WELCOME, DEAR READER, TO THE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF GCN!

As the stunning cover suggests, this magazine is packed to the brim with boundary-pushing queer excellence and creativity. Inside, hear from some of the most exciting voices from the community as they discuss art, activism, adversity, alliance and more.

The stunning cover is photographed by @lazytowntechie for Haus of Schiaparelli. The trailblazing group, responsible for organising Ireland’s first Black-led queer ball, is highlighted as we explore the origins of ballroom culture and its significance for LGBTQ+ people of colour.

Joining the Haus of Schiaparelli in these pages are the artists of Dublin Fringe. The festival celebrates its 30th birthday this year, with performers taking us behind-thecurtain to share insights into three exciting productions: Monsters, Tearmann Aiteach/Queer Sanctuary and First Trimester.

We are also privileged to feature more international queer talent in this issue. Norwegian indie-pop sensation girl in red reveals the highs and lows of her return to music after a three-year hiatus, while American drag performance artist CHRISTEENE details the impact Sinéad O’Connor has on her work ahead of her tribute show in Dublin.

Inspirational Irish figures are featured throughout the magazine, a prime example of which is Paralympian Richael Timothy. As she prepares to compete for coveted medals at the Paris Games, she shares her journey of becoming a disabled LGBTQ+ athlete at the highest level. Separately, we hear from some of the country’s most prominent student activists, who detail their experiences of leading pro-Palestine encampments in universities across Dublin. They highlight the impact of elevating young voices and share their thoughts on queerness as a political identity.

With September marking Bisexual Visibility Month, we celebrate by looking at the roots of bi activism in Ireland. Uncover the lesser-known stories from the Bi Irish group, including how it organised the Second European Bisexual Conference in 2003 and commissioned the first and only public survey into bisexuality in Ireland. In another historical feature, we conclude our series of spotlighting founding members of the Sexual Liberation Movement. In the final instalment, the life of Margaret McWilliam is explored, including her legacy as a co-founder of the National Gay Federation (now the National LGBT Federation/NXF) and one of the first LGBTQ+ people to appear on an RTÉ Radio broadcast.

Pressing issues of today are also raised in this issue. Mr Dublin Leather and Puppy Ireland give tips on navigating consent in BDSM dynamics, one writer outlines the problem of self-policing within the trans community and Irish Gay Dads remind us that LGBTQ+ parents are still not equal. We also hear from a brave Afghan woman who opens up about being forced to leave her home country to find safety overseas. Amid the ongoing anti-immigration rhetoric in Ireland and abroad, the story emphasises the need for compassion in these divisive times.

While all of these features are uniquely different, at the core of each is heart and resilience. In many ways, they represent the defining elements of the LGBTQ+ community past and present. Today, as we face increasingly hostile political climates and a constant stream of negative news, the pulsing muscle in our chest drives us to persist, whether for ourselves, our queer siblings or other minority groups. Time and time again we have seen the success that comes out the other side of struggle, and we hope this issue injects inspiration and ignites a fire, encouraging you, dear reader, to embrace your queerness as a powerful force for progress.

With that, we invite you to delve deeper into these fascinating stories, and thank you, as always for reading.