Limerick cafe ‘drop in’ for youths with questions about their sexuality
The LGBT – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender – cafe is located at Leamy House, Hartstonge Street, in the city.
Cecily Maher, youth officer with Rainbow Support Services, said the venue will provide drop-in space for young people aged 13 to 25.
She said: “It’s a very relaxed atmosphere where they can get to know the youth leaders here who can alleviate any fears they may have, answer their questions and make them feel relaxed.
“It’s a place where they can feel comfortable, pop in for a chat with one of the youth workers if they want, but they don’t have to – they can just hang out too.”
And the cafe is not exclusive to young people who have questions about their sexuality.
“We want to make it available for family and friends as well,” Ms Maher said. “We find that a lot of family members have as many questions as young LGBT people if they’re just coming out. It’s very important that they have a place to get some information as well.
“We want it to be a place where young LGBT people and their friends can hang out as well. They don’t have to be LGBT, it’s quite an open place.”
Tasha Clyde said she made contact with the youth group at Rainbow Support Services and the cafe was the first place she could really be herself and that she never felt like that in school or in work.
“It’s the first place where I could really feel safe, be myself and be completely open about my sexuality.”
The cafe at present opens on Saturday afternoons from midday and it is also planned to have it open two nights a week.
lMore information is available by emailing mylgbrss@gmail.com or visit www.rainbowsupportservices.org.
