STAY MERRY AND SAFE: Minding our Sexual Health this Christmas and New Year | Pocketmags.com
GCN
386
In this edition
FROM THE TEAM
Welcome, dear reader, to the last issue of GCN magazine for 2023.
YEAR IN REVIEW
2023 was yet another fantastic year in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights across the world. Ethan Moser shares a month-by-month breakdown of GCN’s biggest news stories over an epic 365 days.
Inside SLM
In our ongoing coverage of the founding members of Ireland’s first Sexual Liberation Movement, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we’ve focused on founding members who were instrumental in enacting meaningful change for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community.
FUNDRAISING FOR THE FUTURE
Following on from our announcement of the new NXF strategy for the next three years, in this issue we are highlighting the Fundraising and Sustainability working group.
FIGHTING FIRSTS
2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Sexual Liberation Movement, commonly recognised as the start of modern LGBTQ+ activism in Ireland. Since then, the country has experienced a seismic shift in the legal rights afforded to the LGBTQ+ community and the acceptance and visibility of queer culture.
From Crisis to Collective Strength
Following the horrific incident in Dublin on Thursday, November 23, our hearts are with those who have been attacked, their families, friends, the school community at Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire, witnesses, first responders, and anyone else who has been affected.
WELCOME TO THE MIDLANDS
Midlands LGBT+ Project is designed to support and provide spaces for LGBTQ+ adults in the Midlands. The fine folk involved share all the amazing services they have to offer the community and share what you can do to help keep the service running.
MAMMIES KNOW BEST
The wonderful people involved in the group Mammies For Trans Rights tell us the story of their foundation and why they do what they do for their children. After all, in their own words, “In our houses, they are not ‘trans kids’, they are simply, our kids.”
STAY MERRY AND SAFE: Minding our Sexual Health this Christmas and New Year
As the holiday season approaches, it’s vital not to overlook our sexual health.
THE EYES OF THE WORLD
After Hamas fighters launched an attack on Israel on October 7 this year, where more than 1,200 people were reported killed and around 240 others taken hostage, Israel unleashed an air and ground military campaign on Gaza, killing more than 17,000 Palestinian people (at the time of writing), according to figures shared by the Gaza Health Ministry. Now, the whole world is focused on what is happening in Palestine, with the issue of LGBTQ+ people often coming into the discussion.
THIS IS WHO I AM
At the recent Rainbow Ball, the fundraising night for the LGBTQ+ youth organisation Belong To, one brave young person took to the stage before those assembled. In words both empowering and heartbreaking, they told their story of coming out, proving the necessity of supporting our youth in every way we can. We share here their words.
The Glant
On November 14, 2023, Ireland’s longest-serving senator, David Norris, announced his retirement after 36 years of outstanding service. Known affectionately as the ‘Father of the Seanad’, the 79 year-old leaves behind a remarkable career, throughout which he broke new ground for the country’s LGBTQ+ community.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Younger members of Dublin’s LGBTQ+ community might assume that an institution like PantiBar has been around forever. However, the iconic pub only opened 16 years ago. That hasn’t stopped it becoming one of the most beloved go-to venues and hubs for members of the capital’s queer community.
A place of learning
For decades, college has been portrayed as a hotspot of new experiences, freedom of expression and a place to figure out who you are… along with attending classes every so often. But how accepting are colleges across Ireland of the LGBTQ+ community and how do queer people feel about expressing their identities on campus?
PRIDE & PREJUDICE: The Hidden Struggle of LGBTQ+ Homelessness
In October and November, 1 in 10 individuals reaching out to Outhouse for support faced homelessness or were at risk of it.
NAVIGATING QUEER SPACES
As an avid ally of the queer community, Aarya Bhutani has had the privilege of experiencing the dynamics of queer spaces in both Ireland and India. Moving to Dublin two years ago to pursue her master’s degree, she left her home country behind. She describes a journey that has been more than just academic, but a profound experience of personal growth
COLLECTION DAY
What is it about queer people and our collections? From Punko Pop figures to Barbies, Lego to action figurines, LGBTQ+ people have long been avid collectors of what many would deem mere toys. But is there a deeper meaning behind the things we save, the things we love? Chris Rooke talks to queer collectors while at the same time sharing his own tiny loves.
Directory
Listings Organisations Supports
Directory
Listings Organisations Supports
I DON’T WANT A LOT FOR CHRISTMAS…
For those who love it, it can seem that the whole year is just one big build up to Christmas. Yet for many LGBTQ+ people, it is far from a cause for celebration. Ethan Moser recounts his own experiences and takes a closer look at what the festive season can mean for queer people.
NOW, AND IN THE DAYS TO COME
We’ve had a busy year in LINC, marked by the completion of our strategic plan and the successful organisation of the first Queer Women’s National Sexual Health and Wellbeing conference – Q Con.
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STAY MERRY AND SAFE: Minding our Sexual Health this Christmas and New Year

This year, one crucial message stands out: the increasing incidence of STIs including Shigella, particularly among gbMSM (Gay, Bisexual, and other Men who have Sex with Men) and transgender people. Teaming up with HSE Public Health, sexual health and infectious disease experts, we’ve assembled essential sexual health guidance for the holiday period and beyond.

Shigella: Growing Concern

In June of this year, Man2Man, in collaboration with the HSE, launched a pre-Pride campaign to raise awareness about Shigella. Shigella is a bacterial gut infection that can cause severe stomach upset and diarrhoea. Anyone can get Shigella, but sexual activities that may involve contact with faeces (poo) increase the chances of getting infected.

Dr Derval Igoe, Consultant in Public Health Medicine tells us that infection with shigella can happen easily with just very small amounts of the bug present.

“In recent times we have been seeing clusters of linked cases of shigella in gay and bisexual men that are resistant to antibiotics, both in Ireland and abroad. If shigella becomes resistant to antibiotics, the antibiotics won’t work as effectively to kill the infection, and the infection may continue. Our priority lies in preventing cases, early identification, and curbing the spread of antibiotic-resistant Shigella.”

Recent cases have shown a connection between Shigella outbreaks and large-scale festivals or parties in Europe, where various clusters have appeared. We are now asking gay and bisexual men to be aware of Shigella when attending large circuit parties or festivals abroad. These events may involve having multiple partners and there are steps we can take to protect both ourselves and our partners.

Guidance if you are Travelling to Large Circuit Parties or Festivals Abroad

1. Pack condoms, lubricants and any medication before travel.

2. Change condoms between activities and partners.

3. Consider using condoms with your sex toys.

4. Clean sex toys between partners.

5. Wash your hands regularly.

6. Wash genital and anal areas before and after sex.

7. Be aware of shigella symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

8. Before you travel, don’t forget your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). An EHIC lets you get healthcare for free or at a reduced cost in the EU, the EEA and Switzerland. Learn more at ehic.ie. If you are travelling outside Europe, it is recommended you have travel insurance.

For further information on shigella visit man2man.ie/shigella

STI Prevention

1. Consistently use condoms: ensure you use condoms consistently during sexual activities, particularly with new or multiple partners. Condoms are highly effective in reducing the transmission of STIs. Find out where you can access free condoms at man2man.ie/ freecondoms

2. If you are exposed to HIV, take action and start PEP. PEP is a short course of medication started within 72 hours of a possible HIV exposure to prevent the virus from taking hold in the body. If your local STI clinic is closed, you can access PEP from an Emergency Department.

Learn more at man2man.ie/pep

3. Regular STI testing is vital. There are various testing options available, including home STI tests, in-clinic testing, and rapid testing. Learn more about your testing options at man2man.ie/testing

4. The mpox virus continues to circulate globally with recent cases identified in Ireland and across Europe. The best defence against mpox is to get vaccinated. Visit hse.ie/mpox to arrange your vaccine.

Look After Yourself and Others This Christmas

Practising responsible sexual health is not only about protecting yourself but also about looking out for the well-being of your partners. This is also true if we are partying and having chemsex. The advice is to start low, go slow, mind yourself and look out for others. The team at MPOWER have devised a Sex Party First Aid Guide so we can all enjoy the party – safe from harm. You can download the guide at https://mpower.hivireland.ie

Explore the ongoing situation with Shigella and the efforts of the Incident Management Team in the latest edition of Epi Insight for a deeper understanding.

Thanks to Dr Derval Igoe, Consultant in Public Health Medicine with the HSE Public Health: National Health Protection Office.

Man2Man.ie, a joint initiative by GHN and the HSE, serves as the national HIV Prevention & Sexual Health Awareness program targeting gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (gbMSM) in Ireland.

MAMMIES KNOW BEST
The wonderful people involved in the group Mammies For Trans Rights tell us the story of their foundation and why they do what they do for their children. After all, in their own words, “In our houses, they are not ‘trans kids’, they are simply, our kids.”
< Go to Previous Article
THIS IS WHO I AM
At the recent Rainbow Ball, the fundraising night for the LGBTQ+ youth organisation Belong To, one brave young person took to the stage before those assembled. In words both empowering and heartbreaking, they told their story of coming out, proving the necessity of supporting our youth in every way we can. We share here their words.
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THIS IS WHO I AM
At the recent Rainbow Ball, the fundraising night for the LGBTQ+ youth organisation Belong To, one brave young person took to the stage before those assembled. In words both empowering and heartbreaking, they told their story of coming out, proving the necessity of supporting our youth in every way we can. We share here their words.
Go to Next Article >
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FROM THE TEAM
Welcome, dear reader, to the last issue of GCN magazine for 2023.
YEAR IN REVIEW
2023 was yet another fantastic year in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights across the world. Ethan Moser shares a month-by-month breakdown of GCN’s biggest news stories over an epic 365 days.
Inside SLM
In our ongoing coverage of the founding members of Ireland’s first Sexual Liberation Movement, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we’ve focused on founding members who were instrumental in enacting meaningful change for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community.
FUNDRAISING FOR THE FUTURE
Following on from our announcement of the new NXF strategy for the next three years, in this issue we are highlighting the Fundraising and Sustainability working group.
FIGHTING FIRSTS
2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Sexual Liberation Movement, commonly recognised as the start of modern LGBTQ+ activism in Ireland. Since then, the country has experienced a seismic shift in the legal rights afforded to the LGBTQ+ community and the acceptance and visibility of queer culture.
From Crisis to Collective Strength
Following the horrific incident in Dublin on Thursday, November 23, our hearts are with those who have been attacked, their families, friends, the school community at Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire, witnesses, first responders, and anyone else who has been affected.
WELCOME TO THE MIDLANDS
Midlands LGBT+ Project is designed to support and provide spaces for LGBTQ+ adults in the Midlands. The fine folk involved share all the amazing services they have to offer the community and share what you can do to help keep the service running.
MAMMIES KNOW BEST
The wonderful people involved in the group Mammies For Trans Rights tell us the story of their foundation and why they do what they do for their children. After all, in their own words, “In our houses, they are not ‘trans kids’, they are simply, our kids.”
STAY MERRY AND SAFE: Minding our Sexual Health this Christmas and New Year
As the holiday season approaches, it’s vital not to overlook our sexual health.
THE EYES OF THE WORLD
After Hamas fighters launched an attack on Israel on October 7 this year, where more than 1,200 people were reported killed and around 240 others taken hostage, Israel unleashed an air and ground military campaign on Gaza, killing more than 17,000 Palestinian people (at the time of writing), according to figures shared by the Gaza Health Ministry. Now, the whole world is focused on what is happening in Palestine, with the issue of LGBTQ+ people often coming into the discussion.
THIS IS WHO I AM
At the recent Rainbow Ball, the fundraising night for the LGBTQ+ youth organisation Belong To, one brave young person took to the stage before those assembled. In words both empowering and heartbreaking, they told their story of coming out, proving the necessity of supporting our youth in every way we can. We share here their words.
The Glant
On November 14, 2023, Ireland’s longest-serving senator, David Norris, announced his retirement after 36 years of outstanding service. Known affectionately as the ‘Father of the Seanad’, the 79 year-old leaves behind a remarkable career, throughout which he broke new ground for the country’s LGBTQ+ community.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Younger members of Dublin’s LGBTQ+ community might assume that an institution like PantiBar has been around forever. However, the iconic pub only opened 16 years ago. That hasn’t stopped it becoming one of the most beloved go-to venues and hubs for members of the capital’s queer community.
A place of learning
For decades, college has been portrayed as a hotspot of new experiences, freedom of expression and a place to figure out who you are… along with attending classes every so often. But how accepting are colleges across Ireland of the LGBTQ+ community and how do queer people feel about expressing their identities on campus?
PRIDE & PREJUDICE: The Hidden Struggle of LGBTQ+ Homelessness
In October and November, 1 in 10 individuals reaching out to Outhouse for support faced homelessness or were at risk of it.
NAVIGATING QUEER SPACES
As an avid ally of the queer community, Aarya Bhutani has had the privilege of experiencing the dynamics of queer spaces in both Ireland and India. Moving to Dublin two years ago to pursue her master’s degree, she left her home country behind. She describes a journey that has been more than just academic, but a profound experience of personal growth
COLLECTION DAY
What is it about queer people and our collections? From Punko Pop figures to Barbies, Lego to action figurines, LGBTQ+ people have long been avid collectors of what many would deem mere toys. But is there a deeper meaning behind the things we save, the things we love? Chris Rooke talks to queer collectors while at the same time sharing his own tiny loves.
Directory
Listings Organisations Supports
Directory
Listings Organisations Supports
I DON’T WANT A LOT FOR CHRISTMAS…
For those who love it, it can seem that the whole year is just one big build up to Christmas. Yet for many LGBTQ+ people, it is far from a cause for celebration. Ethan Moser recounts his own experiences and takes a closer look at what the festive season can mean for queer people.
NOW, AND IN THE DAYS TO COME
We’ve had a busy year in LINC, marked by the completion of our strategic plan and the successful organisation of the first Queer Women’s National Sexual Health and Wellbeing conference – Q Con.
Looking for back issues?
Browse the Archive >

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