No: 15 OUTHOUSE

From 1994, less than a year after decriminalisation, the need for an LGBT community centre in Dublin was identified as urgent. Following lively and well–attended public meetings, planning and organising commenced, until in 1996 Outhouse (a company limited by guarantee) was formed.

The founding members/directors were elected and the legal structure ensured that no individual could ever benefit from the company assets or resources (in case of closure).

Outhouse is committed to ensuring diversity, community, inclusion and respect within its walls. Our primary function and mission is to provide safe space for individuals, in which groups, services, supports and campaigns can be established, fostered and develop.

From the outset, the board’s long-term goal was the uncontestable community ownership of a centre, particularly in light of the eviction of the NLGF/GCN from the Hirschfeld Centre, which was initiated in 1995/6 by Hirschfeld Enterprises. Outhouse opened then on 6 South William Street in June 1997, with the NLGF/GCN as a core tenant. It quickly became a thriving community hub, with a rapid increase in community groups and individual users.

More and more people were coming out in that period, and of course that process is fraught with pressures for so many people. Many groups were formed and fostered in Outhouse, some of which, like TENI and BeLonG To, have become significant advocacy forces in Ireland. Making a real difference at the individual level is what has inspired and motivated the many volunteers and staff who have worked at Outhouse.

In 1998 the NLGF/GCN agreed a settlement of its court action with Hirschfeld Enterprises Ltd, which ensured a €50,000 transfer to Outhouse for a new centre. This was 6 percent of the cost of our home at 105 Capel Street, which opened in May 2001.

The 2008 economic crisis halted any progress on plans for a larger centre for almost a decade. For an organisation like Outhouse, it was a huge struggle to stay open – our State-funding was cut by over 25 percent. However, in the period, footfall doubled in Outhouse, to the current level of around 40,000 visitors each year.

Looking forward, the board recognises the need to design and create a more dynamic and adaptable space for our LGBT community as that footfall continues to grow, and through 2018 are consulting widely to hone that vision. We hope to realise it within five years.

George Robotham is the chair of the Outhouse Board, www.outhouse.ie