voice, camp performances and love of Take That’s Gary Barlow will perform a selection of his camp anthems and a number of ballads from the show on Friday 2nd December.

• The Risk will appear on stage at midnight on Thursday 24th November while Johnny Robinson will appear live on stage at 11.30pm on Friday 2nd December.
  

 

• Tickets for both performances are priced at €10.00 and only available from the door on the night so make sure you get there early so you don’t miss out!

 

• The George: web / twitter / facebook

Related posts:

1. From NYC straight to The George
2. Kelis in the George, June 23rd
3. Alcazar play the George tonight (Friday)

From Carlow to Wexford, there is plenty to keep the comely maidens and pals occupied this week in Ireland. (Send us your news of any other events we’ve missed.)

Enjoy!

Ongoing

Nationwide

• Sign up to Equality and win! with Marriage Equality – Until 17th November

Cork

• UCC LGBT Trans/GID/GD Awareness Week – Until 18th November

Wexford

• Wexford Visibility Week – Until 19th November

Tuesday, 15th November

Carlow

• TENI Family Support Meeting

Cork

• LGBT Community Forum

Dublin

• Bi-Irish at Outhouse

Galway

• shOUT! bowling night

Wednesday, 16th November

Clare

• Clare Women’s Network Meeting, Ennis (every fortnight)

Cork

• Civil Partnership Explained – book ahead to be guaranteed a place!

Dublin

• TENI Action for Recognition Committee meeting

• ERA Campaign: Public Sector Positive Duties to Promote Equality

Thursday, 17th November

Cork

• MsGay Cork, Marriage Equality and Linc table quiz – 9pm in Loafers

Dublin

• Final day to Sign up to Equality and win! with Marriage Equality

• Dublin AIDS Alliance: comedy fundraiser at The Laughter Lounge

• Women’s Night at Outhouse, from 8pm.

• Running Amach meet-up at Accents Lounge, from 9pm.

Related posts:

1. BLT Sandwich (18-20 Nov)
2. BLT Sandwich (21-24 Nov)
3. BLT Sandwich (4-6 Nov)

This weekend’s a bit quieter than last, but in this fine autumn weather, there’s still plenty to do north and south.

Until 20th November

Belfast

• Outburst Queer Arts Festival

Saturday, 12th November

Dublin

• Running Amach dinner at Brasserie Sixty6

• Lick at Wax (SPY basement)

• Miss-Match at Odessa Club

Sunday, 13th November

Wicklow

• Running Amach walking group at South Pier, Wicklow

Related posts:

1. BLT Sandwich (25-27 Nov)
2. BLT Sandwich (21-24 Nov)
3. BLT Sandwich (28 Nov-1 Dec)

The weekend was fairly jam-packed full of events, and there’s plenty going on during the coming week.

For some of the best bits, keep readin’.

(If anything’s missing, let me know in a comment or email!)

Monday, 7th November

Nationwide

• The online LGBT Traveller Health Survey continues until the 10th. Spread the word!

Cork

• It’s the final day for voting in the Cork Rebel Awards 2011.

 

• OutLook continues, as part of the Cork Film Festival

Dublin

• A Bear, a Bull, and a Chicken comedy night at Panti Bar. From 9pm. Free.

Dundalk

• Dundalk Outcomers women’s night. 8:30pm until 10:30pm. Contact Bernardine on (042) 9329816.

Galway

• LGBT Diversity Midlands Regional Seminar – Active Ageing for All: Older and LGBT at Menlo Park Hotel, Galway. Starts at 10am.

Tuesday, 8th November

Cavan

• LGBTinC meeting in Cavan Town. 7:30pm until 9.30pm. Email info@lgbtinc.org or call/text 086 249 1821 for more details.

Dublin

• Let’s Talk About Sex with Running Amach (location TBC). An open, honest discussion about sexual intimacy, safer sex and sexual pleasure. From 7pm.

Wednesday, 9th November

Cork

• Phoenix Youth Group at LinC (15-23s). 6pm until 9pm. Contact info@linc.ie or (021) 4808600 for more info or to speak with a Youth Worker before joining.

Dublin

• BeLonG To IndividualiTy. 5:30pm until 7:30pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 6706223 for more info.

 

• Dublin Front Runners in the Phoenix Park. Meet at 7:30pm. More information: dublinfrontrunners@gmail.com

Kilkenny

• LGBT Diversity Seminar: “Looking to the Future: Older and LGBT” at Langton’s Hotel, Kilkenny. From 10am. Contact berni@lgbtdiversity.com for details

Thursday, 10th November

Nationwide

• Final day of the LGBT Traveller Health Survey

Kerry

• Ciarrai Amach-Kerry LGBT Project : “Equality Achieved?” conference at Ballyroe Heights Hotel. From 9:30am. Booking form here.

Voilà!

Related posts:

1. BLT Sandwich (4-6 Nov)
2. BLT Sandwich (18-20 Nov)
3. BLT Sandwich (12-15 Dec)

Attention bisexuals, leslies and transfolk! There’s plenty a-happening to keep you occupied this weekend, so I thought, “What better than to present all of that information in one handy post?” (Plus, I decided to call it a BLT Sandwich. And I’m not even sorry.)

So, here it is. (If I’ve left anything out, pop it in a comment or email!)

Friday, 4th November

Dublin

• Surprise WAR at Andrews Lane Theatre. Doors 10pm. Follow the link to find out how to get in for free or for cheap. Admission is “€8 if you are a schmuck.”

• Bunny’s Hutch at PantiBar. Starts 10pm. Free.

Dundalk

• “Queer Conversation”: Dundalk Outcomers mixed night. From 8:30pm until 10:30pm.

Galway

• GOSSIP monthly meeting. From 7:30pm until 9:30pm.

Saturday, 5th November

Cork

• Claiming Our Future Ideas: “An Economy for Society”, Millennium Hall, Cork City Hall. Registration 10am. Enquiries to richie@claimingourfuture.ie. More info here.)

Donegal

• Breakout LGBT youth group. 2pm to 4pm. Contact lgbt@donegalyouthservice.ie or 085 7411 607.

Dublin

• Parent and children group at Outhouse. From 3pm to 5pm. All parents and their children welcome. Contact Fidelma: (01) 865 0093 or fidelma@outhouse.ie

 

• The Big Deal at Project Arts Theatre and panel discussion, “We are family”, with TENI.

 

• In4Squash/OutInIreland Winter Squash Tournament at West Wood Club, Leopardstown, Dublin 18. 10:30am until 5:30pm.

 

• Dublin International Gay Social Group (D.I.G.S.) evening in Havana at 7:30pm.

 

• Wet and Wild Sports Club : Karting at Kylemore Karting. Starts at 6pm.

 

• Dublin Front Runners at the Phoenix Park from 10am. More information: dublinfrontrunners@gmail.com

 

• Strand Street Cabaret at Foam Café. Doors 8pm, Show 9.30, €15 for tapas, dessert & a glass of wine.

 

• The Panti Show at PantiBar from 10pm.

 

• Mother’s Mix at Copper Alley. Doors 11pm. €5 in before 11:30pm.

Dundalk

• AIM Youth Group. 1pm to 3pm. Contact youth@outcomers.org or 086 162 5030.

Galway

• TENI Transgender Awareness Workshop at shOUT!. 4pm to 6pm. Email shout@youthworkgalway.ie

Limerick

• My LGBT Young Adults Group (18-25 years). 12noon to 2pm. Contact mylgbrss@gmail.com or (061) 310 101 / 085 285 0107.

 

• Rainbow Teens (14-17 years). 12noon to 2pm. Contact mylgbrss@gmail.com or (061) 310 101 / 085 285 0107.

Sunday, 6th November

Cork

• OutLook Film Festival web / fb / web

Dublin

• BeLonG To Sundays. 3pm to 6pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 670 6223.

Waterford

• Chill Out youth group. 2pm to 4pm. Contact chillout@wstcys.ie or 086 858 9865.

Related posts:

1. BLT Sandwich (7-10 Nov)
2. BLT Sandwich (18-20 Nov)
3. BLT Sandwich (2-4 Dec)

I was curious about French women, compared to the men, as some of the Erasmus girls here have ended up being literally stalked by guys they have kissed here – we’re talking 40 texts before morning- so with the pre-existing reputation that lesbians have for U-hauling after day one, I’ll admit I was intrigued (and slightly worried)!

Anyway, we first went to Banana Bar, which is a ‘boy’ bar, but was good craic, and then decided to go dancing with the large gang of gay boys we were out with. However, the LGBT scene in Paris is so segregated that even with 14 boys, the 3 of us weren’t allowed in. Probably for the best though, I’m not sure I really wanted to go to a club with a shower and dark room anyway…

La Troisième Lieu (right) was the next stop (and the last stop as it turned out, there was some pretty awesome music that had to be danced to). Filled to the brim with every sort of girl imaginable, it seemed like a good spot to hang out. However, it didn’t have the same feeling of being able to chat to randomers in the smoking area, like you would in Dublin.

A few hours into the night, a girl walked up behind me, and said “Pardon” so I stepped aside, thinking that she wanted to move out of her way or something. A few seconds later she was still there beside me, so I put on my best confused face and said “Salut?”. Then in English (but in a lovely French accent) she said:

“My friend would like  your number”

I have been reliably informed that I really looked like a deer in the headlights at that point, because I have NO idea how one reacts to that situation, I haven’t been asked ‘for a friend’ since I was 14 and attending the ‘youth discho’ in the Roscommon GAA hall! And even then it was some boy sidling up to you on the dance floor, elbowing you, leaning over to your ear and asking, in his oh-so-romantic way:

“Will you shift my friend?!”

Which invariably lead to the following conversation:

“No…”

“Ah go on!”

“Um…no”

“Why?!”

“I…um…don’t want to…”

“Ok….will you shift me so?”

“No…you’re grand, cheers…”

Back to the night in question,. I figured I should ask who her friend was, and she pointed out a very cute girl, so I handed over the number. As you do. Except that as soon as I agreed to give her my number, I realised that I don’t actually know my number over here, so had to just give her my phone and let her take it. So that was mildly embarrassing…

Once she had saved the number, she gave me a big smile and said that her friend would text me, and wandered off to hand over  the number. The friend also looked happy, but then in true teenage disco style, she spent the rest of the evening studiously avoiding looking in my direction. It was comedy gold!

Needless to say, she hasn’t texted. This is disappointing, because I was DYING to see how she would attempt to open a conversation having sent her friend for the number.

Oh France!

Related posts:

1. Où est la bibliothèque?! Part 4
2. Où est la bibliothèque?!
3. Où est la bibliothèque?! Part 2

What made you want to enter the Ms. Gay Ireland competition?

I entered Ms. Gay Ireland for a few different reasons, but I mainly entered for fun, I also felt I could represent gay Irish woman in a modern and non-stereotypical way. I wanted to change peoples’ normal stereotypical views, and show them any woman, regardless of looks, background or upbringings could be gay.

What was your favourite part of the competition?

Being back stage was such fun, the other contestants were the nicest, funniest bunch of girls I’ve ever met and it really helped my nerves before going onstage with each of us encouraging each other on.

Is there any charity you are representing and if so, what made you choose it?

I picked BeLonG To, based in the Outhouse in Dublin. I thought it was perfect because it fundamentally is the stepping-stone for young gay people to begin to discover their sexual identity in a safe and comfortable setting.

As the newly crowned Ms. Gay Ireland, what do your duties entail?

So far I’ve been doing interviews and raising awareness about BeLonG To. At the moment in work, another bartender named Ronan is representing The George in Mr.Gay Ireland so I’m boosting his campaign… We’d love to have both the titles in the George. Haha greedy I know!

What are you hoping for during your year holding the crown?

I’m hoping for BeLonG To to get more funding , and more young people will know about it. I’m also looking forward to Ms. Gay Ireland being held in TheGeorge next year, it’s going to really raise awareness about the Ms. Gay Ireland competition.

How would you describe your overall experience of the Ms. Gay Ireland competition?

Fun. I made loads of friends and enjoyed every minute of it.

Would you do it all over again?

Yes, it was so much fun, and as nerve-racking being on stage was, I’d do it all over again.

Related posts:

1. Alternative Miss Ireland XVII 2011 Preview
2. Alternative Miss Ireland 2011
3. BeLonG To Gay Prom 2011