AMACH! LGBT+ Galway is a community development organisation whose vision is for a socially just, equal society for the LGBTI+ community, where LGBTI+ people, in all their diversity, are visible, valued and empowered. Our mission is to advance equality, social justice and human rights for the diversity of the LGBTI+ community.
Rooted in a community development approach, we seek to empower the individual and collective voice and capacity within our diverse community by cultivating an inclusive, creative, joyful space where everyone feels a sense of belonging and safety. Core to our work is our values of community empowerment, equality, integrity and, belonging.
Our values are also fostered through the re-establishment and running of the Teach Solais LGBT+ Resource Centre in Galway City.
Teach Solais LGBT+ Resource Centre is a hub of activity, hosting a wide variety of events open to the public. It is a focal point for the LGBTI+ community in Galway and serves as the AMACH! LGBT+ Galway headquarters and base of all operations.
Our vision is for a socially just, equal society for the LGBTI+ community, where LGBTI+ people, in all their diversity, are visible, valued and empowered.
Our mission is to advance equality, social justice and human rights for the diversity of the LGBTI+ community. Rooted in a community development approach, we seek to empower the individual and collective voice and capacity within our diverse community by cultivating an inclusive, creative, joyful space where everyone feels a sense of belonging and safety.
AMACH! LGBT Galway CLG. was launched by Senator David Norris on Monday 5th July 2010 in the City Museum, Spanish Arch, Galway. This auspicious day and important milestone in the history of Galway’s LGBT community was attended by guests including Galway County Mayor Jimmy McClearn, Chris Robson, Founder and Board Member of GLEN (Gay and Lesbian Equality Network), Michael D. Higgins T.D. and local councillors. In addition a large number of people from the local and national LGBT community attended the launch along with family, friends and supporters.
A community meeting held in July 2009 was attended by over 300 people from the gay community in Galway. The formation of a company limited by guarantee was identified as the best way to create a sound structure for the community. AMACH! LGBT Galway was set up following a further community meeting in November 2009. At that meeting 12 people expressed an interest in becoming directors of a new umbrella company for the Galway LGBT community.
Since our first meeting on December 12th 2009 the group has met every 2 weeks. Work on documentation & formalities required for registration as a company, including constitution and ground rules, have been developed, facilitated by West Training & Development. AMACH! LGBT Galway CLG. was registered as a company on March 19th, there are 10 people on the Board of Directors, and three sub-groups have been set up: Pride, Finance and PR.
AMACH! was registered as a company limited by guarantee with no share capital in March 2010.
AMACH! operates as a non-profit organisation.
AMACH! is not affiliated to, nor does it campaign on behalf of any political party, group or campaign.
As an organisation that was formed from the community, by the community and is a part of the community, we rely on the support, commitment and contribution of the LGBT community in Galway. Your feedback is appreciated, welcome and NEEDED!
Cameron (They/Them) has been involved in LGBT+ activism for the best part of a decade with a heavy focus on developing services and resources in the West of Ireland. You can contact Cameron on cameron@amachlgbt.com.
Maria Molloy is a member of the AMACH! LGBT+ Galway Board. As well as a background in science and management, Maria holds a Certificate in Family and Community Studies, NUI Galway. She is also a board member of Sexual Health West (formally AIDS West). Maria has volunteered for several charities over the years including Oxfam, Amnesty International, Samaritans, Simon community (London) and she was a founding member of the Ecology society in GMIT.
Teach Solais LGBT+ Resource Centre is a hub of activity located at our new office in 1 Courthouse Square, Galway, hosting a wide variety of events open to the public.
info@amachlgbt.comWelcome to Teach Solais LGBT+ Resource Centre, the first of its kind in the West of Ireland! If you fancy a cuppa and a chat why not pop in to our drop in on Saturdays? We would love to see you.
Teach Solais LGBT+ Resource Centre is located at 1 Courthouse Square, Galway. This City Centre location is a hub of activity, hosting a wide variety of events open to the public. It is a focal point for delivery of education, training and health programmes in addition to support for individuals identifying as LGBT+ and for those who are 'coming out’.
Activities and support groups currently taking place are: Saturday LGBT+ Drop-in, Free Rapid HIV Testing with Sexual Health West, shOUT! LGBT+ Youth Group 18-25yrs, Anseo & Aiteach (Irish Language LGBT+ group), Queer & Crafty (Arts & Crafts Group), Queer Games Night, and Parents Support Group (for parents/guardians of LGBT+ young people). Find all our upcoming events/groups/programmes on the 'Events' page.
We also run other activities such as health and wellbeing programmes - keep an eye on our social media to keep up to date!
Saturday drop-in is from 2-4pm every second Saturday. It’s a great place to chill, bring your friends, meet new friends, have a cup of coffee/ tea and a snack! It currently runs in-person every second week at the Teach Solais LGBT+ Resource Centre, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway. See upcoming drop-in sessions on our 'Events' page.