SIMON TIERNEYlooks at budget activities for the LGBT community
“It’s like a little family,” says Barry Dowling, chairman of Gloria, Dublin’s lesbian and gay choir. It is not just a singing group, it’s also a community and a place for social outreach and fun. Volunteers are needed for everything from graphic design and marketing to web design and administration. If you are interested in being a volunteer, email info@gloria.ie with the skills you have to offer. Applicants who demonstrate the required skills will receive a year’s free membership (normally €20).
Linc operates a community resource centre for lesbian and bisexual women (11a, White Street, Cork, 021-4808600). Pop in and enjoy free tea or coffee and library and television services.
Linc runs several free activities and workshops, including the Mna Mna choir (new members welcome), a "Take Control of your Life" workshop on October 1st and 7th (registration required) and a peer support group. For details, visit linc.ie.
The LGBT Lawyers’ Association of Ireland is an educational, advisory and advocacy group that offers free legal advice on the first Tuesday of every month, from 7pm-8.30pm in Outhouse (105 Capel Street, Dublin 1, 01-8734999).
The mission of Outhouse LGBT Community Resource Centre (105 Capel Street, Dublin 1, 01-8734999) is to create “a safe space for people to inform, meet, organise and make things happen”. The centre has a cafe and operates a wide range of events. Acting Out is the free weekly drama group, which meets on Thursdays at 7.30pm in their onsite theatre space. New members are welcome to join. Gold is a free weekly gathering for the over-50s in the cafe, every Wednesday from 5.30pm.
Emerald Warriors RFC (Suttonians RFC, Station Road, Sutton, Co Dublin) is the 7th-ranked LGBT rugby team in the world. They train twice a week and new members are welcome.
Pavilion members can join for the social side, and full members can enjoy all aspects of the club's activities. Newbies are welcome to train for free for the first couple of weeks before they join (€140 or €60 for pavilion members/ students/unemployed). ewrfc.ie.
Last but not least... Gay Switchboard Dublin (01-8721005) offers a confidential telephone service for those seeking support and information. GSD also offers a telephone support service to the parents of LGBT people.
