BourneOut Cafe and Drop in Centre

BourneOut Cafe and Drop in Centre was founded in 2017 by Betty and Mandy with the vision of creating a welcoming and inclusive space for the LGBTQI+ community in Eastbourne.

They started and ran Pride in Eastbourne for many years and started the Cafe to provide a safe space for everybody, the cafe is run by volunteers and trustees who have lived experience.

Betty Gallagher joined the army at the age of 17, 8 months later she was dishonourably discharged for what was referred to as "lesbian tendencies", Betty moved to London, became a bus driver and  the first female union representative, supporting the community and anyone who needed help. Betty and her partner Mandy moved to Eastbourne from London in 2016 and set up Eastbourne Pride and our fabulous cafe. Betty later became the first gay woman to sit on the Eastbourne Royal British Legion committee. 

Mandy has been instrumental in running Pride and the cafe, she brings a wealth of experience in management from her extensive career and is always seen with pink hair, a smile and often, much to Betty's dismay, an Amazon parcel under he arm. The work she has done for the Eastbourne LGBTQ+ community and the passion she has for people is admirable.