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The Galas
On October 5, 2024, the GALAS, Ireland’s only awards programme celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, returned for its 11th edition. Organised by the National LGBT Federation (NXF) and GCN, and serving as the latter’s largest annual fundraiser, this year’s event boasted 13 different categories and a special Lifetime Achievement accolade, recognising outstanding accomplishments across activism, arts, allyship, sports and more.
The 2024 GALAS ceremony was housed in the fabulous Dublin Royal Convention Centre at the Radisson Blue Hotel, and proceedings were led by the dream duo of triple-threat performer and drag artist Paul Ryder alongside presenter and online content creator Cassie Stokes. Together, they expertly guided attendees through the night, presenting each award recipient with their trophy to thunderous applause.
During the event, the hosts were also joined on stage by some fabulous performers, including Glória LGBT+ Choir, SexyTadhg and Mother DJ Glamo. The room was packed to the rafters, as the rainbow community showed up in style to celebrate their queer comrades and allies, serving looks encompassing stiletto boots, power suits and everything in between.
Perhaps the biggest honour of the night, Person of the Year, was awarded to Ranae von Meding. A tireless activist for LGBTQ+ family rights, Ranae is the CEO of Equality for Children and has been leading the fight for policy and legislative progress for same-sex parents in Ireland.
A special Lifetime Achievement award was also presented to David Norris, who officially retired from the Seanad in January after 36 years of service. Norris made history in 1987 when he was elected as a senator, becoming the first openly gay person to hold office in Ireland. He was also instrumental in decriminalising homosexuality in the country.
The GALAS would not be possible without the support of all organisers, contributors, attendees and sponsors. A special thank you goes to Accenture, Alice PR, Amnesty International, Belong To, Broadlake, Catapult, EY, Fostering First, Front Line Defenders, Google, HIV Ireland, ICCL, KPMG, Mastercard, Nassau Clinic, Sky, SSE and We The People.