From The Team
Welcome, dear reader, to our December issue of GCN

NXF: 40 Years and Counting by Caroline Keane, NXF Chair
2019 has been a significant year for all of us

In memory of Tomen Holbrook
Tom and I only got to date for about two years. But that short time opened my life up to new experiences and made me happier than I’ve ever been. He changed me forever and for the better

Coming out? For who?
It’s hard for many still figuring out their identity to be instantly bombarded with questions which you’re not quite sure about the answers to yourself

LGBT+Fiction Opening Doors
I learned about so many aspects of LGBT+culture through reading. Books introduced me to my first sense of the world and the knowledge that people were different from me. I also met my first queer companions through the world of literature

Beyond Prevention: Focusing on the needs of people living with HIV
In June of this year, representatives from four Irish cities

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) now available through the HSE
From November 4, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is available free of charge through the HSE to those who are at substantial risk of contracting HIV through sex

Culture Club
Earlier this year you’ d be forgiven for feeling a bit overwhelmed by RuPaul’s Drag Race. It seemed like the reality TV hit had reached saturation point. Even in this column, I discussed my mixed feelings about the show’ s eleventh season. But Drag Race UK has been a pleasant surprise and a breath of fresh air

The Journey
Due to a lack of medical support for trans people in Ireland, Noah Halpin was forced to travel abroad for his top surgery. He details a journey abroad that many in the community are unaware trans people have to undergo, and describes the emotional and physical impact involved

Will St Leger, who accompanied Noah on his journey, gave a guide for carers.
Top Surgery (double mastectomy) can be a big deal for

MENOPAUSE
Lifting the shame. A Queer Perspective

Erasing Reality
Stereotypes about bisexuality are still common within both the queer and straight communities.

Renaissance Men
With his new series of images celebrating the male form in a more sensual, delicate way than the in-your-face hyper masculine norm, photographer Steven Peice shares his process.

No Longer Invisible
In January 2019, a small group of individuals came together to form a new organisation called Intersex Ireland - a group set up to support intersex people and their families, educate wider society, and advance the rights and equality of all intersex individuals across the country.

Deciding To Start A Family With Fertility Treatment
For couples deciding to start a family, it can at first seem daunting.

Joined Forces
Dublin’s 2019 Pride celebrations were marked by the visible and vocal splits that emerged in our community due to differing opinions on the presence of multinational corporations in the parade and the increasing commercialisation of the festival.

Safe Space
LGBT+ Asylum Seeker, Refugee & Migrant Peer Support Group.

Songs of Praise
The festive season is upon us! And what better way

Fiction: Safe Space
Andi lugged the bin bags off the Drimnagh platform at 15.08.

Gay Byrne
August 5, 1934 - November 4, 2019

Love All: Out2Tennis
Festive rackets at the ready! The Out2Tennis Christmas tournament is on the way.

Inside Out
Eamon Somers was born and grew up in inner-city Dublin. He was a campaigner and spokesperson with Ireland’ fledgling lesbian and gay rights movement (NGF - now NXF) in the early ‘80s, serving three terms as President of the Administrative Council, during the period of the Charles Self and Declan Flynn murders.

Winter Pride
Beyond protest and celebration, Pride connects our community, it brings us together, and for 50 years it has kept us together.