GCN__February_2018

Serving
Visage
Issue 338
February 2018
www.gcn.ie
FREE

The Skylab, 2 Exchange Street Upper,
Dublin 8, Ireland, (01) 675 5025, www.gcn.ie
Managing Editor: Brian Finnegan editor@gcn.ie
Deputy Editor: Ciara McGrattan deputy@gcn.ie
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Intern: Ellie Sell ellie@gcn.ie
Contributors: Declan Buckley, Andrew Byrne, Cian Carroll, Fi
Connors, Sarah Gilligan, Andrew Leavitt, Stephen McCabe, Stephen
Meyler, Chris O’Donnell, Ray O’Neill, Will St Leger
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NXF Board: Chair: Caroline Keane. Brendan Byrne, Steve Jacques,
Laura Harmon, Adam Long, Chris Noone, Daniel Tóth, Bego Urain
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© Gay Community News, January 2018
08
Focál Up
From Celebrity Big Brother to Mr Bear
Ireland, we present all the queer stuff
going down this month, and then some.
18
Sofi, So Good
They’ve gone from complete
unknowns to mega-hit makers in the
blink of an eye. We’re having the reals
with darlings of the queer kid set,
dance pop duo, Sofi Tukker.
20
Michelle, Ma Belle
Bam! We catch up with the doyenne of
the RuPaul’s Drag Race judging panel
as she gets set to unleash the bad-ass
mama vibes on Ireland’s Got Talent.
24
Proper PrEP
We’ve got cheaper, generic PrEP in
our pharmacies, but is that enough?
The guys from ACT UP Dublin tell the
government what’s up.
26
Invisible Roma
Although there is a sizeable number
of LGBT+ Roma people in Ireland, not
one has come forward to seek help
from any of the queer organisations.
Chris O’Donnell explores issues of
invisibility.
30
Courage To Defend
Across the world, activists defend
LGBT+ rights in countries where it’s
dangerous to be queer. We meet just a
few of these brave fighters.
36
Intimacy Issues
With the rise of modern technology,
our relationships, with ourselves and
others, are ever more compromised.
So, how do we foster intimacy in the
internet age?
con
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Would you like to work on
issues that matter to you
and your community?
The National LGBT Federation
(NXF) is a not-for-profit NGO
striving to advance equality and end
discrimination against LGBT people in
Ireland and internationally. The NXF
aims to achieve this social change
through advocacy, publications
(GCN), digital platforms and events
that celebrate our vibrant and diverse
community including the GALAS and
the ROAD TO EQUALITY.
We are seeking new volunteer board
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in the areas of Finance, Human
Resources, Company/Charity Law,
Research Fundraising and Social
Media & Communications to support
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ways of advancing the key issues of
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ISSUES 2 survey of the LGBT
community in Ireland. Interested in
becoming an NXF Board member?
Contact us at info@nxf.ie
for further information.
Deadline for expressions of interest
is Friday 2nd March 2018
www.nxf.ie
What we do

FROM
THE
EDITOR
As it goes into its 30th
year, there’s a very
good reason for GCN’s
survival, against
the odds
2018 is a big year for GCN, in that it turns 30, making it the oldest
surviving free LGBT+ magazine in Europe. It’s no mean feat in an
industry that’s been in flux since the dawn of the digital age, and
for a publication that’s aimed at a relatively small niche living on
this small island.
Although it’s changed and grown considerably since issue one
was published in 1988, there’s a straight line through from then
until now that is core to GCN’s longevity – its relationship to its
readers.
Five years before the decriminalisation of homosexuality in
Ireland, GCN was published by the National LGBT Federation
to act as a kind of nucleus for a disparate group of people who
largely had no access to information. Those gays who were ‘in
the know’ were a small group of people who lived in Dublin and
socialised on an underground scene; the rest mostly lived in
invisible isolation. On one hand, GCN’s role was to let them know
what was going on socially, culturally and politically, and on the
other it was to be a conduit for other groups and organisations to
share their information.
It was not-for-profit and published by a voluntary board of
publishers, who were members of the community. That it was free
of charge was central to GCN’s role. It was to be a fully accessible
service, a place for the community to see itself reflected and
celebrated, while engaging in the real issues that LGBT+ people
faced in this country.
Nowadays, along with the monthly printed magazine, we have a
busy website, an app with special digital versions of the mag, and
annual events like The GALAS, which celebrate our community,
particularly the efforts of individuals and organisations across
Ireland who seek to make life better for LGBT+ people.
But as we enter our 30th birthday year, GCN is still that free-ofcharge,
not-for-profit information service; a hub for every LGBT+
community organisation in Ireland that seeks to represent every
queer event, group, artist, politician, activist, and community
worker in this country. The number of queer people living in Ireland
who have been featured in these pages, or who have written for
GCN, is phenomenal.
It also continues to be a hand that reaches out to those who
are not at the heart of the action, who are isolated and in need of
connection to their community.
You may be reading this issue of GCN in a gay bar in Dublin, or
at home having picked it up at your local LGBT+ centre, and if you
are, count yourself lucky. Burning Issues 2, the largest ever survey
of the issues affecting LGBTs in Ireland, which was conducted by
GCN’s publishers in 2016, reported a significant gap in the lives
of rural LGBT+ people, who are doubly deprived of community
supports and opportunities to socialise.
Over the coming year, we’ll be looking at the history of GCN in
relation to Ireland’s LGBT+ community, but one thing is clear as
we go towards the 30th anniversary of the first issue, its amazing
longevity is rooted in an ongoing need for a publication that is not
only for the community, but is of the community.
MEET OUR
CONTRIB
—UTORS
This month’s issue
is packed with some
pretty meaty content.
Here are the people
who wrote some of it...
ANDREW BYRNE
Andrew Byrne is a reporter
working in central and
eastern Europe. “Visiting
lesser-known places is
a fascinating part of the
job,” he says. “Some of my
toughest assignments have
been following refugees
trapped at Europe’s frontiers.
It reminded me that an Irish
passport is an incredibly
valuable thing to have. It
opens doors closed to others
and I try and appreciate that
every day.”
Andrew has been
fascinated by Spain ever
since he saw his first
Pedro Almodóvar film as a
teenager. “Barcelona and
Madrid rarely disappoint,”
he says. “But this year it’s
time to be more ambitious;
I want to find the next big
destination in the Far East.”
STEPHEN MCCABE
Stephen McCabe, who
interviewed human rights
defenders on the LGBT+
frontlines for this issue, is
currently in his final year of
journalism at DCU. Prior to
that he worked for many
years in Dublin City Council.
“Now is a great time to be a
journalist,” he says. “There’s
so much happening around
the world. Living in the West
we are limited in how we
can support LGBT people
living under systematic
oppression. The BDS
movement against Israel
could be a useful model in
pressuring homophobic
regimes, but it would be hard
to sustain. The strongest tool
western allies have is cash.
Donate it to LGBT groups.
They need it and they’ll
appreciate it.”
SARAH GILLIGAN
Psychotherapist Sarah
Gilligan, who is in
conversation with fellow
therapist and author, Fi
Connors about the pressures
of modern technology on
queer relationships this
month, specialises in the
areas of relationships, sex,
sexuality and gender, with a
keen focus on working with
LGBT+ clients to develop
awareness, compassion,
great relationships and the
life they want.
According to Sarah, “One
small thing could you
do today to foster more
intimacy in your life would
be to go for a walk or dinner
without the phone. Eeek!”
Fi Connors book When
Love is a Drug available to
purchase on iBooks or from
the Capable Minds website.
CHRIS O’DONNELL
Chris O’Donnell is a journalist
and musician who has a
particular interest in LGBT+
issues, mental health and
marginalised communities
For her feature on Roma
LGBT+ people in this issue,
she interviewed several
LGBT+ Roma people,
but couldn’t locate any to
interview in Ireland.
Chris says the best way
to promote a message of
inclusivity to LGBT+ Roma is
to become actively engaged
in the channels through
which organisations make
contact. “LGBT Pavee is a
wonderful chat site for LGBT
members of the Travelling
and Roma communities,”
Chris says. “Inviting LGBT+
Roma people for a chat and
a coffee would be a great
place to start.”
06 g

Visit gcn.ie today! gcn.ie/app
Available on:

FOCÁL
UP!
This month we’re
having words
about…
Water
Cooler
Chatter
‘Celebrity’
Big Brother
Image: Shane Jenek
Image: India Willoughby
Anyone watching this year’s Celebrity Big
Brother – well, the first CBB of the year
(there will be another one in September)
– will be aware of that issues of sexual and
gender identity have been at the forefront
of the contestant’s minds.
In perhaps the most unlikely twist yet,
former RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant,
Courtney Act (also known as Shane
Jenek) has become the house’s font of all
LGBT+ knowledge – and both Shane and
Courtney are doing a bang-up job.
There was immediate tension between
Courtney/ Shane and trans former
newsreader, India Willoughy, who was the
first evictee, as India claimed she had a
phobia of drag queens (a claim derided
by Twitter users who were quick to circulate images of her
posing with several drag queens).
It was an extraordinary situation: India is a trans women
who does not feel any affinity with the wider LGBT+
community. “I do feel women like me have been sort out
drowned out by the LGBT narrative,” she said. “This is part
of the problem with being hitched to LGBT, it’s the confusion
element.”
Courtney/ Shane pointed out that had it not been for
LGB and T activists campaigning so ardently for so long, the
freedom for a trans person to be a newsreader may not exist.
Indeed, for his part Courtney/ Shane has been more than
considerate, explaining to other housemates why a trans
woman might have a problem with a cis man in drag, and
making efforts to increase the group’s understanding of the
trans experience. Shane’s approachability and eloquence on
the subject has in effect made him the hetero housemates’
queer glossary.
Many viewers have suggested that India’s dislike of Courtney
is less about the latter’s career as a drag queen, and more
about jealousy, which seems like a valid criticism. For India,
the sight of a carefree, cisgender man, easily jumping
between genders without being burdened by issues related
to gender identity must be grating to say the least.
As always, there are also several rather generic ‘lad’
charcters – a former Love Island contestant, a former
comedian desperate for redemption after making careerending
rape jokes, and former Apprentice contestant,
Andrew Brady. On more than one occasion during the men’s
‘lad’ chats Brady has referred to both India and Courtney as
“it”, without being challenged by Big Brother.
However, viewers and housemates have been quick to
point out that Brady and Shane/Courtney have been flirting
up a storm. It’s a complicated bromance in a house where
all the gender and sexual buttons are being tweaked. Stay
tuned!
Celebrity Big Brother airs daily at 9pm on 3e
08 g

We can’t get enough of smooth sound of
queer band, Wyvern Lingo’s new single,
‘Maybe It’s My Nature’. The trio made it to
2FM’s Rising 2018 list of the best Irish music to
watch for this year, and it’s easy to see why.
Lead singer on the track, Karen Cowley,
also wrote the lyrics with a sexually
empowering message in mind. “I find that
female characters in a lot of popular media
still seem to lack sexual agency or fall into age
old stereotypes,” says Cowley. “I wrote this
song at a time when I was particularly fed-up
of hearing and seeing the same depictions
that don’t resonate with how I feel.”
We won’t get fed up of listening to Cowley’s
crystalline vocal on this track, and we can
hardly wait for Wyvern Lingo’s debut album,
which gets a release on February 23. Watch
this space for tour dates!
Lingo Nature
Gender Play
Our curiosity has been piqued by a new play exploring sexuality and
gender runs this month at the Dublin’s Project Arts Centre.
Inspired by gender politics as well as recent court cases dealing
with ‘gender fraud’, Scorch by Belfast playwright Stacey Gregg
tells the story of a teenager, Kes, who is struggling with their gender
identity.
Kes explores their sexuality and gender by presenting as a boy who
embarks on an intimate relationship with a girl, an act that leads to
devastating consequences both legally and personally.
At its heart, Scorch delves into the complexity of love, through the
eyes of a gender-curious teen, examining how the human story often
gets lost amidst the headlines.
‘Scorch’ runs at the Project Arts Centre from February 13 to March 3,
7.45pm. Tickets €16 - €18 from projectartscentre.ie
09 g

FOCÁL UP!
continued
We sat down with one half of jazz duo Zrazy, Carole
Nelson, last month to talk about her first album fronting
her new outfit, The Carole Nelson Trio, and this month
we’re delighted to report she’s out and about, bringing
her music to the people.
We were particularly charmed to hear that idea for her
sumptuous album, One Day in Winter, came to her one
night while driving to a gig just after hearing the news
of Leonard Cohen’s passing. “I knew too how I would
structure it, from pre-dawn to sunrise, to the moon rising
over the Blackstairs Mountains,” she told us.
You can catch Nelson’s trio at the following venues:
on January 27 at the Wexford Arts Centre (Jan 27),
Billy Byrnes, Killkenny (Feb 1), Arthur’s Blues and
Jazz Pub, Dublin (February 15), The Courthouse Arts
Centre, Tinahely, (Feb 17), and finally on February
21 at the Limerick Jazz Society. Find out more at
carolenelsonmusic.com
Nelson’s
Tour
The
Write
Stuff
For any burgeoning or aspiring writers out there seeking assistance in crafting
believeable and authentic LGBT+ characters, a one-day course offered by the
Irish Writers Centre is just the ticket.
The course, hosted by Hilary McCollum whose debut novel, Golddigger, won
the Golden Crown Literary Society Award for historical fiction in 2016, will focus
on how to research LGBT+ lives and how to avoid clichés and stereotypes.
“There are many issues to consider when representing LGBT characters,”
McCollum says. “How are LGBT people viewed in the setting the writer has
chosen? Are they accepted or are they stigmatised? What is the character’s
attitude to their identity? Is the character’s LGBT identity explored in the
storyline or is it incidental? For example, JK Rowling has said that she always
considered Albus Dumblesdore, headmaster of Hogwarts, to be gay but this is
not hinted at until the final book of the seven book series.
These questions in more will be explored in depth on the course, during which
participants will explore LGBT+ characters across different genres. And if
McCollum could be one queer fictional character for a day, who would it be?
“Virginia Woolf’s Orlando,” she says, “so that I could experience life over many
centuries and many cultures while falling in love and perfecting my craft as a
writer.”
Writing LGBTQ Characters With Hilary McCollum runs at The Irish Writers
Centre on Dublin’s Parnell Square on March 3, from 10.30 to 4pm, tickets €80
(€70 for members)
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FOCÁL UP!
continued
Vegans, look away now: Leather Pride is hitting Dublin city from
January 26 – 28. There’s a smörgåsbord of events crammed
into the weekend, with a mixture of paid and free events to
entice the leather-lovers out there.
The weekend eases attendees in gently with cocktails on
Friday January 26 from 6pm at The Blind Pig, followed by a
Meet and Greet at Street 66 from 9pm. On Saturday 27, the
day kicks off with a cultural tour at 11am, followed by ‘Pints and
Platters’ at the Galway Bay Brewery on Newmarket Square.
Later on it’s time to dust off the old leather tuxedo for a formal
Leather Dinner at WUFF, followed that evening by GEARED
Ireland’s Mr Leather Ireland contest at Fibber Magees.
The next day is all about chilling and kicking back in your
most comfortable chaps, kicking off at 12pm with Leather
Brunch at Oscars and followed by a Fireside Chat and look at
the Leather Archives in the Central Hotel Library Bar. Then
there’s a Fetish Dinner at 7.30pm at Viva in Portobello, before
the weekend finishes with a dungeon chill-out called ‘Sounds
and Sleaze’ at 9.30pm, downstaris in the same venue.
Leather
Pride
For more information about Leather Pride, visit
leatherpridedublin.ie
Q+A
With Michelle
For this month’s Q+A podcast, we sat down for the fat chats with Michelle
Visage, who just happened to be here to film Ireland’s Got Talent. She wanted to
talk to GCN from the outset, and she had things to impart, especially in the light
of Trump’s America.
“What I loved most about Michelle was the way she focused all her attention on
getting her message about inclusivity across,” says editor, Brian Finnegan, who
sat behind the mic. “In her role on RuPaul’s Drag Race she’s a mentor to many
queer men who’ve been rejected by their families, and as that show is broadcast
across the world, she’s become kind of beacon to LGBT’s who don’t have the
privilege of being safe in their communities and countries. It’s a role she takes
very seriously.”
In between the serious stuff, there’s plenty of laughs, though. We wouldn’t have
expected anything less.
You can listen to this episode of Q+A, and all our other episodes, at Apple
Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast fix.
WWW.SUPERMISSSUE.COM/LUNA
14 g

FOCÁL UP!
continued
A
Quickie
with…
Mr Bear Ireland, Eoin Dolan
Hey Eoin, tell us, what did it mean to you to win Mr Bear Ireland in 2017?
I tried out for the first time in 2015 and came second to my best mate. So I waited a
while and gave it another go, because I really wanted it. I thought that I could be a good
representative for Ireland’s bear community.
What’s the one burning issue that you think is most important for gay men
right now?
We can all see that our society grows healthier and more open as the years go by, but
for others – people of all ages – peer pressure, self-confidence, insecurities and fear
in general keeps them in the dark about themselves and stops them from wanting to
come out. Seeing the crap that’s going on around the world, particularly in Chechnya, I
know if I were coming out in that type of climate, it would surely be fearful.
Why do you think bear culture is important for gay guys?
As a titleholder and visiting different bear scenes throughout the year, I’ve noticed there
is a lot of exclusion when it comes to types, preferences and labels. We deal with enough
childish behaviour and ignorance outside, and I think we shouldn’t forget what bear
culture really stands for. Dublin Bears is very much a community-focused bear group,
and together we try to promote the positive side of bear culture.
If you could have five fabulous and famous bears to dinner at your place,
who would they be?
I were to choose off the top of my head, Kevin James has always been one of my
favourites. Alex Matthews, who plays Brett in ZNation’s first season. Ride! Chris Sullivan
who plays the big bear in the diner in the first few episodes of Stranger Things. RIP
Benny! And, of course, I can never leave out poor aul’ Baloo.
If they were making a movie of your life, what would it be called?
I love travelling and I am single, so I think this title would work: Continental Shift. Can
the other stars be all of my listed famous bears above?
What event at Béar Féile are you looking forward to most, and why?
The main event on Saturday night! We’ve a good few special guests coming to visit. We’ll
be welcoming Mr Bears Belgium for 2017 and 2018, Mr Bears Poland 2017 and 2018, Mr
North American Daddy Bear, Mr Bear Gran Canaria, and Mr Bear Europe. I really think it
will be a fun night, introducing the guys and partying with them again.
If the world was ending tomorrow, what would you do today?
Session!
Bear Féile takes place this year from March 23 to 25,
www.dublinbears.ie for full details of events
Image: Darek Kuc
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New Menu
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They could be single, married or in a relationship.
But we know that recovery is possible, for everyone.
So don’t let misconceptions about addiction stop
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At the Rutland Centre we ofer a safe, conidential
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FOCÁL UP!
continued
As a GP and a gay man who grew
up in the ’90s, access to abortion
is surely not a remote issue for
Varadkar.
QUEER
VIEW
MIRROR
with
Stephen Meyler
#RepealThe8th
#AlPorter
#STIs
SAY NUTTIN’, LEO
The government continues to discuss what it should do
about the Repeal the 8th referendum. Will it present the
recommendation of abortion on demand up to 12 weeks to the
electorate? Will it be something more restrictive? Will it be in
May?
Leo Varadkar has more than once refused to state his own
opinion on the matter. As a GP and a gay man who grew up in
the ’90s, access to abortion is surely not a remote issue for him,
but all he’ll say is that he will tell the country he leads what he
thinks about it when the exact proposition for the referendum
has been decided and a date set for the vote.
Is this fence-sitting? Or is he respecting voters’ ability to work
it out for themselves? It might be both. Although Varadkar won
the vote of Fine Gael TDs and ministers during the leadership
contest with Simon Coveney, he lost the vote of the more
conservative party members, a group he would need on side if
the electorate ever got the chance to vote for him as Taoiseach
in a general election. Polls suggest he is a popular Taoiseach, so
why rock the boat by alienating the Yes or No side with a definite
opinion on access to abortion?
Of course, he could be staying quiet because he believes the
outcome of a referendum should be down to the individual voter
and his personal opinion is not relevant at this time.
However, when the referendum is announced, will he then
forcefully campaign for whichever argument he believes is the
more just?
TOO ERR IS HUMAN…
As the list of male celebrities accused of everything from
groping to rape continues to grow, is Ireland’s most famous
example on the road to forgiveness? Al Porter lost all of his
lucrative work with Today FM, the Olympia Christmas panto and
a busy schedule of guest appearances just before Christmas.
This was on foot of social media accusations by men that he
had behaved in a sexual and inappropriate way on a number
of occasions – in bars, after his shows and most seriously of
all, at a psychiatric hospital where he was on a charity visit.
Groping an adult man in a bar after a few drinks is one thing,
but taking advantage of a vulnerable hospital patient is another
and Porter’s excuse that it was down to his outrageous public
persona read like a self-serving crock.
Why bring it up now though? The postponed episodes of
the Porter-fronted revamp of Blind Date were the focus of
interest at the TV3/Virgin Ireland spring launch (well, that and
the departure of Ireland AM host Sinéad Desmond over a
gender pay gap). TV3 wouldn’t say anything much about either
issue, but don’t be surprised if the show surfaces in the autumn
schedule.
This followed the inclusion of Porter in the Christmas
message by Eamonn Walsh, the Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin with
responsibility for Tallaght. The bishop appealed for justice to
be allowed to take its course, rather than what has been until
recently trial, condemnation and punishment of Porter by social
media witch hunt.
Now however, that same social media mob is having second
thoughts. Even people who find his toilet humour and ’70s-style
single entendre act a bit monotonous are now uncomfortable
with the damage to his career caused by as yet unfounded
allegations of crime.
Is this crowd-sourced balance? Maybe many heads, innocent
as well as guilty, will have to roll to clear out the rottenness of
power relationships in the entertainment industry, but as new
accusations appear on an almost daily basis, won’t there be a
point when we’ve had enough?
A BROKEN RECORD
Writing for a queer magazine is a great pleasure. You get to
spout your opinions on all sorts of topics of personal and
community interest, but the one subject that is a struggle is the
regular one about STIs. It’s rarely good news – access to generic
PrEP was one of the stand-out good HIV news stories last year
– and as every new set of statistics is released, it seems like HIV,
not to mention syphilis, hepatitis, chlamydia and all the rest will
never go away.
Now, hook up apps are blamed for the latest surge in infections
– the alienation and isolation of a social media saturated world is
inducing us to engage in riskier activities.
Maybe, we should accept our sexual and social fallibility and
hold out for vaccines, given when we are babies. While we wait
though, the old messages of consistent and correct condom
use, getting tested regularly and taking the pills, will just have to
be repeated and one hopes, be eff ective.
15 g

BeLonG To Youth Services hosted their Inaugural
Rainbow Ball in the Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin in
November raising €53,000 for Stand Up Awareness
Week, Ireland’s largest anti-bullying campaign.
The event was hosted by actress and comedian Tara
Flynn, with a raffle led by online influencer, James
Kavanagh. Prominent artists including Steve Mannion
Farrell, Maser, Marian Buckley, Will St Ledger and Joe
Caslin donated their stunning work to the art auction.
Guests were treated to entertainment during and after
their meal, provided by The Bugle Babes and DJ Rocky
Delgado.
The evening was one of celebration, but also of emotion
as guests were moved by stories from 18-year-old Katie
McCabe who spoke about her struggles coming out, and
from Kirsty Donohue, a mother who shared the sad and
inspiring story of her son’s transition. Both Katie and
Kirsty spoke of the positive difference that joining the
BeLonG To community made to their lives.
Funds raised from the gala event will support LGBTI+
young people across Ireland dismantling the stigma and
bullying many face because of who they are.
Photography by David Gannon
The event was sponsored by Salesforce, Marks and
Spencer, Coca-Cola, Tesco, State Street, Dalata Hotel
Group and Microsoft.
BeLonG To is the national LGBTI+ youth organisation,
responding to the needs of young people across Ireland
and helping them thrive.
SAVE
THE
DATE

16
.11.
18 BeLonG
The Ballbridge Hotel, Dublin
In support of BeLonG To Youth Services
DRINKS RECEPTION ON ARRIVAL
THREE-COURSE MEAL WITH WINE
SPECIAL GUESTS
RAFFLE AND ART AUCTION
To Youth Services are delighted to announce that the 2018 Rainbow Ball will take place on Friday, November 16 th
in the Ballsbridge Hotel. A special early bird rate of €1,000 per table of 10 is being offered until March 30 th (subject to availability).
For sponsorship packages, table bookings and queries, please contact fundraising@belongto.org or call 01 670 6223.

Feature
Interview
Music – Sofi Tukker – Pregnant Beyoncé

In the space of less than a year,
dance-pop duo Soi Tukker have gone
from unknowns to Grammy-nominated
blockbuster hit makers, but before
that they’d already built a devoted
queer following. It’s a case of mutual
admiration, they tell Cian Carroll.
On the back of just one EP, Soft Animals, 2017 was a meteoric
year for dance-pop duo, Sofi Tukker, with a Grammy
nomination and the use of their song, ‘Best Friend’ by Apple
to advertise the iPhone X turning it into a blockbuster smash.
But before they were adopted by the mainstream, the pair –
Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern – were a hit with
queer kids across America and Europe.
“We really make it clear that we value being yourself, and
expressing yourself however you want and celebrating that,”
Tucker says. “That’s where we’re most happy and that’s what
we want to create for the people who are with us. That’s
something the queer community stands for and we admire
that. Hopefully there’s some mutual admiration there.”
Sophie and Tucker are talking to me on the phone from a
dressing room at the Jimmy Fallon Show, on which they’ll be
appearing later to perform ‘Best Friend’. It’s a platform most
performers can only dream of, and the pair are just getting to
grips with it.
“I think we’ve taken last year in our stride, because for us
we’re just on the road every day, doing shows, writing songs,
doing what we love, so what’s happened doesn’t hit us really,”
says Tucker. “Today’s one is pretty wild, though. It feels a little
crazy.”
That said, Sophie didn’t quite take being in the presence
of a pregnant Beyoncé at the Grammys this time last year in
her stride either. “We were so wide-eyed,” she says. “It was like,
‘what are we dong here? This is awesome!”
The pair met three years ago when they were both studying
at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.
“I was playing an acoustic bossa nova set in an art gallery
and Tucker was booked in as the DJ for later at the same
event,” Sophie explains. “He came early and saw me play, and
he basically ended up remixing one of my songs on the spot.
The next day we met up and started making music, and we
pretty much haven’t stopped since.”
The moment was part of a reinvention for Tucker, who had
come to the University on a basketball scholarship.
“I spent my whole life training to be a basketball player,” he
says. “That’s what I loved and what I thought I was going to
be doing, but then I got sick and had to leave school for a
year. I was in bed for six or seven months and I wanted to be
productive, although I didn’t have the energy to do much. So, I
got music software and watched a bunch of YouTube tutorials
trying to train myself how to use it. Then when I went back to
school I played basketball for a little longer until my doctor
said ‘no more’. I had one year left, so I said to myself I really
want to make music my career after I leave. I started DJing at
parties all over campus and all over Providence, and I really
got into it.”
Having forged a connection, Tucker persuaded Sophie
to move to New York and embark on a career in the music
industry with him. She wasn’t so keen to begin with.
“I had a fear that making music was a sort of selfish or selfindulgent
thing to do,” she explains. “I feel like I got a really good
education and there’s a responsibility with that education to
give back and to make sure that my life’s work is a contribution.
I wasn’t sure whether or not making music would do that. Now
I couldn’t be happier about how it feels in terms of it being a
contribution. It’s something I’m offering to the world that I’m
really proud of.”
The summer after graduation was spent honing their
sound, something that could have been disastrous, given how
different their taste in music is.
“I like music that Tucker finds boring,” says Sofi. “He’s very
high energy. The stuff that we don’t agree on is frenetic.”
“It took us that summer to figure out a lot of things,” says
Tucker. “Like about how to work together, how to be upfront
and honest with each other.”
“We went down a lot of dead ends,” adds Sophie. “We’d keep
working and working trying to make something right, when it
wasn’t actually clicking. I think we’ve learned to navigate that. If
something feels really good, we’ll keep going. If it doesn’t feel
that excellent, we’ll let it go.”
The feel-good factor extends to their shows, which Sophie
describes as “our favourite thing to do.”
“With people coming to our shows at first, we didn’t know
what to expect. But the people that come ended up being
the kind of people who make that vibe instantly in the room,
and it’s like this energy cycle, where we’re giving them energy
and they’re giving us energy, and it becomes this amazing
experience. They’re people who all want to be joyful and
expressive and loose and loving.”
“That community, we’ve found out, is one of the most
important things about who we are as a band,” adds Tucker.
“We love being surrounded by people who bring each other up,
and support each other, and create things together.”
Ironically, neither Sophie or Tucker were aware of
the original 1920s singer and comedian, Sophie Tucker
(immortalised by Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl), when they
came up with the amalgamation Sofi Tukker as the name for
their band.
“We kind of found out after,” says Sophie. “We’re so happy to
pay homage to her. She’s bad-ass.”
I’ve a feeling Sophie Tucker would have firmly approved of
Sofi Tukker too.
Sofi Tukker play Dublin’s The Button Factory on January 27,
ticketmaster.ie
g 19

Feature
Interview: RuPaul’s Drag Race – Ireland’s Got Talent

VISAGE
VOYAGE
Michelle Visage has a reputation for tough talking on
RuPaul’s Drag Race, a reality talent show that has blossomed
into a pop culture phenomenon like no other over the past
decade. Will she be bringing the same style of judging to her
new role on the panel of Ireland’s Got Talent? And what does
Michelle think of the situation back home in America, where
the Trump administration is rolling back on many of the
things Drag Race stands for? She talks to Brian Finnegan.
It’s exactly nine years this month since RuPaul’s Drag Race
first sashayed onto American television screens, courtesy
of the Logo TV network. Since then the show has not only
become a pop culture phenomenon, but a triumphant new
strand of queer programming, credited with helping change
the face of LGBT+ representations and educating a new
generation about the fight for queer rights.
It’s also brought drag into the mainstream, catapulting
queens like Bianca Del Rio, Sharon Needles, Trixie and Katya,
and Courtney Act into the firmament of global stardom, while
its creator and star, RuPaul has ascended to become a kind of
queer Oprah – her message at the end of every show - “If you
can’t love yourself, how the hell you gonna somebody else?” –
becoming the new mantra.
Sitting firmly but fabulously by RuPaul’s side since season
three of Drag Race has been Michelle Visage, and over over
the course of seven seasons of the show, and two seasons
of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, her persona as a straighttalking
ally who takes no shit has become part of the show’s
overall ethos. Alongside RuPaul, Michelle has evolved into a
kind of straight mama to the gays, helping mend the broken
kids who come through the Drag Race doors to lip-sync for
their lives.
“
People think of ‘Drag Race’ as a
camp show about boys dressing
up in girl’s clothing, but that’s
on the surface.
The contestant pool has included survivors of assault,
people abandoned by their parents or kicked out of their
homes, and people for whom being gay or trans nearly cost
them their lives. Season two winner Tyra Sanchez (aka James
Ross IV) was homeless when he entered the competition.
Season four contestant Timothy Wilcots, aka Latrice Royale,
had served jail time, while All Star contestant, Jujubee was so
used to being homophobically abused as a child, he answered
to the word ‘faggot’.
“People think of Drag Race as a camp show about boys
dressing up in girl’s clothing, but that’s on the surface,” Michelle
tells me as we chat on a break from her filming schedule with
Ireland’s Got Talent, on which she’s a judge (more of which
later). She’s impeccably made-up for the cameras, jet-black
hair coiffed, eyeliner sequined, and the Drag Race persona is
fully intact. She talks a mile-a-minute, her opinions forthright
and peppered with expletives, but at the same time she
touches my hand or arm at regular intervals, forging a kind of
instant intimacy for the brief time we have together. It’s hard
not to want Mama Michelle to like you.
“Really the show is so much more about life, about integrity,
about grit, determination, love, loss, self-endurance, selfloathing,
self-love…” she says, her intricately painted fingernails
grazing my wrist. “We actually bring families together. These
queer boys, however they identify, have lost touch with their
parents or family members because their families didn’t
accept them.
“A lot of these parents kick their kids out on the street when
they come out, and they only thing they have to turn to is
selling sex, selling their bodies. They don’t believe they have
what it takes, the self-worth, the self-love, to do anything
other than tricking. So we end up with drug issues, suicides,
homicides… LGBT youth homelessness is a big deal, so with
our show a lot of times the parents come around and say, ‘Oh
my God, I am so sorry, I didn’t see what was right in front of my
face, all you really needed was for me to love you’.
“Or if that doesn’t happen, if there is no epiphany, they realise
there can be a relationship. Maybe it’s slow, but the relationship
happens.”
g 21

“
If we keep informing them,
letting them know the history
and not letting them forget…
then they’ll get it, and they’ll
know why they were able to
come out of the womb shitting
rainbows and glitter.
Visage herself is the mother of a queer child – her 18
year-old daughter, Lillie identifies as bisexual. “I knew I’d end
up with a queer kid,” she laughs. “I just thought it would be a
choreographer, or an interior decorating boy or hairdresser,
but it ended up being a girl who is still questioning and finding
her way.”
While a bi kid couldn’t hope for a more clued-in mother,
Michelle says it’s only recently that she’s come to accept the
viability of bisexuality.
“Back when I started with the community, in the 1980s, it was
close to a death sentence to come out as gay. It was safer for
the boys, not the girls, to come out as bisexual even though
they were gay. So, it’s only in the past three years or so that I’ve
realised bisexuality is a viable way of being.
“My daughter identifies as bi and non-binary. She’s dealt with
some pretty serious depression issues, so she’s finally coming
out of that now and exploring her bisexuality. She’s 18, so it’s
later in life, whereas some kids might do it at 13, so I don’t know
if she even needs that validation yet. She might, in university,
realise how important it is, because bis and trans get the shitty
end of the stick. It’s not fair. Being the mother of a bisexual kid, I
will scream louder for her rights, which do matter and are real.”
Although the America in which Lillie is coming of age is a
much more evolved place than when her mother was living
it up on the New York underground with her best buddy, the
young RuPaul (aka Andre Charles), one year into the Trump
administration, with the roll-back of protections for trans
people and rhetoric, along with the erasing of gay recognition,
there are clear efforts to turn the evolutionary direction
backwards.
“It’s very hard in America right now,” says Michelle. “But the
stronger and louder we are, and if we band together, we will
be heard. Our brothers and sisters did not fight in Stonewall
all those years ago for it to go back to the way it was. We’re
no longer being pushed back into the closet; we’re no longer
being silenced.
“As a mother of a queer kid, I can only look to the future. It’s
a lot easier to be under the queer umbrella these days than
it has ever been, in my life, so I want those kids to know why.
If we keep informing them, letting them know the history and
not letting them forget… then they’ll get it, and they’ll know why
they were able to come out of the womb shitting rainbows and
glitter.”
Visage herself was born to an American-Irish mother in 1968,
then adopted by a Jewish family in New Jersey and christened
Michelle Lynn Shupack. “My mother couldn’t have me, other
circumstances got in the way, but she loved me enough to
give me up for adoption,” she says early on in our chat, but
later, when we’re talking about Drag Race again, it becomes
apparent that this presented its challenges.
“If it were me growing up, my self-loathing, and the hatred I
had for myself, not knowing why I’d been given up for adoption,
if I’d had a show like Drag Race, maybe I wouldn’t have had
an eating disorder, maybe I wouldn’t have thought I was
ugly, or didn’t fit in or had nobody who didn’t understand my
weirdness,” she says. “But I didn’t have that, so I had to go
through all that shit, to come out the other side and realise,
I’m not going to sit back and let somebody bully somebody
22 g

else the way I was bullied.” Perhaps it was the tracing her
birth mother and learning that her grandmother was from
Cork that somehow originally brought Michelle to Ireland’s
media. Ireland’s Got Talent isn’t her first time to appear on our
airwaves.
“I did radio here in 1997 for three years on 2FM with Dusty
Rhodes,” she tells me. “He’d have me on once a week to take a
bite out of the Big Apple, sponsored by Cidona. He flew me to
Ireland a few times to do events. Then in 2009 I was back on
2FM with Michael Cahill at the weekends. So, I’ve always had a
relationship with Ireland.”
This relationship should be further enhanced when Ireland’s
Got Talent begins broadcasting on TV3 on February 3. Is she
going to get shady as she searches for charisma, uniqueness,
nerve and talent amongst the Irish public, or will she be more
Mama Michelle?
“In RuPaul’s Drag Race I have a very specific role,” she says. “I
grew up in this community since I was literally weaned off the
plastic tits of a drag queen. I have a background and standard
that I’m holding these queens to, when I know they can do
better. I’m a lot tougher on them because I need to be.
“If a child comes up on Ireland’s Got Talent or somebody
who has something but they’re not quite ready, I’m not going
to shoot them down and tell them this sucks, because that’s
not who I am. I want to encourage everybody to follow their
dream. If they don’t have that talent I’m going to tell them, ‘I
don’t know if this should be your dream, you should have
a back-up dream’. But I’m not going to stop anybody from
chasing what they want.
“I like to give constructive criticism. It’s not going to help
me to cut someone else down; it’s going to help me help
somebody else. I’m a Virgo; I want to help everybody. I want
everybody to be happy.”
As a certain drag queen might say: shantay, gurl, you stay.
“Our brothers and sisters did not
ight in Stonewall all those years
ago for it to go back to the way it
was.
‘Ireland’s Got Talent’ begins on TV3 on February 3. Listen to
our Q+A podcast featuring this full, unedited interview on
Apple Podcasts. It’s sickening.
Michelle and RuPaul with
fellow Drag Race judges,
Ross Matthews (left)
Carson Kressley (right)
07 g

HIV+
ACT UP – PrEP – Sexual Health
PrEP
UPDATE

While new HIV diagnoses continue
to be at an all-time high for gay and
bisexual men in Ireland, the government
needs to make sure PrEP is fully
accessible, says Andrew Leavitt of
ACT UP Dublin. Image by Will St Leger.
As of January 2018, preliminary figures released by Ireland’s
Health Service Executive (HSE) show 506 newly reported
HIV diagnoses in Ireland in 2017. These latest figures match
closely with record high figures of 508 in 2016. It’s clear
Ireland has a HIV crisis and one that is disproportionally
affecting gay and bisexual men. The good news is that we
have the best tools that science can offer to prevent HIV and
halt its onward transmission.
PrEP & Clinical Support
Although PrEP has not been widely available or accessible
in Ireland, we know that a considerable number of people
here have been self-sourcing generic versions of PrEP via
online suppliers. With the recent availability of generic PrEP
from Irish pharmacies, we expect the number of people
using PrEP in Ireland to continue to increase. Getting proper
medical support is a crucial part of safely using PrEP, and a
number of medical tests are needed before you start and
while you continue to use it.
The Gay Men’s Health Service on Baggot Street in
Dublin opened the first clinic specifically for people using
PrEP in Ireland in November. This walk-in clinic offers
users information on how to get and use PrEP, along with
a consultation with a supportive doctor who can answer
questions about PrEP and provide a prescription. It runs
every Thursday morning from 10am to noon.
Just a few weeks later, the Mater Hospital announced the
start of its own Prevention Support Clinic for PrEP users.
This clinic is by appointment, and to make one you can email
psc@mater.ie.
Having access to these dedicated clinical services is a big
step forward in meeting the needs of those of us already
using PrEP, and in preparing the health services for
delivering PrEP when the HSE begins to provide it directly.
Generic PrEP in Ireland
Teva Pharmaceuticals began marketing their generic PrEP
product in Irish pharmacies from Monday, December 4, last
year. Although prices will be set by individual pharmacies, it’s
expected that it will cost between €85 and €100 for a bottle
of 30 pills. This is about the same price-range as a similar
product that recently became available in the Netherlands.
Currently there are over 100 pharmacies in 20 counties
stocking generic PrEP. The number of pharmacies stocking
PrEP will likely continue to grow and competition between
pharmacies may mean prices fall a bit further.
Some key points about this development:
• PrEP is not yet available through the HSE. This product is
only available at full retail price. There is no discount for
medical card holders or anyone else.
• It’s vital that any potential prescribing doctors and
dispensing pharmacists are properly informed about what
tests are needed to support PrEP users, and that they
understand the different dosing regimens so that they can
offer informed guidance to users.
• The availability of generic PrEP in community pharmacies
is a result of a private company taking the opportunity to
directly market a product because the health service has
failed to make it available. Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, the
Department of Health or the HSE did not do anything to
make this happen.
• It’s imperative that we keep the pressure on the
Department of Health and the HSE to make PrEP
available and accessible immediately. Teva’s shown that
generic companies can offer their product at a fraction of
what Gilead asks, removing the biggest obstacle to PrEP
access. It’s time for the Department of Health and HSE
to become proactive and take advantage of this historic
opportunity to deliver PrEP in Ireland.
GetPrep.online
GetPrEP.online is a new website created and launched by
a Dublin-based group of individuals to provide information
specifically for people living in Ireland about getting and
using PrEP. It is entirely volunteer-run and independent of the
HSE or any NGOs. All costs related to creating this site were
paid using their own funds. GetPrEP.online creators want to
ensure that current or potential PrEP users in Ireland can find
clear and up-to-date information to support them in making
informed decisions about their sexual health.
Visit www.getPrEP.online and see if PrEP is right for you
25 g

Report
Roma – Barabarapien – Culture
Roma
& LGBT+
“I was hesitant to let people know
that I was gay in a Romani context…
because I assumed I wouldn’t be
welcome if I were to reveal who I am.
I think that was a mistake. I should
have come out sooner.
William Bila

At a low estimate, there are approximately 500 LGBT+
Roma people living in this country, yet not one has come
forward to the organisations that support Travellers and
Roma people. This invisibility is rooted in the overall
challenges Roma people face in Ireland, as Chris O’Donnell
reports.
Roma people constitute the largest ethnic minority group in
Europe, with an estimated population of 10 to 12 million. Gaining
specific figures on the exact number of Roma people living in
Ireland has been difficult, as their ethnic identity is not included
in census forms and there’s an understandable reluctance to
tell officials that they belong to a group which is continually
subjected to state-sanctioned racial discrimination.
The rough estimate at the moment, from the National Roma
Needs Assessment (a new report by Pavee Point Traveller and
Roma Centre and the Department of Justice and Equality)
is 5,000. According to Oein DeBhairduin, a core member of
the online support group, LGBT Pavee, there may be over 13
different Roma groups living in Ireland alone. “There are different
dialects, different belief systems, different habitations and
engagements, different ethnicities to a certain degree, different
nationalities, and at the moment everyone is engaged as a
singular group. It’s quite diverse, but the system is a ‘one-sizefits-all’.”
Where does this leave LGBT+ Roma in Ireland, of which there
are approximately 500, based on the one in ten assumption? It’s
hard to know, because at this point no LGBT Roma have come
forward to share their experiences. Pavee Point suggests that
this lack of visibility, or confidence to come forward, is rooted in
the broader experience of Roma people in Ireland.
“What we found in the report is that there is a very high level of
experiences of poverty in the Roma community in Ireland, and
very extreme poverty for a minority of Roma,” says Siobhán
Curran, Roma Project Coordinator at Pavee Point. “Across
the board there were extremely high levels of discrimination,
particularly in social protection and accommodation. Many
Roma are living in very substandard accommodation.
“All of this was part of a broader finding that there were
negative experiences with services for some Roma in the state,
and they didn’t always feel that they could engage with services.
I think this links very much to the experience of LGBT Roma
and the extra barriers they face. If you think of the supports that
somebody may need to come out, or if they have come out, for
their family, the access to mainstream services is not the same
as it is for the non-Roma community.”
The upshot is that there are no services are specifically
tailored towards LGBT+ Roma in Ireland, despite a clear need.
“Quite regularly we deal with breakdowns in the home,
alienation, and suicidal ideation,” says DeBhairduin. “There’s a
lack of cultural connectivity where suddenly people are asking
themselves who they are, and that comes in conflict with their
other sense of identity.”
Added to this, according to Curran: “The issues facing Roma in
Ireland are very complex. Oftentimes we’re dealing with issues of
racism, homelessness, poverty, survival and then the issues that
are very important around identity don’t get prioritised.”
According to Czech Roma LGBT+ activist David Tiser: “Roma
LGBT people face triple discrimination: firstly as Roma, secondly
as LGBT people, and thirdly as LGBT people in the Roma
community. In the case of young Roma LGBT living in ghettos,
there is a fourth ground for discrimination: exclusion. Due to
the address of their residence, they are often unable to access
services and are at a major disadvantage in terms of engaging
with agencies such as the police, healthcare, and so on.”
LIVING OPENLY
The Council of Europe’s Roma Youth Action Plan published
a study named Barabarapien in 2014. ‘Barabarapien’ means
‘equality’ in the Romani language, along with other related
meanings such as together, togetherness, next to each other,
etc. The report outlines the multiple discrimination faced by
Roma youth across Europe by telling the stories of young Roma
individuals. Maria, based in Serbia, lives with her female partner
in a Roma settlement, and she tells the story of how she and
her partner chose to live openly. “Although we are two barelyeducated
Roma women living in quite bad conditions, we dared
ask to be recognised as a same-sex family,” she says.
“Apart from being finger-pointed all the time, we haven’t been
harassed or discriminated against. There are many women
here who are either single parents or their husbands don’t care
a lot about their families, so they are often left to take care of
everything, and that is where I step in and help them. I feel this is
the reason that the people in the community accept my partner
and I. Maybe they don’t like the way we live, but they need us.”
Out, gay Romani Gypsy, Isaac Blake, also had a positive
experience in his community. Currently Executive Director of the
Romani Cultural & Arts Company in Cardiff, Blake grew up on
a Gypsy and Traveller site. “People have seen me grow up from
a young child into a young man, so I’ve never really experienced
challenges,” he says.
However Isaac is quick to point out that his story is not
necessarily the norm. “I’m not going to and lie and say that
everyone has had a positive experience similar to mine. There
are a lot of LGBT people in the community who have had a
negative experience, and they are actually afraid to come out.”
William Bila (pictured left), Adviser on Partnerships and
Network Development at the ERRC, is also an out gay Romani
man, but it took him some time to come to this point.
g 27

“I was hesitant to let people know that I was gay in a Romani
context,” he says. “I think that held me back from participating
fully and volunteering in different Romani-led activities in the
emancipation movement, because I assumed I wouldn’t be
welcome if I were to reveal who I am.
“I think that was a mistake – I should have come out sooner, but
I didn’t want to be excluded. I was afraid to come out as many
young people are when they don’t have other visible examples of
people like them in their communities.”
Bila’s reluctance to come out earlier echoes the experiences
of LGBT+ people across the board, and he agrees that Romani
communities are no different to others in many respects when it
comes to discrimination.
“I’ve talked to some of my friends, they’ve had quite homophobic
experiences within their families, some of them being excluded
entirely, others only excluded for a couple of weeks and came
back together, so you have the full range. Romani people are just
like all other people. Some are accepting, some need some time,
and others refuse to listen.
“Every time you tell someone it becomes a little bit easier and
a little bit more natural. Romani people - and this is my personal
conclusion - basically are not more or less homophobic than
anyone else.”
WIDER DISCRIMINATION
According to the website of the Council of Europe, many
LGBT+ Roma experience social exclusion on personal, familial
and community levels. At the same time they are also facing
discrimination from the wider LGBT+ population because of their
origins.
LGBT+ Irish Roma often struggle to find ways to successfully
negotiate their ethnic and sexual identities, while often within
LGBT+ movements there is little awareness of the specific
concerns of Irish Travellers and Roma.
The Council of Europe’s Roma Youth Action Plan suggests that
young LGBTs may feel torn due to there being a cultural clash
between sexual orientation and some Roma traditions. The
Barabarapien study highlighted a conflict experienced between
being LGBT+ and a Romani, with members of the community
having to choose between one or other aspect of their identities.
This ‘choice’ is most likely the reason for the invisibility of Roma
LGBT+ people in Ireland. It’s a chicken and egg situation, because
if there was more visibility, there would be more supports.
Community Development Worker with the Roma Project at
Pavee Point, Gabi Muntean of Pavee Point is keen to encourage
Roma LGBTs to come forward.
“Just because nobody has come to us yet, it doesn’t mean
they’re not there,” she says. “We would like to support LGBT Roma
people in Ireland. We would like to talk to them.”
“We would like to support
LGBT Roma people in Ireland.
We would like to talk to them.
Gabi Muntean, Pavee Point
28 g

“People have seen me grow
up from a young child into a
young man, so I’ve never really
experienced challenges.
Isaac Blake
“
Roma LGBT people face triple
discrimination: irstly as Roma,
secondly as LGBT people, and
thirdly as LGBT people in the
Roma community.
So how can LGBT+ Roman be encouraged to come forward?
“There are plenty of things that can be done to try and open up
the table a bit,” says Oein DeBhairduin. “We should not just to ask
‘How can we help?’ but check in with ourselves and ask ‘What can
I do to help?’
“It’s assertive inclusion – rather than waiting for people to present
themselves, it’s about engaging with people assertively, seeking
them out. Make sure they know there’s always a space there.”
“There is a need for LGBT Roma role models for new
generations,” adds Curran, “but before that there’s a need at
a higher policy level for clear support of Roma that involves
outreach, that involves public information that’s accessible to the
Roma community, rather than expecting that people can access
the mainstream services.”
According to DeBhairduin we also “need to have those awkward
conversations about how people treat the Roma. When people
see those who are very ethnically identifiable as Roma out and
about in the wider community, there is this fear, because a lack of
information leads people to believe the common thought which
runs along the lines of ‘thievery, alienation, the other’.”
The National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy, launched in
2017, clarifies that the needs of LGBT+ Travellers and Roma will
be one specific focus in the development of the LGBT+ Inclusion
Strategy, to be led by the Department of Justice and Equality, and
on which a consultation process will commence this year. The
government have also committed to challenging homophobia
and transphobia within the Traveller and Roma communities and
giving support for Traveller and Roma families who have children/
partners coming out.
“This is the first time this has been encapsulated in policy,” says
Curran. “There needs to be action related to that now.”
The ’Roma In Ireland: A National Needs Assessment’ report
was launched on January 18. It can be downloaded from www.
paveepoint.ie
08 g

On the
FRONT LINES
In countries where members of the LGBT+ community are
systematically attacked, arrested, tortured and murdered, there
are courageous activists who stand up to advance queer rights,
sometimes at great personal cost. Here Stephen McCabe
meets just six poweful individuals on the frontlines of the ight
for a world of acceptance.
BOUHDID BELHEDI (Tunisia)
LGBT HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER
Association SHAMS (winner of GALAS International Award, 2017)
“
Forced anal testing is
theoretically banned, but it
is still a widespread practice
throughout Tunisia.
“I was the first activist to appear on TV to talk
about the LGBT situation in Tunisia. Following my
appearances I received multiple threats from the
government and also from extremists. I am no longer
safe in my hometown, so thanks to a grant I was able
to get rehoused.
Our organisation SHAMS is the only organisation
to talk publicly about LGBT rights. As a result of
our media activism we have begun to educate the
Tunisian people about our struggle.
The main challenges Tunisian LGBT people face
are Article 230 [of the Penal Code] which criminalises
gay people, and the anal test for homosexuality.
Forced anal testing is theoretically banned, but it
is still a widespread practice throughout Tunisia. A
person can refuse the anal test, but if you do, an
inference will be drawn from that.
The Tunisian president has stated clearly that he
is against abolishing Article 230 and all the deputies
in our parliament are currently opposed to removing
it. The only chance available to us is through the
constitutional court, which is an independent
institution.
Things have changed since the revolution. With the
creation of SHAMS we can now publicly talk about
our issues. We have won the freedom to express our
opinion and the freedom to create associations like
SHAMS, who talk about delicate subjects. But we
have a lot more to achieve.
I recently called on the EU to stop all diplomatic
and economic exchanges with Tunisia until Article
230 and the anal test are repealed. We work with
other international organisations who help us to
build pressure. It is very important to work at this
level as the government is quite sensitive to how it’s
perceived. The EU delegation in Tunisia is one of our
partners and LGBT rights are one of their priorities.
This is very encouraging.”
30 g

CALEB OROZCO (Belize)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
United Belize Advocacy
Movement (UNIBAM)
“
When they couldn’t progress
their abortion agenda
they came ater the LGBT
community. They just needed a
campaign to mobilise around.
“I first became an LGBT activist as a result of my work
around HIV issues, which then evolved into setting up the
United Belize Advocacy Movement in 2006. We engage
with diplomatic systems and international organisations to
achieve our goals for LGBT rights in Belize.
The local part of our work is legal research around issues
which impact on LGBT people. We look at reforming
discriminatory policies in the country. We also run a human
rights observatory group and we document human rights
abuses. There have been 356 human rights abuse cases
in Belize since 1995, and of those over 50 were murders or
attempted murders of members of our community.
In 2010 we filed a lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality
of the sodomy laws in Belize. When the hearing for the
decriminalisation case came up in 2013, I had to get security.
Previously my car had been damaged and my property
was invaded while I was sleeping. We won the case in 2016,
athough an appeal is pending.
Originally the government decided that they would not
be appealing the judgment, but then after protests they
engineered a situation to allow the Catholic Church to have
legal standing to appeal the decision.
Our engagement with local right wing groups didn’t start
with the decriminalisation process; it started with abortion
back in 2009. They were working towards sending our
abortion laws into the dark ages. We fought back and we
won on the ground, so when they couldn’t progress their
abortion agenda they came after the LGBT community.
They just needed a campaign to mobilise around.
At this point in Belize marriage equality is not a priority.
We don’t even have basic things like job and education
protection. For me it’s about building political voice that is
visible and working from there.”
31 g

CHARLOT JEUDY (Haiti)
PRESIDENT
Kouraj
FARZANA RIAZ (Pakistan)
PRESIDENT
TransAction Alliance
“Between 2015 and 2017 there were 400 reports of abuse
against trans people in Pakistan, much of which involves hair
cutting. Sixty trans people have been killed in this period. A
board member of my organisation was raped and her hair
and eyebrows were cut. These types of abuses are common
and are carried out by locals. When we go to report these
incidents, the police often refuse to take the reports and
rarely act on them when they do.
When trans people are injured from these attacks they are
taken to hospitals, which refuse to admit them either in the
male ward or the female ward. The hospital denied our board
member admission and she died because of this.
We want to address all these issues but there are huge
restrictions here and many challenges. When we worked
with the local government, they faced threats from locals.
Anybody who supports our work is being threatened by
extremist and other political actors.
I got the first third gender passport issued because I went
to court. I’m driven by the large number of trans people with
nobody coming out to fight for us. Within our organisation we
have 11 staff, but in the network we have 45,000 members.
Many of our members have been shunned by their families
and they are not getting education or other types of support,
so this is a big priority of ours.
Our main focus for the future is to create employment so
that trans people can lead normal lives. I plan to work on
providing a building to house trans people who often face
huge barriers to accessing housing.
By fighting we could get equal rights and the respect we
deserve. Local, national and international media coverage
can help by bringing our story to the masses.”
“The levels of discrimination we face in Haiti has a
relationship to socioeconomic factors. LGBT people
from less educated backgrounds are more likely to be
discriminated against by their families. Families can be very
religious and this can add an extra layer of misunderstanding
and discrimination. It doesn’t mean that there is no
discrimination among the more affluent parts of our society,
but it’s less pronounced.
The main strategy of our organisation is to use
communication to raise awareness within the wider
population. The main media we utilise is social networks;
traditional media doesn’t give us a voice. We have very
popular social pages through which we raise awareness
on different issues. We also provide legal assistance to the
victims of transphobic and homophobic violence and raise
awareness amongst our own community in regards to our
rights to health.
It is extremely hard to get the general population in Haiti
interested in our issues. When people cannot eat, don’t have
proper shelter or can’t get their kids into school our rights are
not a priority. The earthquake has also made our issues less
important to the mainstream.
Human rights are not a buffet. though. You can’t pick and
choose the rights you want to defend. Rights to food, shelter
and accommodation are important, but so are our rights.
Rights to health and housing need a big budget, whereas the
right to respect needs political will. This is not here.
Promises made to improve our situation are seldom
respected unless they serve the government’s political
interests. I am proud that we are a well established
organisation which couldn’t have existed ten years ago, and
now more and more young people are interested in this
movement. That makes me hopeful for the future.”
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KAROLINA WIECKIEWICZ (Poland)
HRD & SAFETY PROGRAMME
COORDINATOR
Lambda Warsaw Association
The current Polish government openly expresses negative
attitudes towards gay people. The previous government tried
to bring in legislation supposedly against paedophilia, but it
was connected to their prejudice against gay people and this
was an attempt to conflate the two.
The Catholic Church plays a huge role in perpetuating
negative attitudes. They’re respected as a result of the role
they played with Solidarity and the struggle, and successive
governments are afraid of the church. The ruling party is now
straightforward about the fact that they take their lead from
the church on social issues. This is a huge problem.
Security has become an issue for us at Lambda, which
is the oldest LGBT organisation in Poland. Last year there
were a number of attacks on our office. We are always under
the threat of physical attack and there are very limited
protections available to us.
Poland has always had a problem with neo-Nazis and
nationalism. When groups like these march through cities,
they always demonstrate their hatred towards LGBT people.
It’s really hard for the authorities to acknowledge that when
our premises are attacked, these are not just property
crimes; they are hate crimes.
The media is also problematic for us. The language they
use about gay people and the stereotypes they employ are
all part of the problem. We don’t have many journalists who
truly get our cause. Sometimes their heart is in the right
place but they are full of reductive language and often cover
our issues in a clichéd way, which has a negative effect.
Gay men are more visible in Poland than lesbians and this
is connected to gender issues. It’s easier for men to be out
there and we have very few lesbian public figures. We are still
not fully legally recognised in terms of marriage equality, we
have a terrible trans legal framework, and we have a long way
to go. But I am excited about the work we have to do.”
IBTISSAME LACHGAR (Morocco)
CO-FOUNDER
Mouvement Alternatif pour les
Libertés Individuelles – Maroc
“As a heterosexual woman I am sometimes reproached by
the LGBT community for my work in the LGBT sphere. I get
some comments online saying I am useless to the cause. But
by the same logic, does that mean that men shouldn’t fight
for women’s rights or white people shouldn’t fight for minority
rights?
In defending sexual rights it shouldn’t matter what you
identify as. I criticise the society at large and its attitudes
towards the gay community, but I am also a feminist who
stages actions against the patriarchy. I would never speak for
gay people. The focus is always on them to tell their stories.
We introduced the International Day Against Homophobia
in Morocco in 2012. There was a visual campaign designed
to generate maximum publicity. We all staged a mass kiss-in,
which was widely covered.
During a campaign In 2014 I publicised the fact that I was
living out of wedlock and having sexual relations with men,
and I had a fatwa issued against me. I was also part of the
28th February movement, which came out of The Arab
Spring to demand wider political reform within Morocco.
There are other groups here who protest against anti-gay
legislation but their methods are not the same as ours. We
like shock tactics and hard-hitting imagery alongside civil
disobedience. Some people might think that these strategies
are counterproductive. The way we highlight issues is
designed to garner maximum attention. All our events are
widely covered, sometimes in a negative way. But it is still
a victory as it starts a conversation and debate, which is
important.
The fact that I engage publicly in shock tactics with my
face showing means that I am perhaps the least-liked
activist in the country, both by the authorities and other
more conservative activists. I have never been arrested
specifically for my advocacy work. The authorities have
always held me under spurious pretexts, making arbitrary
arrests. When I was detained in 2016 I suffered police
violence and sexual assault.”
The activists in this feature attended the Frontline Defenders
Dublin Platform in October, 2017. To find out more about the
work of Frontline Defenders visit frontlinedefenders.org
33 g

Travel
Vietnam – Hong Kong
Made
in Southeast Asia
A state-sponsored visit by Panti Bliss last year to speak
in Southeast Asia about the marriage referendum has
put the region on the map for queer Irish travellers.
Andrew Byrne checks out two destinations with his
gay hat on: Vietnam and Hong Kong.

VIETNAM:
Luxurious relaxation, history and unspoilt beauty
“You’re a real ladykiller now,” says the woman at the downtown
Saigon nail spa, admiring her work on my paws, before tilting her
head and peering at me sideways: “But maybe you’re a mankiller,
I can’t tell…”
Saigon locals are a shrewd lot. I assure her that no one’s life is at
risk, especially from an overly pampered Irish tourist getting his
first mani-pedi.
Vietnam may be one of Southeast Asia’s less developed
holiday destinations, but a holiday there offers a tantalising mix
of luxurious relaxation, history and – for now – unspoilt beauty.
As the gentle inquisition at the nail spa attests, it’s also a country
where gay life is increasingly viewed with friendly curiosity.
A quasi state visit by Queen of Ireland Panti Bliss in September
has underlined the allure Vietnam offers LGBT+ travellers in
search of a destination untouched by circuit parties or the other
trappings of mass gay culture.
Ho Chi Minh, or Saigon as it is still commonly known, is an ideal
starting point for a visit to Vietnam – a country modernising so
quickly that it seems to change before your eyes. Skyscrapers
shoot up from the muddy banks of the river Saigon, dwarfing the
small but elegant French colonial-era buildings of the city centre.
Still the vestiges of an older Vietnam remain – follow the narrow
river boats of the vegetable traders out of the city to the floating
markets of the Mekong Delta. There you can glimpse a rural
way of life that is already disappearing, as humble river huts are
replaced by shiny McMansions.
Back in Saigon, the city’s war memorial museum provides a
stark account of the brutal war fought by US forces for years, and
the horrific toll it left on Vietnam’s people. The nearby Cu Chi
Tunnels reveal the grim determination of the Viet Cong to drive
the Americans out, whatever the cost.
Saigon may be transforming at breakneck speed, but Bangkok
it is not. Vietnam remains a one-party Communist state with
a more conservative streak than some of its neighbours.
Lawmakers decriminalised gay marriage in 2015, although the
state still doesn’t recognise any same-sex unions.
Gay dating apps like Grindr have probably stunted the growth
of a bigger scene in Saigon but there are still some spots where
boozy homos and their friends gather. Qui bar is an upmarket
cocktail lounge where the local fashion set – including a hefty
quota of bright young gays – gather to see and be seen.
Whisky and Wares is a cosier cocktail bar run by a friendly
American and has become an unofficial meeting spot for expats
and local gays. If the clouds lift before you leave, grab a cocktail
in your freshly manicured hand and watch the sunset over this
fabled city.
HONG KONG:
City of contrasts
If Saigon is slowly inching its way onto the LGBT+ holiday
destination map, then Hong Kong is the mature, well-heeled
queen who’s been entertaining the likes of you since long before
you were born.
The city’s contrasts are legendary: both Chinese and
international, modern and traditional. Sharp-suited bankers and
lawyers spend their weekdays in skyscrapers above the clouds
and their weekends on tree-lined beaches across the bay – minus
the suits, of course.
Hong Kongers prize their autonomy within China and the
island’s cosmopolitan identity is underlined by a huge expatriate
community and reminders of its British colonial past: trams, red
letterboxes and an old funicular railway up to the Peak. You may
even witness a few wedding proposals at this romantic spot, with
majestic views.
Otherwise this is a city with a space-age modern feel, but even
so, Hong Kong’s laws have some ways to go. The government
have still not enacted anti-LGBT+ discrimination laws. Nor are
same-sex unions recognised. But the LGBT+ community is
increasingly prominent.
Luxury shoppers can find every known prestige label in the
city’s malls, but a hike might leave your bank balance in better
shape. Hong Kong’s territory includes several lush, pristine islands
with long white beaches. Catch a ferry and you will find nature and
fresh air just an hour away from the city’s bustle on Lantau Island.
For an affordable and authentic Cantonese lunchtime
experience, head straight to Maxim’s Palace on the second floor
of city hall. There a legion of smiling middle-aged aunties push
steaming trollies of dim sum from table to table in a large gilded
hall by the riverbank. Point at the helpful pictures on the trolleys
and toss a tasty shrimp dumpling into your drooling mouth.
Hutong is a pricier eatery on the 28th floor of a tower in Kowloon
– on the other side of the harbour. Daring guests will try the
succulent Drowned Pigeon while taking in the views of the city’s
glittering skyline.
Once you’re ready to hit the tiles, check out Behind, a stylish but
friendly monthly party, FLM – a well-established favourite, and
Petticoat Lane – a stalwart gay bar.
Where to Stay: The five-star W Hong Kong is the city’s
liveliest, trendiest and most LGBT-friendly hotel. Mingle with the
fashionable locals at parties by the stunning rooftop pool and
admire the view from Kowloon across the harbour. Rooms from
from €265 per night.
How to Get There: Emirates Airlines will fly you in luxury from
Dublin to Hong Kong via Dubai. Economy fares start at €563,
while all-inclusive business class fares start at €2,679. Fares are
subject to availability and travel dates.
Where to Stay: Le Meridien Saigon offers enormous rooms in
the heart of the city from €128 per night in low season and €165
per night in high season.
How to Get There: Emirates Airlines will fly you from Dublin
to Ho Chi Minh City return via Dubai from €796 all-inclusive
economy class or from €2,665 in business class. Fares are
subject to availability and travel dates.
35 g

Feature
Mindfulness – Spirit – Presence
THE
INTIMACY
CRISIS

While physical sexual health is prioritised and highlighted
in the LGBT+ community, emotional sexual health is often
left by the wayside. In a culture that’s increasingly defined
by technological advances, our relationships, or lack thereof,
are taking a queer turn, say therapists Sarah Gilligan
and Fi Connors. Illustration by Oliver Weiss.
We are all aware that the modernised world we inhabit is
fast-paced, hectic and massively dominated by technology.
Seismic changes in the way we communicate and interact
with each other (think Grindr, Facebook etc.) are having an
untold effect on how we deal with each other and how we have
relationships.
This is not breaking news, but something that’s gaining more
and more traction as the months pass. These days it is difficult
to speak about relationships and sex without recognising the
all-pervasive nature of technology in our daily lives.
For this article, I took the opportunity to Facetime with my
friend, Fi Connors, a natural medicine clinician, educator
and author of the emotional sexual health book, When Love
is A Drug, who currently resides stateside. We have an
appointment to discuss some of the recurring themes that
have emerged in our individual practices, in the areas of
emotional and sexual wellbeing – the real-time, real life effects
that we are both witnessing with our clients on a weekly basis.
And so, breaking news, the biggest commonality on both
sides of the pond? You guessed it. The rise of the challenge
of the relationship and of course the increasing challenge of
being single. The questions we hear our clients asking are
becoming ever more critical. Do I want to be single? Do I want
to be out there playing the field? Have I chosen to be single?
Or is too difficult to get into a relationship, and even when I
manage to, is it impossible to sustain?
Having difficulty in emotional relationships is never fun.
When we are out there struggling on our own, it makes it
almost impossible to make the vital changes needed to
succeed. How do we succeed in relationship, if we don’t even
know the parameters of emotional and sexual success?
Working in clinical practice, Fi and I are starting to see that it
is becoming extremely common that people are increasingly
unhappy with their lives, and in particular their primary
relationships.
A huge amount of pain is wrought from looking around social
media and thinking that everyone is extremely happy and
‘perfect’. This social comparison is causing a self-harming and
self-hurting behaviour that a lot of the time people can’t even
identify.
As opposed to feeling connected and free through the
use of social media, people are often becoming more
isolated, disillusioned and lost. There is a growing pernicious
unhappiness that is happening between comparison with
others and the curating of selves, our beloved ‘personalities’
on social media sites. Of course, this comparison is poisonous
for emotional balance, happiness and contentment.
THE RISE OF CHOICE
The next most difficult thing to contend with, in terms of the
rise of technology and its effect on our relationships, is choice.
We have choice at our fingertips 24/7, and we are paralysed
by it. We think, ‘why do we have to deal with our partners, like
their shitty humours, or the fact they are upset or the fact they
won’t have sex tonight? There are a hundred thousand people
that can give me what I need, so why would I bother doing the
hard work with this person?’ With so much choice in the ether,
people think that if they’re not happy, then the right action is to
move on immediately.
That’s what all the popular psychology gurus seem to be
saying, the Instagram mantras of ‘be your best self,’ ‘live your
best life’. The quick-snap solution is often to get rid of anything
perceived to be standing in the way of deserved ‘happiness’.
With the advent of apps like Tinder, Grindr and others,
access to people and sex is instantaneous and we have
commodified ourselves more dramatically than ever before.
We flip through catalogues of faces and bodies, seeking
attraction but not pausing to see how we actually feel.
We all want everything, and we want it now. There is little
concept of waiting or working through the deeper stuff; it’s all
instantaneous, instant gratification. Of course, this is a very
hollow, deep place to be digging ourselves into and the result
is that people increasingly lack the attention and patience to
stick around and nurture fledgling relationships.
There are many who may read this and say, ‘Sure I’m
grand. I’m delighted with life, ‘I’ve got the things I want, I’ve
got a boyfriend or girlfriend, or I‘ve got many. I can have sex
whenever I want; I have mates and we go out and have the lols.
Don’t be annoyin’ me with this emotional stuff.’
Then there are many that will read this and deep down will
know they are struggling with these exact issues.
If these themes sound familiar it is because they are. These
exact currents are endemic within the queer community, and
because “everyone else is doing it” means it is more likely to
be more and more difficult to get out of particular patterns of
behaviour.
g 37

“
Gay men are increasingly
sexualising the feeling of wanting an
intimate, connected relationship.
THE CULTURE OF LOOKING GOOD
There are very obvious but rarely spoken about polarisations of
sexual behaviour in the lives of gay men and women that Fi and
I are seeing over and over in our practices. Gay and queer men
have polarised towards sex – sex with multiple partners, open
relationships, ‘fun’ superficiality, sex for sport.
On the outside, gay male culture is very good at making itself
look good. Gay men are fun, fast-paced and cultured; they’re on
hook-up apps, attending sex parties or in open relationships, while
also holding down great jobs, looking fantastic and having great
friendship circles. It really looks like gay men are getting away with
it so brilliantly.
What appears however are that gay men are increasingly
propping themselves up with darker behaviours and sexualising
the feeling of wanting an intimate, connected relationship. The
‘big-upping’ of being a hot, in-demand gay man can of course help
to counterbalance the shame of not reaching our relationship
wishes for yourself, but only in the very short-term.
Shame is an emotion that nobody chooses, or wants to feel.
The shame of not reaching our relationship wishes for ourselves is
usually what drives us into seeking help.
With gay and bisexual women, we see the opposite behaviour.
Women tend to seek deep underpinning emotions through
relationship intensity, dropping into deep emotional states with
partners very quickly. Often the sexual connection is secondary.
For gay women, emotional and sexual intimacy are two sides of
the same coin. If the sexual balance is overtaken by the emotional,
sex often leaves the relationship.
In either instance, too much or too little does not make for a
balance. Eating constantly off the table of what we want, versus
the table of what we need, eventually makes us unwell.
It’s really important clarify that sexual behaviour is absolutely
fantastic. But if we want truly meaningful connections, sex has
to have the underpinning of the emotions associated with what
is, in reality, going on. We all may want to have mind-blowing sex,
but sometimes we need to begin with something as simple and
intimate as the gentle touch of another’s hand.
WHAT DOES A HAPPY RELATIONSHIP LOOK LIKE?
Whatever way you look at relationships, they are hard work, but
the rewards of doing the work are extraordinary. When you stick
with something, work through it, and work it out, it connects to
directly to your self-esteem. On the other hand, if we just bail
every time it gets hard and jump onto our iPhones, onto porn sites,
or into new relationships, we will never get to experience true
intimacy with ourselves, let alone with another.
A happy relationship is what everyone is looking for, right? But
what does being happy in a relationship actually look like? Being
happy with something means you get to experience the whole kit
and caboodle, not just the parts that suit.
Deeper emotion is harder to access, and can be frightening to
engage with initially, but the rewards are so much greater. Take
seeking the feeling of joy, for example. Joy is an expression of
contentment, but the underpinning of that one elusive emotion is
a feeling of safety and security in the world where there is
constancy. Without feeling safe and secure, it is hard to get to an
experience of real joy. The deeper layers have to be in place; the
others don’t appear out of nowhere.
Laughing, Connors says that being your best self doesn’t always
mean you will be tripping down the road in Prada, going to the
best party in town with the hottest yoke on your arm, though it can
be that. Being your best self can also mean being curled up in the
fetal position, bawling your eyes out, snot running down your face.
It’s incredible how much the average person spends, both in
time and money, on a monthly basis, to look fantastic from the
skin out. It would do us all much better in the long run, to invest
some of that time and money on emotional and sexual health,
which will keep us fit long after our physical body starts to wear. A
gym that will build our self-connection and self-esteem.
There are lots of support and constructs around sexual health,
but up to now, not for sexual emotional health. In this rapidly
changing social environment, it’s time to open up a framework
where people can start to talk about, understand and develop
their sexual emotional connection. After all we’ve been through,
we know what the LGBT+ community deserves more than
anything is big love and healing. A big love that begins from the
inside out.
Sarah Gilligan MSc. MIAHIP, and Fi Connors MA, ISHOM will
be holding a day conference on sexual and emotional health in
Dublin, early 2018. Email: info@capablemindsppc.ie for details
Having Sex?
08 g
GONORRHOEA
HAVE YOU TESTED?
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection(STI).
Always use condoms for anal and oral sex.
Don't share sex toys and always change condoms and gloves.
Get regular STI check-ups: blood test, urine sample,
throat & anal swab.
Pick up a leaflet or for information and
where to get free tests www.man2man.ie

Community Centres
Outhouse
105 Capel Street
Dublin 1 T: (01) 873 4999.
W: outhouse.ie.
Mon-Fri: 1pm-9.30pm.
Sat: 1pm-5.30pm. Closed to general
public Sundays
Dundalk Outcomers
8 Roden Place Dundalk
T: 042 932 9816. W: outcomers.org
MONDAYS
Dundalk Outcomers
Women’s Night
Begins October.
For more info T: 042 932 9816 or
W: outcomers.org.
The Emerald Warriors Training
Beginners welcome, no experience
necessary. St Mary’s RFC,
Templeogue Further information at
W: ewrfc.ie
TUESDAYS
Gorey Youth Group
5:30-7:30pm, Gorey Youth Needs,
Mary Ward Lane, Gorey.
For more info E: david.clark@fdys.ie
BeLonG To
Over-18s group (18-23)
Bi-weekly. 6-8pm, Belong To,
11 Parliament St, Temple Bar, D 2.
Dublin Devils FC
Soccer club for gay men,
all levels welcome
7pm, Acres Road, Phoenix Park.
For more info W: dublindevilsfc.com
NA meeting
7.30-9pm, Outhouse.
Saga Youth Club
LGBTQ+ Youth Club for kids
aged 12-18.
7- 8:30pm, Blanchardstown Youth
Service, Blanchardstown Village.
Gloria LGB Choir Rehearsals
7.30-9.30pm.
For more info E: info@gloria.ie or
W: gloria.ie
Personal Development
Course for Men
Six-week courses at Outhouse.
For more info T: (01) 873 4952 or
E: gmhpoutreach@eircom.net.
Dundalk Outcomers Men’s Night
For more info T: 042 932 9816 or
W: outcomers.org.
WEDNESDAYS
IndividualiTy
Peer support for trans people
aged 14-23.
Bi-weekly. 5.30-7.30pm,
Ombudsman for Children’s Office,
Great Strand Street.
For more info T: (01) 670 6223.
Rainbow Recovery
LGBT AA group
6.30pm, Friends Meeting House,
Eustace Street, Temple Bar.
Dublin Front Runners
Running club for gay men and
women, all levels in Phoenix Park.
Summer at the Cricket grounds and
Winter at Garda Head Quarters,
7.30pm. For more info:
W: dublinfrontrunners.ie or
E: dublinfrontrunners@gmail.com
Transgendered
Peer Support group
Bi-monthly. 7.30-9.30, Outhouse.
For more info: E: info@outhouse or
T: (01) 873 4999
Garda Advice
Weekly free and confidential service
7-9pm, Outhouse.
For more info: E: info@outhouse,
T: (01) 873 4999
Girls’ night In
Social group for LGBTQ women
7-9.30pm, Outhouse.
For more info
E: girlsnightinouthouse@gmail.com
GOLD group for over 50s,
Outhouse 5-7pm. For more info:
E: info@outhouse,
T: (01) 873 4999
Friendly Gay Book Club
First Wednesday of every month.
8pm, Outhouse.
Co-dependents Anonymous
8:15-9:30pm, Carmelite Community
Centre, Aungier Street, Dublin.
Amach Wicklow
Gay and lesbian group.
Second Wednesday of every month.
9pm, Ashford. For more info
E: amachwicklow@gmail.com
Emerald Warriors Training
Gay and bisexual men’s
rugby club. All welcome, no
experience necessary. St Mary’s
RFC, Templeogue. Further
information at W: ewrfc.ie
THURSDAYS
Gay Youth Wexford
Ages 14-23., 5-7pm, FDYS, Francis
Street. For more info:
Facebook.com/gayyouthwexford1.
The Lady Birds
LGBT young women, ages 14-23., biweekly
meeting, 6-8pm, BeLonG To.
For more info T: (01) 670 6223 or
W: www.belongto.org.
Drogheda LGBT group
7-9:30pm, Barbican Community
Centre, Drogheda.
T: 083 484 2064
First Out
Confidential discussion group for
women exploring their sexuality.
First Thursday of every month.
7:30pm, Outhouse. T: 01 873 4999.
Acting Out
LGBT drama group, 7.30-9.30pm,
Outhouse.
E: info@outhouse.com or
T: 01 873 4999.
LOOK
Loving Our Out Parents, support
group for parents and family
members. First Thursday of the
month. 8pm, BeLonG To.
For more info T: (01) 670 6223 or
W: www.belongto.org.
NA Meeting
8pm, Outhouse. More information
from (01) 873 4999.
The Phoenix Tigers
Dublin’s lesbian soccer team training.
New players welcome.
8-9pm, YMCA , Sports Centre,
Aungier Street. For more info
E: phoenixtigersirl@gmail.com.
AIM Young Adult Night (Dundalk)
For 18-25 year olds.
8-10pm, Dundalk Outcomers.
For more info T: 042 932 9816 or
W: outcomers.org.
FRIDAYS
Coffee morning
for LGBTQIA parents
First Friday of the month.
11-1pm, Café at Outhouse.
For more info
E: familymatterslgbt@gmail.com.
AIM Youth Group
For 14-17 year olds.
4-7pm, Dundalk Outcomers.
For more info: T: 042 932 9816 or
W: www.outcomers.org.
Senior Men’s Group(OSMG)
7-9.30pm, Outhouse.
Alcoholics Anonymous
LGBT AA meeting. 8pm, Outhouse.
Co-dependents Anonymous
8:15-9:30pm, Carmelite Community
Centre, Aungier Street.
Dining Out (Dublin)
Social club for gay men.
Second Friday of the month.
For more info T: 087 286 3349 or
W: diningoutireland.org
SATURDAYS
Dublin Front Runners
Running club for gay men and
women, all levels. 10am,
Meets at Papal Cross car park.
W: dublinfrontrunners.ie
LGBT Alcoholics Anonymous
7:30pm, Friends Meeting House,
Temple Bar.
Dublin Devils FC
Soccer club for men,
all levels welcome.
1-2pm, YMCA, Aungier Sreet.
For more info W: dublindevilsfc.com
or T: 089 474 0448.
Film Qlub
Third Saturday of the month.
2pm, New Theatre, Temple Bar.
For more info E: filmqlub@gmail.com
or W: www.filmqlub.com
AIM Youth Group (Dundalk)
14-17 year olds.
3-5pm, Dundalk Outcomers.
The Dublin Gay Music Group
A gathering of gay men who meet
each Saturday afternoon to listen to
recordings of classical music. New
members welcome.
W: dgmg.businesscatalyst.com
Dining Out
Social club for gay men.
Last Saturday of the month.
For more info W: meetup.com/
gay-Dining-Out-Ireland or E:info@
diningout.org or T: 087 286 3349.
SUNDAYS
Out & About Hillwalking Group
Wicklow Mountain hike.
10am, National Concert Hall,
Earlsfort Terrace. For more info
W: gay-hiking.org
Co-dependents Anonymous
2:00-3:30pm, Carmelite Community
Centre, Aungier Street.
BeLonG To Sundays
Group for LGBT young people in a
safe and fun environment. Ages 13-
17. Bi-weekly. 3-6pm, Outhouse.
For more info T: (01) 670 6233 or
W: belongto.org
LGBT AA group
6:30pm, Outhouse.
OTHER GROUPS
Irish Queer Archive
National Library of Ireland
T: 085 170 5887
E: irishqueerarchive@gmail.com
W: irishqueerarchive.com
OUT2TENNIS
Ireland’s LGBT tennis network.
W: out2tennis.com
Changing Attitude Ireland
LGBT Christian group.
W: changingattitudeireland.org
LGBT group for primary teachers
in Ireland, North and South.
The group has the official sanction
of the Irish National Teachers
Organisation (INTO).
E: lgbt@INTO.ie or
T: 087 695 2839.
Married Men’s Support Group
Meets once a month. For more info
contact Gay Switchboard Dublin on
T: (01) 872 1055.
Labour LGBT
E: lgbt@labour.ie
W: labour.ie
Sunrise LGBT Kildare
E: sunrise.lgbt@gmail.com
T: 085 829 8237 or
Facebook.com/sunrise.lgbt.kildare
Gay Bray Social Group
E: gaybray@gmail.com.
Wet & Wild LGBT
Outdoor pursuits club, monthly
activities.
E: wetandwild@gmail.com
G Force
Garda LGBT Employee Support
Network.
E: contact@g-force.ie
Older Wiser Lesbian social group
Meets for dining out etc.
W: meetup.com/older-wiser-lesbians
Running Amach
Social networking site for LGBT+
women in Ireland.
W: meetup.com/dublin-lgbtqwomens-social-networking-club.
VOGUE @ Gallery
Fusion Nightclub Drogheda.
LGBT+ event, first Friday of every
month. Admission €8.
HEALTH & HELP
Gay Men’s Health Service
(GMHS) HSE Free sexual health
clinics for MSM and trans people,
Monday to Thursday, Baggot St
Hospital, 18 Upper Baggot St, Dublin.
T: (01 )669 9553
W: gmhs.ie
GMHS Free counselling
service at Outhouse
For more info T: (01) 8734932.
Man2Man.ie
Sexual health information in nine
languages.
St. James’ GUIDE Clinic
Sexual Health Clinic at St James’s
Hospital, Dublin 8
T: (01) 416 2315 or (01) 416 2316
HIV Ireland
70 Eccles St, Dublin 7
T: (01) 873 3799
W: hivireland.ie
Transgender Equality
Network (TENI)
Advice, help and support
T: 01 873 3575 or E: info@teni.ie or
W: teni.ie
Drugs/HIV Helpline
10am-5pm everyday.
T: 1800 459 459.
BeLonG To Drugs Outreach
Support for young people around
drugs and alcohol.
T: Gillian (01) 670 6223/087 328
3668 or W: belongto.org or E: info@
belongto.org.
HELPLINES & PEER SUPPORT
National LGBT Helpline
Wherever you are, help is just a
phone call away at 1890 929 539.
Mon-Thurs. 6:30-9pm, Fri: 4-9pm,
Sat & Sun: 4-6pm. W: lgbt.ie.
Gay Switchboard Dublin
Call (01) 872 1055, Mon-Fri 6.30-
9pm, Sat-Sun 4-6pm
W: gayswitchboard.ie
Dublin Lesbian Line
Call (01) 872 9911
Mon and Thurs 6.30-9pm
40 g

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Last Chance To Have Your
Say In Sex Survey
An urgent call has been made for men who have sex with men (MSM) to participate in a
ground-breaking research project that will be the foundation of critical sexual health policy
and services in Ireland.
The Gay Health Network (GHN) and HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC)
are calling for more MSM living in Ireland to complete the European internet sex survey
(EMIS) at www.emis2017.eu.
This research comes at a critical time in men’s sexual health and reflects the community
interest in promoting awareness especially in regional and non-urban settings. The EMIS
2010 Ireland findings were a key input in the joint HSE and Gay Health Network (GHN) first
National Sexual Health and HIV awareness programme for MSM (www.man2man.ie), which
is now one of the most important sexual health tools for MSM in Ireland.
The findings have also contributed to the planning, promotion and increased access to
HIV and STI testing, free condoms and to the greater understanding of the psychological
needs of men living with HIV in Ireland. It also highlighted HIV-related stigma and
homophobic attacks on MSM.
According to Dr Derval Igoe of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, HSE: “As
cases of HIV and other STIs continue among men who have sex with men, the information
from EMIS 2017, as with previous surveys, will provide vital information for the GHN, HSE
and other organisations to help plan services and campaigns in Ireland. It will also greatly
contribute to the knowledge of MSM sexual health needs across Europe.”
The EMIS 2017 survey is due to end on January 31, 2018 and we at GCN are urging our
male readers across to join tens-of-thousands across Europe who have completed it so far.
Club
• •
@ Roisin Dubh
BeLonG To Youth Project
Supporting and resourcing lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender young
people aged 14-23
T: 01 670 6223.
E: info@belongto.org;
W: belongto.org
Greenbow LGB Deaf Group
E: deafgreenbowlgbt@yahoo.ie.
W: facebook.com/GBWDeafLGBT
LOOK (Loving Our Out Kids)
Parents Support Group.
T: 087 253 7699
W: lovingouroutkids.org or
E: info@lovingouroutkids.org.
TransparenCI
Peer support group for parents and
family members of trans people.
T: (01) 8733575
E: Office@teni.ie
STUDENT LGBT+ SOCIETIES
National Union of Students in
Ireland, LGB Rights Campaign
E: lgbt@usi.ie,
T: (01) 709 9300
National College of
Ireland
E: nci.lgbt@gmail.com,
W: ncilgbt@wordpress.com
National College of Art & Design
E: ncadlgbt@gmail.com
Trinity College Dublin
E: lgbisoc@csc.tcd.ie
University College Dublin
E: lgbt.society@ucd.ie
Dublin City University
E: dculgbt@gmail.com
Dún Laoghaire IADT
W: Facebook/IADT LGBTQ
Dublin Institute of Technology
W: Facebook/ditlgbt
E: lgbt@socs.dit.ie
NUI Maynooth
E: lgbt@nuimsu.com
Tallaght IT
E: supres@it-tallaght.ie
Institute of Technology
Blanchardstown
E: colourssoc@gmail.com
GARDA ELO/LGBT OFFICERS
Pearse Street
Sgt. Gerard Walsh: 01 666 9000
Store Street
Sgt. Karl Mackle: 01 666 8000
Kevin Street
Sgt. Will Dempsey: 01 666 9400
Kilmainham
Garda Mark Melbourne: 01 666 9700
Bridewell
Garda Jamie Cruise: 01 666 8200
Mountjoy
Garda Catriona Brody: 01 666 8601
Crumlin
Garda Ray Moloney: 01 666 6633
Tallaght
Garda Sinead Hennigan: 666 6020
Galway Monthly LGBT Night
Friday 16th Feb
/clubgass
Doors 11pm
SARAH GILLIGAN
MSc. Psychotherapy and Counselling IACP
Specialising in relationship therapy, issues with
sex, sexuality & gender and addictions.
Are you currently struggling to find or stay
in a relationship?
Do you need help around issues of intimacy,
sexuality, confidence and self esteem in
yourself and within your relationships?
A high priority for many among the LGBT community
is to find a therapist who knows and understands your
experiences, as therapy works best when you feel free
to talk about everything that is concerning you.
To make an appointment with Sarah
Ph: 086 3083934 Email: sarah.gilligan@gmail.com
www.sarahgilligan.ie Capable Minds, 18 Capel Street, D1
g 41

Donnybrook
Garda Niall Burke: 01 666 9200
Swords
Garda Margaret Coyle: 01 666 4700
Blackrock
Garda Niamh Colfer: 01 666 5200
Blanchardstown
Sergeant Vincent Connolly:
01 666 7000
Ballyfermot
Garda Ronan Allen: 01 666 7200
Clondalkin
Garda Maeve McBride: 01 666 7600
Dundrum
Garda Robert McNulty: 01 666 5600
Cabinteely
Garda Angelene Conefry:
01 666 5400
Dun Laoghaire
Garda Sean Greene: 01 666 5000
Santry
Garda Laura Jane Sheridan:
01 666 4000
Coolock
Sergeant Daniel Creedon:
01 666 4220
Lusk
Garda Conor Morris: 01 843 7222
Kildare
Sergeant Conor McMahon (Naas):
01 675 7390
Kilkenny
Garda Caroline O’Malley:
056 777 5000
Carlow
Sergeant Declan Callan:
059 913 6620
Wicklow
Sergeant John Fitzpatrick (Bray):
01 666 5300
Drogheda
Garda Keith Dempsey: 041 987 4240
Community Policing Unit
Pearse Street Garda Station,
Pearse Street, Dublin 2,
T: 016669030 or
E: Pearse_street_community@garda.ie
COMMUNITY CENTRES
LINC Resource Centre
for LBT women
11A White St., Cork.
Open: Tues-Weds 11-3pm, Thurs
11-8pm, closed Fridays.
Cork Gay Project for GB Men
Dunlaoi, 8 North Mall, Cork,
T: (021) 430 0430
W: gayprojectcork.com.
North Kerry/West Limerick LGBT
Listowel Family Resource Centre
T: Call Bridie, 086 855 6431.
MONDAYS
Basketball training
7-8pm, LINC, 11A White St, Cork.
TUESDAYS
Drama Group
7-9pm, LINC, 11A White St, Cork.
LINC Library
11-3pm, 11A White St, Cork.
Kerry Youth Pride LGBT Support
Ages 14-21. 7-9.30pm, KDYS, Denny
St, Tralee, Co Kerry.
Ladies Badminton (Cork)
LINC, 11A White St, Cork
WEDNESDAYS
LINC library
11-3pm, 11A White St, Cork. For more
info E: info@linc.ie.
In4Lunch
12.30-1.30pm, LINC, White St., Cork.
UP Cork Youth Group
Ages 16-23. 6pm. For venue info
E: youthworker@gayprojectcork.com
THURSDAYS
LINC library
11-8pm, 11A White St, Cork.
UP Cork Youth Group
Ages 16-23. 6pm. For venue info
T: 021 480 8600 or
E: youthworker@gayprojectcork.com
Rainbow gang
5-7pm, Lava Javas, Limerick.
E: LGBT@goshh.ie.
Women’s Peer Support Group
Facilitated group for women new
to the community.
Every second Thursday. 6-7pm,
LINC, 11A White St., Cork
E: info@linc.ie.
LATE LINC
LINC drop-in opens late until 8pm.
T: 021 480 8600
SATURDAYS
POS+ (Cork)
Confidential group for men
affected by HIV. Second Saturday
of the month. Call in confidence:
085 744 3484
SUNDAYS
Rainbow Ramblers (Cork)
First Sunday of the month.
E: rainbow.ramblers.cork@gmail.com
T: 087 678 3726.
Gender Blender (Waterford)
Group for trans and questioning
youths ages 14-21.
1pm, Urban Youth Cafe, Manor St.
W: Facebook:
GenderBlenderWaterford
T: 086 021 8491 or
E: chillout@wstcys.ie.
OTHER GROUPS
Choral Con Fusion
Cork’s LGBTS choir.
W: choralconfusion.com
Waterford Gay Parents Group
E: waterfordgayparents@gmail.com.
sOUTh LGBT Waterford
Support, social events and personal
development for LGBTs.
T: 086 214 7633
LGBT Social & Sporting Group
Social group for women in Limerick.
For more info text 087 167 8218.
WinK: Meet-up group for LGBT
women in Kerry
Dedicated to creating a fun, safe
community space.
W. Meetup.com/WinK-Women-inKerry
HEALTH HELP
STD Clinic at Victoria
Hospital, Cork
Apt Necessary. Mon, Tues, Thurs:
9.30-11.45am & Wed: 2.30-4.30pm.
T: (021) 496 6844.
STD Clinic at Waterford
Regional Hospital
Mon-Fri: 9am-12.45pm, 2pm-4pm
Appointment only. T: 051 842646
HELPLINES
National LGBT Helpline
Wherever you are, help is just a
phone call away at 1890 929 539.
Mon- Thurs. 6:30-9pm, Fri: 4-9pm,
Sat & Sun: 4-6pm. W: lgbt.ie
AIDS Helpline
(021) 427 6676. Mon –Fri: 10am-5pm
Tues: 7-9pm
NA Helpline
(021) 427 8411. Mon – Fri: 8pm-10pm
AA Helpline
(021) 450 0481.
Mon-Sun: 8pm-10pm
Lesbian Line
0214318318. Weds: 7-9pm
E: info@linc.ie or W: linc.ie
STUDENT LGBT SOCIETIES
University College Cork
Meets weekly
W: www.ucclgbt.com or E: lgbt@
uccsocieties.ie
CIT LGBT Soc
Meets every Wednesday at 8pm.
E: lgbtcit@gmail.com
Waterford IT LGBT Society
E: witlgbt1@gmail.com
Tralee Institute of Technology
W: Facebook: IT Tralee LGBT
Limerick Institute of Technology
E: litisout@gmail.com
University of Limerick
E: outinul@gmail.com
GARDA ELO/LGBT OFFICERS
Cork City
Sergeant John O’Connor
(Anglesea St) 021 452 2069
Cork North
Garda Clodagh Fitzgerald
(Glanmire) 021 490 8530
Cork West
Garda Aidan Moynihan (Clonakilty)
021 023 882 1570
Limerick
Garda Diane McAuley
(Henry Street) 061 212400
Kerry
Sergeant David O’Connor
064 663 1222
Waterford
Garda Sinead Donoghue
051 305 300
Wexford
Garda Sean Lee 053 916 5200
COMMUNITY CENTRES
Teach Solas
1 Victoria Place, just off Eyre Sq
Galway’s LGBT+ Resource Centre
E: resourcecentre@amachlgbt.com
T: 089 252 3307
W: amachlgbt.com
New Parish Office
Station Road, Ennis
T: 085 2850 107, E: lgbt@gossh.ie.
GOSHH
Redwood House, 9 Cecil St,
Limerick. Drop-in Mon-Fri: 9.30-5.30
(closed 1-2.15pm). T: 061 314354 or E:
rainbow@redribbonproject.com.
MONDAYS
Transpire - Queer, trans,
inter and allies group
Third Monday of the month.
4pm, GOSHH, Redwood Place, 18
Davis St, Limerick.
E: LGBT@goshh.ie.
LGBT Choir West/Northwest
7-9pm. For more details
T: 085 176 2641
TUESDAYS
‘I’m Out Here’
Informal meet up. 10pm, Sligo.
For more info text: 087 986 2400
Dr.Ray O Neill
M.A M.Sc. M.Phil. Grad Dip PsychAn
Belvedere Avenue, Dublin 1
AND
Eyeries Beara,Co. Cork
(086) 828 0033 / (01) 819 8989 / ray@machna.ie
Registered Practitioner APPI
www.machna.ie

The Outlet
LGBT social group
6.30 to 8.00pm, GOSHH, Redwood
Place, 18 Davis St, Limerick.
E: LGBT@goshh.ie
GoBLeT LGBT social group
Ballina, Co Mayo. For more info
call or text: 089 445 4708
FRIDAYS
shOUT! LGBT Youth Group
Ages 18-21 6.30-8.30pm
Youth Work Ireland Offices, 41-43
Prospect Hill
W: lgbtyouthgalway.com
E: shout@youthworkgalway.ie
T: 087 773 8529
OUTWEST
Bi-monthly social group.
T: 087 972 5586
W: outwest.ie
E: info@outwest.ie
SATURDAYS
shOUT! LGBT Youth Group
Ages 14-17. 12-1.30pm, Youth Work
Ireland Offices, Galway
W: lgbtyouthgalway.com
E: shout@youthworkgalway.ie
T: 0877738529.
Gossip Trans Group
Second Saturday of every month.
10:30-12 30pm, Teach Solais in
Galway.
OTHER GROUPS
shOUT! Parent group
Second Sunday of every month.
2.30-4.00pm, Youth Work Ireland
O ffi c e
T: 087 773 8529
Over The Rainbow Drama Group
Sligo. W: Facebook.com/
overtherainbowdramagroup
SHEnanigans
Lesbian, bi, trans women’s social
group in the West.
E: shenaniganswest@gmail.com or
W: meetup.com/shenanigans
AMACH! LGBT Galway
W: amachlgbt.com
E: info@amachlgbtcom
T: 086 069 4747
GOSSIP Trans Group
E: gossipgalway@gmail.com
LGBT Pavee
Gay Traveller Group
W: www.lgbtpavee.com
OUTWEST
Social group for LGBTs in the West
W: outwest.ie
E: info@outwest.ie
T: 087 9725586.
LGBT Navan group
Various meets for differing age
ranges.
E: youth@outcomers.org
Smily LGBT Youth Group, Sligo
Safe space where LGBTs can
be themselves
Weekly drop-in for ages 14-23.
T: 089 4820330 or T: 071 9144150
E: smilyyouthlgbt@gmail.com
W: Facebook: smily.
LGBT>northwest.
HEALTH HELP
AIDS West
T: (091) 562 213 or
E: info@aidswest.ie
W: aidswest.ie
GOSHH Limerick
(Gender, Orientation, Sexual
Health, HIV)
T: (061) 314 354
E:info@goshh.ie
W: goshh.ie
LGB Alcoholics Anonymous
(Galway & Midlands area)
Every Saturday, 7.30pm
Call Denis (087 295 6233) or Paddy
(087 250 7580) for details
HELPLINES
National LGBT Helpline
Wherever you are, help is just a
phonecall away at 1890 929 539.
Mon-Thurs. 6:30-9pm, Fri: 4-9pm,
Sat & Sun: 4-6pm. W: lgbt.ie.
Clare Area Lesbian
Information Line
Find out what’s going on in Clare
T: 087 949 4725
E: clarelesinfo4@eircom.net
Clare Women’s Network
Meets fortnightly
E: clarewomen@eircom.net
GOSHH Helpline (Limerick)
(061) 316661. Mon-Fri: 9.30 am to
5.00pm, Wed: 11-5pm
W: goshh.ie
NW Lesbian Line
(071) 914 7905. Monday & Thursday.
6-9pm
W: dublinlesbianline.ie
OUTWEST Gay Helpline
(094) 937 2479, Thursdays 8-10pm
STUDENT LGBT SOCIETIES
Mary Immaculate College,
Limerick
W: Facebook/Mary I LGBTA
Sligo IT
E: itslgbt@gmail.com
GMIT LGBT and Equality Society
E: GMITequality@hotmail.com
NUI Galway GIGsoc
W: su.nuigalway.ie
E: gigsoc@soc.nuigalway.ie
GARDA ELO/LGBT OFFICERS
Clare /Shannon
Garda Barry Doherty, 061 365900
Galway
Garda Claire Burke 091 538079
Mayo
Garda Michael Toland (Castlebar)
094 903 8200
Sligo
Sergent Philip Maree 071 915 7000
Leitrim
Garda Josephine Kirrane
(Manorhamilton) 071 982 0620
Donegal
Garda Cliona Moore (Letterkenny)
074 916 7100
GROUPS
Longford LGBT
Wednesdays at 8pm
T: 0863022161 or
E: longford_lgbt@ hotmail.com
W: Facebook: Longford LGBT
LGTBT AA Midlands area
T: 087 912 2685 or
T: 087 679 8495
Luck Out (Laois)
Youth Group providing support for
LGBT+ young people aged 14-24
E: josh@ywilaois.com
T: (057) 866 5010
GARDA ELO/LGBT OFFICERS
Athlone
Sgt. Andrew Haran 090 649 8550
Cavan
Garda Jerome Forde 049 433 5302
Longford
Garda Una Brady 043 3346741
Meath
Garda Sandra O’Leary (Navan)
046 907 9930
Monaghan
Sergeant Rose M. Mcgirl 047 77200
Mullingar
Garda Neill Donellan 044 938 4000
Portlaoise
Sergeant John Healy 057 867 4122
Roscommon
Sergeant Michael Hogan (Granard)
043 668 7660
Tipperary
Garda Shaun Brosnan (Clonmel)
052617 7640
Tullamore
Sergeant Thomas Duffy
057 932 7052
Community News
Outing The Past
February will see the debut of Northern Ireland’s first LGBT+
History Festival, which aims to empower the community to learn
more about our own history, as well as educating those outside
the community.
OUTing the Past will be launched by Belfast’s Lord Mayor
Cllr. Nuala McAllister on February 16, with speeches by Cllr
Jeff Dudgeon, the man responsible for taking the case against
Northern Ireland to have male homosexuality decriminalised in
1982, and Senator David Norris.
On Saturday is the festival’s conference component, which
takes place in the Ulster Museum. Short papers will be presented
with discussions afterwards - everything from trans personnel
in the British Army to gay and lesbian people in ancient Gaelic
Ireland will be explored.
Here’s the full line-up for Saturday, February 17:
10am Cork LGBT Activism and Cork-Belfast
Collaborations, with Orla Egan
The previously hidden history of LGBT+ Activism in Cork and the
development of the Cork LGBT Community.
10.30am Queers Dancing with the ‘Terrorists’, with JGM Evans
A rare insight into an event in the early 1980s when the first UK
Student LGBT+ Conference (NUS LGBT) was picketed by Rev.
Ian Paisley’s Save Ulster from Sodomy Campaign.
11.00am LGBT Emigration Northern Ireland,
post-1967, with Nadine Gilmore
Oral history interviews found in various archives throughout the
UK, as well as a number of interviews conducted with members
of the gay community in Belfast.
11.30am ‘Gay’ Behaviour in Gaelic Ireland:
AD500-1600, with Brian Lacey
The diverse evidence of homosexual relations and practices in
medieval Gaelic Irish culture – c.AD 500-1600.
12.00pm PSNI and Garda Síochána
A collaboration between the Police Service of Northern Ireland
and An Garda Síochaná on LGBT+ history in Ireland.
12.30pm Soldiers in Love, with Peter Roscoe
This presentation explores approximately 300 love letters
between Infantryman Gordon Bowsher to Gunner Gilbert
Bradley, sent before and during World War Two.
1.30pm Cara-Friend & Lesbian Line:
Combating Isolation, with Mary McKee
How Cara-Friend and Lesbian Line fought to combat isolation of
queer people in Ireland between the 1970s and 1990s.
2.00pm The AIDS Epidemic in Ireland
and Northern Ireland, with Tonie Walsh
GCN’s founder, Tonie Walsh talks about his personal experience
of AIDS in Ireland in the 1980s and ’90s.
2.30pm ‘Out of the Shadows’: 21 years in Merseyside Police, with
Tracy O’Hara
Personal story of serving as a gay detective in Merseyside police
for 21 years.
3.00pm DYEP: Trans Personnel in the
Armed Forces to 2009, with Emma Vickers
The historical experiences of trans personnel in the British
Armed Forces before 2009.
3.30pm Sound and Vision, with Kate Hutchinson
Looking at the history of media portrayal and representation of
the trans community.
Clare /Ennis
Garda Denis Collins, 065 684 8100
For more information, visit outingthepast.org,uk
g 43

comm
—unity chest
mental health
OPINION:
Ray
O’Neill
Body Shame
“Don’t fix your life so that
you’re left alone when you
come to the middle of it,” is
a sage piece of advice given
by an older gay man to a
young woman in a film I
watched over Christmas. It’s
something we could all do
well to listen to.
In the midst of lazy Christmas downtime, watching films and
eating delicious food that cannot be good for you (carbs!),
came 1998’s The Object of My Affection. I hadn’t seen it in
a while and remembered it as pushing the Will and Grace
dynamic of gay guy and gal pal into a more honest, tender,
raw space. Now I’m in my mid-40s, my point of poignant
identification no longer came from the gay/gal dynamic, but
from the supporting role of ‘older gay man’ played by Nigel
Hawthorne, who in his singleness sagely advises Jennifer
Aniston’s character: “Don’t fix your life so that you’re left alone
right when you come to the middle of it.”
We make New Year’s resolutions at the beginning of the year,
but they always come from the middle of our lives’ experience.
And so, I proffer this same sage advise to myself and others
that in this year, you don’t fix things so that you’re left alone.
This ‘not being left alone’ isn’t ever merely about dating or
“
All of us have skills, talents, time,
space and money that can be shared,
given, circulated. But how many of
us actually share them?
relationship (it is more often the coupled ones who realise just
how left alone they have chosen to be, though this is never
really spoken about.) This is about making choices, indeed
fixing things for your life that bring you genuine experiences
and expressions of company, companionship and community.
We can often be deceived into confusing having lots of people
around with not being ‘lonely’ or ‘alone’. There are lots of places
and spaces hiding us from loneliness, but badly.
Most people ‘couple’ as a way of staving off fears of
loneliness, and ‘fix’ their lives this way, becoming either
dependant on the idea of the ‘couple’ to hide in, or the
performance of the ‘couple’ to hide from. One only has to
look at the numbers of ‘married’ and ‘partnered’ folk online
still seeking something they aren’t getting at home. But there
are few apps and websites fostering community, fellowship.
Instead, they drive people to consume, to be consumed by
their consumption, be it alcohol, drugs, sex, products, things.
So, to all of us, myself included, I ask what, in 2018, are we
going to do that reinforces those experiences and expressions
of company, companionship, community. Who are we going to
reach out to, and who are we going to let reach us?
Resolutions have become such a cliché. Stop listing
things you are going to lose or gain and instead choose one
opportunity to bring into your life that allows a real experience
and expression of company, companionship, or community.
Something that involves time and space, dates, taking a
stand, a commitment, an engagement, vowing, duty, all those
‘coupley’ words that don’t only belong to couples, but to any
individual who genuinely commits to anything and anyone in
life. In doing this, we already move from resolution to revolution.
All of us have skills, talents, time, space and money that
can be shared, given, circulated. But how many of us actually
share them? I applaud anyone that wants to lose some weight,
or get fitter, or quit smoking, or cease using porn, especially
if they are doing such things for themselves. But when we
do things for others, for community, for groups, then our
resolve is different because we have others’ support, needs,
responsibilities.
I took so much pride in GCN’s ‘New Year, New You’ piece last
month because it was a personal call to get involved, and as
within all social altruism, there is a personal gain. We are less
alone when we fix things to share some of our lives, energy,
time with others.
As the LGBT+ scene moves from pubs to Apps and our
culture becomes more and more assimilated and flat, the
need to gather, to join, to have pride and take part is lessened.
With marriage equality and an ‘out’ Taoiseach we are told we
have it all, but who is telling us this, and why?
So, in the reflections that can often be part of a more sober,
and definitely thriftier start to the year, instead of listing
resolutions, perhaps some of us can resolve to make a change,
a real change, one that engages others, that builds community.
My nerdiest highlight over Christmas obviously had to be
the new Star Wars film, during which, in the midst of all the
CGI drama, one line of dialogue stood out: “We’re going to win
this war not by fighting what we hate, but saving what we love.”
Maybe the battle for LGBT+ equality is over and we no longer
have to fight, but the war continues and now, in the middle of
it, more than ever we have to save something of and for our
selves – we have to love.
The need for community, camaraderie remains and
continues. Don’t leave such things alone. The revolution should
keep turning. Long live the revolution!

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Shirley’s Burn Book
This month, Chloe Krumholtz is a fugly fag hag and…
Oprah
for President! Not.
Yeah, yeah! Oprah made a great speech at the Golden
Globes. And there’s no denying she’s a very influential
person – especially if you’re trying to shift copies of
your crappy self-help book or peddle some conspiracy
theory that vaccines give you autism. Housewives lap
up what Oprah dishes out… and that’s why people
think she’d be a great President.
Of course, she has all other qualifications to be
US President: she’s a billionaire and she’s has a huge
platform. I just don’t think that TV presenters running for
high office is something Miriam O’Callaghan needs to
hear about.
James Franco
is a Great Pretender
This week it’s the turn of James Franco to deny he’s
done terrible things to women. But wait, he’s (sorta) gay, isn’t
he? Can we stop acting surprised that Hollywood people
aren’t what they seem? It is literally their job to pretend
to be someone they’re not. And sometimes they’re really
convincing at pretending to be decent a human being. I know
I am.
Bye by to those ‘Franco is secretly gay’ rumours.
Courtney Act
flashed her tuck!
I’m not watching Celebrity Big Brother but I did hear about
Courtney Act’s revealing entry into the house. In case
you missed it (and there wasn’t much to miss), Courtney
‘caught’ in her dress on the steps to the house and the
entire bottom of her dress came away… and bitch wasn’t
wearing panties.
Scandalous! Most people think it was intentional and she
was just looking for headlines. And unless you’re Janet
Jackson, that kind of thing tends to work. Personally, I’m
just not really into unsolicited dick pics.
RTÉ
is Gender Fucked
RTÉ is giving itself a pat on the back
for finally getting around to hiring two
female anchors for its Six O’Clock News
programme, Keelin Shanley and Catriona
Perry. But if RTÉ think that’s gender
representation sorted for them, they’ll shit
themselves when they realise that the kids
are a bit more complex than that. Facebook
says that there are more than 70 different
categories for gender used on the site. RTÉ
News needs a bigger studio!
Marky Mark
is a Greedy Bitch
Marky Mark Wahlberg became famous for grabbing his crotch
in his Calvin Klein undies. Now he’s just known for money
grabbing.
When Kevin Spacey was revealed as a sex-pest and
fired from the film All the Money in the World, , the crew
re-shot scenes with his replacement Christopher
Plummer. Co-star Michelle Williams really wanted the
film to happen so she agreed to do the reshoots for
next to nothing, but supporting actor Marky Mark got
paid an extra $1.5 million because he cared less.
And that’s his biggest dick move since he flashed his
prosthetic in Boogie Nights.
g 46

HELPLINE OPEN 7 DAYS : 01 872 1055
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HELPLINE OPEN 7 D
Gay Switchboard Ireland provides a conidential
telephone, email and online chat support
service for the LGBT+ community.
Our friendly, trained volunteers provide a safe
space where listening, support, information and
signposting are provided in a non-directive and
non-judgmental way.
The service is available to anyone who has
concerns or is seeking information on sexuality,
gender identity, sexual health and wellbeing,
mental health and wellbeing, drugs and alcohol,
clubs and organisations, the scene and anyone
who just wants to talk about how they’re feeling
and for them to be sure of a supportive voice to
hear them.
Whatever it is that you want to talk or type
about, you can get in touch with our friendly
volunteers 7 days a week:
Monday to Friday: 6:30pm – 9pm
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Call us: 01 8721055 //
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