A look back at the fascinating history of the Irish Gay Rights Movement
In tandem with the Northern Ireland Gay Rights Association (NIGRA), switchboard services Cara-Friend and Tel-A-Friend (TAF) were set up on respective sides of the border.
TAF, now called The Switchboard, remains the oldest, continuous LGBTQ+ organisation on the island of Ireland.Joining the executive at this point were Terri Blanche, Jimmy Malone, Noel Clarke, Kenneth Watters and Seamus O’Riain, all geared up for the next phase in IGRM’s history.A circular from Oct 1975 announced the commencement of the Phoenix Club Disco every Friday and Saturday in the basement of 46 Parnell Square East.
An exclusively women’s night, The Lavender Room, operated once a month, helmed by among others, Phil Carson, Terri Blanche and Joni Crone.“Initially we had the ground floor and basement of No.
46, but within six months we took a two-year lease on the entire building, in effect establishing Ireland’s first gay community centre,” recalls Clancy.The Cheese ’n’ Wine events continued on alternate Sunday afternoons.
