Eile Magazine - April 2016 (Vol.3, Issue 11)

EILE

Magazine V3 Issue 11 – Apr. 2016

IDGTF 2016

Aiym

Tessanne Chin Winner of NBC’s The Voice 5

Big Bear

Birthday Bash

Robbie Lawlor On Men’s Sexual Health

Inside:

Travel | Film | Music |Health | News

FREE

EILE Magazine | Who’s Who

Contributors

Mark Anthony Mark is a UCD English graduate, who writes his own menswear fashion blog.

Mark has also produced several fashion shows in the past, all in aid of worthwhile causes Luca Arfini Luca is a second-year political science Erasmus student from Italy, studying at Trinity College, Dublin, where he is involved with Amnesty International, Q Soc and the LGBT society M. Butler M. Butler is a writer and editor, with a keen interest in human rights, and has studied philosophy and psychology Lucia Chappelle Lucia Chappelle is Associate Producer of the Los Angeles-based LGBT radio programme This Way Out Scott De Buitléir Scott is founder and Editor-at-Large of EILE Magazine. He is also a writer and broadcaster, originally from Dublin but now based in Nottingham Darren Lamont Darren is chairman of Dublin Bears, a non-profit volunteer-run social club, hosting annual events such as Béar Féile and Mr Bear Ireland, and also raising funds for various LGBT groups such as Gay Switchboard Ireland Lisa Reynolds Originally from Co. Meath, Lisa is a fashion industry student, now living in Bray, Co Wicklow, with a great interest in media and celebrity Brian Rochford Brian has studied health, exercise, and nutrition, with a special interest in controlling pain in rheumatism and arthritis Frances Winston Frances Winston is EILE’s resident film buff, and has contributed to many other publications such as The Irish Independent and Irish Tatler

EILE Magazine

EILE Magazine | Welcome

Highlights April 2016 Robbie Lawlor - P.28 Robbie Lawlor chats to Marian Butler about his positive HIV status, making people more aware of the issue, and what the government needs to do next

Travel - P.38 Our travel feature this month is on the Gulf of Mexico - the beautiful beaches of St Pete/Clearwater

Big Bears Birthday Bash - P.54 Darren Lamont of Dublin Bears tells us how the Dublin Bears began, and what’s in store for their 6th Birthday ‘Birthday Bash’ with bear comic Peter Bisuito

Music - Pps.6, 10, 12 and 20 Tessanne Chin, French Leave, AIYM and Lauren Carter all feature in our music sections this month, so you’ve no excuse not to download some good sounds for the long weekend!

Fashion P.16 & Celebrity - P.24 Mark Anthony tells us to Buck Up on fashion for the Summer, and Lisa Reynolds reviews a book on Phil Lynott

Volume 3, Issue 11 Editor-at-Large: Scott De Buitléir Editor: MKB Contributors: Mark Anthony, Luca Arfini, M. Butler, Lucia Chappelle, Scott De Buitléir, MKB, Darren Lamont, Lisa Reynolds, Brian Rochford, Frances Winston Photographers: Mario Barberio, Darin Burch, Anna Fowler, Kelly Elaine, Nathan Patrick NB: All images in this publication are either under Creative Commons licence, or used with permission. Image credits, where necessary, are printed on the corresponding page(s) or photo(s). Any queries can be made to hello@eile.ie Special Thanks to MKB for all her hard work, dedication and support.

Web: http://eile.ie Contact: hello@eile.ie Twitter: @EILEMagazine Facebook: http://fb.com/eilemagazine

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…plus film reviews, news and much more!

Note: All opinions expressed in this issue are the writers’ own.

EILE Magazine

EILE Magazine | Editor’s Letter

Contents 6-

Tessanne Chin

10 -

French Leave

12 -

AIYM

16 -

Men’s Fashion

20 -

Lauren Carter

24 -

Phil Lynott

28 -

Robbie Lawlor

36 -

Health - the Plank

38 -

Travel Mexico

42 -

Film With Frances

48 -

US Elections

52 -

Gay in Italy

54 -

Bears Birthday

62 -

Irish Blood Ban

66 -

IDGTF 2016

From page 72 onwards World LGBT News, Views, Entertainment etc

Waiting for the Sun! Welcome to the April edition of EILE Magazine!

This month we have a wealth of great musicians featured, both male and female, of the indie/pop, soul, and electronic genres, and we give you the lowdown on the Dublin Bears Big Birthday Bash with American comic Peter Bisuito. We also have a travel feature on the Gulf of Mexico.

The International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival will be in full swing from the beginning of May and we give you the full timetable, and we look at what’s happening in the US elections with Lucia Chappelle in California Dispatch. We also let you know that Galway Pride have changed their Festival dates to August, and Dublin Pride is happening in June.

On a more serious note, we also have a very honest and insightful interview with Robbie Lawlor, who is openly HIV-positive, and who tells us what needs to be done to educate both the general public and the LGBT community, in order to deal with this very important subject. We’re also reminded that the LGBT community in Italy and Australia still don’t have equal marriage.

We know the good weather hasn’t quite arrived, but Mark Anthony tells us to Buck Up our wardrobe so that we’re not left with last year’s shorts and a string vest when the sun does make an appearance!

So while you’re waiting for sun, we really hope you enjoy this month’s edition of EILE Magazine.

Scott De Buitléir Founder / Editor-at-Large

EILE Magazine EILE Magazine

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Tessanne Chin

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EILE Magazine looks in on Tessanne Chin, winner of NBC’s ‘The Voice’ 5 Tessanne Chin has come a long way since winning Season 5 of NBC’s ‘The Voice’ and has just released her latest single, ‘Love Suicide’, a soulful, edgy track which Tessanne feels shows another side of this very talented singer At the White House on a bill with Aretha Franklin; singing duets with Adam Levine and Celine Dion; showcased on a float at the Rose Bowl Parade and headlining massive festivals worldwide, Tessanne Chin’s supple, soulful voice and impressive inventory of credits are equally stellar.

Still, her greatest ambitions are all future tense. As she launches the next phase of a storied career she is writing and recording songs for her latest project, partnering in new businesses and product endorsements, and most of all, delivering her remarkable voice and charismatic star power to loyal audiences worldwide.

“Everyday I’m reminded that I am doing the right thing,” she notes “It’s a wonderful thing to travel the world doing what you love, and most of all to share the music”.

This music flowed from multi-cultural ancestral bloodlines in Kingston, Jamaica as Tessanne grew up with two accomplished musicians in a home equipped with a recording studio.

“I am blessed that they encouraged me,” Tessanne says. “It’s a hard business. They knew, and always showed support.”

Leaving home at age 12, Tessanne lived in England, and channeled the emotions of separation into songs.

Returning to Jamaica, she fronted the rockreggae band Mile High, and her musical education was uplifted when she joined Jimmy Cliff as a backup singer and toured the world with the reggae legend.

“I learned so much,” she says of this experience. “He is such an incredible personality. No matter how big or how small the audience, I learned the importance of treating every performance the same. I learned to leave it all on the stage.”

Recording solo, Tessanne released a series of popular singles that gained attention both at home and with Caribbean audiences in the U.S. Her full-length debut, In Between Words, was an introduction to a global audience.

With her televised triumph as the winner of Season 5 of the hit NBC show The Voice, the promise of Tessanne Chin was fulfilled.

Live, onstage for millions of viewers worldwide, performing classic songs, becoming the first contestant to hit #1 on the iTunes chart not once but twice, and reaching #4 on the Billboard Heatseekers album charts, she enraptured an enormous audience and delivered her inaugural Republic Records release, Count On My Love.

Photo: Nathan Patrick EILE Magazine

Her recent single, “Fire” embodied what she described as “woman power…a modern anthem.”

Working with a select studio of first call producers, Tessanne’s latest project is the sultry “Love Suicide” which reveals new sonic dimensions. “’Love Suicide’ represents a soulful, sexy but edgy side to me,” says Tessanne. “I love the concept of giving your being completely over to love and surrendering yourself to this emotion.

I feel that everything from the production to the lyrics to the melody supports that feeling and paints that picture perfectly.”

In this phase of her evolution, songwriting is an essential element.

“I have to be completely real with myself; more honest than with a diary. It’s therapy,” she says of the creative process. And in her lyrics, she delivers what she describes as, “My point of view, my interpretation and the message that captures the emotion.”

“A lot has happened since The Voice. There is so much more to me than that. I want to reintroduce myself and say, ‘Hi - how are you doing?’ I want listeners to come on this journey with me.”

Judging by how well Tessanne has done so far, I’d say listeners will be delighted to do just that!

You can download Love Suicide on iTunes at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/tessannechin/id115540187 or follow Tessanne on Facebook or Twitter at: https://www.facebook.com/TessanneMusic

https://twitter.com/Tessanne

With an eye to business, Tessanne, together with her two sisters, has opened Blow by Blow, a full-service beauty salon in Jamaica, and with its success, envisions expanding to additional locations.

“It’s a wonderful thing to see people walk in and then to leave feeling beautiful,” she says.

She has also partnered with Bellami Hair Extensions.

“In this age you have to be multi-faceted, to put yourself out there in any way you can. Just as in performing: you have to feel good and you have to look good. The message is embrace who and everything that you are, with or without makeup.”

For audiences who know Tessanne Chin through her live shows and her rich catalogue of songs, who follow her on social media or who witnessed her remarkable ascension on a toprated television show, she offers this message:

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Album Art for Love Suicide

Tessanne Chin Photo: Nathan Patrick

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French Leave

UK band, French Leave, have just released their latest single, Tourist.

The electro/alternative, indiepop foursome, who hail from Leicester, are included in the Handmade Festival 2016, which runs from Friday 29 April to Sunday 1 May at the O2 Academy, Leicester, in the UK. The band is made up of (from left) Oliver Walton, Ben Phipps, Chris Reid, and Steve Jordan.

French Leave’s latest is layered with drum beats, pops and electronic sounds, then come the instrumentals building up to a crescendo, which drops back suddenly to allow for the amazing vocals “Come See Me In My Town…”

Their sound has been compared to Editors, Deathcab for Cutie, and The Postal Service. If you like alternative/electropop/synth, you’ll love this track from French Leave.

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Tourist can be downloaded now from Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon or Soundcloud.

You can follow the lads on facebook and twitter at: Facebook.com/frenchleaveuk https://twitter.com/frenchleaveuk –MKB

The band is made up of (from left) Oliver Walton, Ben Phipps, Chris Reid, and Steve Jordan

Album art for the single ‘Tourist’

French Leave playing at the Soundhouse EILE Magazine 11

AIYM

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EILE Magazine catches up with singer/songwriter/musician AIYM, who has just released her latest single, ‘You Must Be True’ Alt-Pop/Rock Artist, Aiym Almas, (AIYM, translating as ‘My Moon’) is now based in LA, but originally comes from Almaty in Kazakhstan, and went to high school in London, where she began her musical career.

From Kazakhstan originally, alternative pop artist, Aiym Almas started her music career when in London, where she began writing her own songs and playing guitar and piano, performing at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire as part of her graduation.

She then relocated to Los Angeles in 2013 to study at the Musicians Institute, and so has many musical influences to feed her creative soul.

The soulful, haunting vocals on the track, You Must Be True, will leave you wanting more, and the background of oriental-style sounds and echoes make for a perfect counterpoint.

Fusing elements of pop and rock, Aiym crafts breathtaking melodies in search of love and self. As every song transports you to a rich sonic landscape, her music is honest, haunting and cinematic. Aiym’s name aptly translates ‘My Moon,’ reflecting the dark and mysterious Photo: Kelly Elaine Photography

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quality of her music.

Growing up in Kazakhstan, she sang with her two grandmothers, whom she says were “fantastic singers” and she loves the music of Kazakhstan for its “beautiful lyrics and out of this world melodies”.

She is of the acoustic, folk, soul, genre of music, although she likes other types of music, and takes inspiration from the soulful and folk sound of contemporary artists such as James Vincent McMorrow, Daughter and Ben Howard, though she cites hearing Led Zeppelin for the first time as a life-changing moment.

Currently, Aiym is working on the release of her debut EP, Till Dawn. Her latest single, You Must Be True is her most lush and ambitious work yet.

Have a listen, you’re sure to come back for more!

You Must Be True Music & Lyrics – Aiym Almas Produced by Katsuya Sezaki & Dave Isaac Mixed & Mastered by George Dum Guitars – Petter Lars Lithvall Bass – Thomaz Amadeo Drums – Giacomo Cortelloni To download You Must Be True, go to: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/you-must-be-true-single/id1097138397 or shortlink: http://apple.co/1N2WFMD

Photo: aiymalmas. com

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AIYM Photo: Kelly Elaine Photography

Album art for AIYM’s ‘You Must Be True’ EILE Magazine 15

It’s Time To Buck Up! Mark Anthony tells us it’s time to start planning our wardrobe in time for the good weather, whenever it arrives!

It doesn’t matter if you endured floods, or you witnessed those freezing temperatures throughout the winter months, there are warmer months heading this way. Probably.

Hopefully. . . Okay, okay, we don’t know that yet. It is Ireland after all, and I am far from a meteorologist. I am however, in a place to tell you that it’s time to start planning for the months ahead, so that you aren’t left with string vests and cargo shorts on your rail.

That’d be a little grim, eh?

the field jacket to take its place. The manypocketed jacket comes in a range of designs to suit whatever your needs may be. Keep an eye out for a cotton twill style in olive drab or stone if you’re steering traditional; suede, if plushness is your top priority; or get technical with one of the many lightweight nylon takes available. So many options. However, resist that urge to fill those pockets. You aren’t going to war after all.

So the bomber-jacket hasn’t taken its long overdue leave just yet. But, designers are building on it, making it more suited to cocktail bars rather than airborne battles.

Think suede and silk. However, you might want to check the weather app before you take one of these out for a spin.

The sun is coming, so break out those shortsleeved shirts. It’s never been easier to look Another season means another military smart without breaking a sweat. It’s time inspired jacket. However, it’s time for the to jump on the Cuban collar boat though. bomber jacket to move over. It’s time for Distinguished by its open, notch lapel-like

16 EILE Magazine

Gieves & Hawkes

collar - this is a shirt that will make you look like a man who summers in a villa every year. Go for a cut that’s not too tight, but not too baggy. And try to avoid accessorising this piece with

Zara

a gold chain and chest hair. That’s not a good look.

I’m not one for wide-legged trousers, but I will concede that summer isn’t really the best time to squeeze yourself into a pair of skinnies. It’s just not worth drowning in puddles of your own sweat. If you aren’t going to opt

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for shorts like myself, ditch the discomfort of skinnies, and grab yourself a pair of slick trousers with a cut that’s a little more laid back.

Getting bored of hoarding all your daily belongings around in your pockets? It’s time to get a bag that you really love, and will have no problem taking around with

New Look Penneys

you. There is nothing worse than putting together an outfit for the day, and a crappy little bag ruining it for you. It’s time for the original man-bag. It’s time for the tote.

A tote marries practicality with formality with ease.

As we all know, menswear waits for no-one. The sun has been teasing us all, so it’s time to look forward to the next few months, and be very hopeful we can show a little more skin than usual. From technical tailoring, to trousers that

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River Island won’t lower your sperm count (ahem), you have no excuse but to look slick this Spring/ Summer.

“It’s time to jump on the Cuban-collar boat...”

River Island

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Lauren Carter EILE Magazine finds out more about the electropop/indie singer songwriter called....Lauren Carter

A treat for electropop/indie aficionados. LAbased singer/songwriter, Lauren Carter, has just released her great new single, Rule Breaker, from her latest EP, American Dream.

Rule Breaker begins with drumbeats, piano and soaring wordless vocal, then comes the instrumental and Lauren’s husky voice singing about the “Californian gloom” and “don’t care about your rules”

.

Beginning her music career in Chicago, Lauren Carter studied music at Northwestern University and is a resonant vocalist, with a three-octave range. Taking inspiration from artists like Kimbra and Tove Lo, Carter creates a focused yet eclectic 20 EILE Magazine

sound. Her music is a fusion of dreamy pop and rock that evokes a hypnotic feel while establishing a powerful edge.

Lauren Carter is excited about her upcoming debut EP, American Dream.

The title track was co-written and produced by Andrew Williams, the multi-platinum producer and songwriter known for his work with artists ranging from T-Bone Burnett to Jessica Simpson, while lead single, Rule Breaker, is a piano-driven pop song co-written and produced

by longtime Ludacris collaborator, Josh “IGLOO” Monroy.

Carter is also an actress, model, and philanthropist.

Her modeling credits include Sports Illustrated, Maxim, GQ, catalogues, print, and more. She has appeared onstage and onscreen internationally, including working with Oscar-winning director Robert Altman.

She resides in Los Angeles, where she is writing and recording music with a range of producers including:

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Grammy-winning Mike Gaydusik, Grammy-winning Igloo of Studio1Zero, Sound Soiree, Rudiger, and more.

Lauren is classically trained. She completed her Bachelor of Music (Classical Vocal Performance) at Northwestern University, where she studied with Carmen Mehta, of the renowned Mehta classical music family. She then received her Master of Music at the University of Southampton in Southampton, England where she studied with Keith Davis and was mentored by Francesco Izzo.

Lauren is also charity-conscious. In addition to performing, writing, and recording Lauren is on the individual voice faculty at AMDA in Hollywood, and supports charities including Earth Child (supporting yoga and meditation education to South African schoolchildren), Tippi Hedren’s Shambala Preserve (exotic animal sanctuary based in California), and the UK’s Cat Survival Trust.

Armed with a powerful voice and illuminating collection of songs, Lauren Carter is poised to have a breakout year in 2016, with the release of American Dream.

You can download Rule Breaker from iTunes now, follow Lauren on twitter at: https://twitter.com/hilaurencarter or visit Lauren on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/Lauren-Carter-141495202573936 22 EILE Magazine

Lauren Carter

Photographers: Mario Barberio, Anna Fowler, Darin Burch

Album Art For Rule Breaker

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Book Review

Philip Lynott: Renegade of Thin Lizzy Lisa Reynolds reviews this book by Alan Byrne on the charismatic frontman of Thin Lizzy

Thin Lizzy frontman, Phil Lynott, was filled with charisma and Dublin charm. He also had a very natural songwriting ability, and a stunning vocal, in which his Dublin accent flows through.

He was truly one of the pioneers of Irish rock music, with his bandmates in Thin Lizzy, even before U2 and Bono. So Alan Byrne’s book, Philip Lynott: Renegade of Thin Lizzy (Mentor Books, 2012) is an extremely interesting read.

The book, which is the second of a three-part Philip Lynott/Thin Lizzy project by the author, is a page-turner, which looks at both the professional and personal sides of Lynott’s life.

The opening chapter displays the figure of Lynott walking along the beach in Howth with his dog, while he was going through a difficult period in his life. Instantly, we, as readers, are shown the human side of the rock star, away from the dramas and adventures of the music industry. And that human side is a major aspect of the book, as Byrne strips away the layers, to reveal the person behind the music and the public image.

The author has gained excellent insight from numerous close friends and colleagues of Lynott’s, who were right in the thick of the action at the various periods in Lynott’s life, and this makes the book very interesting and authentic as you read through all of their various accounts.

It also includes his early musical pursuits, such as in Skid Row and Orphanage, and his early poetry pursuits. His two talents and loves collided beautifully to create some of the classic Lizzy lyrics.

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L to R: John Sykes, Phil Lynott, Scott Gorham, and Darren Wharton; Brian Downey not visible.

Bono (left) and Phil Lynott photo Philip Lynott Exhibition

Phil with Marie Osmonde and Van Morrison 1980

Thin Lizzy in early 1974. Left to right: Brian Downey, Phil Lynott, Gary Moore Image: AVRO

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We also get an insight into the early days of Thin Lizzy, and the various line-up changes which occurred within the band, before they became the classic Lizzy line-up. The book shows how Lynott was always very encouraging to new musical talent, and always tried to help new talent, the best he could, to forge out their own musical journey.

Following Thin Lizzy’s split in 1983, we see his journey in his next band, Grand Slam. Lynott’s family life and former girlfriends are also covered in the book, as well as the much-loved Old Town video, which was filmed in Dublin.

Sadly Lynott had problems with alcohol and drug use, and his addictions are also discussed in the book. These addictions led to his death in January 1986, at the age of 36, from pneumonia and heart failure due to septicaemia, following his collapse on December 25th 1985, which is a very emotional part in the book.

Lynott comes across as a nice guy whose heart was in the right place, and who was incredibly creative with many strings to his bow. As I am a huge Thin Lizzy fan, and especially of Phil Lynott’s, it was very interesting to read such a well-researched and comprehensive account of his life and his work.

This is a must-read for any Thin Lizzy/Phil Lynott fan.

nnnnn

The Iconic Statue of Phil Lynott just off Grafton Street Dublin Image: Ireland.com

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Phil Lynott 1970 Source: ekstrabladet.dk

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“I feel like the main area that needs to be tackled concerning HIV is visibility�

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Robbie Lawlor Marian Butler chats to Robbie Lawlor about the issue of HIV/AIDS in Ireland, what still needs to be done to educate both the LGBT community and the general public, and Robbie’s own HIV-positive status

Hi Robbie, thanks for taking the time to speak with us at EILE about this very important issue.

First of all, can you tell me when and how did you first realise that you had HIV? RL: I was 21 when I went for my very first sexual health check. I was sexually active since I was 18, and knew I needed to go get one.

I always heard about the ‘dreaded swab’, and thought I had to get a needle down my penis.

You can imagine my relief when all I had to do was pee into a cup and do some bloods. All went fine. Then I got a call back three weeks later. They asked me to come

in because my gonorrhea test came back inconclusive.

So I went back into St James’ Guide Clinic that day, and I thought absolutely nothing of it. I sat in front of the consultant and she looked at me, “you did a HIV test the last time you came into the clinic. Your test came back positive”.

What was, and is now, your own honest reaction?

RL: The moment the consultant told me, it was like someone punched me.

My heart sank. I blurted out “can I go to Australia?”

I pretty much went to college for 4 years to get a job working with animals in Australia. It is all I ever wanted. I was planning on making the big move a few months later. I was told I could go for a year or two, but legally I cannot get a residency visa because of

my status. That killed me. I cried for around 10 minutes after that. Then I found out my immune system was quite low and I had to start medication as soon as possible. I felt so lost. It felt like everything in my life was just turned upside down.

I’ll never forget the car journey home with my mam.

I kept saying “why me?” through sobs. Bit dramatic now looking back, but I just couldn’t understand it.

I didn’t know it existed in Ireland. I knew no one living with HIV. It was the scariest and most shameful thing to think that I was the only 21year-old who has this virus in Dublin. Of course that isn’t true, but my ignorance around HIV and the silence surrounding it conjured up those feelings. I had them for a very long time.

What are my honest feelings now? I’m 100% fine with my status. I’m angry that EILE Magazine 29

people are being diagnosed everyday and have to go through those emotions.

I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. More needs to be done.

What were your family/friends’ reactions?

RL: They were brilliant, and remain so. I simply cannot stress how amazing they were during the whole thing.

I know how fortunate I was to have my mam by my side since the beginning. The family were concerned about my health. Once reassured about how manageable a condition it is, they made it very clear that they are here to support me through it all.

Telling my family was no biggie. I told them the day after my diagnosis. I knew they’d be all cool with it. I just knew it was important for them to know. I also know the mother can’t hold her piss so I thought it would be better coming from me. Hilariously enough, I was given two Mass Cards by different members of the family that week. Firstly, I am an atheist. Secondly, the people who sent me the cards are atheist. And thirdly, I wasn’t dying. Nice gesture though.

My friends were exactly the same as my family. I even made a few of my mates cry, which is nice in a sadistic kind of way. I talk about my family quite a lot during my public talks. My friends 30 EILE Magazine

need to be accredited for their empathy and overall soundness. Whether it’s talking over a cuppa or wine induced DMCs, they always gave me their time. I’m incredibly lucky. I have some amazing people in my life.

What does the medicine consist of, and how easy is it to take?

RL: I am very fortunate to live in a time when there are so many different types of HIV drugs out there. For many, it is only one pill a day. Medication these days has very few side-effects, and is super effective at keeping HIV under control.

You must however take your meds every day. If you keep skipping doses, HIV will mutate and render the HIV drug ineffective.

My medication history is an interesting one. I’m on my fourth option of meds. It took awhile to find the right drug cocktail that works best for me. I am one of those people that always fall into the ‘uncommon sideeffects’ category on warning labels. Some side-effects have ranged from induced highs, seizures, delusions, and damaged kidneys. I talk about these side-effects quite extensively in my public talks. It gives people great insight into why access to different types of medication is so important.

Tell us about your

work now in the area of HIV activism and outreach RL: There came a point in my HIV story that I said to myself ‘I’m OK now’.

It didn’t take that long to get to that point, because I could be open about my status to friends and family.

I know many people feel they cannot do that and live in silence. I wanted to reach out to these people and just be a mate. I went to my social worker in St. James’ Hospital and said “any person recently diagnosed who wants a chat please give them my number”.

I’ve made many lifelong friends through this peersupport network. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the growth in people.

You see this growth even from one conversation. By the third conversation we are just talking about boys and what we are doing Friday night. It’s incredible.

I also work as an event organiser with MeetUp Plus Friends. Plus Friends team set up events like cinema trips, walks, jogs, and our very popular monthly drinks night. It’s a great place for people living with HIV to meet other people in the same boat. It gives us that sense of community. So many friendships have formed from Plus Friends and I love being part of it.

I feel like the main area

Robbie Lawlor taking part in the NOH8 Campaign, whose mission is to promote marriage, gender and human equality through education, advocacy, social media, and visual protest

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that needs to be tackled concerning HIV is visibility.

I always ask myself the question, why did a young gay man not know HIV existed in Ireland. In 2012, there were 7,000 people living with HIV in Ireland, yet I saw and heard absolutely nothing about it. Why? Living with HIV in Ireland means living in a deafening silence.

It’s maddening. Something needed to change.

I had the absolute pleasure of working with UK NGO’s Youth Stop AIDS and Restless Development. They understand that the HIV epidemic cannot be fought without harnessing the power of youth. Youth are harbingers of change. I truly believe this, and I am currently in talks to set up an Irish youth-led movement, with the vision of zero new HIV infections, zero stigma and discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths by 2030. Watch this space.

Where do you see HIV now with younger men? Are they informed?

RL: This is a really interesting question. The sexual health education in Ireland is absolutely shocking. That is undeniable. When I was diagnosed, I didn’t know the difference between HIV and AIDS. That is not uncommon.

I’ve heard loads of times ‘Oh Robbie, he’s the one with AIDS’. Young people always ask me what is the difference during my Q&A sessions. That 32 EILE Magazine

question is symbolic of how badly educated we are. Stigma is born out of ignorance.

This issue really needs to be addressed.

On the flip side to that, some young people know a lot about HIV. There is a concern that young people now know how manageable HIV is and are becoming complacent with their sexual health behaviour. We cannot allow people to become complacent around HIV. It is a medical condition and should be seen as one.

There needs to be greater emphasis on people looking after their own health and the health of others. HIV is so avoidable and we now have the tools to stop it in its tracks. This can be done through condom use, PEP, Prep and treatment as prevention.

How do you think the general public should be educated on the issue?

RL: There are many ways. I always revert back to why the marriage equality campaign was so successful. People told their very personal stories. These stories created a national conversation and touched many people. I believe HIV awareness should follow this concept. The Irish public need to see a face behind the statistics. Personal stories resonate more strongly with people and are incredibly effective in changing people’s

views and perceptions.

I always give students a task. The task is to simply talk about sex, sexual health and HIV to their friends and family, in a fun and nonjudgmental way. It sounds like a small task, but it can create waves in terms of getting HIV back into the public eye.

In terms of sexual health promotion and HIV awareness, we need fun, creative and novel ways to get messages across on social media. One amazing example is an anti-discriminatory campaign run by UK community organisation, GMFA. They got gay men to read out mean grindr messages they received because of their HIV status.

It gives an insight into what people living with HIV have to face, and really makes the viewer think about how stigma is ugly. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=AospP51bkcs There are so many fun ways we can explore in teaching the public. Most importantly HIV awareness campaigns need to be consistent. Someone wrote to me on Facebook saying they have heard my HIV story so many times now.

I was delighted. I’m doing my job then. This is the way HIV campaigns need to be, in people’s faces.

Is there any further government action needed on the HIV

EILE Magazine 33

issue?

RL: Where is my list?

Hats off to Leo Varadkar for setting up Ireland’s first sexual health strategy.

However, we can have the best strategy ever written, but without political will and commitment, it means nothing. It is up to people living with HIV, HIV NGOs, and the general public to put pressure on the government to re-prioritise HIV.

So what do they need to do?

RL: There needs to be a total reform of the current RSE model. Relationship and sexual health education needs to be fully comprehensive and obligatory.

We need to utilise and promote every preventative tool we have. This includes

34 EILE Magazine

the introduction of PrEP into Ireland.

and the second biggest killer of adolescents in the world.

We need to put more funding into support services for people living with HIV. How ethical is it to give so much funding towards HIV testing, but no correlation with supports?

Ireland has a big voice in international development, and we need to use this for progressive change. We can do this by saying no to TTIP [Translantic Trade & Investment Partnership] and pushing for R&D reforms in the WHO meeting this May.

In relation to the international HIV response, Ireland needs to push for reforms to the current research and development model of pharmaceutical companies.

This model allows pharmaceutical companies to have a monopoly over the drugs they make. For this reason HIV drugs are so expensive, and developing countries simply cannot afford them.

This model is the reason why HIV is the biggest killer of women of reproductive age,

Many thanks, Robbie, for that very honest, comprehensive and insightful interview, and good luck with all your endeavours in raising awareness about HIV/ AIDS in Ireland.

- Marian Butler

EILE Magazine 35

Health

The Plank Brian Rochford tells us about a simple exercise that you can do at home or in the office to develop ‘core’ strength in both men and women The Plank is one of the best exercises you can do to help develop strength in the ‘core’ of the body, the area that connects the lower and the upper body.

The Plank works on building core strength, and also develops strong glutes, abs,shoulders, and arms. This exercise can be carried out without the need for expensive gym equipment, and can be done at home, or even in the office, if you can find a convenient space.

It’s very important to get the ‘form’ of this excercise right, as lowering the bottom can lead to pain in the lower back, and raising the bottom too high can mean the exercise does not work on the ‘core’.

3. Raise yourself up on your toes, keeping them pressed into the floor, and at the same time tighten up your glutes and tense your abs so that you keep your body steady. Remember not to overstretch or lock the knee.

4. Keep your head in line with your back, by focusing on a spot slightly ahead of your hands on the floor.

5. Maintain that position only for a short time in the beginning. You can, with practice, hold the position for a longer time, as you develop your core strength.

Now let’s try a somewhat easier variation of this exercise, called the Forearm Plank.

1. Lie face down on the floor.

You may find this exercise a little less demanding, as you are not holding your body up with only your hands, but are instead distributing the weight along your forearm.

2. Place the palms of your hands down on the floor as if you were attempting to do some pushups, and raise the body up in a straight line.

Again, start by lying on the floor, face down, and then raise your upper body, resting your forearms on the ground. Keep your forearms at

Now let’s get started on how to do the Standard Plank.

36 EILE Magazine

Easier Forearm Plank

The Standard Plank

about shoulder width apart, and raise your feet up onto your toes, as before.

Again, make sure you have the correct form of your body, and then try to hold it for a few seconds, gradually increasing the time to build up to 10 seconds, and on up to 20 or 30 seconds.

If you begin to find any discomfort in your wrists. You can clasp your hands together on the floor, and this will strengthen your wrists, enabling you to hold the position longer.

Remember, make sure the form of the exercise is correct, and gradually build up the amount of time you hold it . The Plank will always be beneficial, no matter how little time you can hold it.

However, some believe that if you are fit and healthy, you should be able to build up to about 2 minutes holding the Plank, and that beyond two minutes is not particularly any more beneficial to the body.

Once you have mastered this, you can move on to variations of the Plank, like the Side Plank.

EILE Magazine 37

Travel: Gulf of Mexico St Pete/Clearwater Take the perfect sunshine escape to the beautiful St. Pete/Clearwater this year with American Holidays

With an average of 360 days of sunshine a year, St. Pete/Clearwater holds the Guinness World Record title for the longest consecutive run of sunshine days!

Situated on a sun-drenched peninsula separating the Gulf of Mexico from Tampa Bay, St. Pete/Clearwater offers award-winning, spectacular white-sand beaches that will satisfy anyone with a pair of flip-flops and a desire to turn relaxation into an art form.

In St. Pete/Clearwater no two beaches feel exactly the same. In between Fort De Soto and Caladesi Island you’ll find sun-soaked beach treasures of every type including quaint Pass-aGrille, perfect for catching sunsets or bustling hot spots like Clearwater Beach, where “see and be seen” is an all-day activity.

Spend the day on one of the beautiful award-winning beaches including Clearwater Beach, TripAdvisor’s number one beach in the USA, and St. Pete Beach which ranked at number four of the best beaches in the USA for 2016.

Take the first step toward a holiday unlike any other, in a place where the beach may be the best but certainly not the only thing!

Those venturing beyond the beach will find a stunning collection of recreational and cultural surprises sprinkled among the area’s 26 communities, each offering a distinct charm, feel and heritage. From the picturesque Greek sponge fishing town of Tarpon Springs to the Scottishtinged village of Dunedin, where Highland Games are an annual tradition, your itinerary can be as varied and unpredictable as you want it to be. >>

38 EILE Magazine

Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach

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EILE Magazine 39

Orlando and St. Pete/Clearwater Spend 5 nights’ at Rosen Inn at International, Orlando and 5 nights at the Barefoot Beachfront Hotel, Maderia Beach from only €829pp.

Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 4 days’ fully inclusive car hire, taxes and charges. Based on two adults and two children sharing.

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40 EILE Magazine

Clearwater Beach

St Petes

EILE Magazine 41

EYE IN THE

SKY

42 EILE Magazine

Frances Winston on Movies Directed by: Gavin Hood Starring: Helen Mirren, Aaron Paul, Alan Rickman, Barkhad Abdi, Jeremy Northam, Iain Glen George Orwell’s prophecy of Big Brother watching us is truer than ever these days, as we seem to be under almost constant surveillance as we go about our day-to-day lives.

Obviously the average person on the street has nothing to hide, but for criminals and terrorists it means they have to get ever more clever and clandestine. As they do this, so security measures must also increase, and so the circle goes on and on.

This film looks at the impact drone surveillance is having on the fight against terrorism, while taking into account the aforementioned people on the street, and the effect it has on them.

When some of the world’s most wanted terrorists gather in a safe house in Nairobi, she determines that this is her opportunity to make a strike on them.

However, when her superior, Lieutenant General Frank Benson (Rickman) reveals her intention to the UK government, and asks for authorisation, the situation becomes more complex.

Realising that this is a residential area, and that there could be civilian casualties, they are reluctant to give the order, and start seeking approval from other world powers.

However, they then discover that the terrorists have explosives and are preparing two suicide bombers, making time of the essence if they are to wipe out these threats to humanity. But will the collateral damage prove too much to justify a strike even on those who threaten the safety of hundreds of people?

This is probably one of the tensest thrillers you will ever see. Since most of the protagonists are watching events unfold on screen Mirren plays Colonel Katherine from bunkers or cabinet Powell, who has been tracking rooms, you get a sense of high-level terror suspects from claustrophobia and urgency her base in Sussex, using US that is only compounded by military drone technology. some amazing performances.

The late Alan Rickman gives a Tour de Force as the hardened military man, who must push people to make difficult decisions, while Mirren is at her steeliest as the woman in a man’s world, determined to do what she believes is best.

However Aaron Paul also gives a noteworthy performance, as the drone pilot who will ultimately have to carry out the strike, and live with any loss of life.

Well-scripted and paced, there is some amazing cinematography here. It would have been very easy to make this a high octane “blow ‘em up” type of movie, but instead some thoughtful direction and warm moments make it a very human story. You will find yourself debating the rights and wrongs of decisions made long after you leave, and it will really open your eyes to the kind of dilemmas faced by those who track the terrorists who threaten the world we live in.

This is the kind of movie that leaves you with a lump in your throat rather than a warm fuzzy feeling, and it is definitely thought-provoking.

Not always an easy watch, this is nonetheless a wonderfully engaging drama, that resonates long after it finishes.

In Cinemas Now!

EILE Magazine 43

44 EILE Magazine

Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Jon Favreau Starring: Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong’o, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito, Christopher Walken, Neel Sethi Any remake of a much loved classic is always going to spark debate – particularly when it is a ‘live action’ remake of a legendary animated musical.

There’s always a feeling that you can ‘get away’ with a bit more in animation, and that – no matter how good your live action CGI is – cartoon characters can just push things that little bit further in the realms of credibility.

Therefore, it is not surprising that many people were apprehensive about this remake of the 1967 Disney flick of the same name.

Especially when it was to be directed by the man behind the first two Iron Man movies, and the Will Ferrell Christmas vehicle, Elf. However, while this is undeniably darker than the tale most people saw, and fell in love with as children, people shouldn’t dismiss it, as it has many standalone merits of its own.

It stars newcomer Sethi, as protagonist Mowgli, and if you don’t know the story he is a man-cub (that’s a young boy to you and me) who has been raised in the jungle by

wolves. When a vengeful tiger, Shere Khan (Elba) threatens all the jungle animals unless the boy is turned over to him, his protector, Bagheera (Kingsley), the panther who found him in the jungle all those years ago, resolves to get him back to the man-village.

But events, and Sheere Khan, conspire against them, and Mowgli finds himself alone in the jungle, until he is rescued by a bear called Baloo (Murray). Living blissfully with his new friend, he is unaware that his tiger-nemesis is exacting terrible revenge against his wolf-family, but sooner or later, he will have to face up to it.

If you remember a nice fluffy cartoon, then you will probably get a shock at how dark this is. While the 1967 version is actually a lot deeper than you remember, this is a whole different level.

When the animals fight it is vicious, and there are some very terrifying a moments as Sheere Khan wreaks havoc.

Elba’s voice is extremely sinister as the tiger, and will give you goose pimples. All the voice-actors are perfectly cast, with Murray as Baloo a particular gem. He adds comic relief to what would otherwise, at times, be a somewhat disturbing tale.

Sethi is fabulous as the wide-eyed Mowgli, who just wants to be a good wolf, even though he knows he isn’t really one. For an actor that young to engage so well with stop-motion animation is phenomenal, and he brings an

innocence and a strength to the role that belies his years.

The CGI and stop-motion animation are top notch.

You completely believe in the world they have created here. The attention to detail is amazing, and you often forget that it isn’t real animals you are watching, other than some of the deliberately major OTT figures (King Louis I’m looking at you)!

Although this isn’t a musical, Favreau has kept in two of the most iconic songs from the original – Bear Necessities and I Wanna Be Like You. This would be my only bug bear, as it somewhat snaps you out of the moment, and you suddenly become very aware that you are watching a work of fiction, rather than engaging in a real world. That said it was a nice nod to the original, and you will find yourself singing them for hours afterwards.

This is a magical, and wellthought-out, retelling of a much loved tale, that really engages and impresses on many levels. My one concern would be that it is probably a little scary for younger children, but if your LOs are made of stern stuff, they will love this. On the other hand, if you are just an adult who loved the original, you are sure to love this also. It has all the hallmarks of a future classic that will be just as beloved as the original.

In Cinemas Now!

EILE Magazine 45

My Name Is Emily

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Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Simon Fitzmaurice Starring: E, Sarah Minto, Deirdre Mullins, Declan Conlon, Ali White, Stella McCusker, Martin McCann, Cathy Belton The story of the making of this movie could almost be a movie itself. Director Simon Fitzmaurice was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, and given four years to live, in 2008, so he has defied the odds to still be here, never mind direct an IFTA nominated movie.

Having raised most of the film’s budget through crowd-funding, by the time he shot this his motor skills were non-existent, and he directed this using just his eyes and a computer which “speaks” for him.

This has been receiving rave reviews, and it is indeed a lovely movie. Told in large part through Emily’s thoughts, the voiceover gives it a haunting quality – particularly when what is happening on screen juxtaposes with Lynch’s angelic tones.

Both Lynch and Webster are great as the troubled teen protagonists. They have a really good chemistry, and Smiley is completely convincing as a man who hung on to the edge for too long, before falling off the cliff and into the abyss. It looks wonderful – particularly the road scenes, and the script is whimsical yet not airy-fairy.

But…and there had to be a but…it is essentially a teen road movie, and as such there is not a lot here that we haven’t seen before. It is well done and incredibly engaging – thanks mainly to the wonderful performances – but the story itself isn’t extraordinary.

No doubt at some point someone will bring this tale to the big screen, but for now we have this. Starring Harry Potter star, Evanna Lynch, in the title role, it is essentially a road movie.

Fitzmaurice has managed to direct the actors in such a way that detracts from this, and it is only in hindsight that I realised it myself.

However, for the 90-minute running time it doesn’t matter, as you will get swept up in the almost ethereal nature of the movie.

The plot in a nutshell involves Emily’s father, Robert (Smiley) suffering a breakdown, meaning she is taken into foster care. Forced to move to a new school, she bonds with a shy classmate, Arden (Webster) who has troubles of his own.

It would be wrong to heap plaudits on this simply because of Fitzmaurice’s condition – if nothing else it would be an insult to his achievement in actually getting the film made, which is a tough task for anyone.

When she doesn’t receive a birthday card from her father, she begins to worry something is amiss, and convinces Arden to drive her to her father’s hospital to break him out. As the pair travel across country they learn valuable lessons, while growing ever closer.

I do feel some feedback may have been coloured by this, but whether or not that is the case, if you are looking for a heartwarming, life-affirming drama that will entertain and engage for 90 minutes, then this is the movie for you.

In Cinemas Now!

EILE Magazine 47

Califor

Us Elect

Donald Trump wikimedia.org

Ted Cruz nbcnews.com

Lucia Chappelle gives us an insight into the US elections, and what’s really going on with candidates Donald Trump and Ted Cruz as they battle for the Republican nomination What on earth must you be thinking of us around the world? It certainly seems clear that the United States’ political applecart has totally turned over! The current presidential campaign has yielded more than surprises … ‘alarm’ is probably a better word for it. How concerned should we really be? I’d say it goes both ways - be both less concerned and more concerned than you already are.

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Of course the scariest development has been the freakish rise of real estate mogul and reality TV maven, Donald Trump. Taken as an entertaining diversion by the media at first, their delight in hanging on his every word for the next unspeakable offense made the gaggle of ‘normal’ contenders for the Republican nomination look impossibly boring. Even as the punditry insisted that Trump would flame out quickly, they couldn’t take their eyes off the on-coming accident, and in that way made the accident of

Trump actually winning the nomination far more likely to happen.

Without getting into the weeds of the nomination process, Trump could be trumped at the GOP’s national convention, and Texas Senator Ted Cruz is angling to step into Trump’s shoes. This is not looking on the bright side! Cruz is not only ‘the most hated man in Washington’ (of whom former presidential competitor Senator Lindsey Graham said: “If somebody shot him on the floor of the Senate, you

rnia Dispatch:

tions

wouldn’t be able to convict anybody”) for instigating government shutdowns and other shenanigans, he’s always first in line to pounce on the most regressive social positions.

Cruz practically pushed other people over for the chance to stand next to Rowan County, Kentucky Clerk, Kim Davis, when she was released from jail for refusing to issue samegender marriage licenses, and his campaign immediately hit the air with an ad denouncing Trump’s statement that North Carolina’s recently enacted ‘bathroom bill’, prohibiting transpeople from using public facilities in accordance with their appropriate gender, was unnecessary and bad for business.

What should be remembered when you’re about to panic about Trump’s landslide primary victories is that only 23% of registered voters identify as Republicans, so even if he wins a primary with 60% of the votes cast, it still only represents a small proportion of eligible voters.

That’s not to say that Trump, and even Cruz, aren’t dipping deeply into the 39% of selfproclaimed ‘independents’. It is to say that neither of them is poised to overwhelm in a national election.

Regardless of whether Trump (or a Trump-trumper) gets the nomination, there’s a lot to be learned from the Republican nightmare. There is terrific anger at the core

of U.S. politics – the kind of anger that can lead to unreasoning fascism. It is said that that anger comes from economic frustration, which causes people to turn on minority groups and cling to bigotry for solace. ‘Make America Great Again’ is code for ‘Make America White [or Heterosexual, or Patriarchal] Again’.

There is much talk of ‘values’. But what if the bigotry is actually stronger, more fundamental than the economic frustration? Playing on the bigotry to rally the economically frustrated can easily get out of hand.

Trump’s success also proves that in the U.S., we love a good show. If there’s

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no bread, circuses always work. You don’t need to be a comic genius to come up with cheap jokes, especially if you can count on the bulk of your audience being fairly unsophisticated when it comes to politics and history. It would be wrong to say that all Trump supporters are ignorant, but I’d have to admit that I haven’t figured out why they aren’t dismayed by the madness that follows him. (It may be the same reason why people I respect love Seth Rogan/James Franco movies!).

One of the things I find most interesting about the campaign is that I really feel like I’m witnessing the fall of a political party. It happens. There have been Federalists, there have been No Nothings, there have been Whigs … then there were Republicans and Democrats.

The alignment hasn’t always been as it is now.

The Republican Party is coming apart at the seams; its leadership has no sway over its constituent base, people who think of themselves more as adherents to a set of ‘values’ rather than as ‘members’ of

an organization. They are reforming themselves, and their convention may reveal what that new thing will be, as much as it decides who will run for president.

A grand reformation of the Democratic Party is underfoot as well. As it was with Trump, nobody took Senator Bernie Sanders seriously when he declared his candidacy. While his nomination is still highly unlikely, he has successfully driven Secretary Hillary Clinton and the Party to the left, and the movement he has built will no doubt have a tremendous impact on its platform. The Sanders campaign has called into question the character of the Party as defined by the Bill Clinton-led Democratic Leadership Committee, which pulled it more to the center to make it more palatable in a post-Reagan landscape.

Sanders has proven that the Democratic electorate of the future is ready for a more progressive ideology.

The Clinton-Sanders debates have raised the question of just what ‘progressive’ means

Lucia Chappelle is Associate Producer of the Los Angelesbased LGBT radio programme This Way Out

50 EILE Magazine

today. There was plenty of snickering from the Clinton side when Sanders referred to organizations such as Planned Parenthood and the Human Rights Campaign as ‘establishment’ … but isn’t the mainstreaming of LGBT politics by what’s known as ‘Gay, Inc.’ the issue that has caused friction in the direction of our movement? Haven’t we been in conflict over whether addressing issues like marriage equality is enough? Is it possible for the political system as we know it to tackle its own fundamental assumptions? Are we on the path to true equality by incrementally repairing the injustices that system has engendered?

Passions are definitely boiling over, and there is danger all around. I honestly don’t expect the worst to happen. I’m just not sure what will be the best we can hope for. The California Primary is June 7, with Trump currently leading Cruz by some 18 points, and Clinton leading Sanders by about 7.

Quality LGBT News and Features – Produced from Los Angeles Available via podcast on our website (thiswayout.org) or on iTunes, and on 200+ Radio Stations Worldwide!

thiswayout.org | Twitter: @TWORadio Overnight Productions (Inc.)/”This Way Out” Post Office Box 1065 Los Angeles, CA 90078 U.S.A. EILE Magazine 51

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE GAY IN ITALY TODAY? Italian and gay, Luca Arfini looks at the position of marriage equality in Italy today, and the challenges still faced by the LGBT community there The year 2015 was a momentous year for gay rights. In May, Ireland voted Yes to the referendum for the approval of homosexual marriage, and the following month, gay marriage was legalised in all 50 states of the US. In December, a law for samesex marriage was passed in Greece.

It is now possible to have a same-sex marriage in 14 European countries.

In Italy we remain at a standstill.

There was an ongoing argument in the Italian parliament for the approval of the CirinnĂ bill, which would allow civil unions for gay people.

The biggest obstacle surrounded the issue of adoption, and whether to allow a parent’s new partner [..] to adopt a child the parent had with a previous partner. [adoption rights have since been struck off the bill - Ed] 52 EILE Magazine

This issue is of concern to the Catholic part of the Italian population, which opposes change to its traditional view of the family.

Indeed, there is still much discrimination among Italians - gay couples can be exposed to discrimination on the streets.

In schools, too, discrimination remains a major issue. Despite some improvements in recent years, discrimination is nonetheless alive and well and most school teachers seem indifferent to the issue.

orientation are actually linked with the notion of gender.

The understanding of gender relations must be seen in the context of almost compulsory heterosexuality, in which the normal notions of masculinity and femininity are reinforced.

Those who do not conform themselves to this type of behaviour are labelled as different and are typically ostracised.

For me, the most difficult challenge I faced as a gay man was in school.

Young gay people do not have very many role models that can help them to understand what they are. During my time in school, there were no programmes to help with my experiences of growing up gay in Italy.

School is where young people discover and struggle for the construction of their identity, especially around the question of their sexual orientation.

Most of the teachers do not see it as their duty, and in general, the schools are not interested in organising events about sexual orientation.

For me, it was hard feeling different without being able to share it with anyone. You tend to isolate yourself from the others to hide your personality.

It is vital at that age to have someone to talk to, to know that you are not alone, to feel part of a community.

Awareness about the existence of gay people would also increase tolerance by

The issues related to the sexual

heterosexual students helping to break stereotypes.

A shameful episode happened to a gay student in an Italian Catholic school in a city near Milan last September.

He was separated from the other students due to his sexual orientation. The headmaster decided to isolate him from his peers after an image of him and another guy kissing each other was posted on a social network.

He was considered as a dangerous influence on the rest of the class.

I came out to my parents when I was 16. Firstly they were really shocked, but with time they learned to understand and accept me. They have never stopped loving me regardless of my orientation.

I found more difficult coming out to my friends.

Indeed, the wall of silence built by the teachers and the society around the issue makes you feel depressed and sad. You do not know any way to get out of this situation, how to be ‘normal’ as the others.

A general thought about homosexuality in Italy is that it is fine as long as you do not show or say it.

People are formally tolerant about homosexuals; some surveys show that only 40 percent of the Italian population is against the recognition of civil rights for gay couples. Everything is fine as long as it is hidden.

Problems begin when people come out as gay or show their love in public as a heterosexual couple might.

A survey says that only 20 percent of Italian gay people feel comfortable coming out to their parents. There is a general fear of not being accepted; this is also due to the conservative mentality of most of Italians, which is influenced by the traditional Catholic view of family values.

Even if only 40 percent of the Italian population agrees with the notion of gay marriage, society appears to be fine with the recognition of civil unions, but even at that point, politicians had not arrived at an agreement yet.

[Italy’s Senate approved a watered down version of the Civil Unions bill in February 2016, but struck out adoption rights and IVF for gay couples.

The bill is presently with the Chamber of Deputies, where a decision is expected mid-May - MKB Ed.].

Also the new Pope, who made many changes in the traditional Catholic view, appeared to be more tolerant towards gay people.

The first bill was presented by the lawyer Alma Agata Cappiello in 1988, but it was never timetabled.

The European Parliament has asked the Italian government several times to enact a law concerning civil rights for gay people. Despite having been sanctioned by the European Court of Human Rights, Italy

has so far not been able to arrive at a legislative solution.

Being gay in Italy remains a challenge. The situation might not be as bad as 20 years ago and some progress has been made but there is still much work left for Italy to reach the same level of equality as other European countries.

I believe the biggest obstacle is between Italian politicians whose position on the issue is more about public support than arriving at a real solution.

Italy cannot wait anymore to give its consent to a civil union, because there is no good reason to forbid the right to stay together to two adult people that are in love with each other.

We should follow the Ireland example, where two gay people can be truly themselves, even if it is a country, such as Italy, in which the Catholic church has still a strong influence.

In Trinity College I have found a very open environment. In fact, it is not uncommon to meet a gay couple holding hands and none is shocked if a male is wearing female dresses.

So I want to end with the hashtag that is widespread in Italy in these days, #wakeupItaly.

-Luca Arfini [A version of this article was previously published on the Student Hub of the Irish Times on 28 January 2016]

EILE Magazine 53

Don’t Miss! Dublin Bears Big Bear Birthday Bash!

Dublin Bears are holding a great big Big Bear Birthday Bash on Saturday, May 7th, 9pm to 3 am, at Voodoo, 40 Arran Quay, Dublin 1.

El Styra is DJ on the night, and special guest is Peter Bisuito, aka My Big Funny Peter, US muscle-bear comic.

One-night membership is €10, so have a happy Big Bear Birthday!

You can follow the Dublin Bears on twitter at: https://twitter.com/dubbears

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EILE Magazine 55

Dublin Bears Happy 6th Birthday!

As Dublin Bears Celebrate Their 6th Birthday With A Big Bears’ Birthday Bash, Chairman Darren Lamont Remembers The Bears’ Humble Beginnings In 2010, a small committee ran the very first Béar Féile. It was a huge success, and highlighted a need for diverse events geared specifically towards the bear community in Ireland.

Shortly thereafter, Dublin Bears was formed.

Dublin Bears is now SIX years old, and this year will be our biggest birthday bash yet. Building on our commitment to forging community links, and bringing the best entertainment and club nights to Dublin, we have something very special lined up for our Party.

Peter C Bisuito - the Comedy Muscle Bear from the USA, will be performing live for one night only.

Dublin Bears have worked with the team at MyBigFunnyPeter.com to extend Peter’s European Tour, and provide an exclusive show here in Dublin. Peter is a huge hit in the States, and has even appeared on Oprah.

The Birthday Party is in VooDoo Lounge, Arran Quay, doors open at 9pm. Following Peter’s performance, you can dance your little bear asses off to the musical genius that is El Styra until 3am(ish).

Dublin Bears is a non-profit community group run by a small dedicated team of volunteers, organising a wide variety of social events and club nights. The group has grown in strength, popularity and numbers, and has established connections with other groups around the world, bringing international club nights such as The BIG Scrum (UK) and Bearacudda (USA) to Dublin.

We have received international recognition as THE Bear Scene in Ireland, thanks to endorsement and support from SCRUFF, who promoted our last two events throughout Europe, and support from EILE Magazine.

We work closely with other community groups such as GEARED Ireland, MOTN, ACTing Out, and GSI providing mutual support.

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Muscle Bear comic Peter Bisuito appearing at the Dublin Bears’ Birthday Bash

Darren Lamont Chairman Dublin Bears

We invite all our friends and supporters to join us in celebrating SIX very happy and successful years of beary, furry, fun.

- Darren Lamont Big Bears’Birthday Bash May 7th, Doors Open 9pm Voodoo Lounge 39-40 Arran Quay, Dublin 7 Price €10 (includes Comedy Show and Nightclub) Tickets online at: http://www.dublinbears.ie/product/birthday-bash-ticket/ (or pay at the door)

EILE Magazine 57

-

American Bear Comic Muscles His Way into Europe!

As seen on Oprah, internationallyknown gay muscle bear comedian, Peter Bisuito, is bringing his hilarious sense of humour to Europe, with a series of dates in the UK, Ireland and The Netherlands.

The tour starts at Manchester’s Great British Bear Bash on 29th April. He then goes onto Eden Bar in Birmingham (30th April), Eagle London (2nd May), the Betty Asfalt Complex in Amsterdam 6th May) and then finishing the tour at the *Voodoo Lounge in Dublin (7th May).

Peter Bisuito (also known as My Big Funny Peter) is making quite a splash all

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over the world! He’s been a performer for over 25 years but decided only four years ago to pursue his love of entertainment as a full-time career.

Since then, Peter’s resumé is even more impressive than many seasoned comedians. He travels all over the USA and has performed on many cruise ships. He has opened for such huge names as Bianca Del Rio, Del Shores & Erasure’s lead singer, Andy Bell.

Peter is not a “comedy club” performer. He considers himself a “theatrical entertainer”, due to his 3decade history of musical & comedy theatre. He regularly sells out large theatres in America, but since Peter has never performed in Europe, he’s keeping his audiences small and intimate!

Peter also uses his humor and comedy for the good of the community, having

raised thousands of dollars through laughter and tears with reputable charities, including cancer research, HIV/AIDS, animal shelters, children programs and much more.

Peter is also the writer, producer and director of his very own YouTube Webseries called “EXPOSING PETER”.

Brace yourselves, this muscle bear wants to tease your funny bone! *Brought to Ireland by Dublin Bears as special guest at their Big Bear Birthday Bash, with DJ El Styra, the Party for Bears and men who like them.

For more, visit: www. mybigfunnypeter.com For tickets, for any of the performances head to Peter’s website: http://mybigfunnypeter. com/european-tour

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Peter Bisuito

Muscle Bear comic Peter Bisuito

or follow Peter on facebook or twitter at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/832708170160671/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyBigFunnyPeter EILE Magazine 59

From left to right: Tom O’Connor ( Dublin Bears )Darren Lamont (Chairman Dublin Bears) Adam Shanley ( Director Gay Switchboard Ireland ) Michael Byrne ( Dublin Bears) Adrian Lemon ( Dublin Bears AND Dublin Bus Community Spirit Initiative)

Dublin Bears Present Cheque To Gay Switchboard Ireland!

On April 21st, in Outhouse, Dublin Bears presented a cheque for €1000 to Gay Switchboard Ireland (GSI). The money was raised at the recent Béar Féile 2016, and at a fund-raiser in March.

Dublin Bears are very grateful for the ongoing support of GSI volunteers at their events, and also for the very generous contributions from the attendees, which made this donation possible.

You can follow Dublin Bears on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/dubbears

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Conference Calls For Lifting of Blanket Blood Ban As Blood Supplies Fall A two-day consensus conference of experts, which was convened by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has reviewed its position on banning blood donations from gay men, and is awaiting the Department of Health’s go-ahead to change this policy.

The conference felt that after a review of research in other countries, according to IBTS medical director, Dr William Murphy, there would not be any significant increase in transmission of HIV through blood products by transfusion, in allowing the ban to change from a lifetime ban to a fiveyear, or one-year, as is the policy in the UK and other countries at present.

There has been concern over the levels of supplies for various reasons over the last several months, including the failure of a haemoglobin measuring device, and iron deficiency in some women

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donors.

In advance of St Patrick’s weekend and the Easter holiday period, the IBTS was concerned that it would not be able to maintain supplies to hospitals over those coming two weeks. While hospital requirements had been down in recent months (-4%), donation levels dropped significantly (10-12%).

Operations Director Paddy Bowler said at the time: “Donors have been attending in their usual numbers over the last 6 weeks. However blood donations have remained low due to the fallout from the haemoglobin measurement technology issue identified at the beginning of November”.

“Up to October 2015, one in seven donors attending clinics were unable to donate for various reasons. Since November 2015 this has worsened to one in four attending donors being unable to donate. The increase is caused entirely by donors presenting with haemoglobin

levels below permitted EU donation limits. In recent weeks the IBTS has requested hospitals to conserve use of blood groups O negative and B negative”. “…..blood supply levels of the main blood groups stand between 4 and 5 days.

While the knock on effect of low haemoglobin levels is expected to last for some time, it is imperative donors come forward over the next few weeks to safeguard blood supplies during the extended holiday period of St Patrick’s Day and Easter”.

In addition to normal clinics, IBTS had even scheduled an additional 6 mobile clinics on Sunday March 20th to facilitate extra donations.

These clinics were held in Raheny, Carrickmacross, Waterford, Sligo, Carrigaline and Aherlow.

The bouts of very bad weather had also affected supplies, as donors were not venturing out to donate blood.

The IBTS called for blood

donors to make a special effort to give blood over the coming weeks as the sustained bad weather has adversely impacted the blood supply.

“In the 3 week period since December 21st last, donor attendance at clinics has been significantly affected by the bad weather. In flooded areas of the country safety advice has been to make only journeys that are absolutely necessary,” said Operations Director, Paddy Bowler.

“This has resulted in blood supply levels of the main blood groups at 3 days. This will only sustain hospitals for the next 3-4 days. Blood is in constant demand the IBTS aims to[m] hold 7 days supply across the blood groups. In an effort to improve the supply levels and maintain services to patients, the IBTS is asking donors to make a special effort to attend clinics in the next two weeks and if you can, bring a new donor with you”.

Another reason for low supplies is Iron deficiency in female blood donors, and in November 2015, the IBTS suspended taking blood from some women donors, who had given blood in the last 18 months, until every blood sample was checked for haemoglobin (Hb).

“We introduced a new noninvasive point-of-care device in July 2014 to measure the haemoglobin level in blood donors prior to accepting them for donation. We have now discovered that the device

gives inaccurate results in some individuals with anaemia down to, and probably below, 8.4 g/dL. As a result of the issue which has now been detected with this new device, some women, and probably a much smaller number of men, could have been rendered iron deficient and anaemic from blood donation in the past 18 months” said IBTS Medical and Scientific Director Dr William Murphy last November. “[…] we decided to introduce a full blood count on all female donors – this process is being extended to all male donors this week. Approximately 20 donors with anaemia who were not detected by the new device, prior to a unit of blood being taken [..], have all been contacted. In addition [..] for the time being we are suspending taking blood donations from women who have already donated in the last 18 months. We will replace the current version of the device with an alternative as soon as possible. We have contacted the Health Products Regularity Authority in relation to this. This device is also in use in Austria and some blood donation clinics in Germany”.

The IBTS also asked that any concerned donors to attend their GP if they are worried that they might be anaemic or iron deficient. The IBTS would meet the cost of attending the GP and iron studies.

Dr Murphy added: “This is a temporary measure while we resolve the issue that has arisen with the technology, or if this is not possible while we introduce an alternative method of Haemoglobin measurement. Until we have a resolution to the problem that has arisen, we are asking male donors to attend our clinics and give blood. We need male donors to make an extra effort to donate and maintain the blood supply.

We will be double checking all Haemoglobin results on these donors”.

He concluded: “we are confident that this issue with our new haemoglobin level measurment device has not had any impact on blood received by patients.

We are determined to have this matter resolved as soon as possible”.

– M. Butler

The IBTS were to introduce new software to re-analyse all the electronic results from all donors tested and accepted for donation since the introduction of the failed device. Any discrepant results would be notified to the donors involved.

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LGBT Singles Adventure Weekends in Westport!

Adventure West and Hotel Westport, Co Mayo in Ireland, have teamed up to host two LGBT singles adventure weekends early this summer. With Westport being a lively and popular adventure hub, this will be a perfect opportunity for single, gay and outdoorsy folk to meet new like-minded friends – and maybe even spark a bit of romance. Single gay men are encouraged to head west for the weekend of May 6th to 8th, while June 10th to 12th will be the ladies’ turn.

Hotel Westport, Co Mayo,Ireland

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Coasteering

What’s on offer is a weekend of adventure without the cheesy match-making.

No speed-dating here – but there will be a welcome reception on the Friday evening to evolve strangers into new acquaintances. A full day of adventure activities on Saturday will help to form strong bonds with your new buddies.

The day will kick off with zip and zorbing on the nearby grounds of Westport House. After lunch, there’s a choice between coasteering, rock-climbing & abseiling, or kayaking. By dinner time, there’ll be plenty of adrenalin flowing as you reconvene to swap adventure stories over dinner and drinks with your new friends (and who knows, maybe even your new love).

Singles of all levels of experience (including none) are welcome for all activities.

There are some basic requirements (such as being comfortable swimming in the sea if you opt for coasteering), but the instructors will ensure a fun and safe day out for all – even complete beginners.

The secret to a fun weekend is a can-do spirit!

Single occupancy rate is €329, or bring a friend and share for only €269 per person. The package includes two nights bed and breakfast, welcome reception (nibbles & wine punch)on Friday evening, four-course dinner on Saturday evening, plus complimentary use of the 4-star hotel’s leisure facilities (which include a 20m swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, gym, table tennis and a 9 hole crazy golf course).

Book on www.hotelwestport.ie using the promo code LGBT2016, or phone Hotel Westport on 098 25122.

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IDGTF 2016 Celebrates He IDGTF (International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival) Are Celebrating Heros and History Makers! They Hope You Can Join Them The 13th International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival Programme is out now!

Be part of IDGTF 2016 and celebrate LGBT identity and history in a packed programme of drama, music, comedy, free events, seminars and more from May 1st to 15th.

And in 2016, there is a lot to celebrate…

The 1916 Centenary in a programme highlighting the roles played by LGBT people the Rising.

The 2015 Marriage Equality Referendum and its aftermath.

Heroes and heroines from our past – from Oscar Wilde to Padraig Pearse and Alan Turing, from Helen of Troy to Elizabeth O’Farrell.

Who we are now – love, sex, relationships, marriage, LGBT people in sport and more.

Powerful works of artists from Russia and Iran, of trans artists and others who will not be silenced for who they are.

New writing by talented female writers and directors in the ‘Feminists Awake’ programme.

New writing, outstanding performances, production and diversity at the Gala.

Boxers, revolutionaries, footballers, pole-dancers, geniuses, history-makers, migrants, playwrights, nuns and hedonists are all part of IDGTF 2016.

From ancient Greece to modern Russia and Iran, from the steps of the GPO to the referendum count centres, from Reading Gaol to the modern London cruising scene their stories are all part of IDGTF 2016.

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eros and History Makers Here is a preview of the 2016 Festival Programme: A truly international line-up from Ireland, the UK, USA, Canada, Iran, Russia, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Greece.

Approximately 30 productions over 14 days and nights across 6 venues (over 180 performances of theatre in all) Drama, comedy, music, cabaret, dance, free events and more.

Multiple World, European and Irish premieres.

Exciting new collaborations with the leading LGBT theatre companies in the UK (King’s Head Theatre) as well as with the oldest LGBT theatre in the USA (TOSOS).

A series of events related to the 1916 Rising – including full length and short plays and an academic seminar.

New writing by female writers and directors in our ‘Feminists Awake’ programme.

Irish Historical Short plays as well as International Shorts.

A look at the 2015 Marriage Equality Referendum and its aftermath A nightly Festival Club where participants, audience, supporters and volunteers can socialise Saturday and Bank Holiday Monday daytime matinee performances at only €10 Our closing ‘Gala and Awards Night’ where we celebrate excellence in the Festival with awards for acting, writing, aspects of production, intercultural-dialogue and contributions to LGBT theatre.

Julie Andrews, Alan Turing, Padraig Pearse, Oscar Wilde, Roger Casement and Helen of Troy will all be joining us for Festival 2016. We hope that you can join us too!

For more information, go to www.gaytheatre.ie EILE Magazine 67

IDGTF: 2016 – The Year of Our Heroes – Thirteenth International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival - Full Timetable The world’s largest Gay Theatre Festival will commence this Sunday, as five venues across the city become home to the best gay theatre has to offer, celebrating a century of LGBT heroes. “1916 – Because Freedom is Personal” a free academic seminar detailing the forgotten role LGBT people and women played in 1916 kicks off two weeks of music, drama, comedy and dance offering a unique opportunity to see LGBT culture (10 performances each night), presented by theatre companies from Ireland, the UK, USA, Canada, Iran, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, & Greece [see Two Week Listing below].

“We are delighted to once again host the world’s biggest and most diverse LGBT Theatre Festival in this commemorative year. 2016 not only allows us commemorate the contribution of gay people to the freedom of Ireland as a republic, but 68 EILE Magazine

the many people who led the way to a more equal world for LGBT people.

This is our thirteenth year staging new and diverse theatre, welcoming artists and audiences regardless of their sexual identity.

Everyone is welcome in this unique festival of theatre”

to feature a host of 1916themed productions with a number of full length plays, including “Eirebrushed,” written and directed by Festival Director Brian Merriman, in which the hidden lesbian and gay heroes of 1916 return today to discuss their place in modern Ireland. There is also a collection of Irish historical shorts ranging from the times of Oscar Wilde, through to the modern day, exploring how far LGBT people have come.

said Brian Merriman, who founded the event in 2004, the 150th anniversary of the birth of Oscar Wilde, with the aim to create new opportunities for visibility and affirmation of emerging LGBT artists and theatrical “The term ‘Hero’ means works. something different to everyone. It is a word Speaking ahead of the to which we apply our festival, Minister of State own meaning and from for New Communities, which we draw our own Culture & Equality Aodhán understanding,” said Conor Ó Ríordáin said: Molloy, Public Relations Director, “Whether it be “The festival is crucial to the Irish Republican heroes providing a space for LGBT of 1916, the mythological voices in the arts. This of figures of our legends, or course is a very special the Irish electorate who year for our country and changed the country as as we reflect on the last we know it in last year’s 100 years and all of the Marriage Referendum. positive things that we This year’s programme have achieved.” seeks to highlight and commemorate those who This centennial year, the are responsible for where festival is especially excited we are today.” The modern

Eirebrushed looks at the LGBT revolutionaries who fought for personal and Irish freedom and asks what they would think of the modern Ireland that was born from their struggles.

Named after courageous Nurse Elizabeth O’Farrell who was literally airbrushed from historical images of the Rising, this play also looks at Padraig Pearse, Roger Casement and Eva Gore-Booth the revolutionary sister of Countess Markievicz.

May 2 – 7 @ 7:30pm; Matinees May 2 & 7 @ 2:30pm Just one of the many plays on offer!

Full Timetable on following pages

heroes that passed the referendum for equal marriage, Helen of Troy, the Greek banking crisis, sportsmen, and even “the devil” Julie Andrews, make an appearance in a programme that welcomes, for the first time, artists from regimes who endanger their lives as LGBT people.

This year, the festival also received an endorsement from New York City Councillor Daniel Dromm, for the positive impact it has had on LGBT people of Irish decent. “It is a great cause for celebration that Dublin is the recognised worldwide centre for the celebration of the LGBT identity through theatre as an art form.” said Brian

Merriman.

They are all a part of the thirteenth annual International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival.

For full listings, go to: www.gaytheatre.ie Full Timetable on following pages >>>>

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Dublin LGBTQ Pride REBEL REBEL 22-26 June 2016 The popular LGBTQ event, a lot to celebrate and we want Dublin Pride, returns 22-26 to see everyone’s rebellious side June, with this year’s theme this June”. being REBEL REBEL The highlight of the festival The REBEL REBEL theme gives is the Dublin Pride Parade a nod to the 1916 Centenary, which takes place on the while also highlighting Glam 25th June.

Rock legend David Bowie, who released a song of the same title. The parade will start at the Garden of Remembrance in Jed Dowling, Festival Director the heart of the city centre, and for Dublin LGBTQ Pride, then winds through the streets commented: of Dublin up to Merrion Square, where the main stage hosts “As we reflect on years gone by in performances and speeches.

Dublin and Ireland, we recognize many stories, movements, There will be fun for the occasions and people, that have whole family and plenty of allowed us to reach the level entertainment on the day. of freedom that our LGBTQ community has today. REBEL For more information contact: REBEL allows us to look back and reflect upon what it means https://www.facebook.com/ to be Irish and LGBTQ. We have DublinPride

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22-26 June

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Attention!

Galway Community Pride Festival 2016 – Dates Changed!

Galway Community Pride has announced that it has now changed the dates for its Pride Festival 2016.

This year’s festival will now take place in August, from 15th to 21st.

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Brigid Vinnell Photography

You can follow Galway Pride on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/ GalwayPrideFestival/

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‘David Brent: Life on the Road’ – first teaser trailer released

“People see me and see the suit, but they know I’m rock and roll through and through. You know ‘Live fast, die young’? Not my way. Live fast, sure. Too bloody fast sometimes. But die young? Die old.” David Brent, 2002 Written, directed by and starring Ricky Gervais as his much-loved, genre-defining creation, the film catches up with David Brent to see just what everybody’s favourite ‘chilled-out entertainer’ is up to now.

DAVID BRENT: LIFE ON THE ROAD sees the highly anticipated big screen debut of one of comedy’s best-loved characters, David Brent (Ricky Gervais). The film catches up with Brent twelve years on from the BBC mockumentary ‘The Office’ to find he is now a travelling salesman with Lavichem, a cleaning and ladies’ personal hygiene products company.

However, he hasn’t given up on his dream of rock stardom and is about to embark on a selffinanced UK tour with his band, ‘Foregone Conclusion’.

Assembling a group of session musicians who are just in it for the money, and talented rapper Dom (Ben Bailey Smith) in an attempt to gain street cred, Brent cashes in his pensions and takes unpaid leave in a bid to turn his dream into reality. Get ready to join David Brent on the road as he takes one last shot at fame and fortune.

DAVID BRENT: LIFE ON THE ROAD is written, directed by and stars Ricky Gervais, with original music and lyrics by Gervais, musical arrangement by Andy Burrows (Razorlight, We Are Scientists) and raps by Ben Bailey Smith.

DAVID BRENT: LIFE ON THE ROAD will be released in cinemas on 19 August.

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Australian Marriage Equality: Goodbye & Good Luck Ivan!

Ivan Hinton-Teoh is moving on from Australian Marriage Equality (AME) with whom he has worked for the last four years, and AME have sent us this tribute to him: “Australian Marriage Equality (AME) would like to thank Ivan Hinton-Teoh for his immense contribution to the marriage equality campaign in Australia over the last four years.

Ivan is moving on from Australian Marriage Equality, and we wish to acknowledge his strong, effective and tireless advocacy for LGBTI rights and equality in the ACT, and across Australia.

Ivan HintonTeoh

advocacy on a number of local, national, and international LGBTI reforms he is passionate about.

Ivan’s tireless campaigning efforts [for marriage equality] have undoubtedly contributed to moving the issue forward, and his willingness to share his personal story and perspective has helped others to do the same.

Ivan’s energy, creativity, and enduring commitment to the campaign leaves AME in a strong position for the challenges ahead”. (eile.ie 9 April 2016)

Ivan has dedicated a great deal of time and energy to marriage equality whilst with AME, and we know he is looking forward to spending more time with his husband, Chris, and their families.

We look forward to seeing his continued EILE Magazine 77

New Way For LGBT Tourists To Discover The Real Europe You can become an LGBT guide!

for travellers to discover the best of a place at any price point.

The search is on for gay people who love to show their home city to visitors and want to earn money doing so.

Now the Gay European Tourism Association (GETA) has joined forces with trip4real to encourage gay people to sign up as guides to create and promote their own unique experiences to tempt travellers. It could be a gay person’s guide to the best parts of their city, or a tour of their city’s gay life.

Just as Airbnb has transformed the holiday accommodation market by allowing local people to link up with travellers looking for a place to stay, trip4real is providing a similar platform to let local people offer tailormade tours and creative experiences for tourists all across Europe.

Travellers can make real connections with their hosts, discover local trends, and immerse themselves in the culture of their destinations.

Whether it’s learning to make home-made pasta with a local chef in Rome, or sailing to Sitges from Barcelona with your own captain, trip4real makes it easy for locals to make money as guides, and 78 EILE Magazine

Local guides can make up to 700 euros a month.

GETA encourages gay travellers to use trip4real as a portal to meet local LGBT people, and to discover new destinations.

Launched in 2013 in Barcelona, trip4real is now Europe’s premier peerto-peer experiential travel website, with 40,000 users in 50 cities and 4,000 activities, from jet-skiing to mushroompicking, to a night on the tiles with a local DJ. The site has since expanded to London, Lisbon, Rome, Paris and the

Netherlands.

Carlos Kytka, the Gay European Tourism Association’s Executive Director, hailed the partnership as a great move forward for LGBT tourism in Europe: “GETA’s key programme of promoting innovation in LGBT tourism is designed to encourage new ideas which give gay tourists the best possible holiday in Europe.

Our new partnership with trip4real gives gay travellers the opportunity to discover the real culture of a city they are visiting, guided by local gay people. And it gives local gay people the chance to make good money, show off their city, and meet other gay people from around the world”.

Trip4real founder and CEO, Gloria Molins said: “From the start we have had some amazing experiences designed by and for gay people which have been very popular and among the best

in terms of quality. This new partnership with GETA will allow us to introduce trip4real to new travelers and offer a variety of trips and experiences throughout Europe�

You can sign-up as a local guide or check out local tours and experiences throughout Europe at: www.trip4real.com Trip4real is offering new travellers a 15% discount to use on their first booking. Enter the code GETA_summer at checkout.

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GLEN: Vatican’s Amoris Laetitia ‘A missed opportunity to tackle the architecture of homophobia’ Pope says “De facto about LGBT people that it is still a negative one, or same-sex unions, contains and will be felt by many, in for example, may particular LGBT Catholics and not be equated with their families, as a hurtful one” marriage,” despite said Rose. it being in law in “Negative attitudes Ireland for nearly a can feed a culture of hostility and as the year.

“This is a missed the opportunity to reflect and embrace the very positive changes in attitudes towards lesbian and gay people that have come about over the last 20 years in Ireland and across many parts of the world. The Pope, as the leader of the institutional Catholic Church, could have dismantled a key element of the ‘architecture of homophobia’ which comes from the Church’s teachings on LGBT people’ said Kieran Rose, GLEN (Gay & Lesbian Equality Network) Chair.

Rose was responding to Amoris Laetitia (Joy of Love), where Pope Francis outlines the catholic church’s teachings on family issues.

“The new document speaks of compassion but the message 80 EILE Magazine

recent LGBTIreland research showed such intolerance can cause real harm to the mental health and wellbeing of LGBT people, particularly young LGBTI people” said Rose.

“While movement on the Catholic Church’s discrimination against LGBT people is progress, the challenge remains for the institutional Catholic Church not to be an agent of homophobia and transphobia.

The risk of this new document is that it will entrench views amongst some that LGBT people are somehow lesser and should be treated as such.

This doesn’t reflect what the Irish people said last year in the marriage referendum, the majority of whom were Catholics” said Rose.

“Most gay and lesbian people and their loving relationships are fully included within their wider family and community circles in Ireland.

It is disappointing that the institutional Catholic Church continue to say to lesbian and gay people, and to their parents and families, that they are not fully welcome” said Rose.

“As an urgent minimum, the Pope and the institutional Catholic Church need to ensure that the spirit of this new document is implemented across the world.

In particular to ensure that Catholic Church hierarchies withdraw their hostility to and advocacy against basic progress for LGBT people, such as the recent statement by the Catholic Bishops in Malawi which criticised the Government for withdrawing proposed laws that would imprison gay people” concluded Rose. (eile.ie 9 April 2016)

Pope Francis

“De facto or same-sex unions, for example, may not be equated with marriage�

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‘In The Know’ Sexual Health Course for Young Men In The Know is a course for young gay and bisexual men arming you with everything you need to know about sexual health and healthy relationships.

In the Know empowers young MSM (aged 17 – 24) in the areas of sexual health that they’re afraid to ask about. Their rule of “don’t hold back” gives participants the options to anonymously ask those ’embarrassing’ questions and to have them answered within a group that will learn together how to address sexual health and to make sure they are In the Know.

The course runs for five weeks, and is free!

For more information, visit BeLonGTo at:

www.belongto.org

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Maspalomas Gay P Wet & White

Amadores Beach Club – Thursday 12 May 2016 from 13:00 – 20:00 Wet & White at Amadores Beach Club was completely sold out last year! This year Wet & White promises to be even better with famous international DJs, elevated stage with LED screens, gogo dancers, an amazing sound system, and of course a gorgeous location with large pool next to the ocean!

Get ready as this year one of the biggest names within the gay community DJ scene will visit Gran Canaria between his gigs in Moscow and Sydney…Mickey Friedmann!

Resident DJ of organisor ProGay is of course the amazing Sharon O´Love. Your host is probably the best DJs on Gran Canaria and plays at the popular Construction Bar; PK80! Soraya Vivian will give you a tremendous vocal performance. She has recorded many singles for Hed Kandi and Fierce Angel!

Tickets: http://www.gaypridemaspalomas.com/product/wet-white/

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Pride 2016 – Events T-Dance

Aqua Ocean Club – Friday 13 May from 13:00 – 20:00 Located right next to the Meloneras Beach and Atlantic Ocean you can enjoy an amazing day with top DJs, live performances, and gogo dancers!

Resident DJ of the T-Dance, Sharon O´Love, plays regularly at Hard On London, NY Club Munich and Funhouse Amsterdam. This will be the third time that T-Dance welcomes Luis del Villar, from Barcelona, who has his residence at Ocean Club Ibiza during summertime, and monthly at the Eclipse Bar in the world famous W Hotel, Barcelona. Local hero, PK80, will be host of DJs, and welcomes Soraya Vivian as the vocal superstar at T-Dance 2016! She will blow you away with her powerful voice, and her many hits. http://www.gaypridemaspalomas.com/product/t-dance/ Get your Early Bird tickets with discount!

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US: NCTE Condemns South Carolina Sheriff for Threatening Violence Against Trans Women Last week, in remarks at the GreenvilleSpartanburg Republican Women’s Meeting, Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright addressed the anti-trans bill moving through South Carolina’s legislature. S. 1203 would restrict access to restrooms in public buildings based on the sex listed on an individual’s birth certificate and is currently being heard in a Senate subcommittee.

In expressing his support for the bill, the sheriff characterized trans women as “guys” and threatened violence against trans South Carolinians.

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“[I]f you are a guy and you go into bathroom with my wife, I’m going to make the news,” Wright said. “I’m going to whip your tail if you go in there with my wife while she’s trying to use the bathroom.”

National Centre for Transgender Equality (NCTE) Executive Director Mara Keisling said in response: “I am shocked that Sheriff Wright would threaten police brutality against South Carolinians for doing something everyone has to do every day. Transgender people have been using public restrooms that match the gender they live as every day across South Carolina without hurting anyone, and this man is threatening them with physical harm. He does not seem fit to be a law enforcement officer. And the legislators in South Carolina who are scaring the public about transgender people to score some political points should be ashamed of themselves. Governor Haley was correct: South Carolina does not need this bill. Nor does it need this hate-filled conversation or this sheriff”.

The 2011 National Transgender Discrimination Survey [in the US] found that one-fifth of trans people have been harassed by police, and that 6 percent have been physically assaulted. As Sheriff Wright’s comments show, bills like the one moving through South Carolina’s legislature right now only put trans people at even higher risk of violence from the law enforcement officers who are supposed to serve and protect them. (eile.ie 17 April 2016)

‘The 2011 National Transgender Discrimination Survey [in the US] found that one-fifth of trans people have been harassed by police, and that 6 percent have been physically assaulted’

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NI: Belfast Pride Holds ‘Pride Talks Back’ Election Special Belfast Pride’s ‘Pride Talks Back Election Special’ debate made history last night as it included an unprecedented five LGBT Assembly candidates on the panel. This is the biggest group of LGBT Assembly candidates ever assembled for one event in a year that sees a record number of LGBT candidates standing in the Assembly Election.

The debate, in partnership with leading political website Slugger O’Toole, had one representative from each party standing an LGBT candidate – Alliance, Green Party, PUP, SDLP and Sinn Féin as part of a balanced panel. The full panel was: Alliance – Chris McCaw (Foyle) Green Party – Malachai O Hara (North Belfast) PUP – Sophie Long (Upper Bann) SDLP – Connor Duncan (North Antrim) Sinn Féin – Michael Gray-Sloan (South Down) UUP – Rodney McCune (South Belfast) The debate looked at what inspired so many LGBT people to get involved in politics, and put themselves forward for election, before debating all the key Equality and Election issues, including Adoption, Fertility, Equal Marriage and Freedom from Discrimination.

Journalist Allison Morris hosted the debate, with support from fellow journalists, Amanda Ferguson and Brendan Hughes, at Duncairn Arts Centre in Belfast, from 6.00pm last night, with the debate starting at 7.00pm.

The debate was also streamed live online by Belfast Pride at pridelive.tv, live tweeted and live blogged by Slugger O’Toole and Belfast Pride’s Pride Live team.

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Seán Ó Néill, Chair of Belfast Pride commented: “This is a historic first – five parties have LGBT candidates in the upcoming Assembly election and there are nine LGBT candidates in total. Belfast Pride is marking this with a special edition of our popular Pride Talks Back debate – we sent out an open invitation to all parties including those with LGBT candidates and we will be asking the candidates to take to the stage to explain what made them put themselves forward.

Belfast Pride is now one of the biggest and most wide ranging festivals in Belfast and we want to help and encourage the LGBT citizens of Belfast play their full part in the life of the city on an equal basis with our fellow citizens.

We hope there are many more firsts to come as we continue to work for full Equality in our city.” (eile.ie 16 April 2016)

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Design: Anthony Zagariko, exclusively for EILE Magazine

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Information and support for women who need someone to talk to

DLL – Phone: (01) 872 9911 (Callback facility available) EILE Magazine 91

GLEN welcomes the first CSO figures for marriages of lesbian and gay couples in Ireland The Central Statistics Office yesterday released Ireland’s first figures on the numbers of lesbian and gay couples who were married in Ireland, following the commencement of the equal marriage legislation in November 2015.

The figures show 91 couples were married in November and December 2015.

Commenting on the figures, GLEN’s co-chairperson Kieran Rose said: “We are delighted for all those lesbian and gay couples who were married in 2015 and the many more whose foreign marriages were recognised in Ireland. We wish them warm congratulations and look forward to seeing many many more lesbian and gay couples being married in the coming months and years.”

“These weddings are a testament to the loving relationships of LGBT people and to the dedication, commitment and courage of all those who campaigned for equality. They are a tribute to the generosity of the Irish people in giving full equality to their lesbian or gay family members, friends and neighbours” concluded Rose.

[Ed’s Note – The gay and lesbian same-sex couple ratios are as follows, according to the CSO: “91 same-sex marriages in 2015 Same-sex marriages legislation came into effect on the 16th November 2015. In the period to the end of 2015, there were 91 same-sex marriages in the State. This figure comprised of 47 male couples and 44 female couples”.] (eile.ie 16 April 2016)

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“These weddings are a testament to the loving relationships of LGBT people and to the dedication, commitment and courage of all those who campaigned for equality. They are a tribute to the generosity of the Irish people in giving full equality to their lesbian or gay family members, friends and neighbours�

- Kieran Rose

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Carly Rae Jepsen To Perform At Brighton Pride Carly Rae Jepsen Is To Perform At Brighton Pride Festival at Preston Park, Brighton, UK, on Saturday, August 6, according to Graham Robson of GScene.

He writes: “Her addictive worldwide hit Call Me Maybe became the best selling global record of 2012 and set the glorious tone for a career that has seen her albums Tug Of War, Emotion and the platinum selling Kiss span nations, capture fans hearts and deliver a soundtrack of sunshine-fuelled feel good tunes across the world”.

“After all when a pop sensation like Carly Rae Jepsen sings they really like you it’s only pertinent that we join the lip-sync action and welcome her to the city with open arms – Brighton Pride style”.

Graham also says that 2015 was a “record fundraising year for Brighton Pride with £100,000 raised for community good causes and 200,000 people enjoying the biggest community parade to date”.

To book tickets online for the Brighton Pride Festival, on Saturday August 6 2016, go to www.brighton-pride.org For more on this story, visit www.gscene.com (eile.ie 15 April 2016)

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Carly Rae Jepsen

“After all when a pop sensation like Carly Rae Jepsen sings they really like you it’s only pertinent that we join the lip-sync action and welcome her to the city with open arms – Brighton Pride style”

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Gay Duo Tegan And Sara Release Brand New Single ‘Boyfriend’!

In anticipation of their forthcoming album Love You to Death, Tegan and Sara have launched their album preorder and released debut single “Boyfriend”.

while Sara Quin belts the song’s charmingly cheeky and lovestruck hook.”

“Boyfriend” has already received rave reviews from fans and press alike.

Tegan and Sara have been featured by Buzzfeed in a comprehensive document of the duo’s journey over their 17-year career, from their early days to indie rock success, signing to a major label and performing at the Academy Awards, right up to recording Love You to Death.

Vulture exclaims: “Are there two greater pop songwriters walking this Earth than Tegan & Sara Quin? Not many. And oh baby, they’re finally back with more synth-pop perfection.”

Rolling Stone proclaims: “The synths beam and blare over thundering percussion,

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Stereogum declares: “[‘Boyfriend’] continues the Canadian duo’s slide into synth-pop glory that they started with 2013’s Heartthrob.”

In the unprecedented music profile, Tegan discloses that the album is about “how debilitating and transformative” relationships can be, including those

Tegan and Sara have with each other. The album is a product of their strengthened bond, and of being more comfortable with who they truly are, and Buzzfeed identifies it as their “strongest, catchiest record to date.”

“Boyfriend” and brand-new track “U-turn” are available for sale and streaming now.

Fans who pre-order Love You to Death in advance of its June 3rd release will instantly receive “Boyfriend” and “U-turn.”

Love You to Death, the follow up to Tegan and Sara’s breakthrough 2013 album Heartthrob, was recorded in Los Angeles with producer Greg Kurstin (Adele, Sia, Beck) and features 10 new tracks (see below for full track listing).

Love You to Death full track list:

9) U-turn

1) That Girl

10) Hang on to the Night

2) Faint of Heart

You can follow Tegan & Sara at:

3) Boyfriend

Website – http://teganandsara.com

4) Dying to Know

Instagram – www.instagram.com/ teganandsara/

5) Stop Desire 6) White Knuckles 7) 100x

Twitter – https://twitter.com/teganandsara Facebook – https://facebook.com/ TeganandSara

8) BWU

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Australia - Gay Couple’s Daughter Urges Turnbull To Drop Plebiscite A young Melbourne woman raised by a samesex couple has written to Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, urging him to drop plans for a plebiscite on marriage equality and allow a free vote in Parliament instead.

In her open letter, Georgia Weymouth Large, wrote that during a plebiscite campaign, “There will be advertisements

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that deem our families “unnatural” and the children of same-sex couples “disadvantaged”. There will be a substantial amount of abuse and harassment from people who do not want to see the plebiscite go in favour of marriage equality.”

“I have no doubt that the months and weeks leading up to the plebiscite will destroy lives. Not only those who feel personally attacked but also their loved ones who will be left with the bitter reminder that the leaders of their beloved nation let such a brutal debate cause harm to so many”.

In a letter responding to Ms Weymouth Large, a spokesperson for AttorneyGeneral, George Brandis, wrote that “the Government does not condone any form of speech which incites hatred”.

Ms Weymouth Large appeared on the ABC current affairs program, Q&A, last month where she made the same point.

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, welcomed, Ms Weymouth Large’s letter saying:

“In the ever-growing chorus of opposition to a marriage equality plebiscite, it is vital we hear the voices of the children of same-sex couples”.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull

“They remind us that not only that marriage equality is good for tens of thousands of Australian families, but that a plebiscite will potentially cause these families great harm.”

Responding to the Government’s disapproval of hate speech, Mr Croome said, “I welcome the Government’s dim view towards hate speech, but the best way to limit the negative impact of hatred is to avoid a plebiscite altogether by going to a free vote instead.” (eile.ie 14 April 2016)

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Information and support for women who need someone to talk to

DLL – Phone: (01) 872 9911 (Callback facility available) EILE Magazine 101

Mississippi ‘Freedom of Conscience’ Bill Passed, Allowing LGBT Discrimination Known as the “Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act” (House Bill No 1523) legislation has been signed into law in Mississippi in the US by the Governor, Phil Bryant, a member of the Republican party, yesterday, Tuesday 5th April. The Act is due to come into effect on 1st July this year.

The legislation allows businesses to discriminate against LGBT people and others on the basis of religious beliefs or moral convictions, such as holding the belief that marriage should only be between a man and a woman, for instance, and that gender is determined

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by anatomy and genetics at time of birth.

It also allows businesses to decline to provide goods or services in relation to a samesex marriage celebration on the basis of a “sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction”.

In the case of employment, it allows businesses to make “ any employment-related decision including, but not limited to, the decision whether or not to hire, terminate or discipline an individual whose conduct or religious beliefs are inconsistent with those of the religious organization, based upon or in a manner consistent with a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction”.

The new act also allows businesses to discriminate in relation to selling or renting accommodation, allowing

them to make “any decision concerning the sale, rental, occupancy of, or terms and conditions of occupying a dwelling or other housing under its control, based upon or in a manner consistent with a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction”.

The act also requires that the state not take any action against a person or business that refuses treatments, counselling or surgeries to an individual, specifically mentioning sex reassignment and gender identity transitioning, on the basis of religious or moral conviction.

In the case of adoption and fostering, it allows organisations to refuse service to individuals, based on the organisation’s religious beliefs and moral convictions.

The state is prevented by

the act from taking action against any business or individual who refuses to “provide the following services, accommodations, facilities, goods, or privileges for a purpose related to the solemnization, formation, celebration, or recognition of any marriage” including “Photography, poetry, videography, disc-jockey services, wedding planning, printing, publishing or similar marriage-related goods or services; or Floral arrangements, dress making, cake or pastry artistry, assembly-hall or other wedding-venue rentals, limousine or other carservice rentals, jewelry sales and services, or similar marriage-related services, accommodations, facilities or goods”.

The act also protects employees of the state and religious organisations against a Kim Davis style situation, by allowing state employees and others to recuse themselves if, for instance, asked to issue licences to same-sex couples, or perform a same-sex wedding ceremony.

It also allows for organisations to require students or employees to dress according to sex-specific standards, and to use only those restrooms or facilities which are sex-specific, and the state cannot act against a person or organisation that “establishes sex-specific standards or policies concerning employee or student dress or grooming, or concerning access to

restrooms, spas, baths, showers, dressing rooms, locker rooms, or other intimate facilities or settings”.

Whereas opponents of the Act say that it allows statesponsored discrimination, supporters, including the state’s lieutenant governor, Tate Reeves (also a Republican) say it protects the rights of those with religious beliefs, in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to allow equal marriage.

‘Religious freedom laws’ similar to that of Mississippi are being proposed in about 12 US states since the Supreme Court’s ruling on equal marriage.

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Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – Season 2 After an unforgettable first season, the Emmynominated U ​ nbreakable Kimmy Schmidt returns with new episodes bursting with hilarity and heart.

Created by ​Tina Fey ​and R ​ obert Carlock, the half-hour comedy follows a woman adjusting to life in New York City after being held in an underground bunker for 15 years.

All 13 episodes of ​Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt​’s second season became available to Netflix members around the world on Friday, April 15, at 12:01 a.m. PT. “There’s a lot of singing, there’s some roller coasters, there’s some new family members,” Carlock teases.

In the new season, Kimmy (played by ​Ellie Kemper​) continues to adjust to the 21​ century and learn more about who she really is.

“Now she’s got deeper emotional and life issues that she has to really get into,” Fey says. “That’s more of what this season is about.”

Joining Kimmy on her journey are her best pal and roommate, Titus (​Tituss Burgess); employer-turned-friend Jacqueline (​Jane Krakowski​); and landlady Lillian (​Carol Kane​).

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In the new season, fans can expect a few surprise guest appearances as well.

Along with being nominated for several awards (including seven Emmys), the first season of ​Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt ​ resonated with audiences across the globe.

“We care a lot about the show and these characters, and it’s very special to us to be able to share it with such a big audience,” Carlock says. “So many people I’ve spoken to or heard from have binged it and binged it again, and that means a lot.”

Adds Kemper: “Certainly (Kimmy’s) set of circumstances is extreme. But I think that anyone can relate to going through a challenging time and starting over again, starting fresh and (all) that surrounds starting a new chapter of your life.”

A host of guest stars join Season 2 of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt for its launch exclusively on Netflix · Fred Armisen plays Bobby​, a former flame of Lillian’s. · Anna Camp plays Deirdre Robespierre, Princeton-educated trophy wife, queen of New York society, and a rival to Jacqueline Voorhees. · Amy Sedaris again plays Mimi Kanassis, one of Jacqueline’s society friends.

· Zosia Mamet and Evan Jonigkeit play Sue and Bob Thompstein, an Austin hipster couple. · Jeff Goldblum plays talk show host Dr. Dave, who takes an interest in the story of the Mole Women. ·

David Cross plays Russ Snyder, attorney for the Jewish Art Reclamation Project.

·

Tina Fey plays therapist Andrea Bayden.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt ​is executive produced by Fey, Carlock, ​Jeff Richmond and ​ David Miner​. It’s produced by Universal Television in association with 3 Arts Entertainment, Little Stranger, Inc., and Bevel Gears.

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Tessanne Chin

by Nathan Patrick

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