The Maltese Welcome

FROM THE TEAM
Welcome, dear reader, to the August/September edition of GCN, as we celebrate queer creativity.

THE HATE OFFENCES BILL
As part of our annual NXF Pride ‘Leaders Series’ in June, this author spoke with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar

Inside SLM
Ireland’s first Sexual Liberation Movement started as an undercover meeting between ten Trinity College students in the final months of 1973. As part of a series, Ethan Moser profiles the people behind the SLM.

SURVIVORS
Since its inception, reality television has been regarded by many as fluff TV, disposable content, a junk watch, but for some queer people it has also been a lifeline when regular programming has excluded LGBTQ+ stories.  Spencer Jacques explains

Shuhada’ - Sinéad - Warrior
On July 26, 2023, Shuhada’ Sadaqat, known professionally as Sinéad O’Connor, passed away. Ireland was rocked by the loss of a great woman. Sarah McKenna Barry discusses the impact her activism had on the community. Noel Donnellon photographed the mural by Emmalene Blake.

FAIR WEATHER FRIENDS
While Pride month sees company logos incorporate rainbows, flags hung from venues that have something to sell, and businesses marching in Parades, where is the allyship when there isn’t money to be made? Brídín Ní Fhearraigh-Joyce explains how you can’t spell Pride without corporate sponsorship.

THEN & NOW
What does it feel like to be an LGBTQ+ student in Ireland? Have things changed substantially from the ‘darker days’ of the 1970’s? Or even the 1990’s? Nicole Lee looks at where we stand now and talks to members of the queer community about their own experiences of the school system.

The Maltese Welcome
According to the Rainbow Europe Map and Index 2023, Malta is the most LGBTQ+-friendly country on the continent and has been for quite some time. In fact, the nation has secured the top spot for eight consecutive years, based on the findings of the review’s author, ILGA-Europe. Alice Linehan went on a fact-finding mission (wink wink) to see what it had to offer.

Coming Out Again
Like many queer people, Han Tiernan grew up feeling different, not quite knowing how or why but knowing that they didn’t feel like they fit. This is their journey of self discovery.

ROLL UP ROLL UP
The 2023 Dublin Fringe Festival is nearly upon us! Ethan Moser caught up with some of the amazing creatives involved to find out what’s in store. Photographer Steven Peice captured the artists alongside their stage personas.

GET YOUR ASS INTO GEAR
Where do you go to dance and feel you can truly be yourself ? Is it your typical big club open every night, or perhaps it’s an exclusive once-in-a-blue-moon rendezvous? Al Fartukh photographed and interviewed those who like to go to Geared, the iconic queer fetish, leather and rubber club.

A-TTENTION, PLEASE
Romance and sex are in every aspect of our culture. And so is the assumption that every human being wants both those things. Beatrice Fanucci hears from members of the asexual and aromantic community who share that it’s very much not the case.

MVP
In 2023, the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team made history by qualifying for a major tournament for the first time ever. But one woman had already made history in Irish sport, overcoming huge odds and eventually becoming the Grand Marshall for Limerick Pride in 2023. Jackie McCarthy O’Brien shares her incredible story with Alice Linehan.

Directory
Listings, social organisations, support

NOTES ON STREET FIGHTING
It’s a sad reflection of society that the vast majority of LGBTQ+ people have experienced that terrifying late-night moment of harassment or name-calling on the street that can all-to-quickly turn into violence. Joe Drennan recounts his own moment and proves the need for the Hate Offences Bill.

Parting Shot
Outbreaks and breakthroughs – what's next in queer sexual health?