EILE Magazine: December 2017 (Vol. 5, Issue 5) by EILE Magazine

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Magazine V 5 Issue 5 - December 2017

Tim Myers Adam Prince King SIA Remembering

George Michael Inside:

Travel | Film | Fashion |Health | News

EILE Magazine | Who’s Who

Contributors

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, from Dublin but now based in Cork 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 Brian Rochford also writes on fashion column this month 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 2017 Tribute to George Michael - P. 18 Lisa Reynolds pays tribute to George Michael, who died on Christmas Day last year

Travel - Pps. 24,26 Travel this month gives you some cruises to dream about, and some travel tips for those actually having an away holiday this season

Health - P. 28 Brian Rochford tells us how to balance the stress of Christmas with a relaxed holiday season

Volume 5, Issue 5 Editor-at-Large: Scott De Buitléir Editor: MKB Contributors: M. Butler, Scott De Buitléir, MKB, Lisa Reynolds, Brian Rochford, Frances Winston Photographers: Cameron Jordan, LaFamos 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.

Music - Pps. 6,10,and 22

Web: http://eile.ie

Our music section this month features artists,Tim Myers, Adam Prince King, and Sia

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

Fashion - P. 14. Brian Rochford writes on buying stylish clothing that will still be in fashion after the Christmas season

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-

Tim Myers

10 -

Adam Prince King

14 -

Men’s Fashion

18 -

George Michael

22 -

Sia

24 -

Travel

26 -

Travel

28 -

Health

30 -

Frances on Film

42 -

My Gay Games Story

plus World LGBT News, Views, Arts, Entertainment etc

EILE December 2017 Edition! Welcome to the December issue of EILE Magazine The big LGBT news this month is that Australia finally has equal marriage, and the first gay marriages took place on December 16, earlier than projected, having been given exemptions on financial grounds. So, in EILE’s December issue, we bring you music from Tim Myers, Adam Prince King, and Sia. Brian Rochford writes on how to get rid of the Christmas stress , and Lisa Reynolds pays tribute to George Michael. Our travel section features cruises and travel tips, and Frances Winston reviews some great films. Brian Rochford also writes our Fashion feature this month, on how to buy clothes to last. . We also have news, views and entertainment, so we hope you enjoy this December 2017 issue of EILE Magazine! And from all at EILE Magazine, Have a Great Holiday!

Scott De Buitléir Founder / Editor-at-Large

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See our film reviews by Frances Winston

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Tim Myers This month EILE features Californian artist, songwriter, and producer, Tim Myers and his latest single, The Bright Side, a hugely enjoyable track, which will have your feet moving even before you hear the hand-clapping. Fast and upbeat in both lyrics and instrumental, this track is a welcome relief from some of the gloom and doom present in today’s music scene. Impossible not to enjoy, this should lift you out of whatever dark mood you’re in, and blow away the cobwebs. The track celebrates the holiday season, urging people to cherish the times spent with loved ones, and to always remember what the holiday is really about. The song is part of a compilation from Palladium Records, entitled, I Heart the Holidays Volume 2: A Very Alternative Christmas. The Bright Side is a new kind of holiday song, with feel-good beats and hints of modern pop that perfectly compliment timeless classics. Tim confirms that his profoundly personal songs are drawn from scenarios in his history: “I started examining my life, my childhood, my upbringing, and all of these demons started coming out. Pain can hold you back from doing what you want to do, but in the process of making this record I was able to let all of that go.” Myers was a founding member of the multi-platinum group OneRepublic (2002-2007), and his work speaks for itself as he co-wrote multiple songs on the band’s first two albums, including the number one hit Stop and Stare. As a songwriter, producer and artist, his career has included hits with Capital Cities, Five For Fighting, Hailee Steinfeld, Kesha and many others. His music has been highlighted in multiple feature films and trailers, and orchestrated commercial campaigns for such brands as Apple, Pepsi, Coke, Toyota and Target, as well as top television shows and promos across major networks. Growing up in California, Tim Myers was a musical kid in a Christian vocal group who, from his first studio sessions, was enthralled with the recording process. After moving to Los Angeles, and playing historic Hollywood venues with his rock band, it was at a church gig where he connected with a roommate of budding songwriter and artist Ryan Tedder. The result was OneRepublic. “It was so much fun, such good memories. You meet certain people who affect the rest of your life and Ryan was one,” says Tim.

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“If you listen to this album and dive into every lyric, you’ll figure out who I am pretty quickly,” says Tim. “Someone with a lot of colors -- I’m not one dimensional. I want people to know who I am authentically, and how passionate I am about what I do. It’s my life, and it’s a good life, but I have made many sacrifices to arrive at this moment.”

Tim Myers

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Writing songs, Tim avows, is something that he has done continually since age 12. “You can’t wait for inspiration to come to you. You have to run toward it and practice it every day.”

my life, and it’s a good life, but I have made many sacrifices to arrive at this moment.” Musically, metaphorically and magically, with Portraits, Tim Myers looks directly into the lens to reveal his soul.

Tim Myers also founded Palladium Records in 2009. By 2015, Palladium Records had signed sixteen alternative pop artists that include: The Unknown, FM Radio, MoZella, Serengeti, and Lenachka. Palladium Records has secured over a thousand placements in film, commercials and television shows including 21 Jump Street, Pretty Little Liars, Grey’s Anatomy, Google, Target, Apple, EA Sports, Fox, ABC, and Netflix.

The Bright Side will feature in Google and Coca-Cola’s winter ad-campaigns. It is available for download and streaming on your favorite digital music platforms worldwide.

At the emotional center of his new musical collection, Portraits, is Portrait of Home, the song that gives title to the full–length release.

twitter.com/timmyers_music

-M. Butler

You can catch up with Tim Myers at: www.facebook.com/timmyersmusic TimMyersOfficial.com

itunes.apple.com/us/album/portraits/ id1266380422

Photos: Cameron Jordan

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Adam Prince King EILE catches up with London pop artist, Adam Prince King, who has just released his selftitled debut EP, a multi-layered synth-pop project, with lyrics that come from personal experience mixed with a creative imagination. The often dream-like multi-faceted EP [he tells us he is in Jungian therapy at the moment] includes the singles, Flamingos, Before The Sun Goes Down, and Witches. Full of energetic pulses mixed with lively beats, the EP reveals various eclectic aspects of the artist’s personality, coming together to show a single, vibrant identity. “I’m in Jungian psychotherapy and the main focus is dream analysis dreams are a window into the unconscious,” he explains. His influences include David Bowie, Moby, Prince, Sade, 90’s RnB, James Brown, Drake, Andre 3000, The Smiths, and Madonna. Adam Prince King has been a performer since birth, constantly challenging himself to be more and dream bigger. He is always unapologetically himself with an outrageous fashion sense that would make David Bowie proud and a quirky moustache that shows he doesn’t take himself too seriously. With a degree in music production, King has a heavy hand in the making of his music. He bravely puts himself out into the world with infectious British pop tunes that will make you want to cry, dance, or go completely crazy all at the same time. As his name suggests, Adam Prince King is a man in charge of his musical output and image - from the moody, sensual, tropical-pop of debut single Flamingos to the honest surrender of Before The Sun goes Down, Adam writes songs du jour that are catchy-as-hell yet unafraid of vulnerability. In just over a month, his debut music video for Flamingos hit the 100k view mark on YouTube and the track has been featured on Spotify’s muchcoveted Hiptronix Fresh Finds playlist. He has just released this debut selftitled

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“It’s my favourite track from the EP as it has lots of unexpected twists and turns, it’s pop, but there definitely is a wonky element to it”

EP via Little Assembly, a new LA based independent label that focuses on emerging artists making progressive and experimental pop music, with strong identities and unique vision. The singer’s booming deep voice and funky dance beats accentuate the mystery brewing in the standout track, Witches, on the EP. (Witches is now available as a single for stream or download worldwide from your favorite digital music outlet). This self-produced track is original as it is haunting. “It’s my favourite track from the EP as it has lots of unexpected twists and turns, it’s pop, but there definitely is a wonky element to it,” says King. The song pays tribute to the eerie and mysterious side of Halloween, utilizing howling melodies and multiple intoxicating rhythms to draw listeners into its trance. Inspiration for this song came straight from the artist’s dreams.

-MKB

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Adam's EP is now available for download, or stream worldwide from your favorite digital music outlet. For more on Adam, go to AdamPrinceKing. com or visit him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ adamprincekingmusic Images courtesy of LaFamos

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Don’t lo Marc darcY

Brian Rochfor buying for th buy styles th 2018 for last

‘Tis the season t is it to be jolly? So sprinkle some and get spending those fashion div festive va-va-voo beginning of a ne

The 2017 fashion world it was back to the past t even saw Bandanas (yes colour and style to that and cheerful, and were in

Even velvet and suede cam wearing it, then you’re wa was on our streets in var denim had an outing, b is destined not to fade, a back into style ‘time after Lauper song of the 80s).

Sweaters were cool in 2 looking smart and cool, fo that you invest in black, can match with other fash year. Remember, you do on-trend.

Looking your best is abo and remember that for m Sweaters are so versatile, days, while at the same tim look. 14 EILE Magazine

ook back in Anger...

rd advises that when his Christmas season, hat may re-appear in ting value

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to spend your lolly............... or Well, you know what I mean. e fairy dust on your credit card g. It’s time to get shopping for vas in your life, and bring some om to the end of one year, and the ew one.

saw a number of 2016 trends still standing, as to get some inspiration for the future. Yes, we s Bandanas) on the streets, adding a splash of casual Spring/Summer look. They were cheap n a range of bright colours and patterns.

me out to play this year, and if you can remember ay too old to be reading this. (Not really!). Denim rious shapes, styles, and forms, even distressed bringing retro to life in living colour. Denim and seems to be something that keeps coming r time’ (couldn’t resist the reference to the Cindi

2017, and they will be keeping us warm, and or seasons to come. For lasting value, make sure navy, gray, even white, colours you know you hion items that you have, or will be buying next on’t need to keep spending a lot of money to be

out how you put your look and style together, men’s fashion, some pieces never go out of style. , and can be worn casual or layered up for colder me accessorised to achieve a more sophisticated

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Top-coats were trending in 2017, worn in a more casual way, and looked super-cool with denim and sneakers. Overcoats were worn more in a fitted style, as they had to look sharp without a jacket underneath. You should try to invest in a colour and style of coat that will remain in fashion in the years ahead, as traditionally overcoats can be more expensive. So take your time to get it right, to ensure a good stylish top-coat is the gift that keeps on giving. The street-style puffed jackets seen on the runways could be surviving into the new season. We had some check designs like window-pane, and Prince of Wales, shaking up the fashion stage for 2017. Checkstyle is classic, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t send it to the charity shop just yet. Fashion houses were pushing faux-fur in coats and some jackets - not for everyone, but some can carry it off.

tommy hilfiger

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In 2017, trends like hiking, military, and outdoor clothing were seen in stores throughout the

fashion season. You may have seen outdoor fieldjackets in H&M and Zara. Athleisure was trending big too, and who knows if the Gods of fashion will allow it to reincarnate in 2018, so watch this space.

cole haan

So, as one fashion year ends, and another begins, it will be exciting to see what creations come alive on the catwalks, and find a home in department stores and on the streets.

Ermenegildo Zegna

Have a great holiday and see you on the other side. Ciao!

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Review Documentary Review:

George Michael: A Different Story (Southan Morris 2005) Review by Lisa Reynolds Last year, on Christmas Day, the world of music lost George Michael, a pop legend, at the young age of 53, at his home in Goring-on-Thames, South Oxfordshire, England. It was a huge, and very sad, shock to many fans, including myself and my sister, who had been discussing old Wham! songs just two days before the news of his death. In tribute to George on the one-year anniversary of his death, I've reviewed the 2005 George Michael documentary, George Michael: A Different Story (2005). This documentary, directed by Southan Morris (Blackpool Lights (2015), Ross Kemp: Extreme World (2011) and Willie’s Wonky Chocolate Factory (2008)) is an incredibly interesting project, charting the career of George Michael, from the early days of Wham! to his solo career. We also get to see the man behind the success, and how he coped with all the ups and downs in his personal life. George comes across as very likeable and down-to-earth, with a tremendous work ethic and determination to make a successful career out of what he loved doing. Among the people speaking in the documentary are George’s former boyfriend, Kenny Goss, his father Jack Panayiotou, his former Wham! bandmates Andrew Ridgeley, Shirlie Kemp and Pepsi Demacque-Crockett, his friend and co-writer David Austin, his manager Andy Stephens, Martin Kemp, Elton John, Mariah Carey, Boy George, Sting, Noel Gallagher, Simon Cowell, Geri Halliwell, Phil Ramone, Paul Gambaccini and Rob Stringer. The documentary begins in Milan in 2004, and we are instantly drawn into George’s world of juggling his love of music and creating, with the other aspects of fame, which he didn’t enjoy. When he comes back to England, he shows us the launderette that he lived above for a year when he was younger, and told that his parents had a fish and chip shop nearby. He also showed the lunch hall, and said his parents always lived in the area. He and David Austin then showed us the primary school they both attended called Roe Green Primary School, before showing us the house in which George grew up, from when he was a 1 year-old to age 12.

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George Michael performs at the Hallenstadion arena in Zurich, Switzerland, Oct. 26, 2006. AP PHOTO/KEYSTONE, STEFFEN SCHMIDT

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The documentary moves then to the beginnings of his career, and he goes to visit Andrew Ridgeley. Seeing them together, it isn’t hard to see how Wham! worked so well. They seemed like great friends, very at ease in each other’s company, even after all these years. Throughout the film, there are many snippets of Wham! hits and George’s solo hits. One of the snippets is from Wham!’s first appearance on Top of the Pops, performing Young Guns (Go For It). Paul Gambaccini says they got the slot after another act dropped out. Behind the music, George had his fair share of heartbreak. I felt very emotional at two points while watching this documentary, when he spoke of the deaths of his boyfriend, Anselmo Feleppa, and his mother, Lesley Angold Panayiotou. He had first met Anselmo after seeing him in the audience at the Rock In Rio concert, in 1991. He said it was the first time he had felt selfless love for anyone, and spoke of a Christmas during which he hadn’t known whether Anselmo was ill with HIV after testing, or whether he might have the disease also.

He spoke about performing at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, following Freddie’s death from Bronchopneumonia as a complication of AIDS, and how, when he was performing, he was singing as both a tribute to Freddie and as a prayer for Anselmo. We see part of a very emotional performance of Jesus To A Child, which he wrote about Anselmo, following his death from an AIDS-related brain haemorrhage. He also suffered grief four years after Anselmo’s death, when his mother died from cancer. He spoke of his MTV Unplugged performance, in which he spoke to his Mum in the crowd, and how it was the last performance of his she went to. In the documentary, we see his relationship with his long-term former boyfriend, Kenny Goss. It is easy to see how they were together for so long, as they seemed so at ease and happy together. Kenny tells how they met at a spa, and George said he felt like Anselmo sent Kenny to him at a time of grief and sadness, when he needed someone to be there. In the documentary, George also speaks about coming out, and his former bandmates tell about when he came out to them. We also learn about his court battle with Sony, to try to get them to release him from his contract, as well as the infamous moment in the park, which he turned to his advantage with the song, Outside. He and David even show the park. We also get to hear about his work on Songs From The Last Century, his fourth studio album, produced by both he and Phil Ramone, and his politically-charged song, Shoot The Dog, a protest song against the Iraq War. This is a stunning documentary about a very talented and lovely man, whom the world lost far too soon. Rest in peace George. This documentary is a must-watch. To watch George Michael: A Different Story go to: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=uV9JTXyD-sg 20 EILE Magazine

George Michael 2007 Image: Billboard.com

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Album Review

Sia – Everyday Is Christmas Review By Lisa Reynolds “I thought we had a bit of a shortage of good Christmas music. There’s obviously the classics and stuff, but anything new, I wasn’t vibing that much on it.” - Sia Everyday Is Christmas, by Sia (2017) is a tentrack album of contemporary Christmas songs, written by Sia and Greg Kurstin. It is her eighth studio album, but her first Christmas album. Released this year on November 17th, the album is quite a refreshing listen for a Christmas album by a mainstream pop artist. I appreciated very much that Sia didn’t take the easy option of doing covers of Christmas classics for the album. The album was recorded in May this year, between three recording studios, Echo Studios in Los Angeles, MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach, and Sterling Sound in New York City, and was also produced by Sia’s long-time co-writer and producer, Greg Kurstin, who has also worked with Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Beck, the Foo Fighters, Tegan and Sara, Lily Allen, Niall Horan, the Shins, and Ellie Goulding. The album opens with Santa’s Coming for Us, which was released as a single on November 30th. It is an upbeat rhythmic opener, which 22 EILE Magazine

perfectly sets the listener up for the rest of the album. Next up is Candy Cane Lane, which is a fun, cheerful and bright tune that flows along very well. It has also quite a retro vibe to it, which is cool. The third track on the album is one of my favourites called Snowman, which was released as a single on November 9th. It is a cleverly-written romantic ballad, with a touch of jazz in it, about her snowman love, whom she is scared will melt away. Very beautiful. Sia’s vocal is stunning, and very storytelling on this track. Following Snowman is another favourite of mine from the album, Snowflake, which is another gorgeous romantic ballad. There is a textured flow to this track. Again Sia’s vocal is wonderful on it. The piano sound is stunning in both this and the previous track. Ho Ho Ho comes next. It is an upbeat, fast track, that ends the first half of the album in perfect Christmas party fashion. The second part of the album opens with Puppies Are Forever. A wonderful upbeat track with a very meaningful message about puppies who are given as Christmas presents - a great track and another . The next track, Sunshine, is a beautifully crafted, and very chilled out, soothing, track. Next is Underneath the Mistletoe. It is a gorgeous romantic ballad, with beautiful

Sia-Trevor Project Benefit 2013 Image: billboard.com

instrumentals, and a very catchy chorus. The title track, Everyday Is Christmas, comes next. It is a textured romantic ballad with a gorgeous flow from each section to the next. Closing the album is another one of my favourite tracks called Underneath the Christmas Lights. It is the perfect closing track. It is a gorgeous melodious, romantic ballad, that is transporting, soothing, and very chilled and relaxing. Sia’s vocal is gorgeous and very storytelling on it. A very beautiful end to a wonderful album.

Reinventing Christmas music well clearly shows this woman can do no wrong. A mustlisten for Christmas. Or anytime really.

To buy Sia’s Everyday Is Christmas go to: https://www.amazon.com/EverydayChristmas-Sia/dp/B076JD3MVG

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Travel

Choose to cruise through 2018 Looking to try something new and exciting for your 2018 getaway? Why not opt for a cruise and let the scenery come to you? Cruise holidays offer excellent value for money when compared to the total costs of typical sun holidays. Tot up your average daily cost on a conventional holiday - flights, hotels, meals, taxis, trains, etc. - and you’re sure to be very pleasantly surprised at the savings! What you do with those savings is up to you - how about adding a city break, roadtrip or a jaunt to a theme park onto either end of your cruise to create a truly inspiring holiday? Plus, with amazing perks like on-board spend, drinks packages and all-inclusive options - as well as new top of the range ships offering far more than an average holiday resort - you won’t be disappointed with your choice! With American Holidays your cruising possibilities are unlimited - here is just a sample of the wonderful packages on offer. Orlando Magic & Caribbean Cruise Spend 2 nights at the 3* Rosen Inn at Pointe, Orlando followed by 7 nights on-board Oasis of The Seas from only €1,159pp Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 9 nights’ accommodation as stated including a 7 night 24 EILE Magazine

cruise, taxes and charges. Travel: September 2018 Ref No: 1538767 New York Stay & Bahamas Cruise Spend 3 nights at the 3* Metro Hotel, New York followed by 7 nights onboard Anthem of The Seas from only €1,345pp Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 10 nights’ accommodation as stated including a 7 night cruise, taxes and charges. Travel: January 2018 Ref No: 1538393 Seattle City Break & Alaskan Cruise Spend 2 nights at the 4* Edgewater Hotel Seattle followed by 7 nights onboard Explorer of The Seas from only €1,999pp Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 9 nights’ accommodation as stated including a 7 night cruise, taxes and charges. Travel: May 2018 Ref No: 1538775 Florida Keys Road Trip & Caribbean Cruise Spend 3 nights in Key Largo, 4 nights in Key West and 1 night in Fort

Seattle

Lauderdale, followed by 7 nights on-board Allure of The Seas from only â&#x201A;Ź2,355pp Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 15 nightsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; accommodation as stated including a 7 night cruise, 7 days car hire, taxes and charges. Travel: September 2018 Ref No: 1535433 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 expert staff will help you plan your holiday of a lifetime. For more information visit www.americanholidays.com.

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Travel

Christmas Travel Tips The perfect time for many to travel is Christmas, when the whole family is free of work, school and other commitments. More and more people are taking advantage of this and choosing to spend the festive season with loved ones overseas or on an exotic holiday. In fact, our winter months are a fantastic time to explore stunning countries like Thailand, India and Vietnam when the chances of monsoons are low and a dose of Vitamin D is much-needed. To ensure you stay healthy and that you have the most enjoyable time possible, the Tropical Medical Bureau have compiled a list of top Christmas travel tips. Don’t forget insurance At this time of

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the year weather delays, among other issues, are a growing concern. Make sure you get some travel insurance before you depart and bring copies of your policy with you in case of emergency. Never too late to vaccinate: If you’re heading off to an exotic destination for Christmas or the new year, now is definitely the time to to get the immunisations you may require for your trip. The last thing you want is to spend Christmas Day with an unexpected illness! Be digital: If you’re flying, check in online in the 24 hours before your flight. This will save you a lot of time standing around at the airport. Be careful with food and drinks: It’s very important to remain wary of how food is prepared and cooked in other countries. Choose restaurants carefully, beware of street food and only drink bottled or filtered water to greatly reduce the risk of food poisoning. Reach out to others: Travelling

on your own during the Christmas period can naturally bring about feelings of loneliness. Try to reach out to other travellers in the same boat by getting involved in a group activity such as scuba diving, trekking or local excursions. Be smart with your Christmas gifts: Remember to never wrap presents when flying, even if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in your checked bag. Security personnel may need to search your bag and will view wrapped packages with suspicion.

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Health

Surviving The Festive Season Brian Rochford tells us how to balance enjoyment and exhaustion over Christmas

Christmas is coming and we hope it’s not you that’s getting fat! It’s the season to go crazy, and don’t we just love to let go and live a little. It’s the end of one year and the beginning of what we hope will be an even better one. We need a break from our routine, to relax and do what we feel like doing. We will be socialising, and going to office parties, drinking and eating more than we need to, or even want to. But overdoing it can have consequences, so it’s important to find the balance between enjoying yourself, and finding you have overdone it, and are now too ill or exhausted to appreciate the remainder of the festive fun. So here are some tips that may go some of the way to help you survive the festive time ahead. Naturally, there will be a lot more goodies available at this time of year. So it’s very easy to give into temptation and overindulge. There is nothing wrong with enjoying yourself, and at the same time maintaining some balance. If you are in party-drinking mode, then it is useful to plan your alcohol intake, by deciding how many drinks you are going to have, and stick to that. It can also help to alternate your alcoholic drinks with water in between. This will help your body deal with immediate effects, and the morning-after usual hang-over. At this time of year, you are going to eat more than you want to, and more than you need to. For some this can cause digestive problems, so without spoiling the fun, try, if possible, to take a balanced approach to your food intake. The holiday season can be very stressful, with so much to be done and so little time. Before we have time to respond, situations can be on top of us, and what should be the season of good will 28 EILE Magazine

becomes the season of complete hell. Taking a few moments at the beginning, middle, and end of your day to practise some deep-breathing, and some basic relaxation techniques, can really help keep everything in perspective. You can go somewhere you will not be disturbed, close your eyes, and concentrate on your breathing, breathing more slowly and more deeply all the time, while allowing your thoughts to slow down, and your mind and emotions to become less active. You can practise this for 15 or 20 minutes sitting or lying down. One good way to counteract the excess is to get out in the air when you can. If you have any free time, go walking with friends or family members with whom you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t usually have time to spend. Or you might even like cycling

outdoors on your own, or with someone special. The main thing is to get moving, and stay active. You will have more energy and feel so much better. Taking action in this way will help to burn off the extra calories, and help reduce the negative effects of overeating, and sitting on the couch beyond where it is good for you. Most people in this day and age are fully aware of the benefits of exercise in all its forms. It has the power to reduce weight, increase energy, and keep you in shape, while improving your mental and emotional state. So indulge in a bit of exercise and relaxation during the holiday, and ..... Have a safe and healthy Christmas! EILE Magazine 29

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Frances Winston on Movies Directed by: Jake Kasdan Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Bobby Cannavale After a slew of unoriginal reboots and remakes in recent years, my heart sinks when yet another is announced. Especially when it is a reboot of a much-loved fantasy starring the late great Robin Williams. I have to say I had rather low expectations for Jumanji – Welcome to the Jungle. However, much like the saying goes “expect nothing and you might be pleasantly surprised” I came away from this with a very different opinion than I had going into it. I’m going to assume anyone reading this has seen the original, so understands the premise that people get sucked into the Jumanji board-game, and can’t return to the real world until they complete it. Jumanji – Welcome to the Jungle takes that idea and updates it, so the board-game now becomes a computer game. When four kids in detention find it, and decide to kill some time playing it, they are stunned to find

themselves not only sucked into the game, but inhabiting entirely new bodies, based on the character they selected. As you’ve probably gathered, these characters are played by the A-listers in the cast, so Johnson, Black, Gillen, and Hart all find themselves technically playing 16/17 year olds, stuck in adult bodies. That idea could have gone either way, but they really take it and run with it. Black in particular seems to love playing a spoilt prom-queen type, stuck in his short, stocky, and obviously male body! The story itself really exists to utilise some dramatic setpieces, as the island within the game throws all sorts of surprises at them, from stampeding rhinos to guntoting mercenaries, sent by the game’s resident baddie, Van Pelt (Cannavale). Other than Cannavale – who hams it up completely – the performances from the main cast are all solid and really good fun. You almost wish that they didn’t have to finish the game and go back to their teen alter-egos. All of the cast seem to be having a fantastic time, and it’s infectious.

amazing scenery. Henry Jackman’s music is also en pointe, and helps draw you further into the world of the game. As you’d expect in a fantasy like this, at times the script is cheesy, but not in an off-putting way. And indeed it is far better than you usually get with this kind of fare. Jumanji – Welcome to the Jungle only has one purpose, and that’s to entertain, and it does indeed manage that. It won’t be winning any awards, and it is unlikely to be regarded with the reverence of the Robin William’s movie, but it is a fun frolic, and isn’t too taxing. It’s kind of like Freaky Friday meets The Breakfast Club, smattered with a touch of Romancing the Stone and Indiana Jones. The jokes mainly hit, and it is exceedingly likeable. Far better than it should be, Jumanji – Welcome to the Jungle surpasses expectations in a good way, and is a fun addition to the Christmas movie releases, even if a reboot is essentially a lazy idea.

In Cinemas Now!

Jumanji – Welcome to the Jungle looks epic, with stunning special-effects and EILE Magazine 31

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Directed by: Rian Johnson Starring: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern, Benicio del Toro It’s safe to say that Star Wars: the Last Jedi is the most hyped and anticipated movie of the year. That’s no mean feat, since 2017 has also seen the release of blockbusters such as Wonder Woman and Kong: Skull Island. Ever since the last instalment, The Force Awakens, landed, people have been wondering where filmmakers were going to take the story. Of course, fans had a brief flirtation with the franchise last Christmas, with the release of the sorta prequel, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, but Star Wars: the Last Jedi is the one everyone has been waiting for. The tragic death of Carrie Fisher last year also threw this movie into turmoil, since the much-loved star’s character, Princess Leia, was an integral part of the franchise. However, fans were assured that Carrie Fisher would indeed appear in this film, and be pivotal to the

storyline. For those of you who didn’t sit up until all hours to catch Star Wars: the Last Jedi, I’m going to work on the assumption that anyone with even a fleeting interest in this is familiar with the Star Wars juggernaut, and therefore I won’t explain who everyone is. As the trailer implies, Star Wars: the Last Jedi picks up where the last movie left off, and Mark Hamill, aka Luke Skywalker, has a lot more to do here than he did in the last one. Forget the brash young Jedi from the earlier films. This Luke is world-weary and battle-hardened when he takes Rey (Ridley) under his wing, becoming her mentor for Jedi training, much like Obi Wan Kenobi did for him. However, there are numerous other story tangents here – two and a half hours of them – so it is difficult to say too much without ruining the film for people. Suffice to say the plot is appropriately complex, with lots of action, and that it could easily be 20 minutes shorter. There are several sequences that are unnecessary, and really slow down the plot. Star Wars: the Last Jedi is officially the longest film in the franchise, but it doesn’t benefit from the extra breathing space. That aside, when this is good it is excellent – as you’d expect when millions upon millions of dollars have been thrown at a movie. The effects

are state-of-the-art, the action sequences are highoctane, and the character relationships are wonderful. There are also a couple of surprises that will delight the long-time faithful fans. The new actors introduced in The Force Awakens have really grown into their characters, while the veterans, like Hamill, wear their characters like an old comfortable coat. A special mention should go to Domhnall Gleeson, who completely camps it up as General Hux. If he had a moustache, he would have spent a lot of time twirling it! Unsurprisingly, Star Wars: the Last Jedi is an epic, stunning, high-octane blockbuster, which has more heart than many of these sorts of movies. However, I would advise seeing at least The Force Awakens before this, as it will make far more sense to you. Star Wars: the Last Jedi really honours the legacy of the franchise, and proves a poignant final outing for Carrie Fisher, who won’t appear in the next and final instalment. Johnson has upped the bar somewhat, in terms of storytelling, for returning director JJ Abrahams, who will helm IX. However, he should reconsider the running time. Sometimes less is more.

In Cinemas Now! EILE Magazine 33

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Directed by: James Franco Starring: James Franco, Dave Franco, Seth Rogen, Alison Brie, Ari Graynor, Josh Hutcherson, Jacki Weaver It takes a special kind of ‘so dreadful it’s good’ movie to earn the title ‘the Citizen Kane of bad movies’, but that indeed is an honour bestowed upon The Room. No, I don’t mean the 2015 Brie Larson Oscar-winning movie (which is simply called ‘Room’). ‘The Room’ was a passion project of the highest order, and shows just what happens when someone with time on their hands, and seemingly unlimited funds, is allowed to indulge their desires. Written by, directed by, produced by, and starring Tommy Wiseau, it has become something of a cult classic, despite the fact that it is appallingly bad. The Disaster Artist tells the story of the making of that flick, from the time Tommy meets a young actor called Greg Sestero, to their decision to move to LA to make it big, to the lightbulbmoment Tommy decides to make his own movie, to the premiere. Did I mention that The Room

is truly dreadful? Therefore, recreating the scenes from it offers some moments of true hilarity. Also, Wiseau is beyond eccentric. With bucket-loads of confidence, and a seemingly bottomlesspit of cash, he absolutely had a vision for the work, and believed he was making a masterpiece. To this day, no-one knows where the money came from, but it is believed he spent an astonishing $6 million on The Room. Unfortunately, it wasn’t all plain sailing, and his cast and crew became increasingly resentful of his ego and attitude during the shoot. The elder Franco takes Tommy’s eccentricities and runs with them. I find him a bit hit-and-miss in terms of his performances in general, but he is very impressive here, bringing both humour and pathos to the role. His younger brother takes on the role of Sestero, Wiseau’s only friend, who also appears in The Room. Despite a very dodgy wig (which is somewhat distracting in the beginning) he acquits himself well, and the pair make a great double-act. The rest of the cast reads like a who’s who, with numerous cameos from Hollywood’s great and good, who all seem to relish being part of this tale. Thankfully, the story is far less fractured, and the

production values are far higher, than the film that inspired Disaster Artist, so the audience can instead concentrate on the sheer madness that unfolds. This really is one of those ‘you couldn’t make it up’ stories, and, as the director as well as star, Franco has tried to create an organised chaos. On the whole, he succeeds. You still get the sense of the manic energy behind The Room, but there is much more to this. It is laugh out loud funny in parts – the whole cinema was howling at the screening I attended. Yet it also has a tragic quality. Even if you have never seen The Room (and it is not necessary in order to enjoy this) you can see how bad the final product is going to be, and it is like watching a car crash. The Disaster Artist is a really good movie about a really bad movie. No prior knowledge of the inner workings of Hollywood is required, as it is more a tale of the fragility of the human ego. It’s the kind of movie that shouldn’t work, but does, and unlike its inspiration, it should find itself nominated for more than a few gongs in the forthcoming awards season. So in a weird way, Tommy Wiseau’s vision has been somewhat vindicated.

In Cinemas Now!

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Directed by: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris – Starring: Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Andrea Riseborough, Sarah Silverman, Bill Pullman, Alan Cumming, Elisabeth Shue Tennis legend, Billie Jean King, is applauded for her work in the battle for equality for women and the LGBTQ community these days. However, her activism was not always so feted. Back in the 70s, when she complained about the disparity in pay for female tennis players as opposed to male players, she was lambasted, and after helping form an all-female tennis tour, she found herself unceremoniously thrown out of the American Lawn Tennis Association. The match featured in this movie did a huge amount to highlight the issue of equality for the sexes. In 1973, Billie Jean (played here by Stone) accepted a challenge from Bobby Riggs (Carell), the 55-year-old former world number one men’s player (who is not remembered as vividly or fondly as Billie Jean these days). He claimed that no woman could beat him, and was a self-styled male chauvinist pig. The match took place at the Houston Astrodome in Texas on September 20, 1973, and garnered huge publicity. There were 30,492 spectators at the venue, and a television

audience estimated at 50 million people in the U.S., and 90 million in 37 other countries.

era is conveyed through the throwaway remarks by men, and the attitudes of the women featured.

However, this film is about more than that match and her significant victory. Much of the focus is on Billie Jean coming to terms with her sexuality.

Also dealt with sensitively is the attitude to same-sex relationships at the time. Billie Jean has no shortage of people who would delight in dragging her down because of the ‘scandal’, but also several who are happy for her to be who she wants to be. Indeed, it would be 1981 before King’s real-life relationship with her secretary would become public knowledge, and even then, almost a decade after the events depicted here, it cost her a lot of money in endorsements.

At the time of the match, she was married, but found herself attracted to women. This is explored here through a fledgling romance with her hairdresser, played by Riseborough. While Riggs himself had his own struggles at the time, including a gambling addiction, this isn’t examined in nearly as much detail. However, Billie Jean’s story never feels like it is being treated gratuitously. Stone is great as King, and has clearly scrutinised her mannerisms on and off court. Carell is suitably sleazy as Riggs, but if you didn’t know he was playing a real life character, you might think he was OTT, so outrageous was some of his behaviour. There is a great supporting cast. In particular, the usually affable Bill Pullman, who gets to display his dark side as Jack Kramer, the head of the Lawn Tennis Association. The look and feel of the era are perfectly captured, helped in no small part by a fantastic soundtrack. Although the focus here is on the politics of sport, the sense of oppression felt by the women of that

There are some liberties taken with the facts, as is always the case in these ‘based on a true story’ movies, but much like the tennis match that inspired this tale, it is a crowd-pleaser. In light of some recent events, many of the topics depicted take on a whole new resonance, making this historical dramedy surprisingly relevant. Even if you are not a tennis fan, you will find this entertaining. The fact that we know the outcome is irrelevant. It’s not quite game, set, and match to this movie, but I’ve a feeling it could be a surprise contender come awards season. IMC and CINEWORLD until Thursday 21st December, VUE Liffey Valley today 19th December EILE Magazine 37

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 39

New Report on Sexual Health and Attitudes Highlights Violence and Assaults The School of Psychology at NUI Galway has published a new report on Sexual Health and Attitudes. It is the first comprehensive survey of sexual behaviour and sexual assault in an emerging adulthood college population (aged 1829). The survey was carried out at 40 EILE Magazine

NUI Galway by Elaine Byrnes and Pádraig MacNeela, in 2015. It provides a baseline understanding of college students’ sexual health, behaviour and attitudes, and both positive and negative sexual experiences. Also, findings reflect the impact of alcohol on decisions to have sex and unwanted sexual activity as a result of alcohol consumption. Padraig MacNeela, School of Psychology at NUI Galway stated:

“This survey incorporated standardised questionnaire tools that have been researched and validated internationally. The report sheds light on how these factors occur in an Irish context. In many cases this is the first time that some of these measures have been used outside the US, and the first time they have been reported on in an Irish context.” Elaine Byrnes, Doctoral

Researcher on the PhD in Child & Youth Research at the School of Psychology, NUI Galway added: “The results of this survey show the incidence of sexual violence and assault are comparable to international studies of college students, and highlight the need for a national study of third level students on this issue. Findings on alcohol related sex consequences, particularly where students report being forced or pressured into sexual activity, highlights the importance of continuing consent education; how it is understood and communicated, and the role of alcohol in sexual decision making.” Dr Pat Morgan, Vice-President for the Student Experience at NUI Galway, and John Hannon, Director of Student Services, said: “We at NUI Galway are committed to supporting and enhancing the holistic development of students attending our institution. These data will contribute to informing further development of policies and services in the area of sexual health on our campus.” Key findings on student sexual health, behaviour and attitudes include: · In the past 12 months, 8% of females and 3% of males were certain someone had sexual contact with them where they were unable to provide consent

or stop what was happening because they were passed out, drugged, drunk, incapacitated or asleep and are certain this happened · In the past 12 months, 8% of females and 4% of males were uncertain but suspected sexual contact where they were unable to provide consent or stop what was happening because they were passed out, drugged, drunk, incapacitated or asleep · 27% of females and 35% of males agree with the statement “Guys don’t usually intend to force sex on a girl, but sometimes they get too sexually carried away” · 75% of females and 55.5% of males are extremely/very likely to confront a friend who plans to give someone alcohol to get sex · 76% of females and 69% of males agree they are less nervous about sex after drinking · 35% of females and 58% of males agree they have sex with people with whom they wouldn’t sober · 58% of females and 69% of males agree that hooking up is part of the college experience · 90% of females and 86% of males agree/strongly agree they would use body language or signals to indicate their consent to sex · 73% of females and 77.5% of males agree/strongly agree

they would ask a partner if he/ she wanted to go back to their place to communicate consent to sex · 5% of females in a relationship agree they are satisfied with their sex life compared to 26.5% of single females · 56% of males in a relationship agree if they could live their sex lives over, would change nothing, compared with 21% of single males Niamh Murtagh, Vice President for Welfare at the USI also welcomed the Report and said: “This report demonstrates the necessity of such vital information, and will form the backbone of initiatives that will be rolled out in our third level institutions. In turn, this will enable the enrichment of student health, wellbeing and their welfare in college setting.” To read the full Report (SHAG – Sexual Health Attitudes, Galway) visit: http://www. nuigalway.ie/smartconsent The main author of the report is Elaine Byrnes, Doctoral Researcher in Child & Youth Research at the School of Psychology, NUI Galway. The co-author is Dr Pádraig MacNeela, Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychology, NUI Galway. (eile.ie 21 December 2017)

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My Gay Games Story: Hlengiwe Buthelezi, KZN LGBT Recreation, Durban, South Africa As part of the Federation of Gay Games Scholarship fund raising activities, they have five empowering and personal stories from Gay Games participants, and previous Scholarship & Award recipients, to help raise money for the Federation’s Gay Games 10 Scholarship Fund. Here is one such story from Hlengiwe Buthelezi: “Most gay people in South Africa, especially black butch lesbians, are discriminated against in the work place. I’ve lost friends through unspeakable hate crimes. Some have survived, but left with gruesome and permanent physical, psychological and emotional damage. The reason we formed KZN LGBT Recreation in 2009 was to fight against homophobic injustices and provide a safe space for the LGBT+ community, the victims, and those who live in fear. It was 2002. I had never been outside of South Africa and was still in the closet. I received a scholarship to compete in Track & Field Athletics at Gay Games VI: Sydney 2002. It was both awesome and overwhelming at the same time. After years of boycotts and exclusion, South Africans were still a novelty at international sporting events as our fledgling democracy recovered from apartheid. I medalled 7 times in Sydney: 2 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze. Without the scholarship, it wouldn’t have been possible. I received another scholarship to compete at Gay Games VII: Chicago 2006. I was at the peak of my athletic performance and career, finishing with 7 gold medals. I was on the cover of the Windy City Times with Cyndi Lauper and became a member of the FGG Assembly, sitting on the Sports Committee. I had lost my fear of the closet by then, and though not all of the media coverage back home was positive, it was a platform from which to broadcast a public message of hope and acceptance for the LGBT+ community and the country. At Gay Games VIII: Cologne 2010, I was asked to be a flagbearer of the FGG flag in the Opening Ceremony. I won 7 medals in Cologne and 5 more at Gay Games 9: Cleveland +

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Hlengiwe Buthelezi

Akron 2014. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gone on to co-found the Afro Games, in conjunction and with the support of the Pietermaritzburg Gay Network, the Durban Gay Centre, KwaZulu-Natal Gay & Lesbian Tourism (KZNGALTA), SameLove and the Durban LGBT Film Festival. The concept of the AfroGames started in 2015. We tried to establish an event in 2016, but it was postponed until December 2018 due to lack of available resources. But it all started with the scholarship to Gay Games VI: Sydney 2002. It changed my life and left a lasting impact and legacy on LGBT+ life in South Africa. Thank you FGG!â&#x20AC;?. You can donate at: https://gaygames.org/Donate

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First Same-sex Marriages In Australia The first same-sex marriages have taken place in Australia under special exemption, in Sydney and Melbourne, which meant the two couples could marry before the due date of 9th January, put forward by the government. Lauren Price and Amy Laker became the first gay couple to tie the knot, and the ceremony took place in Camden in Sydney on Saturday 16th December. As they had first planned to get married at the British Consulate, Lauren’s Welsh family had already booked tickets to come for the ceremony. But they then decided to get married under Australian law, and this meant they could apply for an exemption on financial grounds, as the family had already bought their tickets. They made their case to the office of Births, Marriages and Deaths, and the office agreed to the exemption. Lauren said: “It was the longest ten minutes of our lives, and Amy cried when they said yes. It was so wonderful”. The other couple were Amy and Elise McDonald, who got married in Melbourne, having also obtained an exemption on financial grounds, as they also had family coming in from abroad. –MKB

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Amy Laker (left) and Lauren Price (right)

“It was the longest ten minutes of our lives, and Amy cried when they said yes. It was so wonderful”

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Philippines - President Duterte, in aboutface, says he supports same-sex marriage Philippine President, Rodrigo Duterte, expressed his support for same-sex unions yesterday (Sunday), after previously declaring his opposition to gay marriage, in an about-face that may displease bishops in the mainly Roman Catholic country. Speaking at a gathering of LGBT people in his hometown, Davao City, Duterte vowed to protect the rights of homosexuals, and invited them to nominate a representative to work in his government. “I said I am for (same) sex marriage if that is the trend of the modern times,” he said. “If that will add to your happiness, I am for it.” Duterte was previously quoted by local media as saying he was opposed to gay unions, because marriage in the Philippines is only between a man and a woman. He had brought up the gender issue in the past, while attacking Western countries that allow it, especially those who criticise his brutal war on drugs. Catholic bishops in the Philippines, who also oppose Duterte’s bloody anti-narcotics campaign, have voiced concern over legalising same-sex marriage, after his top ally in Congress vowed earlier this year to push for it. “Why impose a morality that is no longer working and almost passed,” Duterte said, in an apparent reference to traditional church teaching on the issue. “So I am with you,” he added. He asked the LGBT community to nominate a representative whom he could appoint to a government post, saying he needed “the brightest” to replace those he has recently fired over allegations of corruption. “You nominate somebody who is honest, hardworking. I give you until the second week of January to nominate,” he said. -Enrico dela Cruz, Reuters (eile.ie 18 December 2017)

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President Duterte – Image: CNN Philippines

“Why impose a morality that is no longer working and almost passed”

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Brazil: Legislation To Tackle Homophobic And Racist Slurs In São Paulo Football Stadiums Sao Paulo to bring in sanctions for anti-gay and racist slurs in football A bill brought in in Sao Paulo, Brazil, will see changes to allowed behaviour in soccer stadiums, where clubs and their supporters may now be fined if they engage in homophobic or racist slurs at matches. They could be fined from R$2,500 to as much as R$125,000. The bill was presented by Edmir Chedid, DEM, who said it was still common to hear homophobic and racist verbal discrimination, in the form of slurs shouted against homosexuals and blacks. “Often these people are caught up in the heat of the moment, and in some cases, without being aware of their public behavior, they offend the athletes and even the fans of opposing clubs,” he said. He stated that the behaviour “unfortunately feeds a discrimination still present in society, creating a culture conducive to the spread of violence and concrete rejection against homosexuals and blacks.We can no longer accept such behavior in our football stadiums.” Chedid explained that if a complaint was made by the person offended, or a citizen with knowledge of the incident, the outcome would be decided by an administrative proceeding, and the offender could be fined between 100 and 5,000 tax units of the State of Sao Paulo. “It is important to note that the penalties foreseen in this parliamentary proposal [Bill 1100/2017] may be suspended once only through the conclusion of an agreement signed between the football club and the administrative authority responsible for applying the penalty for the adoption of preventive or combat measures [against] homophobia and racism” he said. He noted that a club cannot be held fully responsible for the behaviour of its supporters, however, this would not exempt it from accountability, as it is the organiser of the event. “Therefore, we understand that a mixed model of administrative penalties can make the enforcement of criminal law more efficient” he added. For more visit: http://edmirchedid.com.br/noticia.php?c=1&n=4437 -MKB (eile.ie 17 December 2017) 48 EILE Magazine

Edmir Chedid (deputy DEM) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Image:http:// edmirchedid.com.br/

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Often these people are caught up in the heat of the moment, and in some cases, without being aware of their public behavior, they offend the athletes and even the fans of opposing clubs" - Edmir Chedid

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Mexico - In Memoriam Julia César Zúñiga On November 21, 2017, Julia JulioCésar Zúñiga was tragically killed by two individuals with firearms, who entered into the salon where she worked, taking her life, in the presence of customers, including a child. Julia was a well-known Mexican gay activist, and representative of gay sports in Mexico. She was a member of the Gay Soccer League of Azcapotzalco, and part of the Didesex league (Diversity, Sports and Sexuality). Julia had represented Mexico in international football (soccer) tournaments. Julia César Zuñiga was an athlete, hard worker, and very responsible individual, according to her friends and family, always helping others selflessly, giving food to the hungry, and helping her community. She was the financial support for her mother and household, and on November 21, 2017, was tragically killed. There is a GoFundMe campaign asking for help financially to support her mother, to help with the expenses that come after such a tragedy. (eile.ie 16 December 2017)

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Julia César Zúñiga RIP EILE Magazine 51

Christmas Shows and Movies For Kids On Netflix With it being so cold outside, it can be a challenge entertaining kids every day for two weeks over the Christmas holidays. When all the Christmas shopping/visiting relatives is done, there’s nothing nicer that cosying up on the couch with a snuggly blanket, hot chocolate, snacks and a variety of Christmas movies, like The Magic Snowflake, or Arthur Christmas, Christmas specials including Dreamworks Holiday Classics, and musicals like The Wiggles: Go, Santa, Go! to keep everyone happy. See the list below for some more entertaining ideas:

Claus.

NEW ON NETFLIX

https://youtu.be/ydDfcn7dwhA

A StoryBots Christmas

(Now Streaming)

When Bo mistakenly thinks that her friends don’t like her gifts, she heads to the North Pole to ask Santa for help making better presents. She learns along the way that Christmas is about far more than just the toys. Ed Asner guest stars as Santa

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https://youtu.be/m7SgS4nzthk DreamWorks Home: For the Holidays (Now Streaming) Oh takes it upon himself to introduce Christmas joy to his fellow Boovs. Unfortunately, his well-meaning mission nearly destroys the city. https://youtu.be/3WTE4fQsSsE Trolls Holiday Special (Now Streaming) When the eternally optimistic Poppy, queen of the Trolls, learns that the Bergens no longer have any holidays on their calendar, she enlists the help of Branch and the rest of the gang on a delightfully quirky mission to fix something that the Bergens don’t think is broken.

MOVIES The Magic Snowflake Young Nicolas agrees to do Santa’s work for one year. But the stress of the job threatens the boy’s sense of joy – and Christmas itself.

Scene from the Magic Snowflake

https://youtu.be/yoITuwWu6J4 Arthur Christmas At Santa Claus’s super-secret toy-making facility, Mr Claus entrusts his son, Arthur, to carry out an ultra-important Christmas mission. https://youtu.be/7tk-WZSqIGQ Bob’s Broken Sleigh An overly eager elf improves Santa’s sleigh, but when he crash lands far from home, three odd critters pitch in to send him back to the North Pole. Caillou’s Holiday Movie Join Caillou in this animated adventure as he helps his dad shovel snow, learns about the holidays of other cultures and makes gifts for his family. The Legend of Frosty the Snowman The mayor of Evergreen dismisses magic as nonsense, but when Frosty the Snowman

blows through town, he shows the local children that magic is real. Santa’s Apprentice Young orphan Nicolas learns how to guide a sleigh, slide down chimneys and other duties he’ll need when he becomes the next Santa Claus. https://youtu.be/WIgZJVqHXw8 CHRISTMAS SPECIALS Casper’s Haunted Christmas Casper faces getting into a heap of trouble with the king of the ghosts unless he frightens at least one person before Christmas Day. https://youtu.be/B6mgYB_zD7M My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas After accidentally breaking the special candy cane which guides Santa Claus to Ponyville, Minty heads to the North Pole to set things right.

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https://youtu.be/Mb7txDkb0pA Timmy Time: Timmy’s Christmas Surprise When Timmy and his friends get snowed in at the nursery on Christmas Eve, Osbourne and Harriet make the best of it by creating a yuletide atmosphere. A Very Pink Christmas Pink Panther and Big Nose establish rival Christmas tree businesses to make enough money to purchase a mutually coveted luxury car. https://youtu.be/ne5gdfId984 The Koala Brothers: Outback Christmas Sad that their friend, Penny, can’t make it to their holiday party, Frank and Buster take an adventure-filled trip to the North Pole to bring her back. Power Rangers Super Samurai: Stuck on Christmas The Samurai Rangers get stuck in the Megazord’s cockpit on Christmas Eve when it breaks down. Can the Rangers get out in time for Christmas? https://youtu.be/DMY1eG5IItY Power Rangers: Megaforce: The Robo Knight Before Christmas Robo Knight learns the meaning of Christmas from a group of children when he is mistaken for a donated Christmas toy and is shipped to a foreign land. Power Rangers Samurai: Christmas Together, Friends Forever On Christmas Eve, as the teens at Shiba House reflect on their first year together, they get an unexpected lesson on the true spirit of Christmas. DreamWorks Shrek Stories Shrek celebrates a busy Christmas and a spooky Halloween, Puss in Boots is captured by soldiers, and the kingdom hosts a singing competition. https://youtu.be/JA_keGi0wTo

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DreamWorks Happy Holidays from Madagascar Madagascar goes wild with holiday spirit in this set of Valentine’s Day and Christmas-themed tales featuring everyone’s favourite animal characters. https://youtu.be/hOwDHUAQR9k Santa Pac’s Merry Berry Day Pac aims to keep Berry Day the happiest day ever by unravelling a curious mystery about his parents and thwarting Betrayus’s plan to capture Santa Pac. DreamWorks Holiday Classics Join your DreamWorks friends for these four holiday specials, featuring Shrek and Donkey, Hiccup and Toothless, and the wacky animals from Madagascar. https://youtu.be/ByUMbvThI8o MUSICALS Pee-wee’s Playhouse: Christmas Special Amid an avalanche of stars, Pee-wee straps on his ice skates and glides into the holiday season with Christmas cards, carols… and Charo. The Wiggles: Go, Santa, Go! Join the Wiggles as they help Santa and his elves get ready for Christmas in this special filled with singing, dancing and holiday cheer. https://youtu.be/dWGJGzpXceQ

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Minister Launches New Guidelines on Supporting Transgender Inclusion in the Workplace The Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty TD, launches new guidelines aimed at boosting the inclusion of trans and gender variant people in the workplace. The resource, Supporting Transgender Inclusion in the Workplace: Guidelines for Employers and Employees, was produced by Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) with support from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC). Speaking ahead of the launch, TENI Chief Executive, Stephen O’Hare said: “These guidelines have been developed to assist employers, co-workers and trans employees to manage and sustain a workplace environment that is open, inclusive and diverse. Taking steps to ensure that workplace policies facilitate the meaningful inclusion of current and prospective employees who identify as trans will not only benefit trans and gender variant people at work, but broaden the pool of available talent for employers across the whole Irish labour market.”

‘One in four trans people in Ireland are unemployed and actively seeking work.’– TENI Employment Survey 2017 Acknowledging the difficulties experienced by many trans and gender variant people who are actively seeking work, Chair of TENI Sara R Phillips said: “Since the enactment of Gender Recognition in 2015, some employers, such Dublin Bus, have adopted policies to accommodate gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Unfortunately, many more employers continue to overlook or dismiss trans people

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Minister Regina Doherty Image: independent.ie

as suitable candidates for employment. This is reflected in the alarmingly high rate of unemployment among trans and gender variant people in Ireland. Companies are encouraged to review existing policies and implement suitable measures to foster a more open and inclusive workplace for all employees.â&#x20AC;? (eile.ie 15 December 2017)

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Gay Games - Re Paris in

From August 4 to 8, 2018, Paris will host the 10th edition o event in the wo

15,000 athletes from over 70 countries in Paris! Paris 2018 is preparin sharing. With sport a common theme for inclusion, the Gay Games a gay or s

To Regist

https://parisgaygames.fuses

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endez-vous with n 2018!

of the Gay Games, the largest sporting, cultural and festive orld open to all!

ng Games that will celebrate diversity, respect, equality, solidarity and are open to all, young or old, athlete or artist, experienced or novice, straight.

along with 15,000 attendees from over 70 countries.

ter, visit:

sport.com/registration/395/

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Trump-Pence’s AntiLGBT Nominee Confirmed for Lifetime Judicial Appointment Rights groups have denounced the confirmation of L. Steven Grasz to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Grasz was confirmed with a vote of 50-48. “We are deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans have voted to confirm a nominee who is clearly unfit to serve as a federal judge,” said HRC Government Affairs Director David Stacy.

“Grasz’s confirmation is in line with the Trump-Pence administration’s alarming trend of advancing under-qualified nominees with terrible anti-equality records. This radical ideological transformation of our justice system will lead to long-term, harmful consequences that will live well beyond the Trump-Pence administration.” Grasz served on the board of a non-profit that backed the abusive practice of conversion therapy on LGBTQ minors, and was unwilling to clarify his own views during his confirmation hearing. He has also argued Nebraska should not recognize marriage equality in other states. Grasz also opposed allowing same-sex parents to adopt. The American Bar Association deemed him unqualified to serve for the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals seat. (eile.ie 14 December 2017)

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Steven Grasz â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Image :The Independent

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Information and support for women who need someone to talk to

DLL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Phone: (01) 872 9911 (Callback facility available) 62 EILE Magazine

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Gavin Grimm

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), has announced that it will honour transgender advocate, Gavin Grimm, with an Upstander Award, at the organization’s annual Time to THRIVE Conferenceon February 1618 at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando. The conference is co-presented by the National Education Association and the American Counseling Association.

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“Gavin has set a powerful example for LGBTQ advocates across the country, serving as a leader for transgender youth and taking his fight for equality all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States,” said Vincent Pompei, chair of Time to THRIVE and director of the HRC Foundation’s Youth Well-Being Project. “As we join together with hundreds of youthserving professionals at Time to THRIVE, we are privileged to welcome and honor Gavin with our Upstander Award.” Past recipients of the award, which recognizes those who have advocated tirelessly on behalf of LGBTQ youth, include

HRC to Honour Trans Advocate Gavin Grimm at Time to THRIVE Conference on LGBTQ Youth Katie Couric, Jazz Jennings, Ruby Corado, Michael Sam, Lance Bass and John Quiñones. Grimm made history after suing his school district over its discriminatory policy, which barred him from using the boy’s restroom, alleging that the district violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. His case was scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court of the United States, but was sent back to a lower court, after the Trump-Pence administration withdrew the Obama Administration’s policy guidance clarifying schools’ obligations to transgender students. Grimm has since graduated from high school, but he continues to be an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ equality. Grimm will receive Upstander Awards at HRC’s Time to THRIVE, the premier event addressing the safety, inclusion and well-being of LGBTQ and questioning youth. The event brings together a wide range of youth-serving professionals, to discuss best practices for working with, and caring for, LGBTQ youth and their families in schools, community centres, health-care settings and beyond. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the education arm of America’s largest civil rights organization, working to achieve equality for LGBT people. (eile.ie 14 December 2017)

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Dublin Fi Circle A Announ 20

The nation’s movie critics have spoken. The members of the Dublin Film Critics Circle have, for the 11th year, selected their favourite works of 2017. In common with many awarding bodies, Dunkirk was a clear favourite, as was Christopher Nolan, who was named Best Director. Second placed Get Out polled strongly in the Best Film category, with a

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tally that, numerically, would have won any of the previous annual polls. The biggest landslide victory, however, was scored by Emer Reynolds’ The Farthest, which was named Best Documentary. The same film was cited for Kate McCullough’s cinematography and Reynolds’ direction. Across all categories, The Farthest received votes from more than 90 percent of critics. Sanctuary was named Best Irish Feature Film, pipping

The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Cardboard Gangsters and Handsome Devil at the post. The DFCC once again demonstrated its eclecticism by longlisting some 45 films for Best Screenplay: Jordan Peele was ultimately (and emphatically) victorious against the spread. Barry Keoghan was named Breakthrough Artist of the year; other Irish nominees shortlisted for the award included Emer Reynolds, Caoilfhionn Dunne, and Tom Ryan. Despite an extended deadline to accommodate Star Wars:

ilm Critics Awards nced For 017 Sanctuary – awarded Best Irish Feature Film

The Last Jedi, that film received just one vote across all categories: for Steve Yedlin’s cinematography. Star Wars: The Force Awakens placed joint fifth for Best Film in 2015. This year’s DFCC panel included: Aedín Gormley, Áine O’Connor, Ben O’Reilly, Brian Lloyd, Brogen Hayes, Cara O’Doherty, Celina Murphy, Chris Wasser, Daniel Anderson, Darren Mooney, David Turpin, Declan Burke, Deirdre Molumby, Donald Clarke, Esther McCarthy, Gavin Burke, Gordon Hayden, Graham Day, Hilary White, Jason Coyle, John Maguire, Kevin Fennell, Lisa Cannon, Michael Doherty, Niall Murphy, Nicola Timmins, Paul Whitington, Roe McDermott, Stephen Coffey, and DFCC president Tara Brady.

DFCC POLL 2017 BEST FILM – 1. Dunkirk 2. Get Out 3. Moonlight 4. Blade Runner 2049 5. Manchester By The Sea 6. Wind River 7. The Florida Project / Call Me by Your Name 8. La La Land 9. Logan / God’s Own Country 10. Jackie / Lady Macbeth Runners up: The Handmaiden, Aquarius, Paddington 2 BEST DIRECTOR – 1. Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk 2. Denis Villeneuve, Blade Runner 2049

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3. Jordan Peele, Get Out 4. Damien Chazelle, La La Land 5. Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester by the Sea 6. Julia Ducournau, Raw/ Emer Reynolds, The Farthest 7. Yorgos Lanthimos, The KIlling of a Sacred Deer / Paul Verhoeven, Elle 8. Pablo Larraín, Jackie 9. Sean Baker, The Florida Project 10. James Mangold, Logan Runners up: Pat Collins, Song of Granite; James Franco, The Disaster Artist; Patty Jenkins, Wonder Woman BEST IRISH FEATURE FILM – 1. Sanctuary 2. The Killing of a Sacred Deer 3. Cardboard Gangsters / Handsome Devil 4. Song of Granite 5. Pilgrimage 6. Twice Shy 7. Maze 8. The Drummer and the Keeper 9. In View 10. Halal Daddy Runners up: Property of the State, The Man Who Invented Christmas, A Dark Song BEST DOCUMENTARY 1. The Farthest 2. I Am Not Your Negro 3. It’s Not Yet Dark 4. Condemned to Remember 5. Whitney: Can I Be Me 6. Meetings with Ivor 7. Kedi / An Inconvenient Sequel 8. City of Ghosts 9. Dancer / Kevin Roche: The Quiet Architect 10. The Work / Cameraperson / The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson Runners up: Casting JonBenet, Jane, Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press, The Prince of Nothingwood BEST ACTOR 1. James Franco, The Disaster Artist 2. Barry Keoghan, The Killing of a Sacred Deer 3. Robert Pattinson, Good Time 4. Timothée Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name 5. Denzel Washington, Fences / James McAvoy, Split 6. Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name 7. Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out 8. Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project 9. Hugh Jackman, Logan 10. Mahershala Ali, Moonlight / John Connors, Cardboard Gangsters Runners up: Ryan Gosling, Blade Runner 2049; Andy Serkis,War for the Planet of the Apes;

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Sherwan Haji, The Other Side of Hope; Adrian Titieni, Graduation BEST ACTRESS 1. Natalie Portman, Jackie / Isabelle Huppert, Elle 2. Sally Hawkins, Maudie 3. Florence Pugh, Lady Macbeth 4. Sonia Braga, Aquarius 5. Viola Davis, Fences / Emma Stone, La La Land 6. Garance Miller, Raw 7. Kristen Stewart, Personal Shopper 8. Ruth Negga, Loving 9. Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes 10. Cynthia Nixon, A Quiet Passion / Anne Hathaway, Colossal Runners up: Annette Bening, Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool; Zoe Kazan, The Big Sick; Jessica Chastain, Miss Sloane BEST SCREENPLAY 1. Jordan Peele, Get Out 2. Taylor Sheridan, Wind River / Barry Jenkins, Moonlight 3. Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester By The Sea 4. Emily V. Gordon, Kumail Nanjiani, The Big Sick 5. Park Chan-wook, Chung Seo-kyung, The Handmaiden 6. Yorgos Lanthimos, Efthymis Filippou, The Killing of a Sacred Deer 7. Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk 8. Rebecca Blunt, Logan Lucky / Armando Iannucci, The Death of Stalin 9. Damien Chazelle, La La Land / Makoto Shinkai, Your Name 10. Terence Davies, A Quiet Passion Runners up: Hampton Fancher, Michael Green, Blade Runner 2049, James Gray, The Lost City of Z; Sean Baker, Chris Bergoch, The Florida Project BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY 1. Roger Deakins, Blade Runner 2049 2. Hoyte Van Hoytema, Dunkirk 3. Chung Chung-hoon, The Handmaiden 4. Linus Sandgren, La La Land 5. M. David Mullen, The Love Witch

6. Alexis Zabe, The Florida Project 7. Kate McCullough, The Farthest 8. Richard Kendrick, Song of Granite 9. Ben Richardson, Wind River / Stéphane Fontaine, Jackie 10. Thimios Bakatakis, The Killing of a Sacred Deer / Philippe Le Sourd, The Beguiled Runners up: James Laxton, Moonlight; Michael Seresin, War for the Planet of the Apes; Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, Call Me by Your Name BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR: SHORTLIST **Barry Keoghan, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Dunkirk** (Winner) Brooklynn Prince, The Florida Project Caoilfhionn Dunne, In View Dafne Keen, Logan Emer Reynolds, The Farthest Florence Pugh, Lady Macbeth Jordan Peele, Get Out Julia Ducournau, Raw Sunny Pawar, Lion Tom Ryan, Twice Shy

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A New Book in the Queerbio LGBT Series (+ Two For One December Special) A Path to Diversity: LGBTQ Participation in the Working World investigates the current state of employment markets around the world for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, two-spirit, or gender-fluid (LGBTQ) community.

Included is a discussion of equality in the workplace, and why it is important to both the employer and employee, the wage gap, which professions are attractive to LGBTQ individuals and why, and the role of unions and government legislation. A survey of seventy-five professions provides a status report for each, and seventy-two biographies of influential LGBTQ professionals from around the world are included. You can order Books at http://bonham-co-inc5.mybigcommerce.com/ ?ctk=VL6VT9Q1D8AN24TM5EQDQ8PIS9Q8G December Special! Two Books for the Price of One. Order A PATH TO DIVERSITY and receive a complimentary copy of CHAMPIONS: BIOGRAPHIES OF GLOBAL LGBTQ PIONEERS

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Information and support for women who need someone to talk to

DLL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Phone: (01) 872 9911 (Callback facility available) EILE Magazine 73

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Tim Myers

Image: Cameron Jordan