FROM THE TEAM

Welcome, dear reader, to an issue where we celebrate the elder members of our fabulous LGBT+ family with an exceptional series of articles and opinion pieces.

While some may bristle at the mere use of the word ‘older’, let’s stop thinking of it as a bad word and continue celebrating those who have not just paved the way, but led the charge.

As our centrepiece you’ll find a glorious photographic celebration of individual style shot by the exceptional Babs Daly (who also took that stunning cover image).

There’s a loving look at the institution that is Bridie’s Bar in The George, alongside an investigation of rural LGBT+ life which asks if there’s a warm welcome for the queer community outside the big cities.

Two fabulous community groups tell their stories; our friends at Greenbow fill us in on what it’s like to be deaf in the LGBT+ community and we also begin our new regular series profiling the members of Identity - the group for LGBT+ asylum seekers. There’s also a hard-hitting piece on the rise in homophobic violence in Honduras and how it affects migration.

In light of the recent news that the essential Teach Solais could face closure, we speak to those whose lives it has changed for the better and urge Ireland’s queer community to help save the West’s only LGBT+ resource centre.

Finally, we’d also like to take this opportunity to fill you all in on a few changes here at GCN Towers.

Moving into the future, it’s become very apparent that GCN is so much more than a magazine. With our ever growing online presence, an increase in hosting live events including community talks, exhibits and some (pretty epic) social gatherings, alongside our ongoing commitment to supporting our LGBT+ family both nationally and across the globe, we found it was time for a restructure in the organisation. To that end, our beloved Lisa Connell has been appointed to the role of Managing Editor of GCN. A valuable member of the team for over a decade, Lisa’s activism on behalf of and constant support for the queer community has proven there is no one more suited to steer our ship into new and exciting waters. Peter Dunne will be in the Editors chair leading the magazine each month, the fantastic Katie Donoghue and Stefano Pappalardo will continue their stellar work growing our digital platform and Dave Darcy will keep up his sterling design work.

Along with those changes and all the incredible plans in store, there remains one constant, dear reader, GCN is and always will be your national LGBT+ publication. Here’s to the future!

THE GCN TEAM