Queer Sheds, the community-building project for LGBTQ+ people in rural Ireland, is launching a new weekend workshop and funded residency to teach members of the community how to kickstart their own Queer Shed.

Operating under the same principles as Women’s and Men’s Sheds, Queer Sheds are spaces where LGBTQ+ people can meet, socialise and learn practical DIY skills within their community. The world’s first Queer Shed launched two years ago in Ireland, started in collaboration with Clare County Council, with the aim “to share space, practical skills and solidarity with other LGBTQ+ people, led by the team at non-profit social enterprise Common Knowledge.”

Since then, 14 more have been established across the island in counties such as Waterford and Tipperary. The sheds have taught “DIY, traditional skills and any other skills that can help us to connect with land and nature.” To accomplish this, they have conducted workshops and events on blacksmithing, organic gardening, clothes repairing, fermentation, forest gardening, making tote bags, potluck dinners and baking.

Now, they are taking applications for the next group interested in starting their own shed.

 

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From July 3 to 5, in the Common Knowledge Centre in Ennis, Co. Clare, Queer Sheds are hosting a funded residency where seven groups can be in attendance. At the event, groups will work alongside each other to foster creativity, build resources and networks and meet others with an interest in the programme.

The end goal of the event is for these seven groups to kickstart their own Shed in their local area. Applicants are not expected to have a formal organisation or venue, just energy, curiosity and a desire to foster queer communities in rural areas. The event will offer free accommodation and meals, and will also cover travel costs for four people per group.

If you wish to be considered for the workshop, you can fill out the application form by answering the following questions:

• “Where are you interested in setting up a Queer Shed?”

• “Tell us a little about yourselves/your group.”

• “What ideas do you have about a potential Queer Shed in your area?”

• “Tell us about any practical skills you have or are interested in, and any experiences skill sharing or running community events/projects.”

• “What challenges do you think your group might face in setting up a Queer Shed?”

• “Whether you have any access needs or accommodations we should be aware of.”

Applications close on June 8. To find out more about the programme, visit Queer Sheds’ website here.

And if you are unable to attend the weekend, but are still interested, after July 5, Queer Shed will be “creating a toolkit for any group in Ireland to take and start planning their own Queer Shed.”