History, it’s definition says that is the study of past events, particularly those concerning the affairs of people. It also in it’s strict interpretation a continuous, typically chronological, record of important or public events a particular trend or insitution. This we know, and what we also know is that history is rarely so simiplified into definitions. It is after all more then that. History recorded well is the living breathing embodiment of the events and lives of our forebears. And this is what I aim to do here in Cork too.
In our more recent past being homosexual was legalised in Ireland in 1993. And since then the gay community in Ireland has thrived. But we often forget that before it was legal many our community who are still with us lived in fear for their lives. The 1980’s serves in living memory as a very sad time in our past where Ireland lost many sons and daughters to the economies of America, Canada and the United Kingdom as they left home in search of work. What we often forget is that during that time and for many years before the Gay Communities in Ireland suffered badly at the hands of this emmigration. While many of these men and women left openly seeking work they secretly hoped for a new start. A more accepting society. Where they could be who they were, without living in fear. This is he short term goal of Behind Closet Doors. To record the lives and stories of our community so we don’t forget who we are, what we’re a part of, how far we’ve come and what we’ve yet to do.
I want to try and log and record in an accessible way the living memory of Cork’s gay past. The immediate aim of Behind Closet doors is to be a series of short stories, anecdotes and thoughts on the gay community here in Cork. These will hopefully appear in blog format, podcast and hopefully perhaps appear in print. Most importantly this project aims to be a community affair. I want you all to share the stories that you’ve heard. Speak with older members of the community and relatives in your family you know are gay and how growing up in Ireland in the last 50 years and being gay made an impact on their lives. This is our shared past, let it be a shared journey as I think it’s going to be an interesting project that we’ll all learn and benefit from!
Shane Mc’Auliffe
Done in conjunction with the Cork Gay Project and GayCork.com
