FROM THE TEAM

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Welcome, dear reader, to the December 2024 issue of GCN.

Just like that, another year has come and gone, leaving behind a whole host of challenges and triumphs. The current state of the world leaves a lot to be desired, but in order to move into 2025 with optimism, we take time to reflect, celebrate and organise throughout these pages.

Our cover star is the gorgeous Oran O’Reilly, photographed in The Fabric Counter by Alex Del Chill. Having spent 2024 working with the likes of Chappell Roan, CMAT and The Last Dinner Party, the young designer has solidified himself as one of Ireland’s most exciting talents, and certainly one to watch over the next 12 months. He talks to GCN about his career so far, and his passion for accessible fashion.

This magazine highlights plenty of other success stories, as we trace through some of the best LGBTQ+ news of the year, from marriage equality in Thailand to decriminalisation in Dominica and hate crime legislation in Ireland. On the latter, the Chair of the Coalition Against Hate Crime shares how the new law came to be, and what comes next.

In a separate piece, the founder of Queer Asian Pride Ireland reflects on the year they’ve had, pointing out the progress the organisation has made for queer people of colour living in this country. As our society continuously becomes more culturally diverse, Ireland is similarly impacting communities all over the world.

This magazine features an interview with a Hong Kong drag artist who first experienced drag in Dublin, and elsewhere, we look at the Irish creatives behind some of London’s LGBTQ+ parties, including Pop-Up Dyke Bar, Booters and Joyride. A staple in Ireland’s event calendar is also highlighted, namely The Outing, a queer music, matchmaking and arts festival.

In a fabulous photographic spread, we showcase some of Ellen Blair’s new body of work, Homemade Undercuts. Throughout the images, the Belfast-based creative captures how hair is used as a canvas for self-expression within the LGBTQ+ community. Another way people explore their identity is through body modification. In these pages, one writer details how tattoos and piercings allowed her to embrace her true self.

In a similarly heartfelt account, a different contributor opens up about the person she wishes she could have come out to, her late mother. The holiday season is often a time when grief arises and following World AIDS Day on December 1, the history of HIV/AIDS in Ireland is also spotlighted in a bid to ensure the stories of those who died and survived are not forgotten.

Other pressing issues in the LGBTQ+ community are discussed, including intimate partner violence and the intersections between neurodiversity and queerness.

As 2024 draws to a close, several global crises persist. Between war crimes, natural disasters and hate-fuelled political campaigns, LGBTQ+ people and other minorities are increasingly at risk. Concluding this magazine, we examine how humanitarians can best support those most in need, while the Hope and Courage Collective outlines the importance of keeping spirits high in these trialling times. It is no secret that the world is full of darkness, but there are still ways to offer light and lead the way for others to follow. Now is the time for strength and collective action as we strive for a brighter future.

With that, we thank you, dear reader, for all of your support throughout 2024—we hope you will stick with us throughout whatever the new year has in store. Happy holidays and happy reading!