Eile Magazine: Issue 02 (July)

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EILE

Magazine Issue 02 – July 2013

Awakening of an Artist

– John Kavanagh

Pride: A Family Affair If A Picture Paints A Thousand Words…

Reasons Be

– Interview

Stride of Pride

Inside:

Anne Boleyn Civil Parnerships Pride

EILE Magazine | Who’s Who

Contributors

Kaycee is based in Sligo and is currently Chairman of Northwest LGBT Pride, the LGBT festival for counties Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo and its environs.

Simon Crawford

Simon is a photographer who has been working in and around Belfast for the last 6 years. His first solo exhibition, “FRAMING QUEER ULSTER” was held in November 2012 as part of Outburst Festival in Belfast.

Steve is a writer and gay rights advocate from Dundonald, County Down.

He is founder of Belfast OutEast, an LGBT support group serving east Belfast, and is convenor of the Alliance Party’s LGBT committee.

Seán Dunne

Gareth Russell

Tom is an amateur photographer based in Dublin who focuses on nature photography, capturing people in their day to day environments. He is a business entrepreneur with an avid interest in politics and current affairs.

Frances Winston has been working in the media for around 15 years. She has worked in both print and broadcast media, as a writer and editor.

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Francis Fitzgibbon

Ciara is an illustrator and artist based in County Kerry, with a degree in pharmacy and a very keen interest in equality, science and all things funny.

More of her artwork can be found on facebook.com/CiaraKennyArt

Gareth Russell is a native of Belfast and studied History at the University of Oxford. His first novel, ‘Popular’, was published in 2011. His first nonfiction book, a history of the British monarchy, is due out later this year.

Tom Walker

Stephen Donnan

Seán is a radio journalist working with RTÉ Radio 1 among other stations.

Originally from County Offaly, Seán now lives in Dublin.

Francis is originally from County Kerry and now lives in Dublin, working with NewsTalk 106-108fm. He is an active member of the Dublin Devils Gay Football Club.

Ciara Kenny

Kaycee Clifford

Frances Winston

EILE Magazine | Welcome

Highlights July 2013 Did a Gay Lobby Kill Anne Boleyn?

Gareth Russell looks into a side of history rarely explored.

What Now for Civil Parnerships?

Stephen Donnan wonders what will happen to civil partnerships once equal marriage in brought into the UK and Ireland.

Here Lies DOMA A truly unforgettable occasion in both American and global LGBT history.

Awakening of an Artist Derry artist John Kavanagh in conversation about his latest collection, on display in Dublin.

Los Angeles Calling...

L.A.-based duo, Reasons Be, chat to EILE about their latest single, ‘Say Goodnight’

Volume 1, Issue 02 Editor-in-Chief: Scott De Buitléir Features Editor: MKB Writers: MKB, Stephen Donnan, Seán Dunne, Francis Fitzgibbon, Gareth Russell, Frances Winston Illustrator: Ciara Kenny Photographers: Simon Crawford, Tom Walker, Mark Rooney, Aaron McGrath Cover Image: Photography: Simon Crawford Dress design: David Henderson.

Hair, Makeup & Art Direction: Hannah Goodall Model: Rebecca Black Accesories: Gráinne Maher & Mariana O’Reilly Special thanks to Simon and Dave Please Note: Unless otherwise stated, any stock images used are obtained from various Public Domain image banks, such as Pixabay and Wikimedia. All copyright conditions have been fully adhered to.

Special Thanks to MKB for all her hard work, dedication and support.

Web: http://eile.ie Contact: eilemagazine@outlook.com Twitter: @EileMagazine Facebook: http://fb.com/eilemagazine Note: All opinions expressed in this issue are the writers’ own.

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EILE Magazine | Editor’s Letter

Contents 6/7 - Interview: Reasons Be 9-

Trans* Progress

10 - DOMA 12 -

LGBT News Round-Up

16 - Civil Partnerships 18 - Interview: John

Kavanagh

22 - Playing It Gay 24 -

Stride of Pride

27 -

Christianity & Couture

28 -

From Russia With...?

32 -

Human Cost of Pride

34 -

Film Reviews

36 -

Media Portrayal

38 -

HIV/PEP Special

40 - Anne Boleyn 42 -

Upcoming Pride Events

Different Sides of Pride Scott De Buitléir

| Editor-in-Chief

Within just a few weeks of this magazine launching, there have been some incredible moments for the LGBT community around the world. None of them are as historic or as emotionally-charged, however, as the day DOMA died.

The Stonewall Riots will forever be the defining moment that signifies a turning-point in the gay rights movement.

The repeal of DOMA, however, marks a completely different moment. As the news broke, the LGBT community worldwide celebrated for their American friends and family, knowing that the US Supreme Court’s decision would have an impact on the rest of Western civilisation, if not the world.

Only days later, that ripple effect had already been felt in Belfast, where the Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland ruled that it was unlawful to ban same-sex couples from adopting, in spite of health minister Edwin Poots’ actions.

Such a ruling brings Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK, while the Republic is set to see a referendum on equal marriage by Autumn 2014, according to Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Eamon Gilmore.

Indeed, there has been news affecting LGBT people in places other than Ireland or America, but the above are examples of good news in places where you wouldn’t have expected such progress years ago. We can only feel grateful that the gay rights movement has come such a long way in this part of the world, especially when we see what is happening in places such as Russia and Africa. Anti-gay legislation, or laws against so-called ‘gay propaganda’, have been in the spotlight by the media and other groups worldwide.

Even as I write this, actress Tilda Swinton defied Putin’s new laws by showing a rainbow flag in front of the Kremlin.

There is a worldwide movement taking place right now – of which the LGBT community is only a part – where people are realising that our society is unjust. Whether in Dublin or Washington, Moscow or Cairo, Vilnius or São Paulo, we cannot let ourselves become complacent. We cannot ignore those who are in danger. We need to keep our eyes open.

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EILE Magazine | Dublin Pride

Pride: A Family Affair Aimée & Andrew Smith celebrate Dublin Pride together

Aimée Smith (24) and her brother Andrew (20) were among the thousands who took part in this year’s Dublin Pride parade.

It was a special day for them both, as it was the first Pride festival for Andrew, who recently came out to his friends and his sister. The Swords-based siblings took a moment to explain to EILE why Dublin Pride meant so much to them.

Aimée: “I kind of knew [that Andrew

was gay], and he came out the best way in the George, just as we came in the door! It was like a sigh of calmness and relief that he felt he could come out to me. I’m so proud of [Andrew] and I still get shivers and tingles and go... he’s my best friend and he’s more comfortable with himself. And you’ve come out so much more with me as a person and I know you more personally now, and I’m so proud, feeling that this is my brother and this is the person that he is. It’s so nice that his best friend and a family member he’s very close to knows and that he can lean on me… when you’re not strong!! [laughs]”

Andrew: “It’s more a point you get to

when you’re more comfortable with yourself and the idea of being gay, Recently, there have been a load of things going on worldwide with gay rights and equality… you’re brought up having pride in different things like your nationality, but you never think of your sexuality as being something that you can be proud of until you become comfortable with it, I think it takes on that same level of pride as nationality, sexuality and yourself”.

Photograph: Tom Walker

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Interview | Reasons Be

In Conversation with 6 EILE Magazine

Reasons Be

Interview | Reasons Be

Los Angeles-based duo, Scotty Dickert and R.E.L., are better known as Reasons Be. They have recently released their latest single, ‘Say Goodnight’, with a bit of an eye-catching twist. The video features a lesbian couple who are expecting a child, and can be viewed on the EILE Magazine website. The band have received some great feedback from fans and the public alike in the US, so Scott De Buitléir had a transatlantic chat with the guys behind the guitars.

SDB: You met each other off Craigslist, which doesn’t have too great of a reputation! What were you both thinking when you were first about to meet each other?

What struck you first about the other? (Yes, I know that sounds very ‘first-date’ like, forgive me!)

candid about how the audition went. I did have a feeling they liked me. Sean (our manager) had this impressed look on his face, kinda nodding his head; but I didn’t want to jump to conclusions. Scotty impressed me with his ability to effortlessly jump in with melodies and lyrics on the spot, so I knew that would make my life easier in the creative process. Honestly, since I was originally thinking I was just auditioning to be a guitar player, I didn’t give the creative process too much thought. In most cases artists don’t like it when someone new comes in and immediately starts to change everything… Still in the back of my mind I was thinking, “Hmmm…. We can really build something here…”

Scotty- I agree with R.E.L. Our backgrounds are vital in terms of combining interesting ideas, genres, and styles and giving us the opportunity to take them and form them into a unique musical sound that separates us from what is already out there.

SDB: The music video for your latest single, “Say Goodnight” tells the story of a young lesbian couple. Who came up with the idea to match your song to this story (as the song isn’t specifically about a lesbian couple) and why did you go along with it?

Scotty: We were fortunate to have the opportunity to work with writer/director Yannis Zafeiriou.

We sent him the song and let him freely see his vision onto paper and send his treatment to us when he was ready. He originally wrote the story about a straight couple. When R.E.L and I saw it, we loved the direction but we wanted to make an impact and do our part to make a change for the better. We have a lot of close gay and lesbian friends and we work with many gay and lesbian people in our industry, including Yannis.

We see the struggles they have to endure on a daily basis and we feel for them and for anyone who has to be faced with criticism and judgment for living a life they know in their heart is the life that is right for them. When we told Yannis we wanted to change the couple to a same sex couple, he loved the idea and was moved by the fact that we wanted to stand up and support this issue. At that moment, it stopped being a video and became a movement with a real purpose. Yannis felt very strong about creating the story around two women, giving females the support they deserve and raising awareness and

“When R.E.L showed up, I was immediately attracted to… his guitar.”

Scotty: Haha this is true!

I’ve used Craigslist and other sites seeking business-related endeavors many times. They have worked before, but never like this. I suppose I was originally thinking things like, “I hope we don’t have to hold auditions for months,” and “I hope this guy is reliable and doesn’t suck!” When R.E.L showed up, I was immediately attracted to… his guitar.

Haha, it was a beautiful Taylor and when he started playing it, we immediately vibed off each other’s style and were able to create a unique and interesting sound right off the bat. We actually had several auditions lined up and R.E.L happened to be the first… and last, considering we cancelled the other nine. It was a perfect fit and we knew that about 20 minutes into meeting. And by the way, no need to apologize for the question; band members often act like an old married couple.

R.E.L: Well, they were pretty

SDB: Your backgrounds are very different; does this help or hinder the creative process, when wanting to portray a certain emotion, story or style in a song?

R.E.L- I would say our different backgrounds help because we bring ideas from different worlds.

The bottom line is Scotty and I find great chemistry when working together partially because we both strive to have the song be the best it can be. Most times our differences just present different ideas and directions - but regardless who came up with what, we always pick what’s best. Our different backgrounds “help” because they give us an opportunity to bring different ideas to the table, which alone probably wouldn’t come up … and then we pick the best ones.

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Interview | Reasons Be growth for them in particular. Now our story has LGBT support, Women’s Rights support, and Interracial Marriage support. This equals a lot of positive change that we’re proud to be a part of.

SDB: How involved were you two in the production of the video? How personal should a music video be to the artists’ hearts?

R.E.L- We were very involved. Yannis wanted to be sure we were happy at the end of it all – But honestly once the storyline was solidified things were out of our hands. It was time to let the director bring his vision to life. The bottom line is we couldn’t see behind the camera, nor were we in the editing room.

I think I, personally, had to learn this the hard way: Always so curious trying to find out what’s going on and always trying to throw suggestions in… But while we were shooting Scotty would take me aside and say: “Just let him do his thing. Trust me, he knows what he’s doing”. He was right.

SDB: Has anyone (friends, family, strangers) approached you since seeing the video and hearing the new song? Is it raising eyebrows?

Scotty: We’ve been contacted by hundreds of people! Our friends and families have been incredibly supportive. The most eye-opening thing that has happened so far from my perspective is the response from fans and strangers whom we’ve never met.

One lady e-mailed us saying that when she first started watching the video, she was “disgusted” at the fact the story was about two women starting a family; but by the end of the video, she forgot that it was about a same-sex couple and realized it was all about love. She went from feeling emotions that she probably grew up associating with gay and lesbian interactions to having a feeling of renewed optimism and faith in love. To me, that’s incredible. It is not easy to change an opinion; and that alone is worth all the effort we put into the making of this art. It really makes me feel that we’re creating a positive influence on this beautiful world we live in.

ing forward. A lot of bands release something great and everyone can’t wait for the next album; then it comes out and it’s just like the first. So naturally there is some disappointment because fans want to hear something new… not a new version of something old. The only thing Scotty and I wanted to be sure of was not losing our core identity that made fans begin to catch on in the first place. I really think we were able to achieve both goals with ‘Say Goodnight.’

SDB: What’s next for Reasons Be? Tours, albums, world domination?

R.E.L: Where did you hear about world domination? (they are on to us!) … Nah, expect some more new music coming your way in a couple of months. Our goal is to release a new single four times a year along with some B-side acoustic tracks.

And of course, later this summer it’s back to gigging as well – So follow us, “like” us, comment and all the rest of that cool jazz and we’ll keep you posted!

Scotty: Yes, and we’re really pumped because we’re playing colleges as well as clubs, music venues, and private events. Those are all great ways to spread our music and build a bigger and bigger following.

Without our fans we are nothing. And we’ll never forget that.

SDB: Is ‘Say Goodnight’ a continuation of what inspired the songs on your EP [Hands Up] or has there been a change in theme or reasoning?

R.E.L – I think ‘Say Goodnight’ is definitely a change. When we first went into the studio we were talking with our producer, Lee Miles (Shinedown, Rise Against, Puddle of Mudd…), about presenting the fans with Reasons Be 2.0. It’s important to explore your own boundaries and be willing to evolve as an artist. You always want to think about mov8 EILE Magazine

‘Say Goodnight’ by Reasons Be is available to buy on iTunes.

News | Trans Equality

Progress for Trans* Equality in America and Australia In the US, the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) has hailed as a major milestone a government move to revise policy and give transgenders federal recognition. The NCTE have welcomed the Social Security Administration move which will ensure privacy is protected for transgender people.

It is now easier for transgender people to update their social security records with their correct gender designation. Former policy to update social security records required the presentation of documentation that gender reassignment surgery had been undergone, whereas with the new regulations, it is only necessary to either produce a doctor’s certificate confirming that appropriate clinical treatment has been given for “gender transition”, or by submitting “government-issued documentation reflecting a change”.

“Most people may not see this as a big deal, but transgender people know that this seemingly small technical change will protect their privacy and give them more control over their own lives” said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality.

Keisling added, “Importantly, Social Security records are gateways to so many other kinds of identity documents, from driver’s licenses to employment records, all of us depend on it in one way or another. This seemingly minor technical improvement touches every aspect of our lives and will have a profound impact on changing the way transgender people live and work.”

And in news from Australia’s Attorney-General’s Department, transgender issues were also at the forefront. In a document entitled Australian Government Guidelines on the Recognition of Sex and Gender it was stated:

gender they were assigned at birth, as intersex, or as an indeterminate sex and/or gender. This should be recognised and reflected in their personal records.

To recognise this fact, Australian government forms which record information on sex or gender, will now allow a person to tick a box as male, female, or “X” which allows for indeterminate, intersex or unspecified.

The guidelines commenced on July 1 this year, and the various government departments have three years to implement the standards. The guidelines apply to all departments where personal records are kept, including employee records, and are meant to standardise the evidence required for a person to establish or change their sex or gender in personal records held

by Australian Government departments and agencies.

Sufficient evidence to support transgender identity will now include: a statement from a Registered Medical Practitioner or a Registered Psychologist (general registration) a valid Australian Government travel document, such as a valid passport, which specifies their preferred gender, or a state or territory birth certificate; or recognised details of a certificate showing a change of gender These measures will ensure more privacy, and an easier way of updating personal records for transgender people, and should be adopted by other countries to facilitate delivery of government services to all citizens equally.

Individuals may identify and be recognised within the community as a gender other than the sex or EILE Magazine 9

News | DOMA

US Supreme Court Removes Ban on Same-Sex Marriage

In what will be marked as an incredibly historic day for LGBT rights, the US Supreme Court has approved same-sex marriage at a federal level by voting against Prop 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act. The decisions made in the Supreme Court earlier today mean that same-sex marriages are legal once again in California, while the federal ban on equal marriage has been lifted. While this does not mean that same-sex marriage is now implemented across the US, it allows for other states to introduce it without being concerned with a ban at federal level.

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The Defense of Marriage Act, better known as DOMA and signed into law by then President Bill Clinton, defined marriage as being between one man and one woman. The Act was overturned today by five votes to four, with Justice Anthony M. Kennedy writing the majority opinion. “The federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity,� wrote Justice Kennedy. “By

News | DOMA

seeking to displace this protection and treating those persons as living in marriages less respected than others, the federal statute is in violation of the Fifth Amendment.”

SCOTUSblog quickly afterwards published this ‘plain English’ explanation of today’s events: “After the two same-sex couples filed their challenge to Proposition 8 in federal court in California, the California government officials who would normally have defended the law in court, declined to do so. So the proponents of Proposition 8 stepped in to defend the law, and the California Supreme Court (in response to a request by the lower court) ruled that they could do so under state law. But today the Supreme Court held that the proponents do not have the legal right to defend the law in court. As a result, it held, the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the intermediate appellate court, has no legal force, and it sent the case back to that court with instructions for it to dismiss the case.”

tions. Nothing about this decision – which applies only to civil marriages — changes that.”

The vote on DOMA was also welcomed on this side of the Atlantic, with Dublin-based LGBT advocacy group GLEN’s Kieran Rose saying: “This is a fantastic outcome from the US Supreme Court. Lesbian and gay married couples will now have constitutionally-mandated equal treatment in the United States”.

“The ruling is a pivotal moment in the achievement of equality for lesbian and gay people in the US,” Rose continued, “and the decision will echo across the world. A very strong message of inclusion, value and equality has been sent to lesbian and gay people everywhere.”

Many well known figures and celebrities across the world have also voiced their joy and celebration over today’s decision, including California resident, Ellen DeGeneres,

“The ruling is a pivotal moment in the achievement of equality for lesbian and gay people in the US.”

President Obama also released a statement on the events, branding DOMA as “discrimination enshrined in law”: “We welcome [the] decision, and I’ve directed the Attorney General to work with other members of my Cabinet to review all relevant federal statutes to ensure this decision, including its implications for Federal benefits and obligations, is implemented swiftly and smoothly.

Legal scholar Jeffrey Toobin told CNN in an interview that the DOMA case is an “immense victory” for supporters of marriage equality. On Prop. 8, he said, the court did not go as far as campaigners may have liked.

“The court could have said all 50 states should have gay marriage,” Toobin said. They didn’t but it “certainly looks like the court may be moving in that direction.”

“On an issue as sensitive as this, knowing that Americans hold a wide range of views based on deeply held beliefs, maintaining our nation’s commitment to religious freedom is also vital.

How religious institutions define and consecrate marriage has always been up to those instituEILE Magazine 11

News | World

LGBT World News RoundNorthern Ireland’s First Gay Mayor

proud moment, Councillor Muir has said that ‘Working As One’ will be his theme while he is Mayor of the North Down Borough Council, which is set to merge with the Ards Borough Council in 2015.

Young Republicans support LGBT

Words that had been used to describe Republicans in the report were: “closeminded”, “racist”, “rigid”, and “old-fashioned”.

Councillor Andrew Muir of the Alliance Party has recently been elected Mayor of North Down, making him the first openly gay mayor in Northern Ireland.

Speaking in an interview for UTV News, Muir said that his sexuality had not been an issue for either his electorate nor his constituents since becoming councillor for Holywood in 2010. The County Down native also stated that it will not be a “defining issue” during his term as Mayor, as he intends to reach out across all sectors of the community.

However, the report stops short of making recommendations for how policies should change within the party, feeling that that should be left to politicians to sort out.

In a new report from the College Republican National Commitee (CRNC – the younger generation of Republicans) in the US, the GOP have been strongly criticised for their stance against marriage equality, among other issues.

Muir is one of the founding members of local LGBT group, Gay and Lesbian Across Down (gladni.org), has a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from Queens University Belfast and is a member of Amnesty International UK. He is also a member of Friends of the Earth, and is an advocate for green policies in politics.

They have been warned by the young Republicans that this stance will not lead to votes from the younger generation, who see being anti-marriage-equality as old-fashioned, and closeminded.

To secure the young vote, the CRNC Report says Republicans will require a “significantly different approach than has been used in recent elections”.

Describing his election as a very

In the 95-page report, entitled

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“Grand Old Party for a Brand New Generation” the CRNC say that the Republican Party will face serious difficulty as long as the issue of gay marriage “remains on the table”, and that the GOP have an image problem due to the “outrageous statements made by errant Republican voices”. No doubt Todd Akin and Mitt Romney were some of those ‘errant voices’.

In light of this survey, which involved 1,600 participants between 18 and 29 years of age, and six focus groups, one would have to wonder whether the recent ‘apology’ to the gay community from Illinois Republican Representatives, on the pulling of the marriage equality bill, has anything to do with this report.

Either way, it can only be seen as a good thing if the GOP is encouraged to be more openminded, and tolerant of diversity within American society.

– MKB

News | World

-Up Limerick Gay Games Bid Shortlisted

– to between fifteen and twenty thousand people for the 2018 Games. The games, which would run for 10 days, are estimated to raise up to 60 million euro for the Limerick and Shannon region.

Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland (fourth largest of the entire island) with a population of about 100,000.

Despite its relatively small size, Limerick has played its part for years in Irish and European sport, being the home of the Munster Rugby team, and with soccer pitches regulated by FIFA and UEFA as well as its title as European City of Culture for 2011. The Irish government have named it Irish City of Sport for 2014-2016, the first time a city has been given such a title.

Limerick has been shortlisted alongside the cities of London and Paris to host the 2018 Gay Games. The shortlist, cut down from seven cities to three, was announced by the Federation of Gay Games in San Francisco.

Inspectors from the Federation of Gay Games will visit the final three candidate cities – Limerick, London and Paris – as part of the next step in selecting the host city for the 2018 Gay Games.

Norwegian PM Shows Pride Support Norwegian Prime Minister, Jens Stoltenberg, updated his Facebook page last month in support of ‘Skieve Dager’ (Queer Days), Oslo’s LGBT Pride festival.

The cover photo features the rainbow flag, with a quote from Stoltenberg himself in Norwegian.

“For at alle skal kunne gifte seg med den de elsker” translates to English as “So that all people can marry who they love.”

Norway, like most of the Nordic region, has a long history of equality for LGBT people. The country introduced registered partnerships (the precursor to civil partnerships) in 1998, before upgrading the law to allow equal marriage in 2009, Oslo Pride, or Skieve Dager, took place until June 30.

Limerick’s bid is the first attempt by an Irish city to host the Gay Games, which welcomes participants to compete against each other regardless of skill level, age or physical challenge. The 2014 Gay Games are being hosted by Cleveland, Ohio in August.

Between participants and supporters from home and abroad, Limerick is looking to extend the traditional ‘céad míle fáilte’ – Irish for ‘a 100,000 welcomes’

Norwegian Prime Minister, Jens Stoltenberg’s Facebook page during Oslo Pride.

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News | LGBT Youth

Dublin Hosts Major LGBT Youth Conference The International LGBT Youth Community Forum took place last month in Dublin’s Croke Park Conference Centre. The results of a major international LGBT Youth conference, held in Dublin, will be presented soon as a new template for LGBT youth across Europe, in the form of a so-called Dublin Statement on LGBT Youth.

The Dublin Statement was drafted with delegates at the first LGBT Youth & Social Inclusion Conference at Croke Park, organised by BeLong To, the Irish national organisation for LGBT youth, which set out a vision for LGBT young people across Europe in the areas of education, employment, rights and services.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Children & Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald TD committed to supporting and promoting “The Dublin Statement on LGBT Youth & Social Inclusion”. International speakers at the Conference included Dr Eliza Byard, Executive Director of GLSEN, and Nevin Öztop from Kaos GL, a Turkish LGBT activist who spoke about the current protests in Turkey and how LGBT people have been involved. Kocho Andonovski from Macedonia, and Peter Matjašič, President of the European Youth Forum also addressed the conference, as well as speakers from Greece, France and Finland.

Speaking at the event, Minister 14 EILE Magazine

Fitzgerald praised BeLonG To – organisers of the Conference – for fighting against difficulties and challenges faced by LGBT young people, on both an Irish and international level. Their work, the Minister stated, has put Ireland “at the forefront in combating the problem of homophobic bullying, through its work in the youth sector, as well as in other sectors and settings.”

Michael Barron, Director of BeLong To stated: “What this conference is saying is that LGBT young people throughout Europe have fundamental rights when it comes to education, employment, participation in society and safety. No LGBT young person should be made suffer because of who they are and the time has come for a considered national and European response.”

A recent survey by the European Union’s Fundamental Rights Agency

of 93,000 LGBT people across Europe, which was presented at the conference, found almost 90% of respondents experienced homophobia or transphobia in school, and that LGBT young people were more severely socially marginalized than LGBT adults.

EU Youth Ministers have stated their commitment to take relevant actions in this regard, and Minister Fitzgerald is presently hosting an expert round table event that will explore further the role of youth work in advancing the employment of young people (June 20–21 in County Kildare).

BeLonG To will also be participating in this event.

Arts | Acting Out

Russia Bans Adoption by Foreign Same-Sex Couples The Russian Lower House, the Duma, has approved a bill which saw changes to their own laws regarding adoption, and included the amendment to ban same-sex couples from adopting Russian children. The main bill is itself said to be an amendment to the law regarding the protection of orphans in Russia.

The amendment not only bans adoption to same-sex couples, but also to individuals of countries where samesex marriage is legal.

As the US is the principal adoptive country of Russian children, it will be most affected by the ban, as stateby-state, marriage between same-sex couples is gradually becoming the norm. France will also be affected, as it ranked fourth in adoptions of Russian children, and also had a bi-lateral agreement with Russia on adoption.

The bill is ostensibly to give state help to Russian orphans and children deprived of parental support, according to news-site Russia Today (RT) and radically increases allowances to foster-parents. Those who wish to adopt a child in Russia will now have their compulsory medical tests paid for, and longer expiration dates for documents. These reforms also make the adoption process simpler for adoptive parents.

RT reports that the idea to ban samesex adoptions in Russia only arose when France was debating legalising same-sex marriage. The bill was passed unanimously, by 444 MPs, and follows the recent bill to ban what has been termed “gay propaganda”.

The law in Russia which regarded homosexuality as a criminal offence was only repealed in 1993.

LGBT Scriptwriters Wanted To celebrate National Coming Out Day in October, Acting Out, the LGBT drama group has been commissioned by the National Lesbian and Gay Federation to produce a piece on the theme of coming out. National Coming Out Day has been created to recognise how important the coming out process still is in terms of the visibility of the LGBT community, and to make the wider community aware of their role in making coming out not only as easy as possible, but helping it be cause for celebration.

Acting Out wants: A short piece of drama (no more than 10 minutes long) on the theme of Coming Out. The piece could be a monologue or for up to a MAXIMUM of four characters. It can be sad, funny, strange, chilling, scary, happy, surreal, triumphant, moving or any of these things and more. It’s your story to tell. It should probably not be much more than about 1000 words, but time it before you send it, as Acting Out are going to be strict on the time limits: NO MORE THAN 10 MINUTES! It is not necessary for you to have had ANY experience of writing drama in the past to enter.

Closing date for submissions is August 2, 2013. Acting Out will choose six pieces and start work on them in August, and writers will be invited to participate in workshops where the pieces get developed. The six pieces will then be part of the performance on Coming Out Day, October 11.

Interested? Send your scripts as a word document to actingouttheatregroup@gmail.com

– MKB EILE Magazine 15

The Uncertain Future of Civil Partnerships Stephen Donnan asks whether or not civil partnerships should be opened up for all, or if it was only ever a temporary measure for same-sex couples.

A really interesting debate arose from the mish-mash of controversy surrounding the equal marriage bill in Westminster recently. A backbench Tory MP submitted an amendment that called on the Government to open Civil Partnerships to straight couples.

Now, this particular MP goes by the name of Tim Laughton and has been an outspoken critic of plans to legalise equal marriage from the start. His amendment was intended to wreck the Bill as the Government would have to delay it further to hold a consultation on the proposed reform of Civil Partnership law.

The amendment failed. The Bill passed its third reading by a large majority, and has passed to the House of Lords where it may yet encounter more challenges.

However insidious his intentions, does Tim Laughton have a point?

Should Civil Unions/Partnerships be opened to opposite-sex couples?

Gay marriage vs Straight Unions?

Opening Civil Partnerships to straight couples has been something that I have advocated for a while, but it’s not as simple as simply ‘redefining’ CP law as we know it. The entire point of Civil Partnerships was to make gay people feel a little bit more equal, but not completely equal. ‘Separate but the same’ was the argument at the time, when in fact it was anything but.

There is an irony, however, in that by allowing for equal marriage alongside Civil Partnerships, gay 16 EILE Magazine

Opinion | Civil Partnerships

people in England and Wales actually will have more rights when it comes to defining their relationship in law than straight couples currently have, as they are banned from entering into a CP in either Ireland or the UK (including NI).

But why would they want to have a Civil Partnership? As mentioned above, CPs were used as a piecemeal offering to the LGBT community, by allowing them to have something that looked, sounded and acted like a marriage without being able to call it marriage. Currently people in a Civil Partnership are unable to have their relationship recognised as a marriage in any part of the UK, inheritance rights are different for them as opposed to married couples.

“… with the equation of marriage law, the whole concept of Civil Partnerships/ Unions becomes moot.”

If a straight couple were to have a CP in England and Wales, their relationship wouldn’t be recognised at all in NI and Scotland unless the law changed there, too. If a straight couple in a Civil Partnership adopted and moved to NI or to the Republic their family would have absolutely no recognition whatsoever, nor

would they have the same rights and entitlements as married couples, as Ireland currently only allows Civil Unions for gay couples.

The point is that with the equation of marriage law, the whole concept of Civil Partnerships/Unions becomes moot. There is no need for a legal structure that no longer has any relevance when the law around it has already done its job for it. Yes, there are straight couples and gay couples alike that do not believe in the concept of marriage, and still want the same rights and entitlements. In that case, the law should be opened up to them to enter into a Civil Partnership, but only if CPs are strengthened to be the exact same as marriage and not the sad tribute act that it currently is.

The UK Government has already agreed to look into the revision of Civil Partnership law exactly five years from now, but if the 2004 Civil Partnership Act is scrapped it may leave gay couples in NI and Scotland in legal limbo. I say open the law up and let’s have equality for everyone, including straight people.

Entertainment | Glória & Friends

Standing Ovation for Glória Summer Concert both travelled to Dublin for the occasion. Other choirs who didn’t have as far to travel were the recently-formed Dublin Gay Men’s Chorus and the Glória Outreach Choir, who lit up the stage with their own performances on the night.

The National Concert Hall welcomed the return of Glória, Dublin’s Lesbian & Gay Choir, for their annual summer concert, which celebrated their eighteenth year. To mark the occasion, they were joined on stage by other LGBT choirs and friends, and hosted by the warm and talented Panti.

The concert’s opening number, I Can Sing A Rainbow, was especially poignant as it symbolised the coming together of friends and family from across Ireland, as Quire LGBT Choir from Belfast and Choral ConFusion from Cork

Glória have had a wonderful couple of months, having performed in Siamsa Tíre in County Kerry, at the World Congress of the International Federation of Journalists; on the Derek Mooney show on RTÉ Radio 1 and much, much more.

As Chairman of Glória, Barry Dowling said, the enthusiasm that Musical Director, Ian Packham, has brought to the choir could be felt by everyone, and the energy felt at last night’s concert was proof of Packham’s style and enthusiasm. All four choirs

performed brilliantly, creating a joyous atmosphere that lead to two standing ovations; one at the end and again after the encore.

Glória are a registered charity, which welcomes support from the public by asking them to become ‘Friends’ of Glória. They are already preparing for their Christmas concert, which will take place in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in December, as well as for the Various Voices Choral Festival, which will see 77 choirs travel to Dublin next year.

For more information, visit gloria. ie.

Photography: Aaron McGrath

EILE Magazine 17

Interview | John Kavanagh

John Kavanagh: Awakening of an Artist John Kavanagh is a multimedia artist based in Dublin. His latest art collection, entitled ‘Awakening’, is now on display at Cornucopia Vegetarian Restaurant on Dublin’s Wicklow Street.

Scott De Buitléir caught up with the Derry native for a quick chat about how his husband has influenced his art, and the effect his hometown and other cities have had on him.

18 EILE Magazine

Interview | John Kavanagh SDB: Tell me about ‘Awakening’ and what inspired you to create this new collection.

JK: My inspiration for ‘Awakening’ is how we realise and release our personal creative energy… the lines of this inner power flow as we activate and awaken, bursting into colours and shapes. There are eight new paintings in the collection, in acrylic, pastel, pencil and inks. They are the most ambitious in scale and design I think I’ve ever done.

Looking back, the past eight years have been an emotional journey for me – not all of it conscious or visible, most of my feelings had been subconscious and shadowed. […] This exhibition reflects an opening up.

SDB: How does this new set of work differ from your last exhibition in Temple Bar? Are the materials or messages different in this one?

JK: Last summer, I opened a solo show called ‘These Urban Spirits’ in Ubode in Temple Bar. It was great to have had such a different style of work on show. The style was graphic and illustrated like a manga or comic book. It spoke about how we connect and are energized by our urban landscape and collective energy.

I believe ‘Awakening,’ as a collection, is more personal for me. It tells the story of private realisation, of the individual waking up and choosing to reveal a once dormant power, something once hidden and forgotten. In the past I, preferred to keep my creative ideas hidden away from view. My exhibitions are testament to my own growing energy and confidence in presenting my story. As we awaken the world becomes more vibrant. The theme of personal energy has always been strong in my work.

SDB: Did your journey into art begin in Derry? How did growing up there affect how you perceive art, especially as art can be used extensively to send out a message to the public?

JK: I believe that Derry has had a definite influence on my art. It’s a beautiful place, as is the North, but it has a darker side. I can see this in my work; there is a starkness, a harsh, colder, mechanical side maybe not obvious at first. The question of how my upbringing and early environment in the North has influenced me has recently come up as a theme to look into.

I’ve been living in Dublin now for 14 years, and it’s become home for me. I’ve lived in Belfast and Berlin too, and these are three very different cities with uniquely strong energies. These cities are grand and imposing with a distinct darkness, just under the surface. I draw on my travels in my work, and sometimes equate cities with moods.

I’ll always be from Derry, though, and I’m very proud of having such a rich cultural historical city behind me. It’s where I first began studying art and first drawing inspiration from the cityscape.

SDB: ‘Awakening’ is not on display in a gallery, but a public space, i.e. a restaurant. Does this help the idea that art is interactive with the public, or a happy coincidence?

JK: I love showing my work in public spaces, where a visitor can be relaxed, even distracted while looking at my work. I hope as a result that my art is accessible and that people can relate to it.

I’m in favour of engaging with a public who can

EILE Magazine 19

Interview | John Kavanagh

enjoy the art unexpectedly and sit and regard the pieces in a less intense location. For now, I like the idea of hanging a painting in an area associated with comfort, chat and relaxation. I have found that people have more time to observe and comment on the work. Art and art appreciation is a nourishing experience to me, and to engage with a collection while being physically nourished brings another level to the collection – awakening the body, mind and spirit.

SDB: Your artwork is often a blend of Western and Oriental influences; is that intentional? Is this inspired by your husband’s background or something else?

JK: My themes are not earthly; they are more spiritual and metaphysical. I think I’ll always invite other cultural references into my work. Based on my culture-magpie tendencies, I’d find it hard not to.

I’ve always been interested in Japanese and Chinese calligraphy and brushwork, alongside Celtic design.

The oriental aesthetic is so different to our own here in Europe. I’m taken by the style, having worked with many people from the East. These cultures continue to fascinate me – the diverse languages, the diverse histories – things that make us different and interesting. Yet there is a shared quality – a common thread that connects us all.

My husband is Irish-Indian, and is a Yoga Teacher.

It has been something of a shared journey travelling to meet his South African family and experience the vibrancy of the Tamil Indian culture first hand. I believe that a visit there in 2011 caused an awakening in me. I have strong memories that have influenced my work such as bright and rich colours, detailed design, simplicity in shapes and lines including geometry. I can see these elements included in this collection, in particular.

‘Awakening’ by John Kavanagh is on display until June 7 at Cornucopia, Wicklow Street, Dublin 2.

For more information on John’s art, visit John’s Facebook page or e-mailsolasbug@gmail.com

Quality LGBT News and Features – Produced from Los Angeles and Available via iTunes and on 200+ Radio Stations Worldwide!

20 EILE Magazine

News | Arizona

Arizona Launches Equal Marriage Petition Campaign A campaign has been launched to contest the Arizona state ban on same-sex marriage, by petitioning to put the issue to a vote next year.

Equal Marriage Arizona will be petitioning to allow a referendum in 2014 that will ask voters whether a marriage is defined as being between two adults, or specifically between a man and a woman. This would contest a ban enforced in 2008, which passed at the time with 56% of Arizonan support.

“In Article 30(1), we’re proposing to delete the words ‘man and a woman’ [from the state constitution] and insert ‘two persons’,” Warren Meyer of Equal Marriage Arizona explained. “We would also be introducing a new paragraph, providing religious protection.”

The “religious protection” that Meyer refers to would be a clause in the constitution of Arizona, stating that those who would have religious objections to performing a civil marriage for a same-sex

Warren Meyer of Equal Marriage Arizona, speaking to media last month.

couple would not be obliged to do so. Since Equal Marriage Arizona filed the required paperwork to petition on Monday of this week, the group is now entitled to begin its campaign to raise the required 259, 213 signatures from registered voters.

If the group achieve this by the deadline – which is July 3, 2014 – the issue will be put onto the ballot paper later that year. Currently, Equal Marriage Arizona is led by a Libertarian (Meyer) and Erin Ogletree Simpson, a retired

attorney, and chairwoman of the Arizona Log Cabin Republicans.

The group intend to recruit a Democrat to make sure that the petition appeals to all kinds of voters.

Equal Marriage Arizona is reported to be waiting until the US Supreme Court rules on both the Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8 before beginning its petition campaign.

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EILE Magazine 21

Opinion | Acting Gay

Playing it Gay Frances Winston feels that perhaps it’s time directors got their act together, and cast gay actors in gay roles

brave of you.’ [No one says to a gay actor who plays a heterosexual person] ‘How brave of you to kiss that woman, that must have been very difficult for you’.”

Both Michael Douglas and Matt Damon have garnered huge praise for their performances in the Liberace biopic, Behind the Candelabra. The duo play the titular gay entertainer and his lover Scott Thorson, and the praise they have received is well deserved, as both give fantastic performances. Both are also straight, happily married fathers of young children. Stephen Fry pointed out back in 2008: “Straight actors can play gay people and they’re rather congratulated on it. People say ‘Ooh, how

This is very true indeed. Think of the multitude of gay characters portrayed on the screen. Tom Hanks won an Oscar for his 1993 portrayal of a gay lawyer dying of AIDS in Philadelphia. Guy Pearce, Terence Stamp and Hugo Weaving all channelled their inner gay in the hugely acclaimed Priscilla Queen of the Desert. The groundbreaking Brokeback Mountain featured two heterosexual actors, Jake Gyllenhaal and the late Heath Ledger, in the leads. Funnyman Robin Williams got his camp on to play a gay

22 EILE Magazine

Opinion | Acting Gay

nightclub owner in The Birdcage (although his co-star Nathan Lane was at least gay). Long before he was struggling with The King’s Speech, Colin Firth was A Single Man and a gay one at that.

Straight Greg Kinnear played gay artist Simon in As Good as It Gets, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman was cast as gay writer Truman Capote in the biopic Capote.

Sean Penn won an Oscar for his portrayal of Harvey Milk in Milk – arguably one of the most important “gay” films of recent times, and James Franco also got his gay on in that movie.

It’s not just the guys getting in on the act. Annette Bening and Julianne Moore played a lesbian couple in The Kids are Alright, while Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci were both applauded for their performances as a dysfunctional gay couple in serial killer, Aileen Wournos, biopic Monster.

I could go on but you get the picture. Since the dawn of film, straight actors have won acclaim for their “bravery” in tackling gay roles. Not all reviewers were enamoured of the casting of Douglas and Damon in Candelabra however. In the Washington Post Hank Stuever argued that the film needed “a gay sensibility and probably a gayer cast. Start with Nathan Lane or David Hyde Pierce; call Neil Patrick Harris; audition Lance Bass for one of the bit parts; ask Andrew Rannells if he’s game. This list is long in 2013.”

Despite this, you very rarely see gay actors playing leading roles in “gay” movies. J. Bryan Lowder wrote a piece for Slate magazine recently addressing the issue of “gayface” – a play on the term

Blackface, where a performer “blacks up” to play someone of a different race, and which is (rightly so) considered deeply offensive. However he wasn’t offended by the trend and pointed out: “Many gays are so happy to see a story like Harvey Milk’s told at all, that they’re willing to cede the role to Sean Penn, especially considering that without a big name like his attached, the project would almost certainly have never happened. (Big names, so far, are always straight.)”

“gayface” – a play on the term Blackface, […] which is (rightly so) considered deeply offensive.

Look at the picture in reverse though, and ask yourself how many openly-gay people have been cast as a straight lead in a movie. Richard Chamberlain was practically locked in his closet during his romantic lead days.

Had screen icon Rock Hudson not become gravely ill with AIDS, we would probably never have known he was gay. And even Liberace, who attempted a movie career as a leading man in the fifties, was so afraid of the truth coming out about his sexuality, and ruining his image, that his people falsified his death cert. On TV, Meredith Baxter only came out after she had finished her run as an applepie mom on Family Ties – and indeed her last role was as one half of a lesbian couple on Glee. T.R. Knight played it straight on Grey’s Anatomy, but didn’t actually pub-

licly come out until an unfortunate incident where co-star Isaiah Washington referred to him by using a homophobic slur.

There are some exceptions to the rule. Gay actor Zachary Quinto’s Mr Spock is romantically involved with female communications officer Uhura in the rebooted Star Trek movies. (However, since he is playing an alien it is rooted in reality like most of the other roles mentioned). Neil Patrick Harris is hugely popular playing womaniser Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother, and Jonathan Groff gave a convincing turn as the caddish Jessie St James who seduced Rachel Berry on Glee.

However, on the whole, the balance is skewed. Stephen Fry, a gay actor who actually did play gay when he portrayed legendary writer Oscar Wilde, said: “I think the fact that I’m so well known to be gay makes it very difficult to have a convincing relationship with a woman on screen. It wouldn’t be at all difficult for me to kiss a woman – I’ll kiss a frog if you like. And why should it be difficult for a man to kiss another man? It’s difficult to ride bareback backwards while unicycling, but to kiss someone isn’t difficult. It’s just part of the insanely irrational way that the human mind works.”

While a gay actor might not always necessarily be right for the role, praising a straight actor simply for kissing another human being merely serves to highlight the attitudes towards gay roles in entertainment. Perhaps it’s time that casting directors went with the best man for the job, rather than the straight man (or woman!)

EILE Magazine 23

Sport | Dublin Pride Run

Stride of PRIDE SeĂĄn Dunne reflects on the Dublin Pride 5K Run Depending on the era you were you born in, pride will mean mny different things to you. Saying you were gay 30 years ago would have meant that you were running away from the shame and stigma that once was attached to being a homosexual.

stage in our lives - pride in our work, our family and why not pride in who we are as individuals.

Gay pride is about much more than the perceived once a year street party, waving a rainbow flag; it is now more than ever a part of the everyday life of each gay person. Why should we be made feel any different?

Instead, now in 2013, there is minimal stigma attached to being gay. A new generation is emerging. This new generation no longer fears the whispers of those too afraid to embrace a changing society, and a homo society.

The second annual Dublin pride run took place in June in the Phoenix Park. The event hosted by the Dublin Front Runners saw more than 400 men, women and children take part, where a community ran together with pride, proud of where they had come from and proud of who they were.

The whole notion of pride is something that we all feel at some

As I sit here writing this article, a land mark decision in The United

States has just been made. The Supreme Court in Washington struck down a key part of the federal Defence of Marriage Act on Wednesday June 26th, and declared that same-sex couples who are legally married deserve equal rights to the benefits under federal law that go to all other married couples.

The decision is a landmark day for the gay rights movement. It voids a section of the law known as DOMA, which was adopted with bipartisan support in Congress in 1996 to deny all benefits and recognition to same sex couples, but now today this has been quashed.

It’s okay to be who we are. The Dublin Pride that took place this year showed me a different side to the glitter and rainbow flags. The new side to pride was running.

The charity 5k saw more than 400 runners compete in the Phoenix Park in June. 400 gay people rais-

Get the word out to those that matter.

24 EILE Magazine

Sport | Dublin Pride Run ing money for charity, while being proud of who they were.

One of the funniest things I overheard, while walking around the park before the race, was one women saying to her female friend “Damn, if only he wasn’t gay, look at the legs on him,” It made me smile that we seem to be approaching a more tolerant and accepting society, and one where heterosexual women still find gay men attractive.

The Dublin Pride run was a liber-

non-profit organisation supporting young people’s mental health in Ireland. All proceeds from the charity event went to Headstrong.

Speaking at the event, Headstrong said they were delighted to be taking part in the event for the second time. Adding to this, a headstrong communication officer said: “A lot of younger LGBT people need that extra support”. The organisation is there as a support for them and the extra funding is always welcome.

a little prouder, another little achievement under the belt. The pride medal for the run is now hanging up in my room, and I look forward to being a part of bigger and better event next year.

We all have that little ‘stride of pride’ in us… and it’s about the small steps, raising awareness like mental health, and bigger steps about being proud of who we are.

Runners at the 2013 Dublin Pride 5K Run

ating experience, to see families come out to support each other and friends alike, embracing the world we live in, and the gay.

There was an overwhelming amount of support, and, as clichéed as it sounds, Pride was evident to all in attendance.

Headstrong is The National Centre for Youth Mental Health - a

Gary O’ Hanlon was the overall winner of the charity 5k, finishing in a time of 15 minutes and thirty seconds. The success of the charity event was all down to the fantastic organisers at The Dublin Frontrunners.

All photography: Mark Rooney

So we all left the Phoenix Park

For advertising rates and inquiries, email eilemagazine@outlook.com EILE EILEMagazine Magazine 25 2

Opinion | Emigration

GLEN: 20 Years Since Decriminalisation

GLEN is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Decriminalisation of Homosexuality in Ireland, and have published extracts from Dáil and Seanad Debates on the 1993 Bill.

GLEN was a leading campaigner for reform since its foundation in 1988.

Rose continued:

legislation was introduced in 2010.

“The passage of the Bill was one of the most important steps in the liberation of gay people in Ireland.

It led to new generations of lesbian and gay people able to live their lives more openly.”

“We still have a way to go to ensure full and equal citizenship for lesbian and gay people. There is still an unacceptable level of violence and harassment; young LGBT people face very difficult times in school; the promised parenting legislation, approved by an overwhelming majority at the Constitutional Convention recently, is urgently needed; marriage and full Constitutional protection must be secured; gender recognition legislation is long overdue”.

Kieran Rose says:

Monday, 24th June 2013, marked the 20th anniversary of the passage through the Dáil of the Bill which decriminalised homosexuality on the basis of equality. The Bill, titled the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) 1993 The Dáil and Seanad debates in Bill, removed the Victorian laws of 1993, which were covered by Morn1861 and 1885 which criminalised ing Ireland, are regarded as pivotal sexual behaviour between men. It moments in the transition to a more was proposed by the then Minister modern and progressive Ireland. for Justice, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, GLEN have published extracts from on behalf of the Fianna Fáil/Labour the Dáil and Seanad debates on the coalition Government. Senator David legislation, with introductions by the Back then, in 1993, the Dublin Pride Norris had taken a constitutional GLEN co-chairs in 1993 – Kieran March was held the day after the Bill case against the laws in Ireland which Rose, Suzy Byrne and the late Chrispassed. Journalist Mary Holland in a had failed at the Supreme Court in topher Robson. column in the Irish Times said: 1983. He then appealed to “The passage of the Bill in June 1993 was a watershed “One would need a the European heart of stone not in the lives of gay and lesbian people in Ireland. No to have been moved Court of Human Rights, longer were Irish people to be treated as criminals, by the great waves where his lead of happiness that just because of who they were” counsel was surged through the Mary Robincentre of Dublin son. They won last Saturday aftertheir case in 1988, and Ireland was noon as Irish gays and lesbians took found to be in breach of the EuropeGay law reform was the building to the streets”. an Convention on Human Rights. block for the extensive legislative reforms which followed.

As Chris Robson, also a GLEN coFive years later, following a strong chair in 1993, who died earlier this campaign by GLEN, the ICCL, the “Without the decriminalisation year, commented: Trade Union movement and others, legislation and, most crucially, an the Fianna Fáil/Labour coalition equal age of consent, subsequent “The following Saturday, when the Government agreed to bring forward campaigns for legislative reform for Dublin Pride march featured the legislation to remove the existing lesbian and gay people would have chant ‘What did we want? Equality! laws, and establish an equal age of taken much longer and been extraor- When did we get it? Yesterday!’ was a consent for gay and straight people. dinarily difficult” said Suzy Byrne, sunny, exhilarating, glorious day”. also a GLEN co-chair in 1993.

“The passage of the Bill in June 1993 Coincidentally, this year’s Dublin was a watershed in the lives of gay Following gay law reform, a series LGBT Pride Parade was on Saturday and lesbian people in Ireland. No of other reforms were implemented, June 29th. longer were Irish people to be treated including powerful equality legislaas criminals, just because of who tion; refugee protections; domestic they were” violence protections; funding for health and social services targeting For more information on GLEN, visit said GLEN Chair Kieran Rose, who lesbian and gay people was secured; glen.ie was also GLEN Co-Chair in 1993. and comprehensive civil partnership 26 EILE Magazine

Column | Manners

Christianity & Couture Imogen Dawson returns with her fabulously chic column for EILE Magazine, where she sees the aisle in her local church as a catwalk.

(She also sees Gareth Russell as her own personal biographer, just like Lady Di…) Saint Bride’s church sits along the Malone Road in Belfast, next to a tennis club (obvs) and slap-bang in the heartlands of BT9 (or BT-Fine, as I like to think of it), Belfast’s golden mile of property prices. It’s a sleek, modern church, a million miles removed from the Westminster Abbey-inspired splendour of Saint Malachy’s, or the brooding gothic strength of Saint John the Evangelist, where the Malone Road Anglicans (the who’s who and what’s left of the Protestant Ascendancy, you say?) troop on Sundays.

Saint Bride’s produces a very special kind of rah Catholic girl and it’s all to do with its lighting, and its central aisle. Saint Bride’s is almost an open-plan church, with long pews and a high ceiling, meaning that it’s possible to see everything and be seen by everyone. As the Methody, Victoria, Rathmore and Our Lady and Saint Patrick’s girls are herded in to Saint Bride’s on Sunday morning by their parents, this lighting arrangement creates a high-pressure, snooping gold mine, in which you will be able to see who had a rough night the night before, who got fat, who should sue their hairdresser, who’s recently changed their hairdresser, who’s opting out of taking Communion this week (what’s she done?), and, of course, the favourite thought of all – wondering how said brazen hussy, three rows in front of you, has the nerve to show her face

after what she did!

But it’s Saint Bride’s central aisle that really does the best work of all. Saint Bride’s possesses literally the longest aisle I’ve ever seen in a church that’s not a cathedral, and when you step out from your pew, trust me, you are stepping on to the most high pressure

to cope with life, I think. (Thanks, Catholicism – got ma’ back. Big love.) You can either slouch down, mingling with the crowds, hoping that no-one pays too much attention to you, lest they secretly judge and criticise. Or you can let that Louboutin (Christian faith, Christian Louboutin – seemed like the right choice of shoe) click on down the aisle as you step out and say, “Look at me. I am fabulous!” And strut towards the communion rail, with all the fabulousness of Saint Mary Magdalene and the luminously good complexion of Bernadette Soubirous.

Gareth Russell is the author of the ‘Popular’ series, and Imogen Dawson gives him constant inspiration and exasperation

catwalk outside of fashion week.

All rah eyes are upon you, as you make the excruciatingly long walk to the communion rail. What you wear, how you walk, who you’re walking up with, how your hair is sitting, how good your tan is, have you embraced the new Lily-Colemeets-Kate-Middleton inspired pale chic look sans tan, is all being ruthlessly scrutinised. Trust me, I know – I’m one of the ones scrutinising. And we are not a kind jury.

That aisle, I’ve often thought, is a fantastic metaphor for being rah. It’s the perfect mixture of the sincere and the shallow. Stepping out into the aisle teaches us how EILE Magazine 27

Feature | LGBT Russia

From Russia With…?

To say that LGBT life in Russia has taken a turn for the worst in recent years would be a painful understatement, as Scott De Buitléir writes.

Over the last 15 months or so, the Russian LGBT community has become something of a punching bag, both figuratively and literally. They have borne witness to the savage killing of a young gay man that the authorities refuse to call a hate crime; police attacking gay rights rallies; the government’s plans to ban foreign same-sex couples from adopting Russian children and the nationwide extension of a law that effectively gags anyone – Russian and foreigner alike – from advocating for LGBT rights in the Federation. As horrific as all that may be, what’s even more baffling is that the Russian President has said that his homeland is “quite liberal. There is no discrimination. None at all.”

Recently, the State Duma (Russia’s lower house of parliament) voted for the law banning “homosexual propaganda” by a shocking 436-0. One member of the Duma abstained, but not a single representative voted against the measure, despite Russia’s own commissioner for human rights expressing his concern over the legislation. President Vladimir Putin has since signed the bill into law, despite criticism from other countries on the issue.

Putin is far from ignorant of the tension he has created on the issue, but it’s clear that he doesn’t care.

In April, he criticised François Hollande’s recent introduction of equal marriage, saying that the French law went against Russian values. When pressed on the issue by a journalist at the Russia-EU summit in Yekaterinburg in April, Putin exclaimed: 28 EILE Magazine

“Listen, you’ve worn me out with these same-sex marriages. Wherever you go! I went to Europe, they’re waving [gay pride] flags; I came here and again you’re nagging me about this!”

What is severely worrying about Putin’s actions is not just how dismissive he is, but that he has some very strong support in Russia. While the law banning “homosexual propaganda” was being voted on, the protests by members of the LGBT community outside the Duma were reported to be hugely outnumbered by supporters from the Russian Orthodox Church. Thirty LGBT activists were arrested by police outside the Duma, while supporters of the law chanted “Moscow is not Sodom.”

In an independent opinion survey carried out earlier this year, almost three quarters of Russians support suppressing public displays of affection between gay and lesbian couples. Putin’s connections with the Orthodox Church in Russia means that Church and State are becoming one and the same in the country, especially when the Duma also passed legislation recently that criminalises people who insult those with religious beliefs.

It should go without saying, but Russia is blatantly defying the UN and its own declarations to protect human rights. While Российская ЛГБТ-сеть (the Russian LGBT Network) has been publicly supported by organisations like ILGA-Europe, the wider

Feature | LGBT Media

international community has not reacted to Russia’s moves. Compared with other homophobic regimes like that of Uganda – where aid was threatened to be pulled if the Ugandans passed their ‘Kill The Gays’ Bill – Russia is being met with a cold reception, but no-one is acting to reprimand them.

As one of the world’s superpowers, the Russian government is able to do what it likes without many challenging them, and they are well aware of this.

The US, despite Obama’s own pro-LGBT attitudes, is unlikely to pull Putin up on this kind of issue. The EU is not united enough on this issue to threaten them, either. So, is it up to the UN to intervene – or is there anything they can do? Lobby groups such as

The wonderful artwork of EILE’s Ciara Kenny Illustration of Janelle Monáe - see more at fb.com/ciarakennyart

ILGA-Europe, despite their respectable reputations, don’t seem to have much power here.

Sadly, it seems that without some sort of drastic international intervention, LGBT people in Russia – and even those passing through – will be forced into silence.

Special thanks to Simon Crawford & Dave Henderson – see credits.

See more at: simoncrawford.tumblr. com

EILE Magazine 29

News | Nursing Conference

Irish Nurses & Midwives Hold First-Ever LGBT Conference

Michael Cashman MEP

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) held its first LGBT Conference in Dublin on Friday, June 21 in the Gresham Hotel. This was the first time in its history that gay rights were the subject of an INMO Conference.

as a society constantly presume heterosexuality, both in the workplace and outside, then we are forcing our gay and lesbian colleagues to make a statement about their sexuality or to hide it. Research suggests the latter is the preferred option in these instances. Dr Duffy said that “being ‘out’ in the workplace can improve productivity. Employers need to keep this in mind and ensure appropriate diversity policies are in place. If The conference addressed the reality of discrimina- people are not able to be themselves in a job, they will tion and fear facing LGBT nurses and midwives and under-perform. It is essential for patient care that our the effect of this in their workplaces. The conference staff are happy in their working environment.” will also hear from a number of speakers on the progress made in the last number of years towards LGBT equality in law, both in Ireland and abroad.

“If people are not able to be themselves in a job, they will under-perform.”

The keynote address was delivered by Michael Cashman, MEP, who detailed Ireland’s LGBT record to date from his perspective. Although widely known for his time as an actor in the British soap opera, Eastenders, Mr Cashman was also a founder of Stonewall, now the largest LGBT Equality Organisation in Eu- Other speakers included Jerry Buttimer TD; Moninne rope and was elected to the European Parliament in Griffith, Director of Marriage Equality; Odhrán Allen 1999. from GLEN and Marian Harkin MEP, who provided “The European Perspective.’

Dr Mel Duffy from Dublin City University presented her research on the reality behind being gay or lesbi- For more information on the event, visit inmo.ie. an in nursing/midwifery, demonstrating how isolated gay and lesbian employees can sometimes feel in the workplace. Dr Duffy’s research concluded that if we 30 EILE Magazine

America | LGBT Homeseekers

US Study Finds Realtors Discriminate Against LGBT

A US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) study has found that fewer LGBT couples are told about or shown properties by rental companies.

Gay and lesbian couples were much less likely to receive a response to email enquiries about rental properties than straight couples.

Shaun Donovan of the HUD said the findings show a need “to continue our efforts to ensure that everyone is treated the same when it comes to finding a home to call their own, regardless of their sexual orientation.”

New guidelines from the agency treats discrimination based on “sex stereotyping” or “gender nonconformity” as sex discrimination under the Fair Housing Act. “A person’s sexual orientation or gender identity should not be a reason to receive unfavorable treatment when searching for housing,” said Bryan Greene, HUD Acting Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “HUD is committed to making sure that LGBT individuals have equal access to housing

opportunities.”

This study, the results of which were released on Tuesday, sent 6,833 emails between June and October 2011. In each case, two emails were sent to a landlord about a rental unit that was advertised online — one from a same-sex couple, and another from a heterosexual couple.

The American Civil Liberties Union has asked Congress to amend the Fair Housing Act to end discrimination against the LGBT community in the housing market. Ian Thompson of the ACLU has stated this confirms what had been suspected all along, that gay and lesbian couples were being discriminated against by rental agencies, when trying to find housing.

According to the HUD Website: HUD has historically been a leader in combating housing discrimination, having undertaken important research in 1977, 1989 and 2000 to study the impact of discrimination on the basis of race and color.

Key findings of the study showed that: Same-sex couples experience discrimination in the online rental housing market, relative to heterosexual couples.

Adverse treatment is found primarily in the form of same-sex couples receiving fewer responses to the email inquiry than heterosexual couples.

States with legislative protections show slightly more adverse treatment for gays and lesbians than in states without protections.

Adverse treatment of same-sex couples is present in every metropolitan area where tests were conducted, but no clear-cut pattern exists in the magnitude of adverse treatment by metropolitan size.

Hopefully, HUD can end the discrimination against LGBT couples with their planned ongoing investigations into this type of landlord behaviour.

- MKB

EILE Magazine 31

Opinion | Cost of Pride

The Human Cost of Pride Kaycee Clifford ponders the meaning of Pride in the 21st century

32 EILE Magazine

Opinion | Cost of Pride

From time to time,

I hear the same question: “Is pride still a relevant occasion” in this day and age, when we, the LGBT people of the world, seem to be coming along in strides regarding equality and recognition.

It does seem to the outside world, and even sometines to ourselves, that the whole purpose of LGBT Pride has turned into a mass party and spending spree, where we’re counting down the days.

However, what some of us seem to forget from time to time, is the actual cost of pride to us all.

It doesn’t matter if you are out and proud, or reserved and nonscene. It doesn’t matter if you are LGBTQ, or a strong ally to the campaign for equality. Personally, I would love to see the day when pride is irrelevant, and instead of marching for equality, we march in celebration of all that we have achieved. A big part of the Pride season is, in fact, the opportunity to stand up and publicly pat ourselves on the back, for all that we have done for queer people in our communities, and rightfully so.

Pride, for many of us, distils a variety of emotions. It is the one time of the year that many LGBTQ people feel proud to stand arm-in-arm with our fellow pridegoers, to ensure that our voices are heard in the mass of colour which fills the streets.

A key aspect of Pride Festivals, around the country, and around the world, is the sense of community; a vital part of feeling included that some festivals seem to have lost touch with, alienating individuals, groups and others, who simply want to take part, to feel like they are a vital part of a bigger movement.

This loss of sense of cummunity is greatly attributed to the mass commercialisation of some Prides, and with it our connec-

tion with others is jeopardised.

This results is that some LGBTQ people feel isolated and shunned, during a time of year when inclusivity is supposed to be at the forefront.

Everyone knows the history of their local pride, how it began and how it has grown, even if the story has been altered through Chinese Whispers passed down over the years. We are all aware that each Pride march began with a single step, of those brave enough to stand up in the face of adversity, in a time gone by when even the word “gay” was taboo.

It is through past generations of queer people, who paved the way into a better world – granted not perfect – that a new generation can continue marching for equal rights for all. Pride patrons band together with individuals from around the country, not just their own communities. This results in a growing movement deep in the hearts of those who ever attended a pride march or parade. Travelling to the capital city is no longer necessary in order to be proud.

As pride filtered down through the country, its true meaning and purpose was diluted. In a once great time, people of the rainbow persuasion banded together for equality. Now it is to walk behind floats, promoting everything not to do with equality.

Twenty year old Malachi, from Belize, stated: “I do not feel that I am properly represented by my government.

Even some officials in our government are homophobic, so it feels like we aren’t really going anywhere at all with the case for constitutional change... Most of the population of Belize will not react positively to the passing of LGBT rights. They are too close-minded. They think that it’s unnatural and a sin. Most of them will say that God hates gays when most of the actions and decisions they make in their lives would be frowned upon or scorned in the same way.”

In our haste to celebrate our successes in the fight for equality, we have blinded ourselves to the LGBT people across the world who need our help to fight for their rights. It is important to remember that there are still many places around the world, in the twenty-first century, which consider homosexuality to be illegal.

Pride in our country costs us more than money, it is costing us our larger community outside of cities and countries. Past the flag which you wave, which symbolises freedom and equality, is a young person saying: “If Belize had more outside help, I am pretty sure that they would prevail”.

We seem to have forgotten about our brothers and sisters, family and friends, who do not have the same luxury of being proud in their own countries, towns and even homes. Many of these countries have natural beauty, such as Belize in South America, a holiday hotspot for people of America and the rest of the world, a country enriched with culture and community. Yet, this seemingly progressive country still ignores the basic human rights of its citizens.

EILE Magazine 33

Now You See Me You’ll be enthralled by both the cast and pace of this magical offering Directed by: Louis Leterrier Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Mélanie Laurent, Isla Fisher, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman Boasting possibly one of the best (and best looking) ensemble casts for a drama in recent years, this film sees Eisenberg, Harrelson, Fisher and Franco play four talented magicians, who despite being hugely accomplished, are somewhat struggling on their own.

They are then brought together by a mysterious stranger, and reappear a year later, having joined forces to become a magic troupe known as The Four Horsemen. They appear to have used a member of an audience to rob a bank for the grand finale of their debut show, and they are arrested

by FBI agent Dylan Rhodes (Ruffalo) who is then forced to release them, as he can find no evidence of the crime.

34 EILE Magazine

The four continue to flaunt their talents, stealing 140 million dollars from their financier, Arthur Tressler (Caine) and managing to make a safe disappear from underneath the FBI’s nose.

Determined to catch them, Rhodes gives chase across the US, as the cult heroes draw huge audiences. He is hindered along the way by the presence of an Interpol agent Alma Dray (Laurent) who has been assigned to partner him, and he gets more and more frustrated that the only explanation for the crimes is that it is real magic.

This film has numerous twists and turns along the way. You are never really sure who is the good guy and who is the bad guy, and since the Horsemen are working for someone else, it is impossible to figure out why their victims are targeted, which makes for a really enjoyable whodunnit.

The magic tricks are sufficiently elaborate to enthral and entertain.

The actors have actually trained in techniques for the film, rather than relying on camera trickery.

In fact Ireland’s very own Keith Barry was a consultant on the flick.

While it’s a great cast, special kudos has to go to Freeman and Caine, simply for being legends.

This is an ambitious film, and on the whole it succeeds in keeping the audience guessing. There are a few plot holes, but nothing so glaring that you can’t forgive it, and you will find yourself looking for clues throughout as to what is really going on.

This film is clever and imaginative, and will delight anyone who loves the glitz of Las Vegas magicians, or those who just like to be baffled.

Now You See Me is definitely the sort of film that needs to be seen on the big screen to truly appreciate the spectacle.

In cinemas now

Reviews | Frances Winston

Frances Winston on Movies

The latest Vaughn-Wilson pairing could have had a better vehicle for their reunion Directed by: Shawn Levy Starring: Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Rose Byrne, Asif Mandvi, John Goodman Back in 2005, it appeared that a promising big screen comedy duo had been born, when “Frat Packers” Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughan were paired up for Wedding Crashers, one of the biggest hits of that year. Unfortunately they failed to follow up on its success and it has taken until now for them to reunite on the big screen.

This story is conceived and cowritten by Vaughan, and sees the pair play fast-talking salesmen Billy McMahon (Vaughn) and Nick Campbell (Wilson) who find themselves unemployed when their company goes bust.

Desperate for work, Billy organises an internship in Google for them, despite a disastrous interview. Upon arriving at their placement they realise that they are actually the oldest candidates for a few coveted jobs with the company. They are also sorely lacking in the technologi-

cal knowledge required to work within the internet giant.

Along the way, they are forced to work with a group of overachieving college students, who are not enthused to have the two “old

guys” on their team. Nicky also finds himself falling for one of the executives (Byrne) in a completely contrived and predictable romance.

Google is famously known as one of the best places on earth to work, and certainly they make it appear rather enviable here – free food, nap pods and “muggle quidditch” all feature. However, if I had a euro for everytime the word Google is mentioned, I could easily pay my rent for the rest of the year, and at times it feels like a glorified advert for the brand.

Hollywood has a history of creating fictional companies for movies, and why Vaughan didn’t go down this route is a mystery.

Vaughan and Wilson still have great chemistry on screen, but their characters are never really developed, so as a result we get a lot of exposition as they try to explain their actions. Also, the story itself is rather weak and certain scenes seem to have been inserted just to give them more screen time together, bringing the running time to an overly-long two hours.

A cameo scene featuring Will Ferrell serves no dramatic purpose, other than to give their friend something to do, and, while they appear to have had fun shooting it, for an audience member it becomes very tedious, very quickly.

Don’t go into this expecting the non-stop hilarity of The Wedding Crashers. It is a shameless attempt to cash in on the popularity of that movie albeit eight years later. There were a few moments that made me chuckle slightly, but on the whole, this is a predictable piece of marketing for Google, rather than a star vehicle for Vaughan and Wilson.

In cinemas now

EILE Magazine 35

Opinion | Media Portrayal

If A Picture Paints A Thousand Words…

Francis Fitzgibbon asks why newseditors use outrageous photos with many articles on LGBT issues A picture paints a thousand words- those were the words of Frederick R. Bernard in 1921, when explaining how graphics can contribute to the understanding of a subject. What picture then was painted in last week’s Sunday Times, on page 6? It was a story of a Pan-European survey, which found that 75% of Ireland’s LGBT youth keep their sexuality in the closet for fear of bullying.

Two photos accompanied the article. One was of Dónal Óg Cusack. This made sense as the gay GAA sportsman was referenced in the article. The other was of two middle-aged men, dressed in shiny silver Speedos, pink belly tops, sunglasses and surrounded by pink balloons.

I’m no Gok Won when it comes to fashion sense, but must a 36 EILE Magazine

gay-related story be invariably accompanied by an outrageously over-the-top picture of someone wearing angel wings, hot pants and little else? The cheap stereotyping is, well, cheap.

What motivates a newseditor to use a photo like this with an article that is clearly about bullying in the gay community?

Where is the link? The imagery implies that all gay people look like this, yet this particular dress code is only a very small part of our annual carnival celebration, the Pride parade, and is not representative of who or what LGBT people really are.

Of course, the irony is, that by highlighting the most flamboyant members of the gay community, a picture like this is part of the reason why 75% of our youth stay in the closet. Because pictures always triumph over words when it comes to imagery, this picture says: this is what gay people look like, and let’s face it, they look

ridiculous – great targets for bullying.

The same LGBT young people look at the picture, and don’t see themselves looking back at them.

They don’t identify, they don’t relate, and this causes even more confusion.

I freely admit that some members of the gay community do themselves little favour when it comes to their choice of clothing for events like the Gay Pride parade. If you ask me, “assless chaps” and hot pants should never have made it out of a Culture Club video. I also understand that colourful rigouts make great pictures that sell stories, but I’d love newseditors to understand that this tiny minority, who dominate the ‘gay brand,’ are not representative of the majority.

Why then does it seem to be the first choice stock-in-trade photo for all things gay and LGBT? Gay

Opinion | Media Portrayal

families, political party LGBT branches, gay footballers, and LGBT human rights activists will have marched with Pride next Sunday, yet the photo that most Irish papers will carry is the outrageously over-the-top image of someone in hot pants and angel wings, complete with Marilyn Monroe pose.It’s a little bit like showing a picture of Jackie Healy Rae in every article about people from Co. Kerry. (I’m from Kerry too – my mortifications are many!).

People’s understanding of gay culture is often down to what they see on the streets of Dublin, as the Pride parade makes it way down O’ Connell Street. Maybe that is what has informed their opinion on what “gay” is. This is why I have argued in the past that we must be cognisant of not giving ammunition to those who want to pigeon-hole the gay community,

as a bunch of men and women who simply love dressing up.

I have argued in the same vein that newseditors should resist the temptation to allow the colourful minority in the community to dominate media coverage – especially when the issue is bullying.

process by being more cautious in their selection of pictures. They might look a little boring, but the thousand words they paint could help change lives.

The media must understand the power of imagery, and develop a better understanding of the gay community. I know that this requires a little extra work, since the problem is a self-defeating one – if people don’t ‘look gay’ what’s the point in publishing a picture to illustrate a ‘gay story’?

But the single greatest thing that would help young people come out of the closet is the realisation that gay people look normal – because they are normal.

Newseditors could really help that

Did you know?

Eile Magazine publishes a weekly podcast, covering LGBT news and events at home and abroad. Download the latest episode for free, and don’t forget to subscribe to Eile on iTunes!

For more, visit:

eile.ie/podcasts

EILE Magazine 37

News | HIV Figures

Shocking Rise in HIV Cases Figures released recently by Ireland’s Health Service Executive show that HIV diagnosis rates, amongst gay and bisexual men in this country, have increased by 160% between 2005 and 2012.

The group now represent just under half (48%) of all new HIV diagnoses.

Figures released by the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre show that there were 166 newly diagnosed cases of HIV for gay and bisexual men in 2012 in Ireland. These figures are the highest diagnosis rates

38 EILE Magazine

recorded to date.

to 32 years of age in 2012.

Tiernan Brady, Director of Gay HIV Strategies (GHS) with GLEN, said that it is clear that HIV is still “a critical issue” for gay and bisexual men, showing that they are the group most likely to acquire the virus in Ireland.

Brady also called for “targeted prevention measures” to reverse this worrying trend.

Brady continued: “Between 2005 and 2012 there has been a fourfold increase in the number of new diagnoses among those aged between 25-34 years. There is a critical need to educate young gay and bisexual men about good sexual health and about HIV and how they can protect themselves from contracting the condition.

HIV is a preventable condition and our goal must be zero new infections.”

The figures also show that the age group most at risk of HIV is getting younger. The average age of MSM HIV diagnosis has fallen

Health | PEP Treatment

PEP Treatment for HIV:

How, Why and When to Take It. Dr Shay Keating has sent us this in-depth view of HIV risk and transmission, and the PEP treatment which can stop the infection after it enters the body There is a risk of HIV transmission if a HIV negative person comes into contact with the blood, semen or vaginal fluids of a HIV positive person, the source.

Such transmission may occur following a needle stick injury, or exposure to damaged skin or mucous membranes (lining of the mouth or genitals), unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles or equipment during illicit intravenous drug use, or rarely nowadays in the developed world, by transfusion of HIV-infected blood or blood products.

Factors which reflect the probability that infection will occur following exposure to HIV are: the amount of the virus in the fluid (viral load) the infectiousness of the source, and the susceptibility of the person exposed.

Contact with bodily fluid with a high viral load would carry a higher risk of infection than fluid from someone on appropriate anti HIV treatment, antiretroviral therapy (ART) whose viral load is ‘undetectable’. Similarly the risk of infection is higher if the mucosa of the mouth, penis, rectum or vagina is damaged or not intact, as might occur with infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, mouth or genital ulcer disease such as syphilis or herpes, and trauma following sexual assault, first intercourse or during menstruation.

Estimates have been made for the risk of HIV transmission following exposure to bodily fluids. The risk of an individual acquiring HIV following an exposure is dependant on the riskiness of the exposure, and the risk that the source is HIV positive, where unknown. The HIV transmission rate varies according to risk of exposure.

Unprotected receptive anal intercourse is high, whereas oral sex without ejaculation may be considered lower risk.

The risk of transmission following needle sharing in illicit drug use is high.

The risk that a person is HIV positive will vary from group to group. It is higher in men who have sex with men, and in persons from areas in the world with a higher rate of HIV infection, such as Sub-Saharan Africa. It will also be higher in intravenous drug users.

Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a course of anti-HIV medication, given to stop a person becoming infected with HIV after the virus has entered the body. The drugs used in the PEP regime are the same as those used in ART, in the treatment of HIV infection, but for a defined period - 4 weeks.

PEP has only been used for sexual exposure since guidelines were issued in 2004. It would certainly be recommended following unprotected receptive and insertive (active) anal sex and receptive (passive) when the source is known to be HIV positive. Where the status of the source is unknown, a decision to start the exposed individual on PEP would be strongly considered by the treating physician. The PEP might be stopped if the source patient turns out to be HIV negative.

PEP is usually initiated in accident and emergency departments if STI/Infectious Diseases service are closed.

It may rarely be available in some specialist GP settings, out of hours. Ideally, where possible, the HIV status of the source individual should be ascertained. The PEP is given as soon as possible, and would not be indicated or offered more than 72 hours following the exposure. Research has show that the effectiveness of PEP has greatly diminished after this time. The exposed person should be reviewed as soon as possible by a Genitourinary Medicine physician or Infectious Diseases physician, who would advise whether the PEP should be continued or stopped.

Starter packs contain 3-5 days medication. The regime can be continued, discontinued or modified at specialist review, should further information of the source blood medication history or patient’s tolerance of the medication come to light.

Side effects include nausea and diarrhoea, which can be managed symptomatically. PEP should be continued for four weeks.

PEP is not a substitute for safer sex. Studies from the UK would suggest that PEP is not regarded as a ‘morning after pill’. It would not be prescribed to those who continuously practice unsafe sex, and keep getting into situations where PEP might be indicated.

Dr Keating also reminds us that if you feel you may have been exposed to HIV, it is important not to panic.

Remember: there is treatment available.

EILE Magazine 39

History | Anne Boleyn

Was it a gay lobby that cost Anne Boleyn her life?

Gareth Russell looks into the strange circumstances surrounding the death of the second wife of King Henry VIII Recently, the BBC broadcast an hour-long cross between a documentary and a debate called “The Last Days of Anne Boleyn,” which saw various historians and novelists discuss different theories on why Elizabeth I’s mother lost her head in 1536.

Suffice to say, the discussion was heated, with the magnificently irascible David Starkey taking pot-shots at people who failed to understand that Henry VIII was the “best of liars,” while the gorgeous and brilliant Susannah Lipscomb powered through her theories, with a chic poise that the fashion-obsessed Boleyn might have applauded.

One theory, briefly touched upon

by Philippa Gregory before it was ripped to shreds by everybody else on the panel, was the idea that it was Anne Boleyn’s final miscarriage in January 1536, five months before her death, which proved to be the turning point that made Anne’s downfall a tragic inevitability.

For those who haven’t been sucked in by the unending fascination 40 EILE Magazine

with Anne Boleyn’s life and death, a brief précis. The queen was arrested shortly after lunch on 2 May 1536, and incarcerated in the Tower. She was accused of plotting her royal husband’s death, and of taking five lovers in adultery. These included her husband’s confidante Sir Henry Norris, a palace musician, the handsome and athletic courtier Francis Weston, and her own brother, Lord Rochford. The five men were executed on 17 May, and two days later, Anne, dressed to the nines, met a similar fate within the confines of her prison.

The general consensus at the time was that she had been framed, a view memorably captured by the Lord Mayor of London and the Spanish ambassador, both of whom had witnessed Anne’s trial.

But that made the question of why she had been accused of such monstrous crimes, and driven to her death, even more vexatious.

The five men were also apparently innocent.

People at the time did not know, and those who did weren’t telling. Five hundred years later, the debate still rages. As the enormous

number of people watching and tweeting about the BBC special earlier this month indicate, Anne’s ability to fascinate shows no sign of diminishing.

Approaching the fragmentary evidence in the 1980s, one American academic hit on the idea that it wasn’t high politics that brought Anne Boleyn to the scaffold, but festering sixteenth-century superstitions, ignorance of human sexuality, and paranoiac misogyny.

Retha Warnicke’s book “The Rise and Fall of Anne Boleyn: Family politics at the court of Henry VIII” argued that Queen Anne’s final miscarriage in January 1536 had resulted in a foetus that appeared deformed to sixteenth-century physicians. Since theologians held that such abnormalities were proof of a parent’s gross sexual impropriety, Henry’s advisers covered up information of the dead prince’s deformities, and became obsessed with the idea that the queen must have done something terrible to produce such a child.

A short time before, Parliament had introduced the Buggery Stat-

History | Anne Boleyn ute, which made sex between two men punishable by death for the first time in English history – a law piloted by Henry’s chief adviser, and the man who oversaw the case against Queen Anne, Thomas Cromwell (Oliver’s great-uncle.)

Based on all this, Warnicke reached the conclusion that at least some of Queen Anne’s powerful friends, like Henry Norris and Francis Weston, were either gay or bisexual, as we would now understand it. She also thinks that it was her unhappily-married brother, Lord Rochford, who had been carrying on an affair with the palace musician, Mark Smeaton.

Casting around for who to blame for the royal miscarriage, Cromwell and the King became suspicious of what the current Vatican administration might have dubbed the “gay lobby” surrounding the queen consort.

Queen Anne was close to Henry Norris, as she was to her brother, and she socialised with Francis Weston regularly. Since there was no proper understanding of what homosexuality, or bisexuality, actually was in the 1530s, a pervasive belief had grown up that homosexuals were ‘individuals with enormous sexual appetites [who] were expected to move in progression from adultery and fornication to buggery and bestiality.’

Warnicke was at pains to insist that ‘it was [Anne’s] contemporaries’ fearful perception not their real knowledge of these phenomena that caused her death’. In a nutshell – brute ignorance ended Anne Boleyn’s life and those of five

innocent men.

Professor Warnicke’s theories have been excoriated on the grounds that there is ample evidence of George Boleyn’s womanising, and very, very little to suggest that the Queen’s miscarriage in 1536 was anything other than a tragic, but otherwise normal, natural abor-

not rush to dismiss it as a product of an archaic psychology. To do so is to underestimate the people of the past, and to vastly overestimate ourselves. The wording of Thomas Cromwell’s Buggery Statute, which kept homosexuality a crime punishable by death, in the British Isles until 1861, carried with it the pernicious idea that homosexuality was one step on a ladder of sexual depravity, that would lead inexorably to things like rape, incest and bestiality.

The current movement to prevent same-sex marriage shows that the mentality still exists – be it with Jeremy Irons’ alleged fear, that a father could marry their own son for tax reasons (do fathers currently marry their daughters, for similar reasons?) or the spinetingling repetition of the warning that it’s all part of a “slippery slope” that will lead to the implosion of Western civilization as we know it. This is not a million miles removed from Thomas Cromwell’s insistence that it had a symbiotic relationship to bestiality. And it’s still influencing legislation.

tion. But if the details of her theory surrounding Anne Boleyn’s death are not necessarily tenable, the idea that one of the most powerful women in British history could have been destroyed by misogyny and homophobia is a sobering one, worth considering.

The sixteenth century’s theory that gay or bisexual people would move in a logical progression of perverse lusts, from sodomy through to things like adultery, incest, bestiality or paedophilia, may seem absurd to those reading this article, but we certainly should

I don’t agree with most of Retha Warnicke’s theories about what happened in 1536, but staring at my favourite portrait of Anne Boleyn, clutching a rose and staring confidently out onto the world, I was struck today by the rather chilling idea that the prejudices that simmered in her lifetime, and which, according to some at least, eventually took her life, are by no means dead and buried. And they still have the force to ruin, or even end, many lives.

EILE Magazine 41

Pride | Festival Highlights

A Matter of Pride

Dublin Pride was a massive success this year, with over 30,000 people taking part in Ireland’s second largest festival. If you missed out on the capital’s fun, however, there are still many Pride festivals around Ireland that you can look forward to attending!

42 EILE Magazine

Pride | Festival Highlights

Belfast Pride Although Belfast Pride is nearing its end this year, don’t miss out on their Parade tomorrow, starting from Custom House Square at 12 noon sharp.

All details can be found at belfastpride.com

Foyle Pride, Derry~Londonderry Tues, August 20: ‘In the Closet’ - an art installation piece exploring the negative impacts that come along with being in the closet, so to speak. The official launch takes place that night in An Cultúrlann, which will be kicking off with some live music and also a fashion show.

Wed, August 21: I’m Still Standup - Comedy night featuring some of the country’s finest queer comedians.

Thurs, August 22: Rehearsed Readings produced by Sole Purpose Theatre Company off the back of the LGBT Theatre Labs they’ve been running over the last year. Followed by ‘Rock for Pride’ which is an annual music event supported by some of Derry’s amazing musical talent. The stage has seen the likes of Soak who has taken the music industry by storm recently.

Fri, August 23: Foyle Pride Talks Back – The public get to grill their NI Assembly representatives on the issues of importance. A video piece exploring queer lives will also be launched at this event.

Sat, August 24: Pride Breakfast supported by The Rainbow Project, The Pride Parade itself, then back to Guildhall Square for some live entertainment and the family fun day in Café Soul. That evening will see the Pride Ball, the ‘IncrediBall’ which is the big birthday bash as Foyle Pride are 20 years old this year... so it’s a very special one!

Sun 25th Aug: the Laughtermath - A laid back day of chilled out music and great craic, accompanied by a barbeque. A nice chance to look back at the events of the week and smile.

Cork Pride

Limerick Pride

Saturday, August 4: Gay author Jamie O’Connell reads from his latest novel, ‘Some Sort of Beauty” at 8 South Main Street

Limerick LGBTQ Pride 2013 will run from August 30 until September 7, with the annual Pride Parade taking place on Saturday, September 7.

Cork Pride Parade: Assembling at 2:30pm from Cork City Library. This year’s theme is ‘Our Family’ and all details are available at corkpride.com

Further details will be released soon on www.limerickpride.ie

Organising a Pride event? Let us know: eilemagazine@outlook.com EILE Magazine 43

Photography

Simon Crawford

Simon is a photographer who has been working in and around Belfast for the last 6 years. While he specialises in portraiture, he also works in fashion photography, nightclub, documentary and, more recently, video work. His first solo exhibition “F.Q.U: FRAMING QUEER ULSTER� was held in November 2012 as part of Outburst Festival in Belfast.

simoncrawford.tumblr.com

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