FROM THE TEAM

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Welcome, dear reader, to the April/May edition of GCN. Spring has sprung and with our worlds slowly and tentatively returning to some semblance of “normality”, we’re so excited to be presenting another jam-packed edition of GCN reflecting what’s happening in the community across art, culture, history and politics.

If you’ll allow us a moment to share a win with you, GCN’s strides in digital were recognised with the ‘Digital for Good Award’ at the prestigious Spiders ceremony recently. We’re so proud to have been acknowledged in this area and owe you guys a big thanks for all the support you have shown GCN in the past two years in particular. When we were without a print issue during the pandemic, GCN’s digital offering took centre stage and was able to thrive because of our community’s support. Go raibh maith agat!

By now, you’ll have feasted your eyes on our beaut of a cover with the sensational Pillow Queens. This is the Queens’ second time to grace GCN’s front. Shot (both times) by the luminous talents of Hazel Coonagh, we’re proud to feature the Queens and celebrate the release of their second album, Leave the Light On, which is a joy. The Queens are currently touring North America, wowing each city they perform in. Alice Linehan talked to them about their second record and their new reality as Irish music royalty.

We have more culture, including an interview with Irish band Pretty Happy, a sneak peek at the Dublin International Gay Theatre Festival, and a profile of the creepy creatives behind the horror podcast Petrified one half of whom is GCN’s own Peter Dunne.

With Bealtaine Festival approaching in May, we have all you need to know about an incredible new iteration of the iconic ‘70s and ‘80s club night, Flikkers. In similarly nostalgic and reflective terms, we take a look back at the history of LGBTQ+ space, Front Lounge.

Two life-long activists, Mick Quinlan and Ciarán McKinney talk about health, community and ageing in the LGBTQ+ community. Sexual health for GBT+ men is also highlighted with the essential findings of the EMERGE report.

We talk to community members trying to navigate the dating scene when financial disparities become a factor, while other queer folk share their thoughts about the need for proper hate crime legislation and the experience of coming out as transgender while in secondary school.

There’s a very necessary feature with suggestions on how to help LGBTQ+ people in Ukraine by donating to worthy causes specific to the community. As the horrific invasion of their country continues, those of us who want to help can feel powerless and overwhelmed. When we see what these organisations and groups are doing to show solidarity, it is once again a reminder of how queer people are stronger together, and how important it is to stand against those who would harm us. Reconnect, grow, stand firm.

Much love,