FROM THE TEAM

Welcome dear reader, to the October issue of GCN. It’s been a while, and we’ve missed you! There’s a ton of incredible content coming your way, so expect engrossing articles and eye-grabbing photoshoots Speaking of which! Since we last chatted we’ve had some updates to the GCN team - so we thought we’d take this opportunity to introduce some new (and familiar) faces while also giving us the opportunity for a shameless bit of self-promotion as the team all share what GCN means to them.

THE GCM TEAM

Lisa Connell

Managing Editor

Having worked for GCN in a variety of roles across the past 13 years and, most recently, serving as the magazine’s Managing Editor since March 2019, it’s really hard to sum up what GCN means to me in so few words. It has been a constant source of joy, and some occasional stress, in my world. The past few years have been challenging, but one thing that gives me joy and keeps me going is the people that make GCN happen; the team, the board, the contributors. They make me so proud and inspire me daily.

Peter Dunne

Editor

When I toddled along to my GCN interview in Outhouse all those years ago, little did I realise what a huge part it would go on to play in my life. Being the editor of the magazine has introduced me to a ton of amazing writers, photographers, activists and creatives. It’s been a pleasure to platform so many voices from our community and to help GCN grow into the the powerhouse it’s become. Our LGBTQ+ community amazes me and inspires me daily, and working in GCN has connected me to it and helped me find my place within it. Here’s to the future.

Stefano Pappalardo

Head of Digital and Marketing

GCN means being part of something that is bigger than any of us. Working alongside such an amazing team of people and being a part of its legacy is something that makes me feel extremely lucky. GCN is a constant source of inspiration, it pushes and challenges me to understand and want to learn more about our LGBTQ+ community through the amazing activists, artists and incredibly inspirational people we get to meet with and share in their stories. We learn together and we are stronger together and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of GCN’s family and legacy.

Marlon Jimenez-Compton

Sales Executive

GCN means more to me than a job. To be a part of this family has not only been a blessing, but also a revelation. I’ve realised I was quite far removed from the realities we face as a community, and GCN is a platform for the community to raise its voice, to create awareness, and to send a message of unity, fraternity and, more importantly, love. I now know that when we get to achieve a communal goal, we do it with passion and determination -which are powerful feelings to be driven by. GCN has hugely positively affected me as a queer person.

Saoirse Schad

Online Content Creator

For me, working at GCN means that I’m a valid (and valued!) part of the LGBTQ+ community. Being bisexual, for a long time, it felt like I wasn’t ‘gay’ enough but also not ‘straight’ enough; I didn’t fit any of the stereotypes that would clearly present me as part of the queer community and, until I dated my soon-to-be wife, many didn’t believe I was really bi. At GCN I’m lucky to be surrounded by talented teammates and inspiring voices, and the fact that my voice is part of this team makes me feel fully accepted into the fabulous rainbow family.

Dave Darcy

Creative Director

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been designing GCN for over 10 years... and it’s very safe to say that it has resulted in one of the most rewarding projects I’ve had the pleasure of being involved in. It’s a real joy to contribute to such an important resource. Not to mention having the extra bonus of working with such a talented and dedicated team (and they’re really really sound too). GCN goes a long way to filling up my monthly quota of making something that really matters.

Han Tiernan

Editorial Assistant

For me, GCN has always been a lifeline to the community. From meeting my first girlfriend through a lonely hearts ad (in the dark ages before Tinder), to writing about my first sapphic kiss, to exploring the archives and uncovering lesbian histories – coming to work in GCN feels like coming home. I’m delighted to be part of the team and I look forward to giving voice and inclusion to our everchanging LGBTQ+ community.

Alice Linehan

Project Lead on In And Out Festival

I feel really proud to be a part of GCN. Proud to be associated with its history, its output, its messaging, and to work continuously to bring the queer community bigger and better content each day. Working in an organisation that allows me to combine my professional skills with a part of my personal life that I am so passionate about is a dream, and I truly couldn’t ask for a better job.