EILE Magazine December 2016 (Vol.4, Issue 6)

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Magazine V4 Issue 06 - December 2016

WILD Domestic Alicia Rae Darker Days Ahead?

LGBT Book Review Inside:

Glรณria

Honey & Jude

Travel | Film | Fashion |Health | News

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 M. Butler M. Butler is a writer and editor, with a keen interest in human rights, and has studied philosophy and psychology 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 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

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EILE Magazine | Welcome

Highlights December 2016 Darker Days Ahead? - P.24 Scott De Buitléir writes on the possible changes that are coming about in the world with Trump and Brexit

Volume 4, Issue 06 Editor-at-Large: Scott De Buitléir Editor: MKB

Glória’s Xmas Concert - P.30

Contributors: Mark Anthony, M. Butler, Scott De Buitléir, MKB, Lisa Reynolds, Brian Rochford, Frances Winston

The Glória Christmas Concert at St Patrick’s Cathedral, in Dublin, is reviewed by M. Butler

Photographers: Aidan McCollough, Sarah Prata, Julie Socher, LaFamos

Health - P.28 Brian Rochford tells us how important it is to get enough Vitamin D for our mental and physical health

Music - Pps.6,10,and 14 This month we bring you music news on Wild Domestic, Honey & Jude, and Alicia Rae

Fashion P.18 and a P.22 Mark Anthony will have us all warm and toasty in the latest styles for Christmas, and Lisa Reynolds reviews LGBT-themed novel, To Never Walk Alone

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

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…plus film reviews, news, travel, and much more!

EILE Magazine

EILE Magazine | Editor’s Letter

Contents 6-

Wild Domestic

10 -

Honey & Jude

14 -

Alicia Rae

18 -

Festive Vibes

22 -

LGBT Book Review

24 -

Dawn of a Darker Day

28

Health Vitamin D

30 -

Glória Review

32 -

Travel Bahamas

34 -

Travel USA

36 -

Film with Frances

plus World LGBT News, Views, Arts, Entertainment etc

EILE December Edition!

A very warm welcome to the December 2016 issue of EILE Magazine!

For our Christmas issue, we have things seasonal, as well as serious in store for you, as we take a look at recent world events, and lighter things like music and film.

I write on what I see as the darker days ahead in light of the American elections and Brexit, and Brian Rochford writes about the role of Vitamin D in our diet.

Music comes from Wild Domestic, Honey & Jude, and Alicia Rae, and we have a review of the Glória Christmas Concert. Mark Anthony tells us how to be stylish while being warm and comfortable for the Christmas season.

Lisa Reynolds reviews an LGBTthemed supernatural romance, and Frances Winston gives us the low-down on some great movies.

And finally, we at EILE Magazine would like to wish you all a Very Happy And Safe Christmas And A Great New Year, and hope that you’ll love this December edition of EILE Magazine... Enjoy!

Scott De Buitléir Founder / Editor-at-Large

EILE Magazine EILE Magazine

See our film reviews

by Frances Winston

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Matt Carlson

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Wild Domestic This month, EILE Magazine drops in on Matt Carlson of indie/rock/ punk project, Wild Domestic ‘Author’ is the latest single from Paraguayan singer/songwriter, Matt Carlson, who is behind indie/alt-rock band, Wild Domestic. Born in Paraguay, Carlson now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, having moved there when he was a child. He says he knew from a young age that music was his true calling.

Carlson went on to teach himself a wide range of musical instruments, including guitar, bass, drums and keys, and released his self-titled debut EP,

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WILD DOMESTIC, in 2015.

SINGULAR, should be released in early 2017.

Carlson’s soulful, raw, vocal in his latest single, Author, is more like poetry over punk instrumentals, where guitar and drums support the lyric, reminiscent of Paramore or Green Day, and showing Wild Domestic’s stated influences - bands like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Talking Heads and Arcade Fire.

Carlson’s personal outlook is reflected in Wild Domestic’s writing and performance.

His honest and very personal lyrics soar over the instrumentals, which are based in his alternative rock/punk/indie background.

Very involved in the arts from his teens, Carlson has acted in a number of plays and commercials. While attending college, he continued his music career, and played with several different Charlotte area bands before deciding to pursue a solo career, under the name Wild Domestic.

You can find out more about Matt Carlson and Wild Domestic by visiting:

Having spent the last few years writing and performing, both locally and nationally, Carlson released his self-titled debut EP, WILD DOMESTIC in 2015. The follow-up EP,

If you like Green Day and Paramore, you should check out Author from Wild Domestic!

WildDomesticMusic.com www.facebook.com/wilddomesticofficial or listen to more of their music on SoundCloud at: soundcloud.com/wilddomesticofficial

Cover Art for Author

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Matt Carlson of Wild Domestic

All Photos courtesy of LaFamos EILE Magazine

Honey & Jude Southern Californian, electronicpop duo, Honey & Jude, have recently released their single, Weirdos And Freaks, and a christmas Nsync cover Featured previously on EILE Magazine daily at eile.ie on October 21, with their upbeat and sassy single,Weirdos & Freaks, electro-pop duo, Honey & Jude, have also covered Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, by Nsync, to wish you all a Merry Christmas in 2016!

Weirdos & Freaks is an upbeat, sassy, track which features electronic sounds, drumbeats and guitar - Jude’s clear vocal coming in after the first few beats. For the chorus, Honey’s soaring vocal harmonises with Jude’s, then goes solo for the second verse, merging with Jude again for the next chorus.

Born and raised in Southern California, and very LA in their attitude, Honey & Jude bring sunshine and energy to their music. They have collectively played several famous venues, such as the Hard Rock Cafe, House of Blues, The Foundation Room, and are self-professed

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Motown-lovers.

The release of their debut EP, Summer Fling: Don’t Mean a Thing (2015) was well received, gaining lots of media attention, most notably from Music Connection Magazine, who named Honey & Jude in their ‘Top 100 Unsigned Artists of 2015.’

Looks-wise, comparisons have inevitably been made with Danny and Sandy from the musical, Grease, and they have a light, humorous touch in their music, which goes down well in their shows.

The title of their first single, My Stupid Songs, (2015) shows their young and fresh approach.

“It’s that whole ‘I love you’ and ‘I hate you’ thing,” they said.

“It’s stupid, and you feel stupid for being that way, but we all do it.”

Their songs range from bittersweet ballads with a 50s vibe in Not Worth a Song, and the dramatic I Need You, to edgier songs like Wrong, and pop anthems like The Lucky One, and My Stupid Songs.

Have a listen to this lively pop duo, and see

Photographers: Aidan McCollough, Sarah Prata

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“It’s that whole ‘I love you’ and ‘I hate you’ thing”

what you think. We think you’ll like them, and you’ll want to include them in your party music in the grey days ahead! Enjoy!

You can follow Honey & Jude on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud at: https://www.facebook.com/ honeyandjude twitter.com/honeyandjude soundcloud.com/honey-and-jude or download this Weirdos & Freaks on iTunes at:

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itunes.apple.com/us/artist/honeyand-jude/id1040390487

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ALICIA RAE Pop singer-songwriter, Alicia Rae, fills us in on what her latest single, Little Warrior, is all about, and why she wrote it “Love, my only answer is LOVE” - Maddie Grace, Warrior Princess

Alicia Rae is a singer-songwriter from Washington, DC, who has recently released the single, Little Warrior.

This beautiful track was written about her friend, 10 year-old Maddie Grace, who was battling leukemia for a number of years, finally succumbing at age 10. The song was produced and engineered by Chris Rafetto, and acoustics are by Evan Field.

Alicia says: “I wrote this song after learning that my friend Maddie was preparing to battle Leukemia for the fifth time. I wanted this song to be a reminder for her to keep living life the way I’d always seen her live it... with strength, courage, a smile, a sense of wonder, innocence, and so much love.

On October 20, 2015, Maddie earned her wings, and we miss her every day. I hope that this song can remind all of the little warriors out there to keep fighting, stay innocent, and lean on love”.

Alicia’s music normally ranges over catchy pop songs with playful melodies and honest lyrics, similar to a hybrid of Taylor Swift, Michelle Branch, Vanessa Carlton and Kina Grannis.

The self-taught guitarist purchased her first guitar in 2009, and quickly found her knack for songwriting. A little shy, it took some convincing from her loved ones to perform at her first open mic in late 2012.

Alicia was quickly recognized for her crisp vocals and catchy, relatable lyrics. She has played

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at festivals across the mid-Atlantic region.

She’s also performed at famed Washington, DC music venues, like Jammin’ Java, and U Street Music Hall. She has also opened for award-winning artists, such as Mikaela Davis, Lewis Watson, Kawehi and Steve Moakler.

After working with producer Chris Rafetto, Alicia released Sweet Melody EP. From lust, to love, to heartbreak, each of the songs on her EP were inspired by a past experience, and she conveys that heart-felt emotion through her musical storytelling.

Inspired by her friend Maddie’s battle with leukemia, Alicia became actively involved in community fundraising, and volunteering at DC’s Children’s Hospital.

She wrote the single, “Little Warrior”, in honor of Maddie, and for all the children fighting cancer around the world.

A portion of sales will go to CureSearch to help fund research to find a cure for children’s cancer. To learn more about CureSearch, or to donate directly, visit CureSearch.com

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You can see a slideshow of little Maddie over the years on Youtube at the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D VPX9SLFWwg&feature=youtu.be and you can buy Little Warrior on iTunes at: http://tinyurl.com/2016LittleWarrior or visit Alecia’s website at: AliciaRaeMusic.com -MKB

“I wanted this song to be a reminder for her to keep living life the way I’d always seen her live it... with strength, courage, a smile, a sense of wonder, innocence, and so much love”

Photographer: Julie Socher

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NEXT

NEXT

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RIVER ISLAND

Festive Vibes!

Mark Anthony tells us how to be warm, comfortable and stylish for the Christmas Season So it seems that we are in the final throes of 2016. How did that happen?

This was a year that brought the world of menswear relaxed tailoring, bomber jackets, and more trainers than we could have ever imagined. But the year is far from over, as far as your wardrobe is concerned.

The Christmas season always brings with it those weekends that are spent in shops, those evenings spent in pubs, and those days, however reluctantly, spent in that novelty jumper of yours. We tell ourselves that this year will be different, but in truth, these yearly rituals are quite frankly unavoidable. So I guess what I am saying is that you might as well look onpoint while you are at it.

A lot of Christmas shopping is done online these days, so you only really need a good pair of pants, but if you do think you are going to end up outside that front door of yours, then you best dress for the occasion.

You are going to need something smart. Something comfortable.

Something warm. Something breathable. It does have to survive the high street after all. So if you have to pair some

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joggers with a well-cut overcoat, then I guess that’s what you will be doing. That’s one way to be presentable, and snug, all at once.

Other than that, it could be time for that Christmas jumper.

You don’t want to be that miserable twat that refuses to wear one after all. Nobody wants to be that guy. If you can’t get yourself on board with the festivities once a year, then I wouldn’t really be surprised if you got a visit from three ghosts.

Don’t you go wearing that Christmas jumper to your office party though. That should be an entirely different dress-code.

Is the word ‘ball’ on that invite? Are you going to be present at an expensive-looking hotel? You might just need a tuxedo. Or at least slacks and a shirt.

MANGO MAN

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Once Christmas Eve comes around, it doesn’t mean it’s time to get to comfy. Stay in your usual attire. You never know when your mates might come knocking for some festive pints. That’s a whole different story when it comes to the

day we have all been waiting for. It’s time to break out that fancy shirt. It’s time to make that little bit more effort. Or at least make it seem that way. If 2016 has taught us anything, it’s that a statement shirt is a very simple way to dress up.

SIMONS

This really is the season for spending countless hours indoors next to the fire, slowly poaching in wine, and insulating every part of you with turkey.

However,

there

is

no

room for excuses now. You have listened to me for twelve months - sign the year off in style for yourself.

REISS EILE Magazine 21

Book Review

To Never Walk Alone Lisa Reynolds Reviews this LGBT supernatural/romance by authors Chance Christopher and Bella Liddell “We’re one queer author and one ally, and we believe that gay youth deserve more stories about normal people, just like them” - Chance Christopher and Bella Liddell To Never Walk Alone, by Chance Christopher and Bella Liddell, is the writing duo’s new supernatural LGBT romance thriller.

Dealing with typically opposing issues, like sexuality and religion, the new novel revolves around protagonist, 16-year-old Charlie Rush, from Savannah, Georgia. He is just your typical teenager, but with one startling difference - he can communicate with the dead.

While hanging out in a cemetery over the summer months, he also is volunteering in a costume shop, where he meets and falls in love with a handsome young guy called William. But there’s a catch - his new boyfriend William died more than a century ago.

Including LGBT history and a spiritual feel, the book is beautifully and powerfully written, and is deservedly receiving much attention, with well-rounded characters and very natural dialogue.

Writer Chance Christopher said of the story, “People have best described this story as being like ‘Twilight’ for young gay adults, and I can’t think of a more fitting or proud analogy. Bella and I came to realize that there’s just not enough fiction out there about seemingly-normal gay characters. So we wanted to

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create one, while shaking up the discord between religion and sexuality, like it’s never been seen before.

We really wanted it to be a story with a bold purpose.

While of course thrilling and incredibly intense, the story also teaches vital lessons of acceptance, and the importance of embracing today’s vibrant and diverse world.

Supernatural love may be a far cry from the real world, but, when woven together properly, can reach out to people’s literary cravings, and simultaneously give a voice to young gay individuals, who feel they are not properly represented in fiction. It’s a powerful read, for sure.”

The descriptive writing style sets the scene in the reader’s mind throughout, and will keep your attention from page 1 to 192.

Join Charlie, William, Charlie’s father, Charlie’s twin sister Alice, Mrs. Pemberly (the owner of the costume shop) and ghosts like Larry, Nora and Lillian on this wonderful supernatural journey.

Available now on Amazon, the book comes in both Kindle ($3.99) and Paperback ($8.99) formats.

‘To Never Walk Alone’ is available now at: http://amzn.to/2dB4NrM.

Very well-crafted. A must read.

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The Dawn Of A Darker Day Scott De Buitléir writes on the apparent change of direction in the world’s attitude to social issues with the advent of Trump and Brexit Sometimes, it’s good to take stock of the progress we have made in recent years.

In Europe, social progress was introduced in waves, with neighbouring countries influencing one another. The United Kingdom lifted a ban on blood donations from MSMs, and thousands of gay and bisexual men were retroactively pardoned for being charged under anti-gay laws of yesteryear.

Most of the UK welcomed same-sex marriage, with the sole exception of Northern Ireland, despite the Republic of Ireland voting in favour of it in a landmark referendum. Gender recognition legislation was introduced in Ireland also, a move that was welcomed by the country’s trans community, although acknowledging that it wasn’t perfect. Several other European countries introduced several other LGBT protections, anti-discrimination legislation, and social and legal equality.

In North America, a similar story took place. Marriage equality swept across all 50 States, thanks to a ruling from their Supreme Court, boosting the efforts of marriage equality advocates for individual states. Barack Obama’s time in the White House saw the biggest move towards LGBT progress; from his own vocal support of marriage equality, to repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, to Vice-President Joe Biden’s own son being married to his partner in the White House. Even recently, Obama’s words of gratitude and support for Ellen DeGeneres went viral on social media, reminding us all of the change that has taken place in the world, since Ellen came out as gay so many years ago.

What we have seen is a time of great progress for LGBT people in the West. The Great Mainstreaming of 1995-2016 brought gay life from the outcast fringes of society to being a normal part of everyday life.

That time has now passed.

Over the coming weeks and months, the political landscape of the Western World will undergo a tectonic shift that few expected, and fewer were prepared for. We have seen the

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Donald Trump Image: Max Goldberg

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Image: Open Europe

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initial earthquakes and landslides – from the US presidential elections to the vote on Brexit – and it’s likely that we have not seen the end of this violent shift in national dialogue and politics.

The first people to truly see this were LGBT Russians, who had been (predictably) forgotten, once the world’s media got over the shock of the introduction of Russia’s ‘Gay Propaganda’ laws. The homophobic language used against LGBT people in Russia is not dissimilar to the slurs, graffiti, and attacks now reported in American media, since Donald Trump’s victory in the recent presidential elections.

Of course, what makes the American Social Depression of 2016 so stark is that it’s not just LGBT people who are being targeted; it’s any minority at all.

That is how we have now entered a darker era for our once-upon-a-time liberalised world. The freedoms and progress we made in recent years is easily under threat, and in some areas, already under attack. While conservative politics can have some good ideas for the economy and business, a shift to the right in social issues never bodes well for those most vulnerable in society, and yet history seems bound to repeat itself once again, like it has done at several periods during the 20th Century.

To take a specifically Irish perspective on these recent events, we are still on our road for social change. For now, at least, being stuck between Brexit and Trump hasn’t veered our own island off course for change. The #RepealThe8th movement proves that for all recent progress made for LGBT people, women’s rights have not progressed as quickly in Ireland, and the State needs to modernise quickly in that regard.

Northern Ireland’s LGBT groups are still campaigning for marriage equality, and will continue to do so, despite any dismissive comments from Arlene Foster on the matter.

Ireland is still only an island nation, however, and the events across the seas will still have some sort of effect on our island. If Britain is soon to leave certain social bodies within the EU and go rogue, then Ireland will need to step up as Europe’s new English-speaking ambassador for LGBT progress. Ireland could potentially make a great impact from here onwards, although it has punched well above its weight in recent years - that must continue.

Where Trump’s new America is concerned, unity is key. The LGBT community needs to desperately rally around to join forces with other minorities in the US, to find a common call for inclusivity and diversity in the face of white nationalism and blatant racism.

In short: We cannot forget one another when times get dark. We cannot lose sight of the path we wish to travel, and we cannot afford to leave anybody behind.

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Health

Vitamin D The Sunshine Vitamin Brian Rochford writes about the necessity of Vitamin D to our mental and physical well-being It has been suggested that, in the world today, approximately one billion people do not have sufficient quantities of Vitamin D in their blood stream.

Not having adequate amounts of Vitamin D in your body may lead you to being vulnerable to illnesses, like multiple sclerosis and even heart problems, as well as colds and ‘flu. Studies carried out have indicated that this vitamin is very important in combatting a wider range of diseases than had been previously suggested.

At this time, there are still some conflicting opinions with regard to exactly how much of this vitamin you actually need in order to fulfil your body’s daily requirement. Some

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research has indicated that the daily intake for adults and children might be as much as 600 IU, and that this could be increased to assist in the prevention of bone health problems, and also in relation to more serious health issues.

Finding foods naturally high in Vitamin D can present many challenges. A good source can be found in dairy produce, and some natural cereals that have been fortified with the vitamin. For the majority, the most efficient and convenient way of getting Vitamin D is to simply take a supplement on a regular basis. However, it is always advisable before taking any supplements to consult your doctor.

Vitamin D has been most popularly called the sunshine vitamin, because your system produces it as a result of the reaction to the sun on your skin. These days many of us cover up when the sun is shining, with good reason. By doing so, this practical

step protects and prevents your skin from sun damage.

However, by solving this problem, you automatically deprive your body of this extremely important and essential nutrient.

Hence the need to supplement your daily diet as much as possible with the intake of a healthy nutritious foods, and the regular consumption of a Vitamin D supplement.

body to absorb calcium. It is also worth mentioning that it is also helpful in resisting infections.

Research also seems to indicate that reduced levels of Vitamin D have been linked to a lessening of cognitive function, including memory, and so you can see that Vitamin D is very necessary to our mental and physical health, especially as we get older.

We hear much in the media, and from advertisements, about Calcium, and how necessary it is for the development and maintenance of strong bones. This is why Vitamin D is extremely important and necessary, as it is essential in assisting the

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Review

The Glória Christmas Concert 2016 – Magical!

This year, on Friday 16th December, the Glória choir’s Christmas Concert 2016, at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, under the direction of Maestro Ian Packham, could only be described as a spiritual experience.

The pieces ranged from sacred hymns to film soundtracks, and from popular music to Christmas classics, all sung in Glória’s inimitable way.

Glória got a rousing standing ovation even before they started, as they came into the cathedral, and began with White Winter Hymnal, a Fleet Foxes’ song, more akin to the Pentatonix version than the original, which made it special. Right from the start, the harmonies were beautiful, and their interpretation excellent.

We then heard New Born 30 EILE Magazine

Child (a Boswell/Amar song, I think, from the film, Le Premier Cri, where it was sung by Sinéad O’Connor) a beautiful and difficult piece, which was very moving and other-worldly.

Next was an amazing version of The Little Drummer Boy, which showed the heights to which a choir can go when you arrange a well-known hymn into something almost ethereal. This was a beautiful arrangement, with the choir showing their virtuosity and command of their medium.

The timing was also perfect.

Kudos to Mr Packham.

An unusual piece, with vocal harmonies and no words came next, accompanied by piano and violin. I’m afraid I don’t have a name for this, but must say that it was also extremely well executed, showing the choir’s voice control and synchronisation with each other and with their talented conductor/director.

We stood up for Silent Night next, and again, we could have sat down, because the main

work was done by Glória, with our efforts bringing up the rear.

O Magnum Mysterium was another standout this year, in an exquisite rendering that seemed to fill the cathedral with something other than sound, where perfect harmonies lifted us out of the ordinary, and into another world, hard to let go of when the piece came to an end.

We were treated to Walking In The Air next, where the singing was so pure and sweet, you could forget that you were listening to a physical choir who did not have the benefit of being digitised, and would have to wonder where such a beautiful sound came from.

The tantalising Breath of Heaven followed, a beautiful piece with a wonderful female solo, which ranged from soft to strong, and again softly, ending with exquisite violin.

The Bareilles/Michaelson song, A Winter Song, was next – really beautiful, with piano and violin accompaniment,

Photo: twitter.com/Gloriadlgc

and showed just how polished and professional the choir has become. “Is love alive?” it asks, and this rendering would certainly have you answering in the affirmative, and hoping for it not to end, just yet.

The Christmas classic, O Come All Ye Faithful, kindly included the audience again, and we were at pains to do it, and the choir, justice.

From there, Glória went into the beautiful, harmonious and ethereal, Hosanna In Excelsis.

The popular song section came next, comprising a lovely, light arrangement of Santa Clause Is Coming To Town, then the harmonious and light, Go To Bethlehem, Sing Noel sung with a sweet, jazzy arrangement, and then back to the audience for Hark The Herald Angels Sing.

The last section comprised a beautiful and sublime version of White Christmas, and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, where the vocal harmonies brought it to a new level, Ring Christmas Bells, which is so much part of the choir by now, its unaccompanied and light harmonies again overlapping perfectly, and finally, the joyful, Gloria In Excelsis Deo, a heavenly rendering where you could hear a

pin drop, and which gave the impression of a much larger choir, the organ also deepening the spiritual dimension of the piece.

Although this was supposed to be the last offering of the evening, the crowd wanted more, and Mr Packham and the choir did not disappoint!

The encore piece was O Holy Night, much to the delight of the audience, who clearly did not want to leave on that particular holy night!

-M. Butler You can visit Glória at their website at: http://www.gloria.ie/ or follow them on twitter at: twitter.com/Gloriadlgc

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Travel

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Travel: Apr Ref No All offers subject to ch 32 EILE Magazine

amas

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Be inspired by the USA in 2017!

It’s not too early to start thinking about your 2017 USA getaway, where possibilities are unlimited!

As the days get colder and darker, give yourself something wonderful to look forward to in the New Year, by booking a trip to one of America’s fantastic destinations.

Shop ‘til you drop in NYC, while taking in the city’s world famous sites, take a trip of a lifetime on the high seas, with a cruise and stay getaway, or tour the wonderful parks across the States from east coast to west!

There is so much to see and do throughout the United States, why choose just one destination? Make your 2017 trip truly one that you’ll remember, by combining two of their remarkable cities, such as Las Vegas and New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, or Memphis and Nashville!

A really wonderful way to explore the United States is with a fly/drive

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holiday. What better way to see some of the USA’s most iconic areas than being up close and personal and with your own set of wheels. Choose from a variety of Drive America tours that highlight spectacular scenery, incredible sights and vibrant cities in the USA. If it’s family fun and excitement that you’re after, then look no further than the place where children’s dreams come true - Orlando! This is a place where they can meet their idols in the flesh, and be delighted by thrilling rides and amusements, while also enjoying a fun-filled beach holiday! For families, there really is no place like Orlando.

Wherever you choose to visit, and however you choose to do so, you’ll be guaranteed a fantastically enjoyable trip, with memories that will last a lifetime!

Call American Holidays to book on 01 673 3804, or call into their office, just off Grafton Street - 18- 19 Duke Street, Dublin 2, where the staff will help you plan your holiday of a lifetime.

For more information visit www. americanholidays.com.

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Frances Winston on Movies Directed by: David Yates – Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Samantha Morton, Jon Voight, Carmen Ejogo, Colin Farrell To say that Fantastic Beasts And Where to Find Them is one of the most-hyped films of the year is an understatement.

The Harry Potter franchise was – and still is – such a phenomenon, that fans have been eagerly awaiting this offering, which explores another element of the fantastical wizarding world created by JK Rowling.

Oscar-winner, Eddie Redmayne, takes the lead here playing Newt Scamander, who is a kind of conservationist for magical animals. He carries them around in a seemingly innocuous suitcase, that also acts as a gateway to his own private zoo, where the creatures all live in harmony.

Unfortunately, upon arriving in New York, his case gets mixed up with that of a nomaj (No Magic/Human) called Jacob Kowalski (Fogler) and some of his creatures escape. This is a serious issue, as a magical creature is wreaking havoc on the city, and the wizarding world is in danger of exposure.

Newt is wrongly blamed for this, and has a price put on his head by the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA). With fellow wizards out to capture him, and his animals on the loose, he must try and clear his name while ensuring that word of their mysterious magical world doesn’t get out.

Fantastic Beasts And Where to Find Them cleverly draws on the mythology of Harry Potter, but yet manages to be completely different from it.

Obviously, the fact that it’s set in 1920s New York, rather than an English boarding school, is a huge difference. It changes the tone from the off.

There is always something extremely captivating about the Big Apple in this era, with all the art deco buildings and period costumes being a feast for the eyes. Redmayne plays Newt as a somewhat bumbling and shy – more comfortable with his creatures than with people. He is ably supported by the rest of the cast, who all embrace the wonderful world of wizadry with gusto. This is except for Colin Farrell, who makes a convincing baddie, but seems to struggle in the ‘fight scenes’ where he is waving a wand rather than his fists. But this is a minor complaint.

amazing. While intellectually you know that they are CGI, they look so realistic that you completely forget this, and accept them as real. In fact, some of Redmayne’s most engaging scenes are with the creatures, who obviously weren’t there on set as he performed, which just shows how talented he is.

Fantastic Beasts And Where to Find Them is a fantastic feast for the senses. Even if you’ve never seen a Harry Potter film or read the books, you will be able to follow this.

It is pure escapism at its best.

From the very opening scenes, you are invited to park your intellect, and just accept the wonders being presented to you on screen.

It helps that it also has a decent script. Rowling herself penned it, and the characters are beautifully drawn and developed.

You can believe the hype – Fantastic Beasts And Where to Find Them is wonderful. A fantastic addition to the Harry Potter World, I look forward to seeing what adventures Newt will have in the future planned movies.

In Cinemas Now!

The creatures themselves look EILE Magazine 37

SULLY

Tom Hanks as Sully 38 EILE Magazine

Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Clint Eastwood Starring: Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney It is highly unlikely that anyone thinking of viewing this movie doesn’t know the back-story, as it is such recent history. The Sully of the title is Captain Chelsey ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, who famously landed a passenger jet on the Hudson River in 2009, after birds flew into their engines disabling them.

His quick thinking actions saved all 155 passengers.

The story was huge at the time, partly because it was such a wonderful tale of skill and survival (he executed a perfect water landing – a testament to his decades of flying experience) but also, as is addressed in the movie – it was a good news story about a plane in New York! In fact, it was a good news story about a plane in general, at a time when many aviation horrors had befallen the world.

As a friend of mine pointed out – much like Titanic – this means you pretty much know the ending going in. But don’t let that put you off, as there is far more to this story than just the dramatic crash, and director Eastwood even holds back on that until the final third of the movie, so it doesn’t

overshadow the humanity of the story.

on that, instead choosing to show us the humanity beneath the drama. When we do finally Everyone’s favourite everyman, witness the reconstruction of Tom Hanks, plays Sully here, those fateful events, the CGI, donning white hair and a stunts, and effects are so good moustache, but still looking it’s flawless. Lest you have any like jolly old Tom Hanks doubt, they run actual footage underneath it – that is, until of the rescue of the passengers the tale gets going, and then during the credits. you completely believe the transformation. Rather than It is nice to see the human just dealing with the crash à la anxieties behind the heralded the (fictional) Airport movies, heroics, and Eastwood makes this opens with the aftersure that here Sully, his crew effects, with Sully struggling and his wife are completely with PTSD, and he and his cocomplex and rounded pilot facing interrogation from characters – otherwise this the National Transportation wouldn’t work. You need to Safety Board (NTSB) who are understand there is more to trying to apportion blame to them than that January day on them. the Hudson, in order to care about them.

Most of the movie deals with the stress he is under. On the A surprisingly gentle tale, one hand he is being deemed given the core of the story, a hero, but on the other he is a Sully shows humanity at its humble man, who just did his best. There are a few scenes job, and he is having difficulty with the NTSB that get very processing his persecution at technical, and drag somewhat, the hands of the NTSB, who but you can’t fault any of the can ruin his career if they rule actors, and, on the whole, this he was at fault. is a heart-warming drama that even the biggest cynic Although this deals with a should enjoy, given the positive dramatic incident, the action is outcome – especially in light of very reserved. It relies on stoic recent events. and contained performances from Hanks, Eckhart, Linney In Cinemas Now! et al, and a thoughtful and understated script. For most people, the obvious instinct would to be to go for the ‘money shot’, and show the crash.

However, Eastwood holds back

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Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Morten Tyldum – Starring: Chris Pratt, Jennifer Lawrence, Laurence Fishburne, Michael Sheen This is actually quite an educational movie. I learned that when you are put into suspended animation, your hair or nails don’t grow, and (in the case of Lawrence’s character Aurora) you awake with your blow dry as intact as the day you went to sleep.

I also learned that in the future, strappy gladiator style heels, wedges, and hi-tops are all still valid fashion choices (what a relief).

It also seems that queues for doctors will still be as bad in the future, since this film features a ship with 5,000 people, and only one medical pod!

In terms of Titanic in space, which this has been touted as, the lack of sufficient medical pods is probably the closest this gets to that movie (if you compare them to the lack of lifeboats on board the doomed liner).

Maybe nobody gets sick in the future. Who knows?

Anyhow, Titanic this ain’t.

This is due in no small part to the fact that the 5,000 passengers on this ship are all in a state of suspended animation (handiest extra gig ever!) so you don’t really care about them. Actually, you often forget they are there.

Pratt plays Jim, a mechanical engineer who signs up for a new life on Homestead II, and the 120-year voyage that entails. Obviously, you’re not awake for the journey, and he is nestled safely in a pod, and probably having some lovely dreams, when he unfortunately wakes up 90 years early.

With even the crew asleep, he has the run of the ship, but after a year of his own company, he is going a bit doolally (and his personal hygiene has definitely taken a turn for the worse) so he decides to wake up Aurora to keep him company.

This is against the advice of his friendly local robot bartender, Arthur (Sheen – who probably drew inspiration from all the times he played Tony Blair).

However, his poor judgment aside, the pair click (not that you have much choice when you’re the only two people awake on a ship in the middle of outer space) and romance blossoms. That is until, of course, Aurora finds out the truth about her reanimation.

With the pair at loggerheads, it’s probably not the best time for another early-riser, crew member, Gus (Fishburne), to make an appearance. But he does, and he realises that something is very awry with the supposedly failsafe ship, which explains why Jim was woken early. It seems he will have to fix the problem, and save the day! Or let everyone

die in a bloody explosion – it could go either way really!

This has a very clever basic premise. Unfortunately, Tyldum doesn’t seem to know what to do with it. He can’t decide if he wants this to be a sci-fi epic, or a romantic drama. Having such a small cast means that a lot rests on their shoulders, and not enough really happens to keep the viewer engaged.

Pratt and Lawrence have good chemistry, but both are acted off the screen by Fishburne, who, despite his character’s sole purpose seemingly being to point them in the direction of the fault in the ship, manages to own the screen.

Although this has some enjoyable moments, it suffers badly from a lack of action, and a lot of predictability.

It’s extremely messy in places, and ultimately, it’s a bit unsatisfying – probably because there’s an underlying feeling that it could have been so much more.

That said, it’s definitely an antidote to all the festive fare currently on offer, and, yes ladies, there is a gratuitous Chris Pratt shower scene (it seems now that he worked his ass off to get buff, so he can’t wait to show off his ass!). This alone will justify the price of admission for some – if you’re into that kind of thing! (We don’t judge you for it).

In Cinemas Now! EILE Magazine 41

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Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Roger Ross Williams Starring: Owen Suskind, Ron Suskind, Cornelia Suskind, Wayne Suskind It’s well known that anything ‘Disney’ weaves a certain magic, which seemingly also extends to therapy for autism!

That is the premise of this documentary, which tells the story of Owen Suskind, who was, to all intents and purposes, a normal happy toddler, until he suddenly became withdrawn and speechless, only communicating in gibberish.

He was diagnosed with autism, which was devastating for his parents, Ron and Cornelia, as they watched all their hopes and dreams for him fade away. It looked like he would be dependant on others for the rest of his life.

Until one day, a few years later, they realised he had memorised all the Disney movies he’s ever seen, and was relating them to his life.

So began a journey of exploration, as they tried to figure out how best to use this to help him, and, when we meet him here at the age of 23, he is now getting ready to move out of home and into assisted housing, and is a far

cry from the shell he used to be.

undoubtedly been a huge factor in his development.

It’s impossible not to be moved by this journey of discovery, where Owen’s concerned parents try to figure out what is best for their son, while his older brother gets ready to shoulder the responsibility for him when they die. Owen may now communicate, but he still has difficulty interacting with people, as he takes everything literally, so he will need, as they predicted, help for the rest of his life. But he has certainly come on in leaps and bounds.

Disney gave permission for numerous clips to be used here, and that is interspersed with new animation of Owen as a child telling a story about Disney sidekicks, to create something that is inherently charming. There were a couple of points where I wasn’t sure if they were perhaps showing too much, as Owen seems to understand but not comprehend his predicament, and I thought perhaps maybe they slightly crossed the line. However, on the whole, this is funny, insightful and surprisingly intuitive. Owen comes across as inherently charming, and the way his eyes light up when he watches anything from Disney is delightful (a word he uses a lot).

Although you are constantly reminded of the fact he is autistic, his hopes and dreams and aspirations are much the same as those of any young adult, get a job, get an apartment, get a girlfriend.

In fact, when we first meet him he has a girlfriend, and watching his brother try to navigate the ‘sex’ talk with him is one of the funniest parts of the movie. Actually, there is a lot of humour here.

More than a few clips will raise a chuckle.

Throughout it all, his parents’ pride in him (coupled with a whole heap of patience) shines through, as they lament what could have been, but try to work with what they can to make sure he is the best he can be. They encourage him hugely, and this has

It does feel somewhat stagemanaged at times, and it takes a while to get to the point of the story, as they seem to be assuming that you know the premise, but you could do worse than check this out.

Not the greatest documentary ever made, but a nice story of a family united in a common goal, even if they sometimes felt they were all pulling against each other.

In Cinemas Now!

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US: Women’s March on Chicago Post-Inauguration March & Rally The First Amendment is alive and well in Chicago, as thousands of women and their allies will brave the cold to rally downtown on January 21, in solidarity with others around the world who defend and further women’s rights.

The Women’s March on Chicago honours women’s marches planned for Washington D.C. and dozens of other U.S. cities on January 21, the day after the presidential inauguration, to make their diverse voices heard by a new administration.

Chicago marchers will stand together for women’s civil liberties and rights and to signal that their diverse communities are the strength of our country.

“We are the women of Chicago. We are varied races, ethnicities, ages, religions, sexual identities, economic situations, politics, and countless other diversities, and we will share space on January 21 to protect our rights and our humanity” said Liz Radford, one of the organizers.

“We are marching to voice protests and concerns because our rights, safety, and values are at stake. The mission of this march is to connect, protect, and activate in our communities.”

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Organizers have received conditional approval from the Chicago Park District to convene at 10 a.m. at Petrillo Bandshell in Grant Park. More information on the march route and concluding rally location will follow.

“We are actively spreading the word throughout Chicago and the suburbs to recruit marchers and supporters,” said Lisa DeSantiago, one of the organizers. “We are here for equality and justice – everybody in this group wants it and will fight for it.”

The grassroots effort started in midNovember 2016 when several women met online and felt compelled to combat the divisive rhetoric of the presidential campaign. In five weeks, more than 22,000 interested marchers have connected online. Nearly 10,000 people registered with the official Facebook page of the event within 48 hours of the launch earlier this week.

For more information, you can visit: womens121marchonchicago.org or go to the Facebook page: womensmarchonchicago . (eile.ie 24 December 2016)

EILE Magazine 47

Design: Anthony Zagariko, exclusively for EILE Magazine

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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 49

BeLonG To: 2016 A Year To Be Proud Of! BeLonG To have really had a year to be proud of for 2016!

With the dedication, generosity, and hard work of their supporters, they’ve transformed the lives of many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans young people in Ireland this year.

There have been so many highlights this year

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for the youth support group, such as: Empowering hundreds of young LGBT people to come out, be themselves, reach out for help and be happy about who they are.

They did this through their world-class youth services in Dublin, by collaborating with Pieta House to provide in-house counselling for young LGBT people, and in partnership with the 28 LGBT youth groups that are part of their national network of services outside Dublin.

Marching with over 200 young LGBT+ people in Dublin Pride who shared what LGBT Youth work means to them in front of thousands of people.

Launching #BeLonGToTheFuture to fund this work as they celebrated the first anniversary of the historic Marriage Equality Referendum win.

Enabling 6 young trans people to participate in The European Transgender Council – the first and largest gathering of political transgender activists in Europe.

Running their 7th hugely successful national anti lgbt bullying campaign in schools all over Ireland #StandUp2016.

BeLonG To would like to wish you and yours every joy this festive season.

Have a wonderful break, rest up, and recharge your batteries, because they still have lots to do to make Ireland the kind of place we all voted for last May. www.belongto.org

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Bird&Bass To Release Debut EP ‘Beauty in the Park’ Bird&Bass are proud to present their debut EP, Beauty in the Park (release date 2nd December) comprising five original tracks by Irish vocalist/ songwriter, Liv Monaghan.

Liv has been featured in EILE Magazine on many occasions in the past, both for her music and her fashion-design.

The alternative jazz group have garnered a dedicated following, both in France and internationally, and were recently featured in Emigration Nation, a documentary by UTV Ireland and Loose Horse Film Productions.

Bird&Bass will perform at the International Jazz Festival Barcelona in Harlem Jazz Club on November 25th, and at Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden, London on December 11th.

They have recently been engaged as resident artists at the high-end theatrerestaurant, La Scene Theleme in Paris, where they will play on New Year’s Eve. Irish singer/songwriter Liv Monaghan Beauty in the Park was recorded at Aeronef studios in Paris by Antoine Karakostas, mixed and mastered by

52 EILE Magazine

Florian Oestriecher at Realistic Sound Studios in Munich, and produced by Liv Monaghan. It features original, commissioned artwork by Karen Comerford.

Mike Godleman, Taunton FM described the EP as “A journey of melancholy lows to heady summer highs” Bird&Bass is an alternative Parisbased jazz group that performs original compositions written by Liv Monaghan and Sava Medan. Minimalist at its core, Bird&Bass features Liv Monaghan on vocals, Serbian Sava Medan on upright bass, and Bosnian Srdjan Ivanovic on drums. Bird&Bass combines elements of Reggae, Jazz, Folk, Psychedelic Rock and Pop to create a new, alternative sound.

Beauty in the Park will be released on December 2nd and will be available to download from all major online retailers including Spotify, iTunes and Google Play.

Visit: www.livmonaghanmusic.com

Irish singer/songwriter Liv Monaghan

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Little Gem Records Is Two Years Old! Little Gem Records is 2 years old This massive Smorgasbord is hors d’oeuvres to the Little Gem Band. already!

LGB play improvised psychedelic-a jamming Can you believe it?

Well, believe it or not, they will be celebrating in style as they launch the debut album of the Little Gem Band – Freenix 2, with a show at Jigsaw, and they have some very special guests lined up.

Woven Skull make minimal psychedelic repetitions made inside of haunted forests and burning bogs. Their music has been described as cosmic, organic, and the ‘greatest thing that I have ever heard’.

Cobra Truth is the solo project of Thomas Parkes ( The Jimmy Cake, Crowhammer, Molossus, The Bridges Of Madison County).

Semi Improvised Synthesizer and Vocal music. The sound of a man telling a lie on the internet.

Percolator are a Kraut-rock, shoe-gazeing trio mixing soft male/female vocals, syncopated beats and enveloping synths and guitars. They’ve previously played shows with Michael Rother (NEU!, Harmonia), Deerhoof, A Place to Bury Strangers.

Gross Net is the solo project of Philip Quinn ( Girls Names ).

His music has been described as minimal, coldwave, postpunk and EDM, and never fails to electrify. New album ‘Quantative Easing’ is out now on Touch Sensetive Records.

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post punk, noisecore, and drone, into small pop wonders.

Little Gem Band is an experimental music group formed by Dror Zur, Shane Holly & Andy Walsh in 2016.

Catalyzed through the Little Gem Record shop and the music championed and celebrated there, LGB played a string of exciting shows, heralding new sounds from old conventions.

The debut album Freenix 2 is released on Little Gem Records, December 29 2016.

Thursday December 29 2016 7pm – 11.30pm 10 euro donation (5 awesome bands & byob so please do) Jigsaw at Belvedere Place, Dublin Little Gem Records 18 Kildare Street Dublin 2 littlegemrecords@gmail.com www.littlegem.ie

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Telling MY Story: Ireland’s First Trans Leadership Summit Thirty transgender people took part in Ireland’s first trans leadership summit,Telling MY Story, this past weekend. Telling MY Story is the result of a collaboration between TENI (Transgender Equality Network Ireland) and Accenture.

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Telling MY Story is the first event of its kind in Ireland and was designed to empower, educate and equip future trans leaders.

Telling MY Story was developed in response to the fact that a high number of trans people are not in employment.

In TENI’s Speaking from the Margins report, just 51% of trans respondents were employed. TENI works with diverse employers to ensure workplaces are more trans inclusive, and to help remove some of the barriers that trans people face when seeking employment.

We also want to help trans jobseekers to improve

their skills and build their confidence. Throughout the weekend, communications experts, recruitment specialists and trans advocates provided advice on how to harness the power of personal stories.

Telling MY Story participants learned how to tell their stories with confidence, by improving their communication skills; discovered ways to talk about their trans journeys positively,

clearly and succinctly; got advice on applying for roles and how to navigate the recruitment and interview process; developed and practised their networking skills; and heard how trans leaders used their stories to effect change.

Telling MY Story was supported by the Community Foundation for Ireland.

Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) seeks to improve conditions and advance the rights and equality of trans people and their families. www.teni.ie (eile.ie 22 November 2016)

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Former Mr Gay NI, Nick Flanagan, Wins Special Excellence Award Nicholas Flanagan, a former Mr Gay Northern Ireland, and Waterford native, has won FHT Sports Therapist of the Year, for his work with HIV patients, at an international awards ceremony.

Organised by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT), the event was held on Wednesday, 26 October, at the prestigious One Whitehall Place, London, to bring much deserved recognition to highcalibre practitioners working in the sports, complementary and holistic beauty industries.

Speaking of his win, Nicholas said: “I am honoured to win this award as it amplifies my ability to reach and connect with patients and peers. I am in a unique position to drive 58 EILE Magazine

forward with positive change, allowing me to continue to champion diversity in healthcare. It is a platform to showcase what we, as therapists, can do to improve collective health.”

When a close friend was diagnosed with HIV, Nicholas was shocked by people’s initial reaction to this news, including his own. While completing his sports therapy degree, this prompted him to focus his dissertation on exploring manual therapy interventions in the clinical area of HIV. He then went on to create an innovative, experiential presentation to engage the minds and hearts of therapists, and inform and educate them on the subject of HIV. This has taken him to universities, as well as work places and community settings, and in the words of one spectator, his presentation “opened my eyes to the possibilities we have as manual therapists, to affect

the health of not only sports people, but everyone”.

Paul Battersby, President of the FHT, said: “These awards are designed to recognise individuals and businesses that are excelling in therapy practice and education. Winners like Nicholas should be exceptionally proud to be selected from a pool of highcalibre peers, in a ceremony that is recognised across the industry. Well done”.

Nicholas, a postgraduate sports medicine student, originally from Knockenduff, Tramore, Co. Waterford, is currently operating a physical therapy and rehabilitation practice in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He would like to thank everyone who has helped him to reach this defining moment in his career.

The FHT Excellence Awards were first launched in 2011, to showcase the enterprising and innovative work being carried out on a daily basis

Nick Flanagan who won FHT Sports Therapist of the Year 2016

by practising complementary, sports and holistic beauty therapists. The awards were also a valuable opportunity to inspire other therapists, to push forward the boundaries of best practice.

In 2012 the Excellence in Education awards category was added to the portfolio, as a natural extension to the existing awards, as so many members would talk about their inspirational teachers and outstanding students.

The FHT Sports Therapist of the Year category was kindly sponsored by VTCT. (eile.ie 20 November 2016) EILE Magazine 59

The Trans List THE TRANS LIST is a HBO documentary by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders exploring the experience of transgender Americans. With interviews by Janet Mock.

“At one point during The Trans List, [….] actress Laverne Cox (Orange Is the New Black) stares directly into the camera and emphatically asserts, “My voice matters. My truth matters.” These words, simple yet potent, remind viewers why documentaries like The Trans List are so vital.

While transgender narratives have recently become more common within the pop culture landscape, it’s rare that we actually get to hear transgender people voicing their own stories, telling their own truths” — Curran Nault (via Frameline40).

Starring: Kylar Broadus, Caroline Cossey, Buck Angel, Nicole Maines, Amos Mac, Laverne Cox, Caitlyn Jenner, Bamby Salcedo, Shane Ortega, Alok Vaid-Menon, and Miss Major Griffin-Gracy

Directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. Produced by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, Janet Mock and Sam McConnell. Executive Producers: Ingrid Duran, Catherine Pino, Tommy Walker, Chad Thompson. Editor: Johanna Giebelhaus The Trans List premiered on Monday 5 December, on HBO.

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Laverne Cox

“My voice matters My truth matters” EILE Magazine 61

Information and support for women who need someone to talk to

DLL – Phone: (01) 872 9911 (Callback facility available) 62 EILE Magazine

EILE Magazine 63

US: Transgenders rush to legally change gender after Trump win

(Reuters) Transgender people in the United States are rushing to legally change their name and gender, with the help of volunteer lawyers, due to concerns the community’s civil rights could be threatened under the administration of president-elect Donald Trump.

In a race against the clock, transgender people have been connecting on Twitter using the hashtag #TransLawHelp with lawyers offering to help them make the changes, free of charge, before Trump takes office on January 20, 2017.

Last week’s victory for Trump has left many transgender advocates fearing a backlash against their community, after the Republican candidate sent mixed messages

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on transgender rights during the campaign.

Trump’s choice for vice-president, Mike Pence, has rankled many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights activists, who are wary of the current Indiana governor’s years of opposition to gay rights.

Transgender software engineer Riley, who asked to be identified by a first name only, created the #TransLawHelp hashtag, after first finding legal assistance to change name with a Twitter message posted in the wake of Trump’s victory.

“I thought I might as well make it bigger,” Riley said in a phone interview.

Soon, Riley wrote on Twitter:

“If you’re a lawyer willing to offer pro-bono services for trans ppl to get their docs now, please use the HT #TransLawHelp.”

The 30-year-old New Yorker said that in

Donald Trump

the 24 hours following the post, the hashtag #TransLawHelp was used some 10,000 times, according to a hashtag-tracking software.

Riley acknowledged there was no clear indication that changing a name or gender on official ID cards would be made illegal under a Trump presidency, but added that distrust had prompted the initiative.

Reports of slurs and attacks against people from minority groups, including gays, have been making the headlines since Trump won the November 8 U.S. election.

“I’m a little terrified after the election,” Riley said.

“Many attorneys like myself would not have known about the pressure for this need without the mobilization of individuals using the hashtag #TransLawHelp,” she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Her efforts will focus on helping transgender people change their gender marker on passports, a service that can usually cost a few thousand dollars in attorney fees, Kirsch said.

Report by Sebastien Malo Visit http://news.trust.org (eile.ie 17 November 2016)

Cassandra Kirsch, a lawyer in Denver, Colorado, said she was immediately on board after hearing about the online movement.

Though she has not gotten a referral yet, Kirsch said she has begun putting together a group of some 200 attorneys who also want to provide transgender people with name or gender change assistance for free.

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Boston College Irish Institute – Call For Irish LGBT Advocates Boston College Upcoming Program Announcement PROFESSIONAL EXCHANGE CALL FOR APPLICANTS: The Irish Institute at Boston College in the US is now accepting applications for participants from Ireland and Northern Ireland for the bostoncollegeirishinstituteprogram:

Advocating for Human and Civil Rights for the LGBT Community Up to 10 relevant policy makers, advocates, youth workers, educators, community organizers, legal experts, and others involved with advocacy issues concerning human and civil rights for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community from Ireland and Northern Ireland will be selected to engage with their American counterparts during an 11-day program.

This program will run April 25 – May 5, 2017, and will take place in Boston, Massachusetts and Raleigh, North Carolina.

For more information, please visit: http://www.bc.edu/content/dam/files/ centers/irish/institute/pdf/Call%20for%20Applicants%20Updated.pdf To apply, please visit the link for the application: https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBRLdcGdLhzYdfBc7DXlESOwF1P6enYHMRbJgYKgn5UFP 8sg/viewform?c=0&w=1 Visit http://www.bc.edu/centers/irish/institute/ This program is sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Dublin and the U.S. Consulate in Belfast.

Program related costs including travel, accommodation, and tuition; the majority of meals are also provided. The program is not open to U.S. citizens, Green Card holders, or past participants of U.S. Government-funded exchange programs. Short-listed applicants must be available for interview in Dublin on January 24, or Belfast on January 25. Please note the program is, by necessity, highly selective; not all applicants will be interviewed and not all interviewees will be invited to participate. Applications are due Friday January 6, 2017 by 5PM EST. 66 EILE Magazine

Boston College

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2nd Dublin Bowie Festival – January 2017!

The 2nd Dublin Bowie Festival (2017) takes place citywide in Dublin, from Thursday 5th January, and ends on the first anniversary of David Bowie’s death, Tuesday January 10th.

Club, The Sugar Club, The Mercantile Hotel, The Opium Rooms, The Liquor Rooms and many other creative spaces, all coming together to pay respect to one of the most important figures in our cultural history, an artist who illuminated popular culture in a way that’s unlikely to be repeated.

After last year’s success, the Festival program is greatly expanded, to include more events and more venues, and encapsulates the profound influence and inspiration that Bowie had on both popular culture and art.

Dublin Bowie Festival aims to mirror Bowie’s fascination with the arts, by providing Dublin with one of the most exciting events to hit the city in years.

Topped by a heavyweight line up of live music, the program also includes movie and documentary screenings, literary events, fashion, fine art, merch markets, Q&As, debates & discussions, a quiz, a Festival club, illustration, karaoke, DJs, and lots lots more…

Friday 6th January 2017 sees Veda’s Lashes to Lashes in The George at 6 pm.

Bowie fanatic, and one of Ireland’s most fabulous drag queens, Veda Beaux Reves hosts a Bowie spectacular of glitter and glam in The George, on 6th January 2017, in what is sure to be one of the most talked-about shows of the Festival.

The venues include Vicar St, The George, Whelans, The Grand Social, The Workman’s

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Some of the events lined up for the festival: THURSDAY – 5TH JAN – 6PM Pin Ups Exhibition Launch Fumbally Exchange EVERY NIGHT – 10PM – LATE Bowie Memory of a Free Festival Club The Merchantile FRIDAY – 6TH JAN – 6PM Lazarus / The Man who fell to Earth The Sugar Club FRIDAY – 6TH JAN – 6PM 60’s Bowie / Bowie Acapella

The Grand Social

SUNDAY – 8TH JAN – 11PM

FRIDAY – 6TH JAN – 6PM

BowieOke

Veda’s Lashes to Lashes

The Workmans

The George

MONDAY – 9TH JAN – 6PM

SATURDAY – 7TH JAN – 6PM

David Bowie: Critical Perspectives

I Heart Bowie

The Winding Stair Bookshop

Opium Rooms

TUESDAY – 10TH JAN – 6PM

SATURDAY – 7TH JAN – 6PM

Bowie Vigil

Ashes To Ashes Cabaret

The Grand Social

The Grand Social

Tickets are on sale from Wednesday 26th October.

SUNDAY – 8TH JAN – 7.30PM Rebel Rebel Vicar St

For more information, go to: http://www.dublinbowiefestival.ie/

SUNDAY – 8TH JAN – 6PM Low The Liquor Rooms

EILE Magazine 69

Arosa Gay Ski Week 2017!

The Arosa (Switzerland) Gay Ski Week team wish you a wonderful and sunny summer!

You can find them at the Circuit Festival in Barcelona, on the beaches of Sitges, or at the Elysium Hotel in Mykonos.

PACKAGES for 7 nights PACKAGES for 5 nights PACKAGES for 3 nights Visit: https://web4.deskline.net/ arosaskiweek/en/package/list

They are now actively preparing their 13th Annual Ski Week, which will take place from Saturday 21st to Saturday 28th of January, 2017.

If you book from their website or call them at +41 81 378 70 20, you will get the best rate from their partners. If you find a better price, they’ll match it. That’s their Best Price Guarantee, and it’s just one of the ways to help you find the perfect hotel for their ski week.

NEW HOTEL PARTNER – Provisorium 13

They will start Saturday, and end the week with farewells at the ‘Avalanche‘ party, Friday night at the Kursaal.

HOTEL PROVISORIUM13 central, across the ice-rink: the host hotel during the ski week with affordable rooms:

Below are their exclusive, all-inclusive packages: Hotel + event pass + ski pass at great rates and take advantage of -10% by booking before August 30!

7 nights + breakfast + event pass gold + 6 days ski pass Triple room: CHF 700.- per person (650€ / 720$) Double room: CHF 840.- per person (780€ / 860$)

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Single room: CHF 940.- per person (870€ / 960$) You can book for this event by visiting: https://web4.deskline.net/arosaskiweek/ en/package/list Some of the items you can book in advance: Fondue evening & night sledging - 26th January 2017 60.00 Event Pass GOLD - from 21-27 January 2017 150.00 Event Pass SILVER - valid 23 - 27 January 2017 90.00 Event Pass BRONZE - valid 21 - 23 January 2017 70.00 7-day ski pass 332.00 6-day ski pass 299.00 5-day ski pass 263.00 4 PACKAGES AVAILABLE Package ACCOMMODATION + EVENTS Accommodation (hotel or holiday apartment) Event Pass Gold, Silver or Bronze! from 400.00 per package

DETAILS Show possible arrival dates | Travel period from 21/01/2017 Package ACCOMMODATION + SKI Accommodation (hotel or holiday apartment) Ski pass Arosa Lenzerheide from 550.00 per package DETAILS Show possible arrival dates | Travel period from 21/01/2017 Package ACCOMMODATION + SKI + EVENTS Accommodation (hotel or holiday apartment) Ski pass Arosa Lenzerheide Event Pass Gold, Silver or Bronze! from 700.00 per package DETAILS Show possible arrival dates | Travel period from 21/01/2017 Sunstar Wellness Plus from 750.00 per package DETAILS Travel period from 21/01/2017

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US LGBT community fears backlash after Trump victory Experts Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election this week has left many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) advocates fearing a backlash against their community.

The president-elect said during his election campaign he embraced the LGBT community. But his choice for vice-president, Mike Pence, has rankled many LGBT rights activists who are wary of the current Indiana governor’s years of opposition to gay rights.

Here are some reactions to Trump’s election on the subject of LGBT rights: Sarah Kate Ellis, President, GLAAD: “Donald Trump sits atop the most hateful 72 EILE Magazine

Republican platform in history, one that sorely endangers the most fundamental American values of fairness and equality for all. America stands tallest when it stands firmly in its founding principle that all people are created equal. With the election behind him, Presidentelect Trump must now rise above divisive politics and side with the vast majority of Americans who demand equality for their LGBTQ friends, family, and neighbours.

“While disappointed, we are certainly not defeated; the pursuit of full acceptance will continue until everyone, no matter who they are or who they love, can simply live the life they love.”

Clark Pomerleau, Associate Professor of History, University of North Texas:

“Trump promised Supreme Court picks like Justice (Antonin) Scalia; a conservative court would likely rule against transgender Americans using public facilities that match their gender identity. Republicans in Congress will seek to pass a First Amendment Defence Act, which Trump promised to sign. Then religious conservatives would ‘legally’ discriminate against LGBT people in healthcare, housing, hiring, and selling goods and services. Pence has already proposed diverting federal money from HIV/AIDSrelated public health to gay ‘cures’ that the American Psychiatric Association discredited. And Trump’s anti-immigrant views will be no friend to LGBT asylum seekers.”

Rachel Tiven, Chief Executive, Lambda Legal: “Donald Trump rode to the presidency by threatening and demeaning his fellow Americans. The LGBT

movement spent the past 20 years teaching schools and parents what bullying looks like – now we have elected a bully as president. Whatever Donald Trump believes in his heart about LGBT people, he clearly intends to appoint people to executive branch agencies who are hostile to us.”

Brian Brown, President, National Organization for Marriage (NOM) “President-elect Trump has promised to appoint judges in the mould of Antonin Scalia, meaning that his judicial appointees are likely to reverse the illegitimate, anti-constitutional Obergefell ruling imposing same-sex ‘marriage’ on the nation.

“We expect him to reverse President Obama’s dangerous ‘gender identity’ agenda that is being pushed on children in the public schools. We also expect him to abandon attempts to impose the LGBT agenda on other nations by making U.S. support and aid contingent on support for gay marriage. And Mr. Trump supports the First Amendment Defence Act to protect supporters of marriage against governmental persecution.”

Mara Keisling, Executive Director, National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE): “Transgender people and those who love us are

understandably gravely concerned about what this election will mean for our families, our communities, our children, and our country.

Vice President-elect Pence has made clear during his tenure as the governor of Indiana that he is completely opposed to the liberty of LGBT people and that President-elect Trump will roll back recent LGBT equality gains.

“Yet at the same time, Trump recently posed on stage with a rainbow flag, and in his victory speech last night, he pledged to be ‘president for all Americans’. It is now our job to make sure he lives up to that promise. We will fight to advance justice, and we will fight hard to defend every single advance we have made.”

Sara McBride, National Press Secretary, Human Rights Campaign (HRC): “This morning, LGBTQ people – particularly young people and their parents – woke up scared and filled with questions about our country and their place in it. From lifesaving support for transgender students to protections for LGBTQ workers, much of our community’s progress over the last eight years is at risk after yesterday’s election.

“What will definitively and irreversibly remain, though, are the hearts that have been opened and the minds that have been changed. As a country and a movement,

we’ve known setbacks, but we must redouble our efforts to defeat hate wherever it exists and move our country forward, together.”

Shannon Gilreath, Professor of Law And of Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies, Wake Forest University: “In the spirit of optimism, I’d like to point to a few slivers of hope. Trump is the first Republican presidential candidate to go on stage at a national convention and discuss gay people as if we were anything other than malefic. He called us friends, claimed he would protect us.

Prior to 2016, no Republican nominee would have arrived at a rally carrying a gay flag.

He called North Carolina’s odious HB2 (law requiring transgender people to use a bathroom corresponding to their biological sex) ridiculous.

“Naturally, Trump’s choice of Pence as his running mate is very disturbing. Still, Trump has been vocally pro-gay.

I’m going to hope he reveals himself to be, for us gay people, the president he’s promised to be.”

Sebastien Malo - Thomson Reuters Foundation Visit http://news.trust.org (eile.ie 14 November 2016)

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UK: NHS England will make PrEP available next year NHS England and Public Health England have given an outline of a large study of the best way for the NHS to implement pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is due to start in the middle of next year. This follows the Court of Appeal’s ruling last month that NHS England, alongside local authorities, has the power, but not the obligation, to fund PrEP and should plan how to provide it.

While many activists would have preferred the NHS to announce an immediate roll-out of PrEP to all who need it, there was also the risk that the NHS would have decided that PrEP was too expensive to provide at the moment.

The study may allow a significant number of people to get access to PrEP – around 10,000 people may take part over a three-year period. A large trial may be possible because NHS England and Public Health England are trying to drive the price of PrEP drugs down by pitting generic companies and Gilead (the pharmaceutical company that produces Truvada) against each other in a bidding war.

We know that the study will not be directed exclusively at gay men or any other population, but very few details of the trial have been settled. It is not clear whether the trial will be run at sexual health clinics across England, or only in a few selected locations.

Deborah Gold of the National AIDS Trust, which took NHS England to court, said that the trial would not be happening without the legal challenge, a series of parliamentary questions and strong community pressure for PrEP. “We are absolutely delighted that following our wins in Court, NHS England, working

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with Public Health England and local government will be now making PrEP available on a large scale, and quickly, to those who need it� she said.

Greg Owen of iwantPrEPnow welcomed the announcement but said that the plans are not a permanent solution to wider PrEP provision. He called on NHS England to ensure that the limited availability of PrEP is targeted so it does not worsen existing health inequalities. (eile.ie 20 December 2016)

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BeLonG To Happy #StandUp2016 Week!

On Friday 11th November, the Minister for Education, Richard Bruton TD, joined BeLonG To, the National LGBT+ Youth Organisation, to launch #StandUp2016 the largest anti-LGBT bullying campaign in Ireland.

According to research, 1 in 3 young LGBT people aged 14 – 18 have attempted to take their own lives because of bullying, rejection, and pressure to hide who they really are. The findings make the strong case that young people are being left behind as Ireland becomes more progressive and inclusive of the LGBT community.

Now in its seventh year, Stand Up Week runs this week from Nov 14 – 18. 25% of post primary schools in Ireland participated last year making it one of the most important antibullying initiatives in the post primary school calendar. The Minister and BeLonG To are calling on even more post primary schools to participate this year to help address the issue.

Bullying puts the mental health, wellbeing, and potential of LGBT students at serious risk.

Students are still reporting high levels of LGBT bullying in Irish post-primary schools. 67% of LGBT+ young people witnessed bullying of other LGBT students, and over 50% of them personally experienced bullying. One in four missed or skipped school to avoid negative treatment due to being LGBT+.

Moninne Griffith, Executive Director, BeLonG To said: ‘Despite the great progress we have made in Ireland with equality legislation and marriage equality, most LGBT students are still facing very tough situations in their schools – rejection, bullying and pressures to hide who they really are. This has devastating impacts on their levels of self-harm and suicide. BeLonG To is calling teachers and parents to mind the mental health

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At the launch of ‘Stand Up 2016’, left to right, James Naughton, Minister Richard Bruton TD, Daniel Kavanagh, Sean O’Connor, Moninne Griffith Executive Director, ‘BeLong To’ and John O’Doherty

of LGBT students– join #StandUp2016 and help build safe and supportive schools.”

Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Education said: “I am pleased to stand here at the launch of Stand Up Week 2016 in support of all LGBT students in our second level schools across Ireland. I encourage every post primary school in Ireland to get involved in this excellent initiative to empower students to support their LGBT+ friends. My Department has provided funding for this initiative since 2013 as part of the implementation of the Action Plan on Bullying. We will be working hard over the coming year to continue to advance the Action Plan on Bullying and with Minister Zappone on the LGBT Youth Strategy.”

For further information on how to get involved with #StandUp2016 visitwww. belongto.org/standup. (eile.ie 15 November 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 79

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Alicia Rae

by Julie Socher