GCN
390
In this edition
FROM THE TEAM
Welcome, dear reader, to the December 2024 issue of GCN.
We are thrilled to bring back our amazing online Christmas Raffle to raise vital funds for GCN.
This gives you a chance to win a whole host of incredible prizes while also supporting the work we do at GCN, Ireland’s free national LGBTQ+ media since 1988 and a registered charity with a not-for-profit business model.
HOLIDAYS ARE COMING
Christmas. Some of us love it, some of us hate it, and the sensible ones know that it’s only one day of the year.
NO PLACE FOR HATE
On October 29, 2024, the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act was signed into law, marking the culmination of years of advocac y and campaigning by civil society groups. NXF Board Director and Chair of the Coalition Against Hate Crime, Adam L ong, recounts the legislation’s journey and outlines what must come next. Photo by Dolf Patijn
Heart on my Sleeve
Between her body and her queerness, Madison Law grew up feeling different. In a quest to love the things the world taught her to hate, she discovered her path to liberation. Photo by Roisin Mooney
FROM Dublin TO Hong Kong
While drag has become mainstream, there are countless queens around the world who deserve more recognition. Mateus Dutra spoke to one of them, Pansze Diva, a Hong Kong performer who was introduced to drag in Dublin.
A mother’s love
Coming out is a thing we have to do over and over throughout our whole lives. While Mirjam Prell is sometimes filled with dread and anxiety when trying to say the words, there is one coming out she wishes she had the chance to do.
It’s giving season!
The festive season has arrived and with it, the perfect opportunity to host friends and family at home. As you get planning your holiday hosting, we have some Christmas gifting and hosting inspiration from TK Maxx and Homesense!
The Year in Review
2024 was a challenging year in many ways, with that in mind, we have gone through all of the articles published by GCN in 2024 and pulled out some of the best news stories to lift our spirits.
UNLOCKING NEW HORIZONS IN ACTIVISM
2024 has been a journey of growth, learning, and collaboration for Pradeep Mahadeshwar with Queer Asian Pride Ireland and the Queer Spectrum Film Festival. While navigating challenges like limited institutional support, here, he celebrates all that they have achieved for queer people of colour in Ireland. Artwork courtesy of Queer Asian Pride Ireland
Resourcing our survival amid extraordinary odds
The story of HIV and the AIDS pandemic in Ireland has yet to be told. As Tonie Walsh describes, it’s a story of horror and devastation, courage and defiance, compassion and caring, and what seems, even after all this time, as the never-ending fight against ignorance, shame and stigma.
WHATS NORMAL ANYWAY?
When you don’t meet certain societal expectations, it can be difficult to accept and love your authentic self. Challenging the idea of what it means to be ‘normal’, Aarya Bhutani looks at how neurodivergent and queer people carve their own paths to discover their truth.
Matchmaking — Culture — Event
In the age of online dating, The Outing Festival offers a unique opportunity for LGBTQ+ people to make connections in real life. Founder and queen of matchmaking Eddie McGuinness spoke to Alice Linehan about the importance of the annual event ahead of the 2025 Valentine’s weekend edition.
Wearing Worlds
Fashion has always been a way to tell stories, but for Oran O’Reilly, it goes that little bit further—it’s a way to build entire worlds. Sarah Creighton Keogh spoke to the designer about his skyrocketing career, including working with the likes of Chappell Roan, CMAT and The Last Dinner Party. Photos shot by Alex Del Chill at The Fabric Counter.
HAIR, IDENTITY + COMMUNITY
Belfast-based photographer and printmaker Ellen Blair is interested in themes of queer joy, community, mental health and intimacy. Drawing inspiration from personal happenings and the communities she is a part of, her work is both a reflection of her inner world and a celebration of shared experiences
BEHIND THE SCENE
With so much talk of London’s ‘ lesbian renaissance’, Keev Ó Baoill wanted to uncover Ireland’s impact on the movement. They sat down with Oran Keaveney, one of the Irish trans dykes organising some of the English capital’s most sought-after queer and dyke events
Love shouldn’t hurt
Intimate partner violence is a prevalent, although sometimes overlooked issue within the LGBTQ+ community. In a bid to raise more awareness, Chris Rooke spoke to an array of experts to learn more about how abuse can manifest in queer relationships.
Directory
Dublin and The East
Directory
Cork, Kerry & The South Choral Con Fusion
Directory
Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre 105 CAPEL ST, D01 R290
NO MAN LEFT BEHIND
Amid devastating wars, natural disasters and displacement crises, humanitarian efforts around the world aim to provide support to those most in need. LGBTQ+ people possess additional layers of vulnerability, and Beatrice Fanucci investigates the specific challenges they face in emergenc y situations.
THE RECIPE FOR PROGRESS
I mentioned to my colleagues that we were invited to write a piece on the work that Hope and Courage Collective does for GCN’s December edition. I asked, “What message do we want to share..
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Listings - Organisations - Supports

Directory

Cork, Kerry & The South

Choral Con Fusion An inclusive choir in Cork City. W: www.choralconfusion.com E: info@choralconfusion.com Socials: @ChoralConFusion

Co-dependents Anonymous -Cork A fellowship to develop healthy and loving relationships.

Meeting via Zoom.

E: info@codaireland.com

Cork LGBT Archive W: www.corklgbtarchive.com E: info@corklgbtarchive.com FB: CorkLGBTArchive X: @CorkLGBThistory

Gay Project Advocating, informing, supporting and connecting GBTQ+ people. South Parish Community Centre, Sawmill St, Ballintemple, Cork. W: www.gayproject.ie E: info@gayproject.ie T: 021 4300 430 (inc) Up Cork LGBTI+ Youth Project / Outstaged Drama Group / Table Talk Café / QueerVibes Social Café

Gayze Gaymes LGBTQ+ gaymer group based in Cork City.

E: gayzegaymes@gayproject.ie FB: Gayze Gaymes Insta: @gayzegaymes

Gender Odyssey Support Service And Information Project (GOSSIP)

A peer support group for trans people living in the West of Ireland. W: www.gossipgalway.com E: gossipgalway@gmail.com

Gender Rebels Cork Supporting Cork’s trans, intersex, non-binary and gender nonconforming folk.

W: www.genderrebelscork.com E: info@genderrebelscork.com Insta: @genderrebelscork

Kerry Diocesan Youth Service (KDYS)

A safe space for LGBTQ+ youth aged 13 to 17 to meet people, have fun, and learn a little too.

W: www.kdys.ie Listowel E: edeloconnor@kdys.ie T: 0860651937

Tralee T: 066 712 1674

Killarney T: 064 663 1748

LINC Advocating for lesbian and bisexual women in Ireland. Support, training and social events. 11a White St, Ballintemple, Cork. W: www.linc.ie E: info@linc.ie T: 021 480 8600

Inc. WorkLINC Education and employment programme. E: laura@linc.ie LINC Drama / LINC Book Club

Listowel Family Resource Centre -LGBT+

Mentoring Programme For over 18s who identify as LGBTQ+/questioning, or the parents of LGBTQ+/questioning children. E: Daniel.quirke@listowelfrc.ie T: 0876050069

OUT-Lit LGBT+ Book Club An LGBTQ+ inclusive book club in Cork.

E: out-litbookclub@gayproject.ie T: 021 430 0430

Socials: @OUT-Lit

ScEEN in Kerry LGBTQ+ community group. W: www.sceeninkerry.com E: sceeninkerry@gmail.com Insta: @sceeninkerry

Seeding the County LGBTQ+ development project. Youghal, Co. Cork.

E: seedingthecounty@gmail.com T: 0879890336

The Sexual Health Centre LGBTQ+ sexual health support. Remote services available nationwide. 16 Peters St, Cork.

W: www.sexualhealthcentre.com E: info@sexualhealthcentre.com T: 021 427 6676

Trans Kerry Support Group Support group for trans people 18+. E: transkerry@gmail.com FB: Trans Kerry Support Group Insta: @transkerry_supportgroup

Trans Limerick Community (TLC) A peer support group for trans, non-binary, gender diverse and questioning adults.

W: www.ormstonhouse.com/translimerick-community/

E: translimerick@gmail.com X/Insta: @TransLimerick.

Transformers Cork / TransParenCi Cork Peer and support group for trans and non-binary youth/parents and family members of trans and nonbinary people.

E: transparencigroup@gmail.com T: 0879202858

We Are Family Peer support group for parents of LGBTQ+ children of any age. Cumann na Daoine, Catherine St, Youghal, Co. Cork.

T: 0879890336

Youghal & East Cork LGBTI+ Network Monthly meetups/events. E: lgbtyoughal@gmail.com T: 0879890336

Galway, The West and North West

AMACH! LGBT+ Galway Advocacy, training and education, health and wellbeing programmes, and social groups for the LGBTQ+ community in Galway and surrounding areas.

Westside Resource Centre, Seamus Quirke Rd, Galway.

W: www.amachlgbt.com E: info@amachlgbt.com T: 0894975162

Co-Dependents Anonymous -Westport / Galway / Salthill A fellowship to develop healthy and loving relationships.

Meeting via Zoom.

E: info@codaireland.com

GOSHH Limerick (Gender, Orientation, Sexual Health, HIV) Counselling, support, training, rapid testing.

W: goshh.ie E: info@goshh.ie T: (061) 314 354

ShOUT LGBT+ Youth Project A safe, supportive and positive space for LGBTQ+ young people and allies aged 13 to 24.

Youth Work Ireland Galway, 41-43 Prospect Hill, Galway City.

E: lisa.cannon@youthworkgalway.ie / shout@youthworkgalway.ie T: 0876595534

Smily LGBT Youth Group Sligo / Leitrim A safe and fun environment, where young LGBTQ+ people can be who they are or want to be.

W: www.ncycs.ie/smily-lgbt-youthgroup E: info@ncycs.ie

Trans Northwest A peer support group in the Northwest for trans, non-binary, gender fluid and gender nonconforming folk.

E: transnorthwestirl@gmail.com Insta: @transnorthwest

The Midlands

Co-Dependents Anonymous -Fermanagh A fellowship to develop healthy and loving relationships.

Meeting via Zoom.

E: info@codaireland.com

Midlands LGBT+ Project Support and social groups for LGBTQ+ people in Laois, Offaly, Kildare and Westmeath. (inc Trans Midlands) Midlands LGBT+ Project, Unit D, JFL House, James Fintan Lalor Avenue, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.

W: www.midlandslgbtproject.com E: help@midlandslgbtproject.com T: 0860757985

Trans Waterford A peer support group for trans, nonbinary and questioning adults. E:transgroup.waterford@gmail.com Insta: @transwaterford

Northern Ireland

Rainbow Project Advice, advocacy, support, sexual health and more for LGBTQ+ people.
 W: www.rainbow-project.org
T: Belfast 02890319030

Derry 02871283030

Rainbow Refugees Welcoming LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers in Northern Ireland.
E: rainbowrefugeesni@gmail.com
Insta: @rainbowrefugeesni

Sports

Azlans Ulster’s all inclusive rugby team.
E: belfastazlans@gmail.com FB: Azlans

Belfast Blaze FC Belfast’s LGBTQ+/inclusive football team.

Insta: @belfastblaze.f.c

Cork Hellhounds RFC LGBTQ+ inclusive rugby club. W: www.corkhellhounds.ie E: hello@corkhellhounds.ie

Cork Rebels FC Cork’s LGBTQ+ football team.
W: www.corkrebelsfc.com
Insta: @corkrebelsfc

Dublin Devils FC Dublin’s LGBTQ+/inclusive football team.

Socials: @DublinDevilsFC

Dublin Front Runners AC LGBTQ+ running club based in Dublin.

W: www.dublinfrontrunners.ie
FB: @dublinfrontrunnersac
Insta: @dublinfrontrunners

Emerald Warriors RFC LGBTQ+ rugby club, Dublin.
W: www.ewrfc.ie
Insta: @emeraldwarriors

Flaming Feathers LGBTQ+ badminton club, Dublin.
E: flamingfeathersdublin@gmail.com Insta:@flamingfeathersbc

Frontrunners & Briskwalkers Cork Cork’s LGBTQ+ running and briskwalking club.

FB/Insta: @frbwcork

In4Squash LGBTQ+ squash club, Dublin. FB: In4squash Ireland

LGBT+ Softball Supporting inclusion and participation of LGBTQ+ players in softball leagues across Ireland.
 E: lgbtsoftball@gmail.com
Insta: @lgbtsoftball

LINC Rebels LGBTQ+ women’s soccer team in Cork.

E: ciara@linc.ie

Na Gaeil Aeracha Dublin LGBTQ+ inclusive GAA club. Socials: @NaGaeilAeracha

Out And About Dublin-based hiking club
W: www.gay-hiking.org
E: info@gay-hiking.org

Out 2 Tennis Dublin LGBTQ+ tennis club.
FB: Out2tennis
Insta: @out2tennis

Phoenix Tigers Dublin-based LGBTQ+ social football for women/non-binary people.

E: info@phoenixtigers.com
T: 0876431402
Insta: @phoenixtigersfc

Pink Ladies Hockey LGBTQ+ hockey club in Dublin.
W: www.pinkladieshockey.com
E: pinkladieshcdublin@gmail.com

Queer Bike Rides Cork Newsletter:
QBRCork@gmail.com
Insta: @QBRCork

Sporting Pride Developing LGBTQ+ inclusivity in sport.

W: www.sportingpride.ie
Insta: @SportingPrideIreland
X: @SportingPrideIE

The Stoneballerz Softball Dublin’s LGBTQ+ softball team
E: stoneballerz@gmail.com
Insta: @stoneballerz

Waterford Front Runners LGBTQ+ running club based in Tramore.

Insta: @WaterfordFrontRunners

Wet and Wild Sports and social club.

Insta: @wetandwildsportsclub

Directory
Dublin and The East
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Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre 105 CAPEL ST, D01 R290
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FROM THE TEAM
Welcome, dear reader, to the December 2024 issue of GCN.
We are thrilled to bring back our amazing online Christmas Raffle to raise vital funds for GCN.
This gives you a chance to win a whole host of incredible prizes while also supporting the work we do at GCN, Ireland’s free national LGBTQ+ media since 1988 and a registered charity with a not-for-profit business model.
HOLIDAYS ARE COMING
Christmas. Some of us love it, some of us hate it, and the sensible ones know that it’s only one day of the year.
NO PLACE FOR HATE
On October 29, 2024, the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act was signed into law, marking the culmination of years of advocac y and campaigning by civil society groups. NXF Board Director and Chair of the Coalition Against Hate Crime, Adam L ong, recounts the legislation’s journey and outlines what must come next. Photo by Dolf Patijn
Heart on my Sleeve
Between her body and her queerness, Madison Law grew up feeling different. In a quest to love the things the world taught her to hate, she discovered her path to liberation. Photo by Roisin Mooney
FROM Dublin TO Hong Kong
While drag has become mainstream, there are countless queens around the world who deserve more recognition. Mateus Dutra spoke to one of them, Pansze Diva, a Hong Kong performer who was introduced to drag in Dublin.
A mother’s love
Coming out is a thing we have to do over and over throughout our whole lives. While Mirjam Prell is sometimes filled with dread and anxiety when trying to say the words, there is one coming out she wishes she had the chance to do.
It’s giving season!
The festive season has arrived and with it, the perfect opportunity to host friends and family at home. As you get planning your holiday hosting, we have some Christmas gifting and hosting inspiration from TK Maxx and Homesense!
The Year in Review
2024 was a challenging year in many ways, with that in mind, we have gone through all of the articles published by GCN in 2024 and pulled out some of the best news stories to lift our spirits.
UNLOCKING NEW HORIZONS IN ACTIVISM
2024 has been a journey of growth, learning, and collaboration for Pradeep Mahadeshwar with Queer Asian Pride Ireland and the Queer Spectrum Film Festival. While navigating challenges like limited institutional support, here, he celebrates all that they have achieved for queer people of colour in Ireland. Artwork courtesy of Queer Asian Pride Ireland
Resourcing our survival amid extraordinary odds
The story of HIV and the AIDS pandemic in Ireland has yet to be told. As Tonie Walsh describes, it’s a story of horror and devastation, courage and defiance, compassion and caring, and what seems, even after all this time, as the never-ending fight against ignorance, shame and stigma.
WHATS NORMAL ANYWAY?
When you don’t meet certain societal expectations, it can be difficult to accept and love your authentic self. Challenging the idea of what it means to be ‘normal’, Aarya Bhutani looks at how neurodivergent and queer people carve their own paths to discover their truth.
Matchmaking — Culture — Event
In the age of online dating, The Outing Festival offers a unique opportunity for LGBTQ+ people to make connections in real life. Founder and queen of matchmaking Eddie McGuinness spoke to Alice Linehan about the importance of the annual event ahead of the 2025 Valentine’s weekend edition.
Wearing Worlds
Fashion has always been a way to tell stories, but for Oran O’Reilly, it goes that little bit further—it’s a way to build entire worlds. Sarah Creighton Keogh spoke to the designer about his skyrocketing career, including working with the likes of Chappell Roan, CMAT and The Last Dinner Party. Photos shot by Alex Del Chill at The Fabric Counter.
HAIR, IDENTITY + COMMUNITY
Belfast-based photographer and printmaker Ellen Blair is interested in themes of queer joy, community, mental health and intimacy. Drawing inspiration from personal happenings and the communities she is a part of, her work is both a reflection of her inner world and a celebration of shared experiences
BEHIND THE SCENE
With so much talk of London’s ‘ lesbian renaissance’, Keev Ó Baoill wanted to uncover Ireland’s impact on the movement. They sat down with Oran Keaveney, one of the Irish trans dykes organising some of the English capital’s most sought-after queer and dyke events
Love shouldn’t hurt
Intimate partner violence is a prevalent, although sometimes overlooked issue within the LGBTQ+ community. In a bid to raise more awareness, Chris Rooke spoke to an array of experts to learn more about how abuse can manifest in queer relationships.
Directory
Dublin and The East
Directory
Cork, Kerry & The South Choral Con Fusion
Directory
Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre 105 CAPEL ST, D01 R290
NO MAN LEFT BEHIND
Amid devastating wars, natural disasters and displacement crises, humanitarian efforts around the world aim to provide support to those most in need. LGBTQ+ people possess additional layers of vulnerability, and Beatrice Fanucci investigates the specific challenges they face in emergenc y situations.
THE RECIPE FOR PROGRESS
I mentioned to my colleagues that we were invited to write a piece on the work that Hope and Courage Collective does for GCN’s December edition. I asked, “What message do we want to share..
Looking for back issues?
Browse the Archive >

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