Lesbian Advocacy Service Initiative

In the spring of 1999 a number of women met informally to explore the possibility of establishing an organisation that might be broadly supportive of the lesbian and bisexual womens community throughout the north of ireland. the group, which became known as the lesbian advocacy services initiative (lasi) received funding from nlcb to undertake a feasibility study focused on the needs of lesbian and bisexual women. lasi commissioned a report which detailed the experience of lesbian and bisexual women in the north and made recommendations in relation to the type of organisation that might meet their needs. the report “a mighty silence” was published, and launched at stormont in 2002. in 2004, lasi was awarded a grant from the community fund to employ a worker for three years. this very successful project has led to securing a further 5 year funding from big lotterys reaching communities fund to employ three staff; co-ordinator, development worker and part-time administrator.