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.”