The Lavender & Green Alliance, also known as Muintir Aerach na hEireann, is a non-profit organization of Irish lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people including immigrants, activists, artists and professionals coming together to create an environment where our lives are shared and celebrated.

We offer cultural programs that include researching and recording the lives and stories of LGBT persons within NY’s Irish communities. We have classes in Irish language and dance; presentations on heroes in Irish LGBT history; and active involvement in community parades in Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. We celebrate festivals such as the Samhain (Halloween) and Nollaig (Christmas) with other ethnic and cultural groups.

Our video documentary series From Silence to Speech project narrates our life stories. This breakthrough project involves unique, collaborative work by members who are more accustomed to isolation and silence. The training opens up new doors in communication, providing opportunities to challenge stereotypes, discrimination and misinformation regarding Irish LGBT life. The programs stimulate dialogue and conversation in New York City’s multi-ethnic communities, moving beyond clichés toward a greater appreciation for the diversity of human experience.

Oiche Aerach, Irish for "Gay Night", has become our annual St. Patrick's celebration. What began as an antidote to the exclusion of lesbians and gays from the Hibernian-run Manhattan has grown each year. Every year over two hundred of our family and friends join us in celebrating Irish lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life. This year we will be holding our celebration in June as part of our kick-off to LGBT Pride!

Of particular significance every year is our participation in New York City's inclusive St. Patrick's Parade. An enormous cause for celebration, the St. Patrick's parade is held every first Sunday in March in the borough of Queens.

We are also interested in researching and recording the lives of gay men and lesbians of Irish heritage and are currently working on compiling an anthology. We encourage you to consider telling us your story.

We meet every 2nd Sunday from 4-6:00pm at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center, 208 West 13th Street (between 7th and 8th Ave.) in Manhattan.

For more information contact us!

Le Meas

Brendan Fay