We’ve had Men’s Sheds and Women’s Sheds and now the first Queer Shed is up and running – in rural West Clare.
Queer Sheds is a new initiative aiming to address the social isolation experienced by LGBT+ people in people in rural Ireland. Inspired by Men’s Sheds, which have had a huge impact in tackling isolation, a social enterprise called Common Knowledge has initiated a six- month pilot queer shed in Kilfenora, Co Clare.
With the support of Clare County Council, Clare’s Queer Shed aims to raise visibility, build a queer community and measure the need for this kind of space.
In Kilfenora, members have access to land, facilities and tools. “We are a diverse group with representation from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum and are currently meeting at least once per month,” it says.
The shed held its first skill share session in June when shed members learned how to build a clay oven for cooking pizza.
In July it held a three-day festival called ‘Faoin Tuath’ featuring live music, DJs, talks, performances and skill-sharing workshops.
There are over 400 Men’s Sheds in the country. The idea originated in Australia and has been very successful in Ireland. It has inspired the opening of a number of women’s sheds around the country.
If you are interested in joining Clare’s Queer Shed, or having a Queer Shed in your area, visit: https://www.queersheds.org/
