EILE Magazine – February 2015 (Vol.2, Issue 9)

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EILE

Magazine V2 Issue 9 – February 2015

More on the Marriage Referendum

MarriagEquality GrĂĄinne Healy on equality & the referendum

#LoveProudly

Cross-Border Support

Mr Bear Ireland on love & diversity Inside:

Karen Egan Charlatanne

Fashion | Film | Music | Opinion | Interviews

EILE Magazine | Who’s Who

Contributors Mark Anthony Mark is from Port Laoise and is an event producer, having worked on several fashion shows in Ireland. He is EILE’s resident Fashion Editor.

Nick Bassett Originally from Bournemouth, but now based in Auckland, Nick is EILE’s resident music reviewer and creator of the brilliant daily music blog, Chart Shaker.

Jon Beaupré Jon is a professor of TV, Film & Media Studies at California State University in Los Angeles. He is also a contributor to the LGBT radio show, This Way Out. M. Butler M. Butler is a writer and editor, with a keen interest in human rights, and has studied philosophy and psychology.

Andy Cast Andy is an executive coach, mediator and bereavement counsellor. He lives in Southampton with his partner Paul and their two cats, Daisy and Spike.

Scott De Buitléir Scott is the creator of EILE Magazine and is a writer and broadcaster from Dublin. He also hosts The Cosmo, RTÉ’s LGBT radio show, every Wednesday at 10pm.

Stephen Donnan Stephen is from Belfast, where he is an active member of the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland. He is also a writer, journalist and community worker.

Alan Lambert Alan is a writer, reviewer and blogger, based in Dublin.

Zachary Mallory Zachary is an LGBTQ advocate and Anti-Bullying Activist. He recently won the HALO Effect Award from Nickelodeon, a monthly youth activism award for charity.

Richard O’Leary Richard is co-founder of the Church of Ireland group, Changing Attitude Ireland, and its current Chair. He lives in Belfast.

Lisa Reynolds Originally from County Meath, Lisa is a fashion industry student living in Bray, County Wicklow.

Frances Winston Frances Winston is EILE’s resident film buff, and has contributed to many publications such as The Irish Independent and Irish Tatler.

EILE Magazine

EILE Magazine | Welcome

Highlights February 2015 Karen Egan – P.10

Volume 2, Issue 09

The talented singer talks about her first tour in three years

Editor-in-Chief: Scott De Buitléir Features Editor: MKB

Gráinne Healy – P.14 MarriagEquality’s Chairwoman on love and equality ahead of the referendum

Contributors: Mark Anthony, Nick Bassett, Jon Beaupré, MKB, Andy Cast, Stephen Donnan, Alan Lambert, Zachary Mallory, Richard O’Leary, Lisa Reynolds, Frances Winston Photographers: Stephen Glenn, Brian Hanlon

Mr Bear Ireland – P.28 We chat with the charming Jozef Certan ahead of Béar Féile 2015

Film & Music Reviews – Pgs. 4852 Frances Winston looks at Selma and Inherent Vice, while Nick Bassett listens to some must-have new sounds

#LoveProudly2015 – P.54

NB: All images in this publication are either under Creative Commons licence, or used with permission. Image credits, where necessary, are printed on the correspinding page(s). Any queries can be made to hello@eile.ie Special Thanks to MKB for all her hard work, dedication and support.

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

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We chat with Stephen Donnan about his new cross-border equality support group (BZ &VSPQFBO 5PVSJTN "TTPDJBUJPO

…and much more!

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

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EILE Magazine | Editor’s Letter

Contents 6-

Ewian

8-

Trevor Project

10 -

Karen Egan

14 -

Gráinne Healy

18 -

Menswear

24 -

Janis Joplin

26 -

Book Review

28 -

Mr Bear Ireland

32 -

WOLF

36 -

Column: Andy Cast

38 -

California Dispatch

42 -

Church of Ireland

46 -

21st Century Life

48 -

Film Reviews

52 -

Music Reviews

54 -

#LoveProudly2014

62 -

Music: Ice Age

64 -

Column: Steve Donnan

66 -

Anne Kirkbride

69 -

News

Editor’s Letter Welcome to the February issue of EILE Magazine!

Love is in the air this month, but it’s not just because of Valentine’s Day. Ireland’s upcoming marriage equality referendum has well and truly captured the thoughts of the people, whether it’s in the media or on the streets.

With that in mind, it’s time to prepare ourselves for the coming debates, articles, columns and more. This month, we chat to Gráinne Healy of MarriagEquality about the referendum and the hope for equality. Stephen Donnan writes about the importance of Leo Varadkar’s coming out late last month, while we also we also talk to Stephen about the new cross-border equal marriage support group, #LoveProudly2015.

Also this month, we get ready for Béar Féile in March with a great chat with the current Mr Bear Ireland, Jozef Certan. We also catch up with the energetic cover band, WOLF, who will be travelling to Dublin from the UK for Ireland’s main bear festival.

On top of that, we have some great news, interviews, opinion pieces, reviews and much more!

I do hope you will enjoy what we’ve put together for you.

Scott De Buitléir Founder / Editor-in-Chief

EILE Magazine

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EILE Magazine Media Partners for BĂŠar FĂŠile 2015 EILE Magazine

EWIAN

Ewian was formed in March, 2013,

by German composer, Ewian Christensen, who is responsible for EILE Magazine

lead vocals, piano, sound composition, and the majority of songwriting.

“Good Old Underground” is the first full-length release, and focuses on the fringes of society, and those who live there. Some songs

on the album arose from collaborations (Featuring / Remix) with artists outside of Germany, for example electronic singer/songwriter, Fifi Rong (London) or instrumental Post-Rock artist, James Hrabak (Chicago).

Their energetic ‘wall of sound’ includes distorted piano, noisy guitars, bittersweet vocal melodies, and solemn string passages - landing them somewhere among Placebo, Sigur Ros and Radiohead.

Fifi Rong

Ewian Christensen

Benjamin Lachance

James Hrabak

Ewian Christensen was born in Latvia, and grew up in Germany, where he was schooled in classical music education. As a youth, he discovered his love for experimental music, and participated in a wide variety of music projects. At the same time, he got in touch with Benjamin Lachance, with whom he is collaborating up to the present. Both are characterized by an affinity for deep and archetypical themes, which essentially influenced

today´s sound of Ewian.

Performers: Ewian Christensen (Vocals, Piano, Distorted Piano, Electronic Sounds) Benjamin Lachance (Guitar) Fifi Rong (feat. “When I Was Dead”) James Hrabak (Composer of Looper, Remix / Cover by Ewian Christensen)

October, 2013 -Good Old Underground (LP) October, 2014

Ewian discography: -We Will Never Grow Old (EP) March, 2013 -Voices in Your Head (Single) EILE Magazine

Bullying, Suicide and The Trevor Project Zachary Mallory My name is Zachary Mallory. I am an LGBTQIA Advocate and Anti-Bullying Activist. I recently won an award from Nickelodeon, called the HALO Effect Award, [for Oct 2014] a monthly award given to a young person committed to creating a change in their community. Along with the award is a $5000 grant to the recipient to donate to their organization/charity of choice.

2013 was a very rough year for me.

I came out as gay at the beginning of my freshman year of High School. I was bullied, and pushed down stairs. Every night I would come home, and lock myself in my room and

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stay to myself. No connection with the outside world.

I would skip school and pretend that I was sick, just so I could resist being bullied. My mom always knew something was going on, and would always ask me if I was okay.

“Of course I am mom, everything is just fine”, I always said walking back into my room, closing the door behind me. I went to my very first Gay Pride festival in Kansas City in 2013. I had the time of my life. For the very first time, I actually felt connected, I felt accepted, and that I could be who I was, and not hide myself anymore.

I came across a table of organizations; one of them was named GLSEN, which stands for Gay, Lesbian Straight Education Network. I explained to them who I was and what I was going through, and they said it sounded like I needed someone to talk with, and who can understand me.

That day changed my life forever. They handed me a list of phone numbers which included the Trevor Project, a nationwide leading organization on ending LGBTQIA suicide. I went home and called the Trevor Project and explained to them what I was feeling and that my plan of action was to take my own life.

The very moment I said “I want to kill myself”, they started talking me out of it. The way that the counselor was wording things, made me realize that I have a purpose in life, and a reason

Zachary Mallory

to share my story, and to be able to inspire and motivate youth like me to share their stories.

A life is worth living, regardless of how hard it gets. The very second they hung up the phone, I went and told my mom about what I talked about. I guess you can call that the official “coming out” move. She told me that she loved me anyways.

If it wasn’t for the Trevor Project, I wouldn’t be able to inspire others to share their stories, and never would’ve known that it does get better. In my personal experiences, I have come to the conclusion that it always gets worse before it gets better.

I am glad that the Trevor Project saved my life; unfortunately, some lives don’t get saved, because they never know that it does get better, and [they think] the only way to deal with things is to take their own lives.

That could’ve been me. I am very passionate about the Trevor Project because they continue to save lives, everyday, 24/7, just like they saved mine.

EILE Magazine

Karen Egan

A new album and a five-stop nationwide tour - her first in three years 10 EILE Magazine

KAREN EGAN returns with a brand new sound, a 5-stop Irish tour, and new album called CHARLATANNE The Tour commences Fri 13 Feb until Mar 6 when she launches her album at Whelans Part French - part Finnish - part charlatan, but totally amazing and all Irish, Karen Egan returns to Ireland [after a three-year absence] in a hip-hop pop-tastic spin to whet Irish audiences with her brand new sound, a new album Charlatanne, and a five-stop tour of the country. You need not wait a minute longer as Ms Karen Egan tours Antrim, Down, Limerick, Galway and Dublin from February 13 until March 6 when she launches her new album at Whelans.

In her new show and second album, Charlatanne, Egan moves from cabaret, and ditches Dietrich. Instead, her new sound is an explosion of original songs, performed in a wide variety of musical genres. In short, it’s a rollercoaster of styles, embracing hip-hop, pop, jazz, country, French ballad, bluegrass and gospel,

with lush, lamenting strings and sassy brass arrangements, groove guitars and superb musicians to boot.

This a more contemporary repertoire than we are used to from Karen, but she will still continue to make her infamous quips and costume changes, making for a thrilling night of comedy and new

With sell-out successes at Dublin’s National Concert Hall, The Assembly Rooms Edinburgh, and in Finland, creating music for, and featuring in, the hit BBC drama, Ripper Street, and formerly one third of successful all-lady, comedy singing trio, The Nualas, Ireland’s much-loved multilingual chanteuse, and comedienne, Karen Egan, morphs into yet another beautiful butterfly, with her exciting new works of all original songs and music.

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music.

celebrated Féte de la Musique.

In 2011, Karen was invited to Pori, south-west Finland as guest artist for Rakastajatteatteri, (one of Finland’s largest independent theatre companies) where she has acted in a number of plays in Finnish and has also performed her own musical shows, touring throughout her new Nordic home and playing at prestigious festivals including the Tampere Theatre Festival. ‘Charlatanne’ was launched in Pori in April 2014 to great acclaim and now it’s time to share it with the rest of the world, starting with her beloved homeland.

Living between Finland and Ireland has given Karen the opportunity to draw from two completely contrasting cultures and influences.

Embedding an incredible period of change and adjustment, many of the songs from this new album were composed during this very creative time.

Karen has also played at the world renowned Pompidou Centre, Paris, where she performed with Congolese-Irish guitarist and composer Niwel Tsumbu, as part of Marché de la Poèsie on June 16th, 2014.

With the Nualas, Karen has toured Ireland, Britain, Singapore and Australia, performing in all the major festivals; theirs was a sell-out show for several years in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

They also had their own radio show with BBC Radio 4 which was nominated for a BBC Light Entertainment Award.

Originally qualifying as a barrister, Karen was soon lured to the stage, performing for a variety of different theatre companies, including Ireland’s national theatre, The Abbey.

In May of 2014 she was awarded artist in residence at the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris and was also invited to perform at the 12 EILE Magazine

The process of making an album is a demanding business, but Karen emphatically states that it’s “worth every penny if it’s done right, with the best musicians”. Here’s a sneak preview of what audiences can expect: Highly talented musicians / lush brass and string arrangements / heart-breaking ballads / hiphop happening numbers / down and dirty blue-grass / a Gospel choir soul-searcher / plenty of pop / a kooky duet in French / and a big rock anthem that will make you feel as if you can change the world.

Karen Egan’s new tour is a night not to be missed and her new album, Charlatanne, is a ‘must-have’ for 2015. - www. karenegan.com

BOOKING & LISTINGS INFORMATION: ISLAND ARTS CENTRE, Lisburn Friday 13 February | 8.00pm | £12 stg Box Office: +44 (028) 92 509 254 | www. islandartscentre.com DOWN ARTS CENTRE, Downpatrick Saturday 14 February | 8.00pm | £12 / £10 stg Box Office: +44 (028) 4461 0747 | www. downartscentre.com UPSTAIRS @ DOLANS, Limerick Friday 27 February | 8.00pm | €15 Box Office: 061 314 483 | www.dolans.ie MONROES LIVE, Galway Saturday 28 February | 8.30pm | €20/€18 Box Office: 087 978 3245 | www.monroes.ie WHELANS, Dublin Friday 6 March | Doors 8.00pm | €20 Box Office: Locall 1890 200 078 | www. whelanslive.com

For further info & tour details log onto www.karenegan.com

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MarriagEquality’s Gráinne Healy chats to Scott De Buitléir about equality and the informed electorate

14 EILE Magazine

Voting ‘I Do’ Gráinne Healy of MarriagEquality on the upcoming Marriage Referendum and the YES campaign No other group in the country is going to be as optimistic, or hopeful, about the Marriage Equality referendum in Ireland, as the group which was founded to see that marriage equality is introduced into the country.

Its name, both simply and understandably, is MarriagEquality.

Gráinne Healy is Chairwoman of MarriagEquality, and the fact that the Irish Government’s highly-debated referendum has been named the ‘Marriage Equality Referendum’ places her group at the centre of what will be a highly-charged debate.

Warm, graceful and focused, Gráinne’s insight and dedication to the ‘Yes’ campaign for the last ten years

is nothing short of admirable.

It’s for that reason that, if Gráinne is happy with the Irish Government’s wording of the upcoming referendum question, it’s a good sign.

“We’re very pleased with the wording,” Gráinne assures me. “I mean, it seems that it is straight-forward, although I’m sure there’ll be people who’ll be trying to argue otherwise, but the wording is quite simple.”

Ultimately, the wording will be the final influence on voters on polling day, as it is what could be inserted into the Irish Constitution.

Gráinne clarifies that what people will be voting on, when they go to the polls this May, will be: “Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.”

“I think it’s probably an indication of the key line that the Government is taking on this,” Gráinne adds, “which is, in their view, quite simply

[that] this is about equality.

It is about all the citizens of the State being able to enter – should they choose to do so – into the institution of marriage, regardless of their sex. So, it’s straight-forward; they’re very much pushing the idea that this is just about that.”

The wording of the referendum question shows the attitude of both Fine Gael and the Labour Party on this issue, but it’s also worth remembering that all major Irish political parties are in favour of this referendum.

While all political parties may be campaigning for a ‘Yes’ vote, there will still undoubtedly be a debate on the issue. We’ve already seen the debates kicking off across all Irish media, and some groups, who are against equal marriage, attempting to muddy the waters with other issues. “…[T]here’s no change to the definition of marriage”, Gráinne clarifies; “there is no new institution being set up. Rather, what we have is a simple insertion that is just saying [that] when Irish people EILE Magazine 15

vote Yes for this in May, what they’re voting on is the right of Irish same-sex couples to marry the person they love, like every other citizen in the State.”

“In that way, I think the equality message is very important, and it will also be part of our own message around this […]”.

While it would be foolish for the ‘Yes’ voters to become complacent over the coming months, Gráinne has faith in the Irish people on the issue.

“I think that Irish people in general are tolerant, are open-minded and have come a long way from 20 years ago.”

Her faith does not appear to be misplaced, as the last few Red C polls have seen support rise consistently for marriage equality in Ireland. Gráinne places the support down to the fact that the LGBT community is no longer underground in this country, but very much an integrated part of society.

“I think in 2015 we have an informed electorate. There’s hardly a family in the country that doesn’t know of somebody, or has somebody in their own family, who is lesbian or gay. Even for those who don’t know someone personally, they’re watching programmes on the television, where they’re looking at young children being bullied in schools, even ones who aren’t gay are being called gay and being bullied. I think Irish 16 EILE Magazine

people […] have come to an understanding where they consider treating lesbian and gay people as equals”. “…all we’re saying in this,” Gráinne concludes, “is that lesbian and gay people are entitled to enter that institution like everyone else”.

As MarriagEquality has been campaigning for ten years, Gráinne and the team are only a few months away from their long-awaited goal.

No doubt, there’ll be some heated discussions along the way, as the two sides debate what appears to many to be a simple question, but it seems that MarriagEquality are more than ready for the final round ahead.

Information and support for women who need someone to talk to

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

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Get

e m a G e h T f O Ahead

Mark Anthony writes about the latest trends at this year’s London Collections: Men, and incorporating them into your wardrobe

There was a time when London menswear was little more than a cluster of low-key gatherings, showing a handful of struggling designers’ toiledover collections to a crowd of press and buyers, who, though interested, saw attending these shows as little more than a Friday afternoon job – it’s menswear, right, how much can it really change?

A lot, as it happens. And though several brands and designers built on Autumn/Winter 2014, and burgeoning Spring/Summer 2015 trends at this year’s London Collections: Men (LC:M), there was plenty more innovation to feast your eyes on for Autumn/Winter 2015.

Now in its third year, LC:M recently expanded to a four-day schedule for the first time, jam-packed with runway shows, intimate presentations, celebrity-filled dinners and plenty of parties – because it’s not just all work and no play. Over fifty shows later, I take a look back at the collections, and pick the key trends you can start getting on board with now…

Likely fresh in most of our minds, given its popularity for AW14, shearling is set for an even more remarkable return come AW15. Topman Design got the ball rolling at its distinctly 1970s-flavoured show with a statement shearling coat, complete with cuff and trim details.

Later in the day, American brand Coach presented its first foray into ready-to-wear menswear, offering up a range of shearling outerwear in onyx, beige and dark mossy green, each brilliantly executed by Yorkshire-born, New Yorkbased Creative Director Stuart Vevers.

Elsewhere, at Tom Ford’s 1960s-inflected presentation, shearling cropped up again, 18 EILE Magazine

this time in the shape of a coat, parka and two cropped jackets – the perfect daytime staples to complement Ford’s psychedelic evening wear.

However, it was James Long, though, who took this 1970s classic, gutted it, and gave it an all-new lease of life. There was a belted double-breasted shearling coat in black, as well as several denim and leather shearing styles, which epitomised Long’s classic with a twist philosophy.

With shearling a key trend for both AW14 and AW15, there has never been a better time to invest in shearling outerwear. A classic shearling-collared bomber would be ideal for the remainder of winter and transition into spring, ensuring you will get good wear out of it for many more months to come. Try complementing shearling outerwear with other rugged workwear pieces, such as jeans or flannel shirts, or play on the fabric’s luxe feel by dressing up your jacket with a pair of sharply-cut trousers and a roll neck.

While I wouldn’t brand it entirely wearable, Rory Parnell-Mooney’s collection at MAN laid the foundations for one of Autumn/Winter 2015’s biggest trends: wide-legged trousers. Taking inspiration from the ascetic wardrobes of monks, as well as punk aesthetics, Parnell-Mooney’s trousers were cut dramatically large, in saturated navy and black.

We’ve been hearing about a move towards generously-cut tailoring for a while now, with nothing much in the way of change from most brands, but it seems AW15 is the season designers intend this trend to

stick. The key here is to build up to wide-legged trousers, rather than dive straight in with a billowing pair from E. Tautz. Opting for a relaxedor straight-leg instead of traditional slim-cut styles is a good place to start. When it comes to styling, just bear in mind your overall silhouette – you don’t want the contrast between your top and bottom half to jar, so steer clear of skin-tight tops or shirts.

Instead, look to create balance with thicker gauge knits, fullercut tailoring, and heavyweight fabrics.

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Proclaiming that black, grey and white are going to be big for the colder, darker months isn’t exactly a surprise. But for Autumn/Winter 2015, many designers at LC:M pushed neutral head-to-toe looks, which were brought to life via rich textures. At Alexander McQueen, black and grey ensembles were broken up with contrasting materials – for instance, a knit jumper and tailored trousers, or leather details on an otherwise all-black wool outfit.

Elsewhere, cult favourite Cottweiler, the brainchild of designers Matthew Dainty and Ben Cottrell, offered up their signature technical sportswear pieces in luxurious fabrics. All-white, Teflon-coated cotton looks may not seem entirely practical, but they epitomised sleek, clean design, and could be considered the evolution of Spring/Summer 2014’s big white-on-white trend.

With any tonal outfit, it’s important to vary the tone and texture of each item to provide clear definition. As the majority of men will already own a wide variety of neutral pieces, this really is a trend that just requires you to experiment with what you already have, while making a few select additions to your wardrobe.

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If head-to-toe colour has been a trend to master for the past few seasons, then prepare yourself to take on all-over checks for Autumn/Winter 2015. At Topman Design, Design Director Gordon Richardson showed slim tartan suits in a grunge-inspired palette of red, mustard and grey, while Tom Ford served up a slice of swinging 1960s era London with sharp, mod-inspired micro check tailoring. Tapping a slightly seedier source for inspiration, Dunhill’s John Ray looked to London’s Soho in the sixties to create his drably luxurious layered check looks. There was a wide-collared check shirt underneath a cropped mac in a contrasting, larger check, as well as a charcoal check overcoat. Meanwhile, at Shaun Samson, Woolrich plaids dominated the up-and-coming designer’s West Coast-inspired, early 1990s grungy aesthetic.

The easiest way to work checks into your day-to-day looks is via tailoring. Whether it’s a razor sharp blazer, pair of trousers or full suit, checks will add interest and texture to your formal wear collection. The great thing about this trend is you can make as much or as little of a statement as you feel comfortable with. Muted Prince of Wales checks in dark palettes make a versatile addition to a professional nine-to-five wardrobe, while bold-coloured tartans will quickly bring your offduty attire to life.

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adding a pink lightweight merino knit jumper to your collection? With the hue set to be a major colour trend for Spring/Summer 2015 too, this piece would work just as well as a standalone top layer during the warmer months as it would slotted between your shirt and blazer in winter.

Remember, pink comes in a variety of shades, so opt for the tone you are most comfortable with, and build up from there.

And finally, my favourite trend to come out of this year’s LC: M: Pink. And I don’t just mean a salmon pink button-down shirt. Designers were all about hot, shocking, in your face pink for Autumn/Winter 2015 and, frankly, not since before the birth of Barbie has the colour ever looked so butch.

Kooky knitwear label Sibling burst onto this season’s schedule with a predominantly pink collection that was raucous, riotous and flew right in the face of what we might usually consider masculine and wearable. Gym-buff models sported pink short suits, cardigans and blazers which, when worn together, were too much – but if worn separately against neutral pieces, they could work really well. Father and son duo, Joe and Charlie Casely-Hayford, also put their 22 EILE Magazine

own spin on manning-up pink. Their collection, inspired by outsiders and tearaways, featured an immaculately tailored, angular and all-over pink overcoat that was tough as nails. At Lou Dalton, there was a softer, more modest rendition of the trend in the form of a pale coral jumper, printed scarf, coat and trousers – options for those looking to dip their toes in the water, rather than dive in head first.

Likewise, Dunhill, Tiger Of Sweden and Burberry offered up subtle pink accessories and easy to wear staples that would slot seamlessly into any modern wardrobe.

Want to dip your toe in the trend? A hot pink tie would look great set against your timeless navy suit and light blue shirt combination.

Otherwise, why not consider

So there you have it. 50 odd shows later and we have a handful of new trends to try out. Will you be incorporating any of these trends for Autumn/Winter 2015? Were there any other trends you spotted this season at LC:M that you’re keen to try out?

How about the pink? I know I will be all over that.

The Pink Pound

- Scott De Buitléir

Tiffany & Co., the iconic jewellers, have included a gay couple (a real one, not just two models) as part of their 2015 advertising campaign.

The news, and the beautiful photo of the couple, went viral, and rightly so - it was the first time a major, internationallyrenowned brand of its kind embraced gay & lesbian customers.

There’s something about this, without wanting to be too dismissive, that makes me want to shout ‘about time’.

Not because of gay rights, but because it makes sense for business.

The pink pound (or euro, dollar or however else you earn a wage) is one of the most lucrative and as-yet unexploited demographic groups around. Many adult LGBT people, generally speaking, have more expendable income than their straight counterparts. This is mainly because LGBT people haven’t been either able to or pushed towards settling down and raising a family. In short,

no kids means more cash to burn on entertainment, holidays, and more.

With more rights being granted by more countries, and Western society becoming more accustomed to thinking of LGBT people as no different to the rest, the pink pound may well lose its lucrativeness as more gay and lesbian couples get married and decide to raise a family. This remains to be seen, because it will take a long while before some societies stop regarding gay and lesbian couples as something ‘other’ or separate from the norm. This inevitably has a knock-on effect for business and advertising, as the industry’s has gone from parody in the past, to sometimes groundbreaking inclusivity.

For now, though, many companies and businesses know well that to become popular with ‘the gays’ is to become fashionable and gain footing in a demographic with potential for profit. IKEA, McDonald’s, Levi’s, American Apparel, AllState Insurance, Starbucks, Expedia, Absolut

Vodka, Smirnoff and many other companies have either give a subtle nod in favour of LGBT rights, or have actively gone out of their way to seek customer loyalty from the gay community. The reward is almost tangible, though; once a brand shows a warm side to the LGBT community, its public reputation goes skyhigh. Simply put, it’s a winwin.

For Tiffanys to feature a gay couple in their new advertising campaign, therefore, is not groundbreaking because it’s rare – it’s not, but not common enough yet – but rather that it’s such a luxurious and exclusive-bydesign brand. The ad proves that not only are the gay community a viable target demographic, but a very attractive one for business.

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Scars Of Sweet Paradise: The Life And Times Of Janis Joplin

By Alice Echols

Lisa Reynolds reviews Scars

Of Sweet Paradise, and finds a sympathetic view of the talented singer’s short life

Alice Echol’s biography of Janis Joplin gives a great insight into the world of the first female rock superstar who infused her sound with a perfect mix of blues and soul.

Entitled “Scars Of Sweet Paradise: The Life And Times Of Janis Joplin”, the book shows various different aspects of Joplin’s personality: The title was said to come from a 1978 Bob Dylan song “Where Are You Tonight?” and the book outlines Joplin’s strength, determination, fragility and sense of independence, 24 EILE Magazine

contrasting them with a need to find love and be loved.

Tracing her beginnings as a small-town girl in Port Arthur, Texas, to her fame with the band, “Big Brother & The Holding Company”, and later as a solo artist, recording hits such as Cry Baby, Piece Of My Heart, and Me and Bobby McGee, this biography is set against a backdrop of the conservative times in which Joplin lived, and in many ways shows her bravery in being ahead of her time. She also battled with drug and alcohol addiction.

In the book, we learn about Joplin’s romantic relationships with Peggy Caserta, amateur musician and lesbian Jae Whitaker (with whom she lived in 1963) Seth Morgan, and her one-night stand with

The Doors’ frontman, Jim Morrison. There seems to have been a conflict within Joplin, in that she wanted to find the love of her life, but also wanted to be an independent, careerminded woman. Her thinking was actually quite modern for the time in which she lived, and also tends to reflect the mindset of many females today.

The book also deals with Joplin’s relationship with her mother, Dorothy. Joplin had a difficult relationship with her mother, who naturally didn’t like the sexually forward reputation her daughter was developing in Port Arthur, but it wasn’t just this that put a strain on their motherdaughter relationship.

Dorothy wanted Janis to be conservative, and go to college, like all the other Port Arthur

Janis Joplin

youth, whereas Janis was more into music, and the life that came with it. Her mother also wanted Janis to be assertive, and to dress a certain way. She didn’t seem to embrace the unique and wonderful qualities that her daughter possessed.

Although Joplin seemed to seek her mother’s approval, it never really happened to the extent that she wished.

Joplin was someone that those who are considered different could look up to, and be inspired by, both at the time and since. Anyone who grew up in a small-town will

understand the repression Janis must have felt, growing up in Port Arthur, which she called “The Great Nowhere” - the feeling of not being able to be yourself, without fear of being talked about or mocked.

However, rather than let the taunts affect her negatively, she used the negative way in which she was treated to a positive effect. She set out to prove that she could achieve more than they ever could, and she did.

heroin overdose at just 27 - the age at which the world lost many talented artists, causing the term “The 27 Club” to be created. Gone too soon and with her whole life to live, her short time here left the world with a remarkable legacy inspiration for young aspiring singers and musicians, and the sound of her powerful voice singing wonderful, heartmoving songs, most of which she didn’t write herself, but which have stood the test of time as Janis Joplin classics.

Sadly, Joplin’s life was cut short in 1970. She died of a

EILE Magazine 25

Book Review:

Abe’s Story Abe’s Story, written by Anthony Renwick McGill, a Scotsman living in Dublin, is an amazing book about a 19th century US family, Aaron, Abe and Eli. It is set in the Dakotas of the 1870s, and tells the story of the family, and the demise, through US policy, of the noble Plains Indian.

Aaron, a full-blooded Red Indian, and Abe, who was orphaned early in life, were brought together as part of the family of the remarkable Reverend Eli Bell.

The book was entered into the 2nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published eBook Awards 2014, in the Mainstream/ Literary category, and although not the winner, it received an

26 EILE Magazine

Anthony Renwick McGill

overall “outstanding” marking.

This was one judge’s commentary: “What a wonderful book! I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this novel by Anthony Renwick McGill. “Abe’s Story” is one of a brother confessing to the other of a lie that he has lived with from many years.

Abe and his brother, Aaron were both adopted by Reverend Eli Bell, and raised with a love of God, and the spiritual ways of the Sioux Indians. The story takes place during the time of the greatness of the Sioux Nation, and its decline at the hands of [the US] government.

McGill has a beautiful way with words, and the feeling is truly of the historical time in which the book takes place.

This is a story of love and betrayal, and redemption and forgiveness, all with the background of precise historical information.

The writing flows, and it is obvious that McGill did his

homework with his research.

The characters are well-drawn and lively, and fully embodied.

I would love to have this novel in my library, and would highly recommend it. It would also make a great mini-series!”

Having read the novel, we would have to echo that judge’s sentiments, and add that the book could be seen as an allegory for discrimination of any kind, anywhere in the world. In the words of the Reverend Eli Bell:

‘All of us are flawed, and no one of us is perfect; all of us are struggling, trying to muddle through”.

It would also be wonderful to see a film of the novel, and we here at EILE would love to see his writing brought to life on the big screen. Something to look forward to!

MKB

Abe’s Story is available to download as an eBook on all good eBook sites.

Below are some links to where you will be able to find it: iTunes - Apple Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Barnes and Noble Kobo If you would like to order a printed copy of Abe’s Story please send an email to info@anthonymcgillwriting.com or visit www.anthonymcgillwriting.com

Author and playwright Anthony Mc Gill

“Mysterious but true, the idea for Abe’s Story came to me in a dream. Fifteen months and two editors later, it was published ”

EILE Magazine 27

Mr Bear Ireland on the Bear community, diversity and equality

28 EILE Magazine

In Conversation with

Mr Bear Ireland Nice to meet you Jozef!

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am 32 years old, born and raised in Slovakia, but almost one decade I’ve been living in this lovely country.

After I finished my MSc studies, totally exhausted, I realized how important is for me to have a career break [laughs] even there was no career yet! and do something that I really love – travel and explore different cultures.

Honestly, I did not know much about Ireland, and Irish culture itself before I arrived, except Enya, U2, good whiskey and fine men. My original plan was to stay in the country for a year or so, to pick up some English, experience and enjoy the life.

As you can see I am still here, still picking up the English haha… and having good craic.

At the moment I do a 9 to 5 job, office environment, for one of the banking groups, and I enjoy what I do. I am a people person. Obviously, there are some days when I ask myself ‘’Why me?’’ but this is all about how to challenge yourself.

One of my biggest interests,

except travelling, is photography, and cooking! So if you want me to cook for you, in the mean time I can snap some pics, while you licking your fingers and rolling your eyes.

What made you enter Mr Bear Ireland?

It was a pure coincidence.

It was my second Béar Féile event, and I was having great time. Niamh Kavanagh was singing ‘’In your eyes’’ . I was enjoying my drinks, great company of my other half, friends, and then there was an announcement made: “last 5 minutes to enter the competition”.

As I am naturally very shy person, I didn’t picture myself standing up there, top off. But all my mates were challenging me to do it. So I neck my drink, and I got on the stage. I was incredibly nervous, especially beside the host, Miss Panti Bliss, but she was amazingly sweet, and even I am familiar with her sense of humour.

I was still pretty nervous [the] whole way through.

Competition was almost over, and I was standing along the other lad in front of the

bursting crowd. And that was it, my name was eventually called as the last one, and I won the competition. Great, great experience!

The Bear community in Ireland has become a bit more prevalent in recent years, was this overdue do you think?

Diversity is important, and the emergence of a bear community in Dublin makes the gay scene here more welcoming to people who are comfortable among that subculture. Having a ‘’ Bears in Ireland’’ means they do not have to always travel abroad to get this sense of community, and they can still enjoy their own one, and also they can socialize within other groups.

I think it is very important to have your own group, to feel like at home, every country should have bears, for one simple reason: we are very cuddly!

What do you think it takes to represent the Bear community in Ireland well?

To promote the Bear scene in Ireland to communities abroad, to be open and EILE Magazine 29

welcoming to new and existing members of Bear community. To represent our Bear community on different occasions, for example Pride week, Bear week-weekends here or abroad. And make sure that other gay social groups around the globe will hear about us.

What are your favourite memories as Mr Bear Ireland?

Definitely that night I won, and of course [the] following weeks, months after. It was exciting beginning my new adventure. As part of my Mr Bear Ireland duties, I have visited Spain few times for example: International Bear meeting in Sitges, Madbear bear week in Madrid. Our dear friends up in Belfast have invited me for their Men of the North bear weekend, I have visited my fellow friends in Prague, I said hi to the bears in Amsterdam, and many more special occasions I had the chance to be part of. Also very exciting was when I appeared on the Euro Bear map. All these new things were super exciting.

What are your plans for this year?

I will continue to make our Bear community proud, as I was making them until now. I will support other gay communities and gay social groups, and I will make sure that we are as good as other gay communities out there, and we can prove it.

I will continuously supporting our gay rights, especially in these days, as we are so close as never before to reach that goal, when we will be able to say YES to our partners, and call them officially my husband or my wife, and finally we will have the same rights as our straight friends and families, and we won’t have to continue to fight for the simple things [such] as acceptance and being accepted for those who we love.

30 EILE Magazine

EILE Magazine 31

WOLF

Wolf chats to EILE Magazine about their beginnings, and where they go from here, as they prepare to wow the crowds at Béar Féile SDB: How did WOLF come to be?

Wolf as a band was formed 18 months ago, after a lengthy search by Gary for other lead singers with various vocal styles, to create a powerful vocal harmony line up that could perform rock, pop and musical theatre songs.

32 EILE Magazine

Gary was asked by Bert Doherty to perform at the Belfast Bear Event for the MOTN bear weekend. It was this request that prompted Gary to form the band (Wolf).

Sadly, Bert has since passed away, but Wolf continues, thanks to this wonderful man.

SDB: You’ve great energy

in your performances; what led you all towards music?

Gary (high tenor) trained in classical music as a pianist /vocal arranger, and became a professional keyboard player and singer, performing in bands for many years in the UK and Europe. Gary

creates all Wolf’s unique vocal arrangements.

Will (baritone/tenor) is a multi musician, with a good command of guitar, drums, keyboards and vocals. He has performed with many bands, and has created some of the backing tracks that Wolf uses.

Derek (bass baritone) has the theatrical background of the band, and has performed in, and directed, many plays and musicals with drama societies. He also has a history in, and passion for,

classical choral singing, which is a far cry from Wolf’s rock/pop repertoire!

SDB: Tell me about your favourite/most fun gig, apart from your upcoming Dublin gig of course!

Wolf has performed at various events over the past 18 months. Belfast MOTN weekend, weddings, bars, night clubs – many Pride events, private functions, and Manchester Bear Bash weekend. It would be impossible to choose a

favourite, as they have all been delightful venues, and great audiences to sing to.

(Wolf just loves to howl!).

SDB: Are there plans to record any original material?

Wolf is basically a cover band, performing all types of music to match the venues that they play in. Having said that, Gary and Will have a wealth of original material, that they have written over the years. Will has his own home studio, and enjoys EILE Magazine 33

writing and recording. Gary has a history of recorded songs and albums of his own.

Maybe in time, Wolf would like record their own material – but at present, we are busy with promoting Wolf as a performing live band.

SDB: Where next for WOLF? What’s coming for 2015?

34 EILE Magazine

Wolf are now eager to find agencies and venues in Manchester, and further afield, around the UK. We are performing again at a lot of the venues that we have already visited – Manchester Bear Bash 2015 will be a fun gig, and many of the pride events we played in 2014 also.

Yes - We may be the oldest boy band in town, but we are definitely the happiest, and we bite!

EILE Magazine 35

Can I Bear To Be Beary?

Andy Cast ponders on his constantly evolving shape, and the gradual realisation that he is a... bear!

I’ve never had much confidence in my own body image, probably because my body has never been what I call ‘ideal’. Looking back at pictures throughout my life, my weight has gone up and down like the proverbial yo-yo. So now, as I approach my middle years, I hope I’m settling in to something a little more permanent.

I’m certainly happier with my body and looks than I’ve ever been before. Not that I’m anywhere near satisfied with them, but I’m a darn sight closer.

thinking that having facial hair is cool and fashionable. I grew my beard in 2003, and have pretty much kept it since, save the occasional clean shave just before a two-week holiday.

So why is it now, in my early forties, that I can finally say I’m OK with my weight and look, when society in general might say I’m past my prime?

Funnily enough, it’s about fashion, and fitting in. For a start, the rest of society has finally caught up with me in

The Movember Charity event has quite a bit to do with this, however, the gay community also has to take a fair amount of credit. Hairy men are far from a new thing amongst gay men. There is a whole other internal community, a micro ecosystem if you like,

36 EILE Magazine

Now, more than ten years later, I read news headlines about the demise of the razor industry, due to the current fashion for hirsute men.

Every man and boy capable of growing facial hair is doing so, in some form or another.

Unfortunately, this also means that every man and boy INCAPABLE of growing facial hair is also trying to do it, with some comedic and frankly embarrassing efforts. If you’re not ‘grrrr’ enough to grow hair - don’t try!

devoted to hairy men and their followers. This is the world of the bear (and the otter, wolf and a few other similarly themed animal comparisons, but the bear is the primary king in this kingdom, or should I say queen?). As an aside, isn’t funny how the gays have created their own additional societal cliques. For a group of people seeking equality you’d think we would want to at least establish equality within our own community. No, instead we set up different groups, usually based on physical or behavioural characteristics.

Fascinating!

So back to the gay bears.

There are even sub-groups within the bear title - muscle bear, cub, leather, grizzly etc.

Before now, I hadn’t really associated myself with the title of bear. Not sure if that was because I didn’t think I fit the mould, or if it was more about not wanting to be labelled any more than I already was.

However, what I’m about to say will probably answer that

question, because I do see that my bear-like qualities have come with age, body shape and the ability to grow a decent beard.

I look in the mirror and see a bear there. I have some extra weight, and a nice full facial covering of hair. And you know something - I quite like what I see. Certainly my personal preference in partner is for more of a manly man (step forward Ben Cohen.) If I wanted someone feminine, I’d go for a woman, and that’s that. I guess it stands to reason that I’m happy looking like someone I might find attractive. Hmmm, that comment reads like I fancy myself. Far from it, however, what would be wrong with that? Don’t all the self help

books and motivational speakers tell us to ‘love yourself’? At the grand old age of 41 and 10 months, could it be that I’m finally starting to like who I am? That would be nice.

There is also a rather appealing sense of belonging, which comes with the bear descriptor.

In big cities, most of the large gay scenes will have a specific bar for bears, or at the very least the gay pub will have a bear night once a month, when all the larger than life, hairy guys come out of their caves to play. There are social clubs, events, contests, and weekends, all devoted to bears all over the world. But the bear community cites inclusion, no matter what the appearance, as a main part of the culture.

That for me makes it even more welcoming.

Is it this community feeling which is adding to my acceptance of being a bear?

Comfort in the fact that I will be accepted as part of a social group? More than accepted in fact. There aren’t many places in the straight world where I could go and feel confident walking in, knowing I won’t be judged because of those extra pounds and, in many cases, admired for it. It’s a novel feeling.

Whatever the reason for my acceptance of this shape and look, it’s a step in the right direction.

EILE Magazine 37

California Dispatch

Californ I am Sad. I

Jon BeauprÊ: It doesn’t matter who you write for, Journalism is a heroic endeavor Controversial.

Subversive.

Contentious. Brilliant.

Stubborn.

These are all terms that describe the best publications on offer to the public.

Through the miracle of the computer, I am able to get through this brief article because every time I think of the loss of our comrades at Charlie Hebdo last month, I have to stop. My eyes fill with tears, and I am unable to continue.

38 EILE Magazine

It reminds me of another adjective we often forget when it comes to being a journalist: Courageous.

While they never had to face the bullets of terrorists, our part of the world has made its journalistic contributions to the growing LGBT movement from its beginning, in the middle of the last century, with California-based publications showing their own kind of courage.

Taking absolutely nothing from the historic activism in the Big Apple, almost

two decades before for the Stonewall confrontation, considered by most to be the public beginning of the battle for homophile rights, lesbian activist Lisa Ben self-published a modest news letter, Vice Versa, which became the first North American lesbian publication, in Los Angeles in 1947. Typed in duplicate and hand distributed, it was modest, to say the least; but she got it out, on her own, for nine issues, until 1948, when she lost her job at RKO studios, which had made publication possible.

California Dispatch

nia Dispatch: am Proud.

Two years later, the Mattachine Society, the first sustained American gay rights group, was founded in Los Angeles. In the fall of 1952, members of the group, including educator and activist W. Dorr Legg, set out to openly publish a magazine for homosexuals.

They formed ONE Inc., and in January 1953 published the first issue of ONE Magazine, which would become the first widely distributed publication for homosexuals in the US. The magazine featured news, editorials, short stories, reviews, and was frequently stolen from distribution points and was largely distributed under the radar.

In 1955, the lesbian couple, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, helped organize a group in San Francisco they named the Daughters of Bilitis, the first national, lesbian, political, and social organization in the country. (In 2004, when gay marriage was briefly offered in San Francisco, Lyon and Martin were the first to wed.)

Lyon and Martin acted as president and editor of the group’s surreptitiously distributed newsletter, The Ladder, until 1963. Handtyped, mimeographed, and stapled, with a brown paper cover, Lyon and Martin worked tirelessly to get the paper into the hands of women, who otherwise had no idea there was an active community of women who felt like they did, not just sexually, but also politically and editorially. Control changed hands until the paper’s demise in 1972.

The Advocate, established in Los Angeles in 1967, is the oldest substantial, commercial LGBT publication in the US, and the only surviving one of its kind that was founded before the Stonewall riots.

The Advocate was the first LGBT publication to be considered a

national journalistic voice by advertisers, and critics, boasting at one time a weekly audience of 40,000 readers across the country, and a glossy platform for automobile, alcohol, and resort advertising, reinforcing the myth that lesbians and gay men were upscale, and had lots of disposable income.

The Advocate featured ‘coming out’ interviews with such celebrities as singer George Michael, comic Ellen DeGeneres, “I am a Gay American” New Jersey governor Jim McGreevey, and rock star Melissa Etheridge, among dozens of others.

Once considered a major national ‘must-read’ weekly, the advocate has undergone enormous changes since the heady days of the mid 1990s, and is now a modest monthly published in New York.

One of the power-houses of LGBT journalism, the Lesbian News, was founded in 1975 in Southern California. The LN began as did other homophile publications: a lonely voice for homosexual issues. Today, the LN is still the nation’s foremost print publication for lesbians of all ages, with a biweekly audience somewhere north of 120,000.

Also from Southern EILE Magazine 39

g

California Dispatch California, the gay weekly, Frontiers, was founded in Los Angeles in 1981. It is distributed at gay bars, clubs and businesses throughout Southern California, and focuses on local, national, and international news related to the LGBT community, at its height in over 40 cities.

Despite on-going financial challenges, as of February 2014, it had a staff of 19 and claimed a readership of 270,000.

Not all that journalism was print either. In 1988, Greg Gordon along with Lucia Chappelle and a couple of other friends began the international lesbian and gay radio news magazine, This Way Out, now heard on 200 radio stations in the US, several dozen overseas, and world-wide via satellites and the web.

Full disclosure: this column is produced in collaboration with that show; Lucia Chappelle being one of the contributors to this column, along with Rick Watts. For some time, I served as one of the anchors, and a frequent contributor to the program.

The show has been a reliable source of news, commentary, and entertainment for a vast geographic audience.

Greg likes to recount the 40 EILE Magazine

numerous times he has decided to pull the plug because of financial woes, lack of resources, and the sheer effort of producing a 30minute weekly program with a practically non-existent staff.

Then he will receive an email (for many years the notes came in the mail!) from a person on the other side of the world – we’ve received them from Uganda, Pakistan, India and lots of other locations – saying that it was the ability to hear this little radio program that kept them going, when it seemed the whole world was against them. Greg sighs, and keeps working on the next edition.

These are by no means all the journalistic efforts to come from Southern California, some still publishing, many catalogued in the ONE Library at the University of Southern California.

Fortunately, we have never had to suffer the fate of our colleagues at Charlie Hebdo.

But make no mistake about it, publications like Dublin’s Gay Community News founded in 1988, the late lamented Pink Paper in London, and this publication you are reading now, are no less heroic and vital in getting the news out to the world. We are sometimes commercial competitors, and editorially at odds, but we stand shoulder to shoulder with our colleagues at Charlie Hebdo.

Je suis Charlie Je suis gay et fier

Jon Beaupré is a professor of TV, Film & Media Studies at California State University, Los Angeles. He also works with ‘This Way Out’ radio.

Twitter: @jnbeaupre

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

thiswayout.org | Twitter: @TWORadio Overnight Productions (Inc.)/”This Way Out” Post Office Box 1065 Los Angeles, CA 90078 U.S.A. EILE Magazine 41

EILE Magazine 54

CHANGING ATTITUDE TO LGBT IN THE CHURCH OF IRELAND

by Richard O’Leary

The co-founders of CAI, the Revd Mervyn Kingston left and his partner, Richard O’Leary, right, at a Pride parade

From supporting equal marriage to opposing the conscience clause, 2015 will be another busy year for the Church of 42 EILE Magazine

Ireland group, Changing Attitude Ireland

Anglican Communion, but we also have Catholic and other Christian members. Being an all-Ireland organisation we have to operate in two different legal jurisdictions.

One month into 2015, and already Changing Attitude Ireland (CAI) is challenging anti-gay prejudice on multiple fronts. We are a Church of Ireland voluntary organisation, and part of the worldwide

This year in the Republic, we are trying to provide a faith voice for “Yes” during the equal marriage referendum campaign. Changing Attitude Ireland made a submission in favour of marriage equality to the Constitutional Convention

in 2013. These interventions are important, especially if we are to persuade at least some of the religiously-influenced voters that’s it’s okay to be a church attender and to vote yes to equal civil marriage.

We are greatly heartened by the public support for equal civil marriage from the Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork, Paul Colton, and the Bishop of Cashel and Ossory, Michael Burrows.

As the current Chair of Changing Attitude Ireland, I am highlighting that this referendum is about extending civil marriage to samesex couples, and is not about church marriage. It is helpful that the Church of Ireland appears to understand this distinction.

I was reared a Catholic in Cork, but in 1989, aged 24, I met and fell in love with the Revd.

Mervyn Kingston, a Church of Ireland minister, from East Belfast. He was the rector of the Ballymascanlon group of parishes, near Dundalk, from 1990 until 2003, when illhealth forced him to resign.

It was through this “mixed marriage” that I became a member of the Church of Ireland. Mervyn impressed on me the inclusive messages of love, commitment and justice

to be found in the Christian gospels.

Together in 2007, we cofounded Changing Attitude Ireland, as a gay-straight faith alliance for LGBT equality.

Not everybody in the Church of Ireland was supportive of us being an out gay couple, or our public campaign work - Mervyn and I were ostracised by some of his conservative colleagues. However, we found most ordinary church folk are understanding.

I appreciated their support when Mervyn died in 2013, after our UK civil partnership in 2005, but before we were able to convert it into a civil marriage.

Each year, Changing Attitude Ireland organises faith services with guest speakers, to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) which falls on May 17th. This year it’s on a Sunday, and we will have events in churches in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, Derry and other venues. We also attend gay Prides, especially in [Northern Ireland], where we provide an important contrast to the fundamentalist Christian protesters.

Changing Attitude Ireland has produced a range of educational resources. All of these can be downloaded free from our website www. changingattitudeireland. org. Our most popular is “I think my son or daughter is gay – guidance for parents

of gay children in the Church of Ireland” written by Gerry Lynch.

In the North, we operate in a much more homo-negative environment. Changing Attitude Ireland has taken a public stand against the Christian ‘gay cure’ / ‘ex-gay’ organisations which have unfortunately taken root in Northern Ireland.

CAI is also part of the alliance of groups which is opposing the proposed ‘anti-gay’ conscience clause. The clause, proposed by the Democratic Unionist Party, and supported by some Christian organisations, would allow an opt-out of equality legislation in Northern Ireland, on the grounds of religious conscience. Canon Charles Kenny, a Committee member of CAI, made the following public statement against the clause:

“our Christian faith informs us that we are all equal under God and we oppose any attempt to make it easier for providers of goods and services in Northern Ireland to discriminate against gay people”.

EILE Magazine 43

The DUP proposal is misleading when it pits people of faith against those who are gay, or who affirm gay people. This is a strategy to consolidate its conservative Christian vote in Northern Ireland. We should also be alert to a similar attempt to pit people of faith against those who are gay, and their straight allies, in the civil marriage referendum in the Republic.

Dr RICHARD O’LEARY is co-founder of the Church of Ireland group Changing Attitude Ireland and its current Chair. He and his late partner of 25 years were the first couple in January 2011 to have their UK civil partnership recognised by the Irish government.

CAI Committee members at a rally against the conscience clause, from left Richard O’Leary, Canon Charles Kenny and Pam Tilson

44 EILE Magazine

Amnesty Welcomes Legal Challenge To NI Same-Sex Marriage Ban Amnesty International has welcomed the launch of a legal challenge to the ban on same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.

It was announced recently that a same-sex couple from Northern Ireland, who got married in England, are challenging the failure of the Northern Ireland authorities to recognise their marriage.

The couple are asking Belfast’s High Court to declare that their marriage is lawful and should be recognised as such in Northern Ireland. The case, which began on January 8th, is being supported by local LGBTI organisation, the Rainbow Project.

After changes to the law in England, Wales and Scotland in 2014, Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK with a ban on same-sex marriage still in place. Same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions are treated as civil partnerships in Northern Ireland.

Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland Programme Director, said: “Amnesty International welcomes this court challenge and predicts that the courts will now move to outlaw discrimination where Northern Ireland’s politicians have failed to do so.

“Same-sex couples in Northern Ireland continue to face a ban on marriage as a result of discrimination based on

their sexual orientation. We welcome that discrimination being challenged in the courts.

“We have long predicted that, should Northern Ireland’s politicians fail in their duty to end such discrimination, then gay people will go to court to have their human rights as equal citizens vindicated.

“States may not discriminate with regards to the right to marry and found a family, on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“That obligation is clear in international law. This means that marriage should be available to same-sex couples in Northern Ireland, just as it is now in Scotland, England and Wales.” (eile.ie 14/1/2015) EILE Magazine 45

21st Century Life: Gemma Lisa Reynolds, in her continuing series on modern LGBT life, chats to Gemma from London Name: Gemma Location: London Age: 25 At what age did you first realise you were gay?

From a young age I always knew that I was drawn more to girls than boys .. then as [I was] getting older and going through school, I was always being told that it was normal to feel these feelings, and they will just pass. After a while, I did start thinking that maybe it wasn’t a phase, but that experience did scare me.

Have your family and friends always been supportive?

Yeah, I’m one of the lucky ones who had a very supportive family and friends, and being around friends who were also gay made me feel more accepted.

Are you involved in any political activism?

No. Are you religious? What do you think of the Church’s attitude towards 46 EILE Magazine

gay people?

I’m not religious, but I have been christened. I do believe in something, but at this moment in my life I’m not sure what.

The attitude that the church has towards gay people really does confuse me, as they preach that everyone is equal and God loves everyone, but when it comes to gay people we are shunned.

Do you think that the world has become more accepting and welcoming to gay people in more modern times, or do you feel that there is still a long way to go?

In my eyes a lot is still needed to be done, such as people need educating from a young age to know that it’s not wrong to be gay. This will not only help the younger generation without fear of discrimination, but also educate them for adult life, as it tends to be the adults discriminating more than the younger generation.

Have you ever experienced discrimination in your life because of your sexuality?

I’m one of the lucky ones who never had to deal with being discriminated against [because of] my sexuality, but I have seen it happen to the closest people to me and people I don’t know, and it still happens now to people.

How do/would you deal with a situation in which you are facing discrimination?

Without being in that situation, I find it hard to say exactly how I would deal with that situation. It would make me very frustrated that these people have no idea what effect it really has on people’s lives - a joke or not, it shouldn’t be said.

What would you say to someone out there who is struggling with their own sexuality or coming out, or who is being bullied or discriminated against because of who they are?

The struggle you are going through will stop, because they are obviously not very well-educated with the world changing. Stand tall, and be proud to stand there and be

called a lesbian/gay, because that’s who you are. There is nothing wrong with having these feelings. It’s part of life. Coming out to family and friends I would say is the hardest thing, but be truthful, don’t hide it, and don’t be afraid. I never thought my family and friends would be so supportive.

Have you ever been in love?

Yes I have.

Are you married?

I’m not married, but in the future I would love to get married.

Are you a mother? If so, what does motherhood mean to you? If not, would you like to be a mother someday?

No, I have no children, but more than anything I would love to have children one day, and people will still discriminate [against] children having same-sex parents, but as long as they have everything that little child needs, then it shouldn’t have anything to do with anyone.

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Inherent Vice 48 EILE Magazine

EILE Magazine 58

Frances Winston on Movies Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson, Katherine Waterston, Reese Witherspoon, Benicio del Toro, Jena Malone, Joanna Newsom Based on the acclaimed 2009 novel of the same name by Thomas Pynchon, this features a stellar cast who all get their groove on in keeping with the 1970s setting. Although Robert Downey Jr was originally attached to star, it is Joaquin Phoenix who takes the lead here playing Doc Sportello, a hippie, stoner, private eye.

When his ex-girlfriend, Shasta (Waterston) shows up unexpectedly asking for his help, his interest is piqued. She tells him about her new lover, property magnate, Mickey Wolfmann (Roberts) whose wife is plotting to have him committed to a mental asylum, and asks him to look into it.

As Doc begins to investigate, the case events spiral out of control, and he soon realises that there is much more going on than Shasta

imagined. When an anxious wife also hires him to look for her missing husband, Coy (Wilson) the two cases become irrevocably intertwined, and it is left to Doc to try and see through his own haze in order to get to the bottom of it. This puts him in life-threatening situations in the process.

This has possibly the most complex plot of any movie of recent times. Although, on the whole, it does justice to the source material, there is so much going on that it is sometimes difficult to keep up, and at times it feels as if it is meandering. Anderson himself has described it as a Cheech & Chong movie, and at times you do actually feel as if you are stoned alongside Doc. With a multitude of characters, most of them don’t get a huge amount of screen time, and the end result is that you don’t invest fully in them. That said, everybody gives an excellent performance. Unfortunately, it is sometimes hard to take them seriously, as every 70s cliché is used to death. Groovy is the buzzword of the day here. Phoenix and Brolin work well together as Doc and his nemesis Detective “Bigfoot” Bjornson, and they have some great scenes together, but it would have been nice to see

more of some of the other big names here.

At around two and a half hours, Anderson could probably have shaved off at least 20 minutes. The film feels like it comes to an organic end at several points, only for the action to recommence, making the ending somewhat dissatisfying when it eventually gets there. That said, Anderson does actually neatly wrap up every little thread of the plot, which is no mean feat given how much is actually going on.

With a score by Radiohead’s Johnny Greenwood, and beautiful cinematography, this is an aural and visual feast. It has all the makings of a future cult classic. If you hate Anderson’s work this isn’t going to covert you, and if you are looking for a story with a straightforward narrative and some cohesion throughout, you probably won’t get this.

However, if you approach it with a clear head, pay full attention, and keep track of who’s who, then you will really enjoy this. It is the kind of film that is always going to polarise opinion, but it definitely merits a watch.

In cinemas now

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Selma

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Selma Directed by: Ava DuVernay Starring: David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo, Andre Holland, Tessa Thompson, , Giovanni Ribisi, Lorraine Toussaint, Stephan James, Wendell Pierce, Common, Alessandro Nivola, Keith Stanfield, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Dylan Baker, Tim Roth, Oprah Winfrey You always know that its awards’ season when a glut of biopics and fact-based dramas hit our screens. This offering has a worthier pedigree than some however, telling as it does the story of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches, famously led by, amongst others, Martin Luther King Jr. (played here

by Oyelow). This was a huge moment in the American Civil Rights Movement, and as such has been well documented, and actual real footage of the March is used near the end of the film, juxtaposed with the recreation.

At the heart of this story though is the passion of

Luther King Jr. and how his commitment to the cause affected him and his family.

Also central to the plot are his complex negotiations with President Lyndon B. Johnson (Wilkinson).

The contentious period has been so well-documented that there is no point in giving a recap here. Suffice to say that DuVernay doesn’t shy away from the unsavory aspects of the tale, including the beatings and outrageous racism inflicted on the African American community, and their supporters. This sometimes makes Selma a difficult, but nonetheless compelling, watch.

Of course, movies such as this live and die by their lead actor, and in Oyelow they have found a perfect Martin Luther King Jr. After just a few minutes, you forget that you are watching an actor, and are totally engaged in his world. Ejogo is also wonderful as his wife, Coretta, managing to successfully play several emotions at once, as she struggles to support her husband amidst concerns for her family’s safety. Why the pair of them weren’t nominated for Oscars is a mystery. They are ably backed by an extremely strong supporting cast, who all give excellent performances. Of course, it helps that all the

real life counterparts they are portraying were strong and interesting characters, and that this period of history was so explosive.

There have been accusations that some historical facts were distorted, but the reality is that in any fact-based film, there will always be a little artistic licence taken, in order to progress the tale.

This is beautifully shot, and with an excellent script, even though you know what’s coming, this keeps you gripped. A nice touch, at the end, is when we find out just what happened to some of the protesters, who were there on the fateful day of the march.

Of course, we all know the ultimate fate of Martin Luther King Jr., but what happened to his contemporaries isn’t as well known.

Although nominated, with such a strong field competing for Best Picture at this year’s Oscars, this is unlikely to win, but it is definitely a deserving contender, and a film that deserves to be seen. This will resonate with you long after you leave the cinema, and will no doubt open the doors for much debate about civil rights.

Definitely a modern classic.

In cinemas February 6

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Nick’s Picks Music Reviews by Nick Bassett Shipped directly from New Zealand, EILE’s music reviewer Nick Bassett (also of ChartShaker) has got the latest high-quality music from artists you should be listening to – right now. Click on any of the art work to take you straight to the sound!

COIN - Run Chase Lawrence, Joe Memmel, Ryan Winnen, and Zachary Dyke are COIN, a band whose shimmering musical output first charmed our socks off back in 2013, with the infectious Atlas.

Judging by their latest single Run, the Tennessee four-piece clearly haven’t lost their knack for turning out feel-good lyrics, and effortlessly catchy beats, that make you want to spontaneously burst out of your seat. In fact, that’s exactly what it delivers.

With Lawrence’s sun-kissed vocals again gliding over synth-sprinkled, percussion and guitars, Run is another infectious dose of winning indie pop.

Forebear – Forebear If you’re a fan of melodic folk rock tapestries that are interwoven with poignant lyrics, hushed harmonies and beautifully textured musicianship, then this debut EP from LA-based four-piece Forebear should be right up your street.

The self-titled collection was produced by Scott Gordon (Alanis Morrisette, Ringo Starr), and is made up of four individually superb songs that bind together the strengths of each member, and turns out what eventuates into a mini cinematic masterpiece.

Made up of lead vocalist Scott Goldbaum (formerly of Wise Cub), classically trained Molly Rogers, drummer Mike Mussleman and Nick Chadian on bass, the four-piece have between them worked with artists and bands including Bastille, Feist, Randy Jackson and Keith Urban.

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My Midnight Heart – Drown Brooklyn-based songstress Angelica Allen, aka My Midnight Heart, returns next month with not one, but two brand new EPs – the first of which comes out on 3 February, and is being preceded by the release of its soaring title track Drown.

The collections, which will be spaced two weeks apart, serve as the first new material from the New Yorker since she grabbed our attention back in 2013, with her stunning debut EP Chest of Hearts.

Although the new material has been a long time coming, it’s undoubtedly been worth the wait, because this five minute long offering sees My Midnight Heart continuing to build upon those early triumphs, delivering another ethereal vocal over an echoing backdrop of progressively crescendoing percussion and atmospheric electronic ambience.

Satellite Stories – Heartbeat Finnish four-piece, Satellite Stories, first snared our attention back in 2013, with the release of their sophomore set Pine Trails. The collection housed the rousing indie pop gems Campfire and Lights Go Low, and instantly had us marking the Oulu-based outfit as one of our favourite finds of the year.

Made up of frontman Esa Mankinen, Marko Heikkinen (lead guitar), Jyri Pesonen (bass guitar) and Olli-Pekka Ervasti (drums), Satellite Stories are now back with the latest cut from their upcoming third studio album, Vagabonds, which is set for release to NZ iTunes on 6 March.

Posted on the band’s Soundcloud earlier this week as the follow-up to The Trap, last year’s appetite-whetting horn-blaster of a buzz single, Heartbeat is yet another immediately gratifying slice of electro-washed, arenaready jndie rock, that also manages to pack in more than its fair share of pop-friendly hooks.

On 27 February, Satellite Stories hit the road for their Vagabonds 2015 tour, which will see them performing across Europe. Head to their official website for a full round up of dates and venues.

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Stephen Donnan talks about his latest project, the cross-border equal marriage support group, LoveProudly Where did the idea for LoveProudly come from?

Well, I basically came up with the idea just over a month ago. I noticed that there was a bit of a gap between the marriage equality campaigns in Northern Ireland and the Republic. I understand that both campaigns are being run in different ways, one is via a referendum, and one is via the courts/Assembly, but neither seems to have much connection with the other in the eyes of the communities here.

We aim to change that as much as we can. Marriage Equality,

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GLEN and Rainbow Project/ Equal Marriage NI carry a lot of the work themselves, they are full-time staff, sometimes unpaid volunteers, running both legal and press campaigns on our behalf. We figured why should they be the ones to do all the heavy lifting?

Why can’t there be a companion campaign that supports both campaigns equally? LGBT rights in Northern Ireland are as important as LGBT rights in the south, for many of us, no matter what the political opinion, if you are LGBT there is no border. However,

there really will be one if one jurisdiction has marriage equality, and one does not.

I am an Irish citizen and a British citizen. It makes me uncomfortable to think that I can be equal in one state but not the other, despite both being my home. Many gay and lesbian couples in Ireland commute, or are in longdistance relationships.

For instance I have a friend who lives in Belfast, and his partner lives in Dundalk, both are Irish citizens. How can it be right that if they are to marry, they will be married in Dundalk

and no longer married when they cross the border? The answer is it isn’t right.

only jurisdiction in the UK or Ireland without equal marriage rights, which is ludicrous.

A few of us, committed activists who have experience in politics, media, student movements, lobbying, civil rights campaigns, have gotten together to change, that and emphasise the importance and the links between both campaigns. That is how LoveProudly was born.

In 1998, we were promised many things in the Good Friday Agreement, among them was equal treatment under the law for LGBT people. Whether you are Unionist or Nationalist, a Yes vote in the Republic of Ireland will leave Northern Irish gay couples in a uniquely marginalised position. They will be without the same rights as their counterparts in other jurisdictions of the same countries. I believe that a legal challenge under Article 14 of the ECHR will ultimately change the landscape in NI, if the court case goes as far as that. That could take years however, and frankly we shouldn’t have to wait.

NI is in a weird situation; the only constituent country of the UK not to have marriage equality, yet similar (for now) with the Republic with only having civil partnership.

Does it make you feel isolated from the rest of the UK? Absolutely. I won’t go into the specifics of the legislation or the rights that we are entitled to as Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland, or British citizens living in Ireland, however this island is my home. I want to be equal and free under the law, and viewed with the same respect, and have the same rights, no matter where in my home I choose to be. LGBT people in Coleraine should have as much rights as those in Cork or indeed Cardiff, Carlisle or Cairnryan.

The outcome of the marriage equality referendum in May will have a massive impact on the situation in Northern Ireland. If it passes (it will!) then NI will be left as the

Those in the Republic are gearing up for marriage equality, and LoveProudly is an allIreland campaign; how can/will you make sure the message is the same for both sides of the border?

Equal rights is a universal issue. I’ve discussed before about how there is no border for LGBT people in Ireland, or even in Europe when it comes to civil rights. In many countries in Europe, we have some equality, and I use that as an oxymoron, because you’re either equal or you

aren’t.

Equal marriage is an allIreland movement, a panEuropean movement, and a global issue, and for LoveProudly it doesn’t matter if you’re living in Leningrad or Limerick, these issues aren’t country-specific.

The difference with Ireland is that our history, our language, culture and ways of life are so intrinsically linked, and the Republic of Ireland looks to be making great strides in terms of equality for LGBT people, specifically when it comes to the blood ban, adoption, gender recognition, and now marriage. Northern Ireland cannot afford to be left behind on this.

Both campaigns are being fought in very different ways, but the reasons and the determinations are the same.

I fully intend on knocking on doors, and attending rallies for equal marriage, and campaigning for a Yes vote in the upcoming referendum, as well as lobbying MLAs and MPs in my own constituency of East Belfast, to support our right to marry whoever we love, regardless of their gender or sexuality.

How do you intend to get your message across?

If we can get the message out that this is a basic battle between equality and discrimination, then it’s a nobrainer, people will naturally gravitate towards the cause EILE Magazine 55

that we are supporting. If we can get the message out that gay rights in Belfast are as important as gay rights in Dublin, then what you do is you begin to create a united movement that doesn’t see nationality as an issue, and instead sees this as a matter of basic civil rights.

Ordinary people wouldn’t stand for racial minorities in their back garden being discriminated against, and this is no different.

We will strive to work with LGBT groups across all 32 counties, and in both jurisdictions and beyond, to ensure that we can support the campaigns and foster more links between the two.

We already have people in Dublin, Belfast, Derry/Londonderry and Cork who are willing to get involved. If we work together then there’s nothing to stop us.

How can people get involved?

You can email us at LoveProudly2015@gmail.com or send us a message at our Twitter page @LoveProudly2015 if you want to get involved! You don’t have to be LGBT and we don’t care about your political, social, religious or national persuasion. You are more than welcome to jump in and advance the cause for equality across this island, both in Northern Ireland and in the Republic.

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BeLonG To welcomes ICANN decision to new Community Evaluation of ‘dotgay’ On Thursday 23rd January, the board of ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, accepted the reconsideration request for .GAY, put forward by BeLonG To and over 50 other LGBT Organisations.

This will result in a reconsideration of the application by dotgay LLC to administer the domain on the basis of “community priority evaluation” (CPE).

The previous evaluation carried out by the Economist Intelligence Unit reported that, in their opinion, dotgay LLC did not qualify as a community operator, in large part because they believed that the worldwide LGBT population had not supported this application. This was despite the fact that 240 organisations, including IGLA, the most representative body in the world for LGBT interests, had expressed their support on multiple occasions.

This reprieve by the board of ICANN will deliver a new evaluation with new evaluators of the CPE application. CPE status would afford dotgay LLC automatic ownership of .GAY and allow it to protect the .GAY name from commercial exploitation, to create shared spaces (for example community-run portals like “health.gay”), and return a portion of profits to the LGBT community.

You can read the full text of ICANN’s reply HERE You can visit BeLonGTo’s website at http:// www.belongto.org

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Update: Filming Complete on ‘Kiss Me, Kill Me’ Filming is now complete on the LGBT whodunnit film, Kiss Me, Kill Me in Los Angeles, written and directed by David Michael Barrett and Casper Andreas.

Since their interview in EILE Magazine’s November edition, David & Casper got in touch to update our readers that production on the film finished earlier this February.

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“We are now in post production and have already started editing,” the two directors explain to EILE, “we are absolutely loving what we’re seeing!”

“We have an editor on board and hope to move forward and finish the film ASAP. And of course, the biggest challenge always is money.”

You have all already been so supportive and we are so appreciative. But if you or anyone you know would like to contribute more, please send them to: http://www.

KissMeKillMeMovie.com

EILE will be keeping our readers updated on how Kiss Me, Kill Me is doing over the coming months. To read our interview with David Michael Barrett about the film project, check out our November ’14 issue.

David Michael Barrett

Allison Lane Van Hansis

“It’s truly staggering, there are so many people donating their time and energy to help make our production happen...”

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Somewhere at The Workman’s Club presents

The OFFICIAL Interpol Aftershow Party!

Wednesday, 11 February PSSSST – we’ve got something to tell you! On Wednesday, 11th February, Somewhere at The Workman’s Club are thrilled to be hosting the official Interpol Aftershow Party!

As a part of the legendary band’s 3 night SELL OUT run at The Olympia, drummer Sam Fogarino will be joining the Somewhere Resident DJs, spinning the decks til the small hours.

Doors 11 pm – €6 on the door, The Workman’s Club, 10 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2 http://www.theworkmansclub.com

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Ice Age Danish band Ice Age come to Dublin on 30th April, playing the midnight show at the Workman’s Club, on Wellington Quay Plowing Into The Field Of Love is the third album from Copenhagen’s Iceage. It is new, bold and forceful.

Channeling the rage and emotion of their tempestuous early releases into finely honed musicianship, Plowing Into The Field of Love features piano, mandolin, viola and organ atop Johan SuurballeWieth’s razor-sharp guitars and the lolloping, synchronized rhythm section of Jacob Tvilling Pless and Dan Kjær Nielsen. The record has a clear, uncompressed sound, and Elias Bender Rønnenfelt’s desperate vocals are out front, nakedly accountable for the words.

On this album, Rønnenfelt sings of what it is like to be out in the world, dizzy with its offerings, perched on a plateau of false confidence, bliss, fantasy and delirious selfdenial.

The autobiographical “Forever,” begins with a pretty repetitive motif over the words, “I always had the sense that I was split in two,” and climaxes with a sunburst of horns recalling South African spiritual jazz great Mongezi Feza: 62 EILE Magazine

“If I could dive into the other, I’d lose myself forever.”

At the other extreme, the album evokes a sort of euphoria, especially in the unexpectedly upbeat country number “The Lord’s Favorite.”

Yet desperation and loss lurks behind. This is an album about seeing, learning, and rejecting things, in a cycle that repeats and builds. The reference points are wildly varied, but the sound is uniquely and darkly Iceage as the record fights with itself, in the story it tells, and the sound it makes.

It is not, however, a remotely difficult record.

It is the anthemic sound of a band in motion, unafraid of change, filled with curiosity, musicality and ambition.

- Ground Control Touring

ICEAGE are at The Workman’s Club, Dublin, on Thursday, April 30th ( Midnight show) Tickets on sale now Door Time: 11:30pm Ticket Price: €12

Formed in 2008, the Danish four-piece have recently released their third albumm Ploughing Into The Field Of Love

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Irish Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar

Why Leo Varadkar’s Coming Out is Hugely Important Stephen Donnan takes a look at his own, and other reactions to the Minister’s historic announcement I honestly didn’t expect to hear that Leo Varadkar had come out as gay. A few people I have spoken to have told me that they always suspected it, but I was never one who really did.

For the record my Gaydar is next to useless. It never developed properly during my gay puberty years, and I often 64 EILE Magazine

have to disappoint the women of the office when I fail to provide any insight into the sexuality of any single new men that come to work here.

I work with a large number of LGBT people, I work with a large number of heterosexual people, and I work with an even larger number of people who could be gay, straight or invisible to me, as we’ve never exchanged words beyond awkward weather-chat in the lift or at the coffee machine.

My point is that nobody should

care one way or the other about the sexual orientation of colleagues in my office, and that’s the way it should be. But that isn’t really the case. Of course people care. They draw judgments, and unconscious snap decisions for future interactions based on it. Irish Health Minister, Leo Varadkar’s coming out made people care, and here’s why it matters.

For one, Mr. Varadkar is a sitting TD and openly-gay, and whilst Ireland is no stranger to openly-gay elected reps (Sen. David Norris, Jerry Buttimer

TD) Leo is the first one of us to be a Government Minister, and at the helm of a Department that has much say and sway in the lives of LGBT people.

Not only that, but Minister Varadkar is the first to be tipped as a potential future Taoiseach, quite possibly if Fine Gael come out on top in the next general election. These are hugely significant milestones for the LGBT community, not just in the Republic but also in Northern Ireland. Both states are going through somewhat of an LGBT revolution in terms of legislation, legal cases and public support for things like equal marriage, adoption and the removal of the blood ban.

Only a day before writing this article was I told that my friend and colleague, Dominic Hannigan TD, married his long term partner in a ceremony in England. However, their marriage won’t be recognised anywhere in any of the 32 counties that make up this island, in either jurisdiction.

Nowhere on this island can someone like me give blood freely. Only in one jurisdiction (Northern Ireland) can same-sex couples jointly adopt children, and even then, it was the result of legal action, not legislative process, that closed that discriminatory loophole.

In September, my close friend Damian will marry his longterm partner in Belfast City Hall. His own City Hall, the one paid for and maintained with his taxes from the full time job that he goes to every day in order to contribute to society.

The same society that in fact is prepared to tell him and his

partner that they aren’t good enough to have a marriage like everyone else, and instead can have the consolation prize of a Civil Partnership. The same city hall in which Cllr JulieanneCorr Johnston (now married to her beautiful wife) sits, yet her marriage is considered less than, second rate, by the state. Don’t get me wrong, I wish anyone who wants to enter into a Civil Partnership the very best of luck, they are joyous occasions, and I, myself, have been to my fair share, but my friends deserve better than this.

That is why Leo Varadkar’s coming-out is so important.

I have heard more than a few people ask me why he had to share his sexuality with the world? Why does the Minister have to make his personal life our business? Why is coming out important if gay people want to be accepted by society like everyone else?

“You don’t hear Enda Kenny going on the radio and telling everyone he’s straight.”

That’s because Enda Kenny doesn’t have to worry about who’s watching, or where he is, when he holds his wife’s hand as they walk down the street together as a couple.

It hurts when I hear politicians talk about homosexuals as if we aren’t people, as if we’re a disease that they need to get rid of and hide away. It hurts when you have to explain to your work colleagues why you can’t join them in the annual company blood donation drive. It hurts when you have to wonder if you and your boyfriend will be turned away from a B&B,

restaurant, or given questioning looks when you come back from holiday, and your Civil Partner’s surname is on your passport, too.

Or when those who look like ordinary, decent and lovely people casually talk about people like you (other ordinary, decent and lovely people) on the bus home, or in the supermarket, about how you’re all a danger to kids, or perverts, or walking incubators for AIDS, or that you’re actually really all sick and need fixing, putting down or locking up. It hurts when you’re too afraid of the potential, yet unlikely, scenario of being bashed outside a ‘straight bar’, to buy a drink for the cute guy playing pool with his mates.

It hurts when you read headline after headline about a young LGBT person, like Leelah Alcorn or Eylül Cansın, Tyler Clementi, Asher Brown, Billy Lucas, Seth Walsh, Nikita Keane, Nazim Mahmood, Isa Shakhmarli, Ronin Shimizu, Darren Crotty that has taken their own life, because of the abuse and pain they had suffered because of who they are.

Until such a day comes that we don’t have to read about ordinary decent citizens being hospitalised, because they held hands in the ‘wrong’ area, and we no longer have to stand over the graves of young people who have had too much of the casual and insidious hatred that underpins much of our society in Ireland, then it will keep being important every time someone, (no matter if TD, MLA or the girl who sits 3 seats down from you in work) comes out.

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Anne Kirkbride/Deirdre Barlow –

A Genuine Weatherfield One-Off Alan Lambert looks back on Anne Kirkbride’s character of Deirdre Barlow on Coronation Street, and how her acting gripped the public’s imagination, changing media reporting of soaps forever.

Anne Kirkbride, who played Deirdre Barlow on Coronation Street, passed away this week, and what followed was a mass outpouring of grief from fans, cast, crew, the media, and most sadly, her family. But why did Deirdre/Anne mean so much to the public, and what happened that her character changed media reporting on soaps forever?

Deirdre Hunt first appeared on Coronation Street in November 1972, a 17 year-old cast as eye candy, who was up for a bit of fun, a trait that never left the character in over four decades walking the cobbles.

Initially partnered with Billy Walker, and subsequently 66 EILE Magazine

Tracy’s father Ray Langton, it was when Deirdre was eventually paired with Street stalwart, Ken Barlow (Bill Roache) that Deirdre really came to the fore in the show.

Deirdre and Ken are the Weatherfield couple who scored higher television ratings for their wedding than Prince Charles, not once but twice!

With 24 million people tuning in to see them tie the knot in 1981 (against a disputed 21 million for Charles and Diana), it is one of the most watched British soap opera episodes ever, but it was a tumultuous relationship that lead to a significant change in British media.

While Coronation Street had featured in the headlines in the 1960s, for filming (and subsequently calling off) a character’s suicide, it was the affair of Deirdre and Mike Baldwin that really caught the public’s attention when it was front page news in 1983, changing the way tabloid papers would report on soaps forever, and having them

become a more prominent feature in today’s news.

Deirdre and Ken had an on-off relationship for her remaining time in the show, having flings with Mike, shopkeeper Dev Alahan, suave lothario Lewis Archer, and a relationship with joiner, Dave Barton (played by David Beckett who married Anne in 1992), but it was Deirdre’s third husband who raised more than a few eyebrows.

In 1993, Anne Kirkbride had to take leave from the show after it was revealed that she was suffering with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and needed to take time out for treatment.

Deirdre returned to the show in August 1994, with her Moroccan lover Samir Rachid.

The relationship and marriage of the couple raised more than a few eyebrows on the Street.

No-one was more against the relationship than daughter Tracy. So it was somewhat ironic that Samir would be the one to offer to donate a kidney to help save Tracy’s

Anne Kirkbride

life, although he was attacked and died before the transplant actually took place. This left Deirdre alone and brokenhearted again.

But it was a story that began in 1997 that would cause such a storm that it would start a massive media campaign, put Deirdre back on the front pages, and lead to an unusual request in Downing Street.

When Deirdre was bowled over

by “pilot” Jon Lindsay, she had no idea that he was actually a tie salesman in the airport, or that he had defrauded a friend, getting a mortgage and credit cards in the name of Ian Jenkins, with Deirdre named on the accounts.

When she uncovered the truth that he was also still married, she ended the relationship, and unwittingly committed a crime by withdrawing her cash from their joint bank

account, leading to her arrest for fraud. Deirdre was found guilty, and sent to prison, with The Sun launching their “Free the Weatherfield One” campaign, and Prime Minister, Tony Blair, asking the Home Secretary in the House of Commons to intervene on Deirdre’s behalf.

Deirdre was eventually released from prison, to get on with her life and get back with Ken, while the storyline EILE Magazine 67

led to the introduction of such characters as Roy Cropper, and Tyrone Dobbs.

Deirdre remarried Ken in 2005 (this time beating the Prince of Wales with 13 million viewers as opposed to his 7 million) and was involved in more serious storylines, such as Tracy’s murder of Charlie Stubbs, and stepson Peter’s recent false imprisonment.

However, over the last few years, it is Deirdre’s comic storylines that have been a fan favourite.

From talk of her stuffed marrow, to her pottery classes, or drunken scenes with Liz McDonald and Eileen Grimshaw, Anne has shown that she can do more than high drama, and it was scenes with Maggie Jones, who played her onscreen mother Blanche, that really brought this to everyone’s attention.

When Maggie Jones passed away in 2010, the heart-breaking scenes played out by Anne Kirkbride were a reflection of the actress losing someone she truly loved, and now unfortunately, we have to say goodbye to a woman and a character that we truly love.

Anne, who was unfortunate to have to deal with ongoing depression in her life, was referred to by the cast as one of the most fun and caring women they had had the opportunity to work with, and that is certainly reflected in interviews and documentaries shown over the years. Hopefully, this knowledge will help her family through this dark time.

I don’t envy the person who has to put away Deirdre’s glasses for the last time.

- Alan Lambert

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Anne Kirkbride with her own waxwork figure as Deirdre Barlow at Madame Tussauds in Blackpool, UK

Israel: Likud Hopes To Have A Gay Member In The Next Assembly (Knesset) In Israel, gay attorney Amir Ohana said it is important to contrast the voting record of Bayit Yehudi (accused of homophobia last week) ministers with the opposing Likud party members on gay rights legislation in the ministerial committee on legislation. According to Ohana, the Likud ministers always vote for gay rights.

He also stated that the Likud, the major right-wing political party in Israel, to which he belongs, hopes to have a gay MK (member of the Knesset) in the next Knesset (Assembly).

Ohana describes himself as the first closeted gay person elected in an open primary.

When interviewed by the Voice of Israel, he said the only [LGBT] intolerance in politics he had come across was against his LGBT group from the opposing party’s LGBT group, the Israeli Left, stating that the LGBT group in Meretz attacks the Likud’s gay group “nonstop”.

“One can be gay and have other views on other subjects” he stated.

He also said that the head of the ultra orthodox group (the haredi) within the Likud party, Ya’acov Veeder, opposes ‘state discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation’. (eile.ie 21/1/2015) MKB

Ohana said that he sees no contradiction being a ‘Likud hawk’ and gay: EILE Magazine 69

Belfast Comes Out To Protest #NoConscienceClause Stephen Donnan reports from Belfast after yesterday’s highly successful protest against the DUP’s plans to introduce a conscience clause against the LGBT community There was a palpable sense of anger, frustration and motivation today in Belfast, as just over a thousand people gathered in front of City Hall in the blistering cold and intermittent rain to stand up and show their opposition to the proposed Conscience Clause Bill, put forward by the DUP. Representatives from Sinn Féin, Alliance Party, SDLP, Green Party, PUP, People Before Profit, as well as reps from trade unions, women’s rights groups and Amnesty International were joined by 70 EILE Magazine

Belfast born singer/songwriter Brian Kennedy as they spelled out why they were opposed to the draconian measure.

The rally was organised by The Rainbow Project, who have led a very strong social media and press campaign against the Conscience Clause, which, if passed into law, would make it legal for business owners to refuse access to goods and services to LGBT people on religious grounds.

The crowd swelled onto the main road, but were kept safe by a very capable and well equipped PSNI, who facilitated the hour long rally.

A rousing speech was given

by Rainbow Project director, John O’Doherty, on the many legislative potholes that the Conscience Clause will create if passed. The mood was determined and motivated, it was inspiring to see such a strong response from across the political spectrum and the community at large to the

measure.

Relative newcomers, William Ennis, of the Progressive Unionist Party and Claire Bailey, deputy leader of the NI Green Party, may be unused to addressing such large numbers of people.

If so, it didn’t show, as they each laid down the law on why the DUP have overreached this time, and that with the support of the other parties represented, would see the measure ‘binned’ as William described. (eile.ie 1/2/2015)

Members of Belfast’s LGBT community, alongside many allies from the wider public, gathered at Donegall Square to protest the DUP’s plans for a so-called ‘Conscience Clause’. [Image: Stephen Donnan]

“The crowd swelled onto the main road, but were kept safe by a very capable and well equipped PSNI, who facilitated the hour long rally”

EILE Magazine 71

Leo Varadkar Becomes First Openly Gay Cabinet Minister in Ireland On today’s Sunday with Miriam on RTÉ Radio One, Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar TD, talked publicly for the first time about being a gay man.

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Minister Varadkar (36) is the first cabinet minister in Ireland to be openly gay.

On the show he said: “I am a gay man, it’s not a secret but it’s not something that everybody would know” “We salute the courage of the Minister in talking openly about being a gay man. His courage will inspire many others who would like to be open about who they are” said Kieran Rose, GLEN Chair.

“Whether you are a cabinet minister or a young gay person doing your Leaving Certificate, it takes courage to talk openly about who you are. Minister Varadkar talking openly about being gay will be a very important source of support for LGBT people and for their parents and families” said

Rose.

“Minister Varadkar’s interview today sends a very strong signal that LGBT people can aspire to and achieve the highest political office in Ireland” said Rose.

“There has been huge progress in Ireland for LGBT people over the last twenty years which has created a positive environment where more and more LGBT people can be open about who they are and who they love with their families and friends and in their communities” said Rose.

“Despite the progress, it is often not easy for an LGBT person to be open about who they are. While for the vast majority of people coming out is a positive experience, sadly some people face rejection by

Leo Varadkar, Irish Minister For Health some of those closest to them” said Rose.

“Minister Varadkar talking openly about being gay will help to further change Ireland so that nobody faces rejection because of who they are or who they love” concluded Rose. (eile.ie 18/1/2015)

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In a resolution adopted last Thursday (15th) the European Parliament called on Kyrgyzstan to reject a bill which would censor information on LGBTI issues. The draft law would punish those disseminating information “aimed at forming positive attitudes toward non-traditional sexual relations.”

The Kyrgyz bill closely 74 EILE Magazine

resembles the Russian antipropaganda law, but foresees harsher punishments: persons found ‘guilty’ face up to one year imprisonment.

The European Parliament – acknowledging general democratic progress in the country – calls on the Kyrgyz Parliament to reject the bill, and urges politicians to refrain from hate speech against LGBTI people.

Furthermore, the Parliament supports the recommendations by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which highlight that Kyrgyzstan should combat all forms of discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity (see 15.24, 15.25, 15.26).

Earlier, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHCR) already urged

Kyrgyzstan to reject the bill.

Relations between the EU and Kyrgyzstan are organised through the 1999 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which includes a clause allowing sanctions in case of human rights breaches.

Ulrike Lunacek MEP, CoPresident of the LGBTI Intergroup and co-author of the resolution, reacted: “If this bill is passed, anyone who speaks positively about LGBTI issues can be imprisoned. This is an attack on the freedom of expression, the freedom of assembly and the right to non-discrimination for the Kyrgyz people, in particular LGBTI people.”

“If the Kyrgyz parliament is serious about its constitution which protects human and civil rights, it should reject this bill.”

European Parliament urges Kyrgyzstan to drop anti-LGBTI bill state-sponsored Beatriz Becerra MEP, homophobia, and Member of the LGBTI unreservedly Intergroup and co-author of support and the resolution, added: “In promote the just one day, over 34 000 fundamental rights people have called on us to denounce this extreme of all its citizens.” anti-propaganda bill. This sends a strong signal to us, the Commission and the External Action Service to up the pressure on Kyrgyzstan to prevent this bill from turning into law.”

“We have all seen the horrible consequences of the Russian antipropaganda bill: a clampdown on NGOs, forbidden prides and organised hate crime against LGBTI people. We urge Kyrgyzstan to not to follow the path of

The bill passed the first reading on 15 October 2014, but needs an additional two readings and presidential approval before turning into law. (eile.ie 20/1/2015)

“If this bill is passed, anyone who speaks positively about LGBTI issues can be imprisoned.

This is an attack on the freedom of expression, the freedom of assembly and the right to nondiscrimination” EILE Magazine 75

UK: Separating Fact Fro North West The LGBT group, LGBT Youth North West in the UK, which serves Manchester, and surrounding areas, has been criticised over the last few days for the idea that they intend to set up a school exclusively for LGBT youth.

to take on a lease from Manchester City Council to run the LGBT Centre in Manchester on behalf of the LGBT community.

According to Amelia Lee, Strategic Director of the charity, this is inaccurate, as they are at pains to point out:

Fiction:

“You may have read some things in the papers or online this week about LGBT Youth North West’s plans for an LGBT school.

Let’s separate the facts from the fiction here: Facts: 1. We have received £63,000 Feasibility funding 76 EILE Magazine

2. This funding includes training, a building refurb consultation, website support and funding for us to ask the LGBT Community what they want from the building.

3. If young LGBT people tell us they want an LGBT Inclusive school we will explore this.

1. No public money or grant income has been spent on a trip to New York.

2. No school plans have been developed currently. We are at very early consultation stages.

3. If we explore setting up an alternative education provision, this provision will be open to all pupils, and we would expect many pupils to not be LGBT.

om Fiction – LGBT Youth t Speaks Out It will also be in addition to what we currently do now, which is train over 10,000 pupils and teachers in mainstream schools each year, so we can make all mainstream schools safer for all pupils.

We work with some super schools that are really helping remove homophobia, biphobia and transphobia from education and we are proud of all their hard work”.

It is clear from the above, and from the group’s original press release, that the £63,000 is for a feasibility study into the development of the whole centre. The Joyce Layland Centre houses 15 community

groups, a vegetarian café, and includes non-LGBT charity groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, and Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as LGBT Youth North West.

It should also be pointed out that there is a major difference between an ‘LGBT school’ and an ‘LGBT-inclusive school’, which would be open to all, a fact which many of those who have engaged in criticism appear to have missed.

lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans young people on the agenda.

To give young people the opportunity to come together to engage in regional events and activities such as Pride Youth Games and Peer Educator Training.

MKB (eile.ie 19/1/2015)

LGBT Youth North West was established in 2005, with two main aims: To have a better support network across LGBT youth groups in the region to be able to more effectively keep

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HRW: Egypt – 26 Acquitted, Prosecutor Should Drop Appeal The acquittal in Egypt on January 12, 2015, of 26 men, arrested at a bathhouse in Cairo on December 7, 2014, is a rare success in protecting the rights to privacy and nondiscrimination.

Government prosecutors have appealed the decision, according to the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), a nongovernmental group, but authorities released all 26 men. This is the first time since 2011 that a trial court is known to have handed down a total acquittal in a

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“debauchery” case.

“This case is a rare victory for human rights and judicial independence in Egypt, but prosecutors never should have brought these charges in the first place,” said Boris Dittrich, the LGBT advocacy director for Human Rights Watch. “The prosecutor should promptly withdraw its appeal.”

Egypt does not explicitly criminalize same-sex sexual relations between consenting adults, but authorities have routinely arrested people suspected of engaging in consensual homosexual conduct on charges of “debauchery.” The largest such case in recent Egyptian history, known as the Queen Boat Trials, was in 2001, with the arrests of more than 50 men

allegedly involved in a party at a discotheque on a cruise vessel moored in the Nile.

Authorities subjected the men arrested in December 2014 to forensic examinations – a procedure that the Egyptian authorities have used repeatedly in cases of alleged homosexual conduct which violates international standards against torture and inhuman and degrading treatment.

The United Nations Human

Rights Committee monitors compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Egypt is party.

Furthermore, Egypt’s use of forensic examinations violates international standards against torture and inhuman and degrading treatment.

The UN Committee Against Torture, in its 2002 review of Egypt, investigated the issue of forensic examinations and called on the government “to prevent all degrading treatment on the occasion of body searches.”

In December 2014, the EIPR said it estimated that the authorities had arrested

roughly 150 people on “debauchery” charges since July 2013, when the military removed former President Mohamed Morsy. The group said it did not know how many had been convicted. On December 27, an appeals court upheld debauchery convictions for eight men accused of participating in a same-sex wedding ceremony, though it reduced their three-year sentences to one year.

court’s lead and release the dozens more who remain imprisoned under this repressive law.” (eile.ie 17/1/2015)

“Egyptian authorities should immediately stop detaining men suspected of homosexual conduct under vague charges of ‘debauchery,’” Dittrich said. “The criminal justice authorities should follow the

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Minister Leo Varadkar

GLEN Welcomes Minister’s New Approach On Removal Of Lifetime Blood Ban On Gay Men GLEN have welcomed comments by the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, that the lifetime ban on blood donation by gay and bisexual men who ever had sexual relations with another man, should be removed, and replaced with a 12-month deferral period. The ban was introduced in 1985 as part of a worldwide response to the emergence of HIV and AIDS.

years, science has made major advances in understanding, identifying and treating HIV, and it is right that we take those scientific advances into account”.

The Minister made the comments on foot of receiving a policy paper from the Irish Blood Transfusion Service setting out a range of potential approaches to the lifetime ban policy. The Minister will now refer it to Chief Medical Officer of the department of Health for recommendations.

or modifying their policies around blood donation by gay and bisexual men in light of scientific developments, and it is very positive news that Ireland is changing its policy now as well.”

“There can be no doubt that the blanket lifetime ban has stigmatised gay and bisexual men. The removal of the ban represents a significant step forward in addressing that stigma and is to be welcomed.”

Brady continued: Tiernan Brady, policy director with GLEN, said the Minister’s comments represented a significant and positive new approach: “It is 30 years since the introduction of the lifetime ban on gay and bisexual men.

It was introduced at a time of international fear and lack of knowledge about AIDS and HIV. In the subsequent 80 EILE Magazine

“The priority is that there is a safe blood supply which has the confidence of the general public. An essential part of that is keeping up to date with the scientific developments.

The initial lifetime ban was a blanket approach which was taken at a time when there was very little knowledge about HIV and AIDS. Across the world countries are removing Tiernan Brady

Benedict Cumberbatch And Stephen Fry Among Supporters Of Request For LGBT Extended Pardon An open letter, calling on the British Government to pardon 49,000 individuals, of which 15,000 are still living today, who were convicted of homosexual acts, has been signed by such luminaries as Stephen Fry and Benedict Cumberbatch, along with Alan Turing’s niece, Rachel Barnes, and the director of the Imitation Games, Morten Tyldum.

The letter states: “We call upon Her Majesty’s Government to begin a discussion about the possibility of pardoning all the men, alive or deceased, who like Alan Turing were convicted”.

Alan Turing, the brilliant

Alan Turing

computer scientist and cryptologist, died in 1954, allegedly by suicide, having been convicted in 1952 of homosexual acts (gross indecency), and “chemically castrated”. Turing was a major figure in the victory for the allies in the Second World War, having worked at the Government Code & Cypher School, at Bletchley Park, in the UK. Here he worked on cracking the Nazi codes enciphered on the Germandesigned Enigma machine.

He also developed the Turing Machine, the forerunner of modern computers. He was officially pardoned by the British government in 2013.

The open letter that Cumberbatch has signed now has in excess of 40,000 signatures.

The online petition at present has approximately 60,000 signatures.

MKB (eile.ie 31/1/2015

“We call upon Her Majesty’s Government to begin a discussion about the possibility of pardoning all the men, alive or deceased, who like Alan Turing were convicted”.

There is also an online petition, on change.org, urging the extended pardon for the 49,000 convicted.

EILE Magazine 81

New RedC Poll – Consistent Strong Support for Equal Marriage A new poll conducted this week by Red C for the Sunday Business Post shows continuing and consistent support for civil marriage equality over the last number of years.

“The RedC poll for the Sunday Business Post shows that a majority of the Irish people in every age group, in every region of the country, across every social class and across every political party support equal access to civil marriage for lesbian and gay couples”

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Kieran Rose, GLEN Chair

said Kieran Rose, GLEN Chair.

“It is clear from this poll and other recent polls that Irish people firmly accept that lesbian and gay couples should be afforded the same respect, legal status and protections in the Constitution that are available to the rest of society,” continued Rose.

will be required to ensure the amendment passes. We look forward to widespread conversations and engagement with people all across the country to explain why marriage matters to lesbian and gay people and to seek their vote in the forthcoming referendum,” continued Rose.

The Government published the wording of the proposed marriage equality amendment to the constitution this week and have indicated that the referendum on civil marriage equality will be held in May 2015, following on from the recommendation of the Constitutional Convention in April 2013.

“We will do all that we can to ensure that this is a positive campaign which focuses on the value of marriage to everyone in Irish society and how extending access to marriage to lesbian and gay people will strengthen that value. The referendum, if carried, will complete the remarkable 25year journey to Constitutional equality for lesbian and gay people in Ireland,” concluded Rose.

“The figures are very positive but a lot of work

You can visit GLEN’s website at http://www.glen.ie

St Nicholas of Myra, Francis Street, Dublin

Dublin Priest Comes Out As Gay A Dublin-based Catholic priest received a standing ovation during mass recently, when he came out as gay to the congregation.

Fr. Martin Dolan, who is a priest at the Church of St. Nicholas of Myra on Francis Street in the city, surprised his congregation when he told them he was gay. He made the announcement while advocating for those who were in attendance to support the upcoming samesex marriage referendum, due to take place in May this year. His declaration was reportedly

met with a warm round of applause from the congregation as they rose to their feet.

Speaking to the Irish Sun newspaper, community youth worker Liz O’Connor said:

“We are all very proud of Father Martin.

Because he has admitted that he is gay he doesn’t change the person that he was before it.”

Fr. Dolan has been a priest at the Francis Street church for over 15 years. He is currently the only priest at the church.

EILE Magazine 83

BeLonG To: Young People’s Rights to Freedom of Expression Not Protected by Gender Recognition Bill 2014

BeLonG To have of expression”. reacted to the On a practical level this proposed Gender impacts on uniform choice, to appropriate toilets, Recognition Bill, access the name which appears on the describing it as school roll and the right to join sports teams targeted for those “a step forward of a certain gender. but it falls Speaking yesterday at the seriously short introduction of the bill, David of providing Carroll, Executive Director of BeLonG To said “The failure of adequate the Bill to address these issues protection to and provide security for Trans young people transitioning Trans young within education will have a people, especially negative impact on the mental health of the young people within the affected. This will likely lead education system to a patchwork of different policies and procedures in and makes schools across the country no attempt to which will make it all the more difficult for trans young people protect and to transition to their preferred vindicate their gender.” right to freedom The Bill introduces a 84 EILE Magazine

mechanism whereby young people aged 16 and 17 can obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate. BeLonG To, and the Trans young people we work with and represent, believe that the process as outlined to obtain the certificate is too arduous and unfair on young people.

The exclusion of under 16s from the Bill is regrettable.

Research has shown that Trans individuals are aware of their gender from a very young age, even if they sometimes lack the language to adequately describe it. BeLonG To hopes that at Committee stage much of these concerns can be addressed and that the Tánaiste is receptive to accepting amendments to the Bill. www.belongto.org (eile.ie 23/1/2015)

Loving Our Out Kids (LOOK) Parents and Family Support Group

After a break for the festive season the parents & families support group run by Loving Our Out Kids (LOOK) in Dublin will start meeting again on Thursday 5th February at 8pm and monthly thereafter on the first Thursday of the month. The group meets in BeLonG To’s offices at 13 Parliament Street, Dublin 2 .

If you want to find out more about the group or get more information you can contact LOOK by phone on 087 253 7699. You don’t need to register or book your attendance, drop-in’s are welcome at every meeting You can also contact BeLonGTo at http://www.belongto.org

EILE Magazine 85

TENI: Trans Voices Must Be Heard As Gender Recognition Bill 2014 Debated In Seanad Following Wednesday’s Seanad debate on the Gender Recognition Bill 2014, TENI’s Chief Executive, Broden Giambrone, explained that while “we are one step closer” to better trans rights in Ireland, there are still serious issues with the legislation as it is currently stands.

86 EILE Magazine

“Unfortunately, many members of our community are still excluded in this legislation”, Giambrone explained. “It was heartening, though, that these issues were raised almost unanimously today by Senators. Senators repeatedly criticised the single requirement; the process of recognition for young people aged 16 and 17; and the medical requirement. This legislation should have the lives of trans people at its very centre, and trans voices need to be listened to. This is, and always has been, a human rights issue. Trans people deserve the respect of being

recognised and protected for who they are. And we deserve to be listened to.”

Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland, also cautiously welcomed the Bill, but noted that it requires a number of important amendments to fulfill the requirements of international human rights law, and tackle the serious issue of discrimination against transgender people.

Ireland is currently the only country in the EU that has no provision for legal gender recognition.

During Wednesday’s debate, Senator Aideen Hayden read into the record the words of Sam Blanckensee: “In the eyes of the State, the man I have become does not exist.”

Senator Mary White, and a number of others, stated that because Ireland has taken so long to legislate for the recognition of trans people, the issues being raised by trans people should be listened to.

“As lawmakers, we need to listen to the voices of the real people whose lives and fundamental rights are affected by this legislation,” said Senator Katherine Zappone. This was a sentiment repeated throughout the debate.

Among the issues raised were the problems associated with requiring a medical practitioner to affirm an individual’s identity in order to receive recognition.

Senator David Norris said: “The medical requirement suggests that this is an illness, or some sort of defect. It is diagnosis by any other name.”

This was echoed by Senator Jillian Van Turnhout, who said: “The current medical criteria act as a barrier. I don’t understand why we need to put these onerous barriers in place.”

raised.

Senator Katherine Zappone stated, “by not including provisions for people under the age of 16, this is a blanket exclusion on our most vulnerable young people who will have no voice at all. Is this in the best interests of our children?”

Senator Averil Power added that ‘Young people deserve to be heard’ and that this is an omission in this Bill.

Finally, the criterion that you must be single in order to apply for recognition met with cross party disapproval.

“We should listen intently to the views of the people who will be [a]ffected by this legislation”, said Hildegard Naughton during her contribution; a sentiment echoed repeatedly during the course of the debate.

TENI have also launched ‘Gender Recognition Matters’.

In this video trans people talk about what this legislation will mean to them, and what effect this legislation will have on their day to day lives. You can watch this video below.

“As lawmakers, we need to listen to the voices of the real people whose lives and fundamental rights are affected by this legislation”

eile.ie 23/1/2015

The lack of recognition for young persons under 16, and the onerous process suggested for 16 and 17 year olds was also EILE Magazine 87

USA: Mike Huckabee’s Mixed Messages on LGBT Rights Revealed in New Book Alan Lambert reports on a new LGBTrelated controversy, from a potential U.S. presidential candidate Another week, another mixed message on samesex marriage from a potential Republican candidate for next year’s US Presidential Election – this time from former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.

Huckabee, who has recently been in the news for criticising the Obamas for allowing their daughters to listen to Beyoncé, describing the singer as “obnoxious and toxic mental poison in the form of song lyrics”, has just released a book – ‘God, Guns, Grits and Gravy’ – where he states that marriage rights should not be extended to same-sex couples, because bisexual people will want to marry both a male and a female to form “a throuple”.

Based on this bizarre claim,

88 EILE Magazine

one can only assume that Huckabee doesn’t know any bisexual people.Even though the Governor said last November that samesex marriage threatened “the foundation of our society and culture”, his book could be considered a softening towards gay marriage: “the claim that same-sex marriage is destroying society is actually greatly overstated”.

Apparently LGBT advocates of same-sex marriage are only partly responsible, he also blames Christians who divorce and re-marry for that.

Unlike the clarifications that Governor Jeb Bush and his spokeswoman made last week, this isn’t a complete u-turn on Huckabee’s position, possibly not even a sideways glance, and based on comments made previously, it would certainly be difficult to back track entirely.

In 1992, Huckabee called for AIDS patients to be isolated from the general public. He

has since said that Americans should respect LGBT couples, but doesn’t agree with LGBT adoptions or same-sex marriage.

While one would hope that the US will elect a President who would view their citizens equally, it is clear that Huckabee has a long way to go before he can move on from views such as “until Moses comes down with two tablets from Brokeback Mountain saying he’s changed the rules, let’s keep it like it is.”

We can only wonder if anyone has pointed out that the current ten commandments Moses brought down from the mountain don’t make any reference to rules on marriage.

Mike Huckabee

EILE Magazine 89

Bursary Created To Help Brazilian Transsexuals Avail of Higher Education Patrick Fitzgerald reports from Rio De Janeiro about Brazil’s progressive move to help Trans* people further their education Brazil, the country with most killings of Transvestites/ Transsexuals per year (4 times more than second place Mexico) has this week announced the creation of a fund, which will help more Transvestites and Transsexuals return to education and skilled employment.

90 EILE Magazine

The bursary, which will pay each candidate the equivalent of Brazil’s minimum wage of 788 Reals per month (€250 approx) and will be run in conjunction with Pronatec, the Brazilian equivalent of Solas, has the overall aim of getting Transvestites/Transsexuals out of prostitution and into skilled employment: “these people have never been treated as citizens in Brazil.

They have always been pushed to the streets by their families, schools and society. We want to treat them as people with the option of prostitution or not, rather than prostitution being

their only option” stated Rogerio Sottilli, Secretary for Human Rights in the Municipality of Sao Paolo, with responsibility for the implementation of this programme.

In a survey conducted by the LGBT Department of Sao Paolo’s Local Government (Prefeitura) approximately 60% of the city’s Transsexual/ Transvestite prostitutes claim to have suffered physical assault because of their gender identity.

As well as free education and grant payments, successful

Rio De Janeiro

candidates on this programme can avail of healthy doses of highly sought-after female hormones, rather than having to purchase on the black market as is currently the case.

The programme will commence in February, when Brazil’s colleges return from Summer break.

“In a survey conducted by the LGBT Department of Sao Paolo’s Local Government (Prefeitura) approximately 60% of the city’s Transsexual/ Transvestite prostitutes claim to have suffered physical assault because of their gender identity”

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‘Transparent’ Wins at Golden Globes Alan Lambert writes about a big LGBT winner of last weekend’s Golden Globes Transparent won the Golden Globe for Best TV Series – Musical or Comedy last Sunday night, as well as Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for the show’s lead, Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development).

In 2014, Amazon commissioned the original series for its online tv service, written and directed by award winning director Jill Soloway (Six Feet Under, Afternoon Delight). Inspired by Soloway’s own father, Transparent

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follows Maura (formerly Morton) Pfefferman, a retired professor, who admits to her family that she has always identified as a woman.

The show isn’t just about Maura’s transition, with a supporting cast including Judith Light (Who’s the Boss) as Maura’s ex-wife Shelly, and Gaby Hoffmann (Louie, Girls) as one of Maura and Shelly’s three children, it is also her family’s transition.

It is about how, when you discover something about your family history, you start to question everything you knew about your life, your family and yourself, and how this discovery can redefine you.

When writing the show, Soloway had always pictured Tambor playing the lead role.

While it could be expected that

a show like this would draw criticism, akin to the casting of Julie Hesmondhalgh as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, for not employing an actual transgender actress for the lead, Transparent could never be accused of being discriminatory, as there are 20 trans people in the cast and crew, and over 60 trans extras.

There are also two full-time transgender consultants, to ensure that the show doesn’t make any errors in its portrayal of the characters.

Soloway has stated “Transparent stands for gender freedom for all, and with that freedom we can find the grays and muddled purples and pinks, chakras that bridge the heart and mind, sexiness that depends on masochistic love or a sweeping soul dominance…”

Transparent received critical acclaim from the media for its first series, with Mark Lawson of the New Statesman saying that the show is “the most original, daring and confident piece of American TV since Breaking Bad” and immediately was suggested as

being a contender for awards, such as last night’s Golden Globes.

The show is also nominated for two Satellite Awards, and three awards from the Writers Guild of America, and is also expected to be nominated for

a number of Emmy’s later this year.

Transparent can be viewed on Amazon Prime Instant Video on a subscription basis.

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Stuart Hatton, Mr Gay World

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Stuart Hatton (Mr Gay World) Launches ‘So What’ Anti-homophobia Campaign!

Stuart Hatton, the current Mr Gay World and Mr Gay UK, who also happens to be Mr Gay South Shields, launched his antihomophobia campaign, called ‘So What’ in his hometown of South Shields in the UK , in January.

He launched the campaign at 11 am, on the 11th January, and invited everyone to come to a photoshoot at his family’s dance studio, The Hatton Academy of Dance. He wants people of all ages to show their support for the LGBT community by writing the name of the campaign on their hands, and sending them out on social media.

Stuart told the Shields Gazette: “It’s been great to get so much support from people around the world, especially before the campaign has even officially launched”.[..]

“This is all about changing attitudes around the world and making people just think, ‘they’re gay, so what?’.”

You can support the campaign by tweeting a picture with ‘So What?’ written on the palm of your hand to @WeSaySoWhat to #SoWhat.

MKB

“All the Mr Gays from around the world are ready to launch in their own countries and I’ve had so many people telling me they’re ready to get involved”.

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Russia Includes Transgender Status on List of Driver’s Licence Medical Restrictions Human Rights First said on Thursday (8th) that Russia’s inclusion of transgender status on the list of medical restrictions to obtaining a driver’s licen[c]e and operating a motor vehicle is an alarming violation of the rights of the transgender community.

On December 29, the Russian government reportedly adopted an updated list of medical contraindications to driving which includes “personality disorders” as listed by the International 96 EILE Magazine

Classification of Diseases Number 10 (ICD-10) including being transgender, bigender, asexual, and cross dressing.

The resolution, which went into effect on Tuesday, may prohibit those who have been diagnosed as transgender by a mental health professional from obtaining a driver’s licence.

“Banning people from driving based on their gender identity or expression is ridiculous and just another example of the Russian regime’s methodical rollback of basic human rights for its citizens,” said Human Rights First’s Shawn Gaylord.

“Beyond the denial of basic freedoms, this provision may deter transgender people from seeking mental health services for fear of receiving a diagnosis that would strip them of their right to drive, and leaves the door open for increased harassment, persecution, and discrimination of transgender people by Russian authorities.

We urge the United States to immediately condemn this provision and to press the Russian government to repeal this decision.”

The resolution, which was developed by the Russian Ministry of Health, is the first of its kind to include these “personality disorders.”

According to the Association of Russian Lawyers for Human Rights, the new provisions will allow authorities to deny or rescind the driver’s licence of a citizen based on his or her diagnosis as transgender, bigender, asexual, or as a cross-dresser.

The broad restrictions also discriminate against citizens with physical disabilities such as amputation, while failing to include exceptions for those who have prosthetic limbs or whose disabilities may not impair driving.

This provision is just the next step in the Russian government’s ongoing crack down on members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Since the passage of the 2013 discriminatory propaganda law, members of LGBT community have faced harassment from government officials, threats of violence, and imprisonment for peaceful public demonstrations.

Human Rights First continues

Tverskaya Street, Moscow

to urge the the Obama Administration to appoint a special envoy for the human rights of LGBT people within the State Department to stand as a statement of the U.S. commitment to the human rights of LGBT people worldwide. (eile.ie 11/1/2015)

“Banning people from driving based on their gender identity or expression is ridiculous and just another example of the Russian regime’s methodical rollback of basic human rights for its citizens” EILE Magazine 97

GLEN welcomes review of lifetime ban on gay men donating blood GLEN have welcomed a report by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) which sets out a range of options for reviewing the lifetime ban on blood donation by gay and bisexual men who ever had sexual relations with another man. The ban was introduced in 1985 as part of a worldwide response to the emergence of HIV and AIDS. Tiernan Brady, policy director with GLEN said the report represented a significant and positive development: “It is 30 years since the introduction of the lifetime ban on gay and bisexual men.

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It was introduced at a time of international fear and lack of knowledge about AIDs and HIV. In the subsequent years science has made major advances in understanding, identifying and treating HIV and it is right that we take those scientific advances into account”.

The policy paper by the IBTS sets out a range of alternatives on the issue, including a total removal of the ban; a time deferral on blood donation for gay and bisexual men; and a continuation of the existing lifetime ban. The document has been submitted to the Department of Health for consideration.

Brady continued: “The priority is that there is a safe blood supply which has the confidence of the general public. An essential part of

that is keeping up to date with the scientific developments.

The initial lifetime ban was a blanket approach which was taken at a time when there was very little knowledge about HIV and AIDS. Across the world countries are removing or modifying their policies around blood donation by gay and bisexual men in light of scientific developments and Ireland should follow suit.”

“There can be no doubt that the blanket lifetime ban continues to stigmatise gay and bisexual men. The report recognises that for the State to discriminate against gay men, there must be grave justification. The IBTS policy document represents the first real step in addressing this stigma” Brady concluded. (eile.ie 10/1/2015)

BeLonG To Launches New National Quality Standard for LGBT Youth Work in Ireland BeLonG To today launches a new National Quality Standard for LGBT Youth Work, which will be applied to the over 20 LGBT youth groups across the country.

The ‘Start Up and Accreditation Pack’ is a stepby-step guide to starting an LGBT youth group.

The pack centres on BeLonG To’s National Quality Standard for LGBT Youth Work, which ensures that LGBT youth groups are safe educationfocused spaces, in which young

people’s needs are at the centre of these youth groups.

Speaking at the launch today, John Duffy, National Network Manager with BeLonG To said: “The success our of national development programme, since its launch in 2007, has astonished us, and now boasts over 20 LGBT youth groups as members. This update to the pack, and introduction of a new National Quality Standard for LGBT Youth Work, was needed to reflect the significant changes which have taken place in youth work practice since the first iteration was released. The standard and pack will further enhance our capacity in BeLonG To, to sustain and support an increased infrastructure of LGBT youth groups across the country.”

The new Quality Standards set out by this resource will ensure that stakeholders, embarking on developing and

improving services for LGBT young people, have a clear pathway to build safe, effective and sustainable LGBT youth groups.

Also speaking at the launch, Gerry Raleigh, Director of the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) in the HSE said: “I’m delighted to launch these new National Quality Standards for LGBT Youth Work. We in NOSP have been long standing supporters of BeLonG To’s vision, and have been supporting BeLonG To in dismantling the barriers to LGBT young people enjoying good mental health. These new standards set the bar for supports to be offered to LGBT young people, and we look forward to working with BeLonG To in their implementation”. (eile.ie 29/1/2015) You can visit BeLonGTo at www.belongto.org EILE Magazine 99

Gay Catholic Voice Ireland: Civil Marriage Is A Matter For The State The recent publishing of the wording that is to be used for the Civil Marriage Referendum was welcomed by Gay Catholic Voice Ireland who said GCVI “notes with joy this historic step towards full constitutional equality for all our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters across the country”.

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Ciarán O’Mathuna, GCVI Chair stated:

discrimination suffered by LGBT people”. He continued:

“It is really important that gay people in Ireland can feel fully recognised as equal citizens. Civil marriage is a matter for the state and should not be confused with church marriage. As chair person of GCVI and as a practicing Catholic, I want to call on all thinking Catholics to be fully aware of this distinction and vote yes for equality and social justice which, is a cornerstone of our faith belief”

“Today [21st January] however, is a day filled with hope that a better country for LGBT people is not only possible but increasingly visible on the horizon now opened up by today’s momentous development.

GCVI encourages all citizens of the country but particularly people of faith for whom God is a God who loves us all equally to seize this opportunity and vote yes in this referendum”

GCVI Secretary Dave Donnellan said:

GCVI is a faith-based Catholic group who reach out to LGBT people in the church who have been hurt by discrimination by fellow church members.

They are committed to being part of a community in which all members, whatever their sexual orientation, participate

“The burden of second-class citizenship has not been an easy one to bear for lesbians and gays and much work still remains to be done to heal the ongoing wounds of

fully.

The Church of Ireland group ‘We Are Church Ireland‘ have also issued a statement in favour of a yes vote for marriage equality in the referendum.

MKB (eile.ie 28/1/2015)

“It is really important that gay people in Ireland can feel fully recognised as equal citizens.

Civil marriage is a matter for the state...”

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Mormon Church Backs LGBT NonDiscrimination Laws

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Salt Lake Temple

Equality Utah have praised the Mormon Church [LDS Church] for its support of LGBT housing and employment nondiscrimination.

Yesterday, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement outlining its support of including sexual orientation and gender identity to the statewide nondiscrimination statute for housing and employment, thereby extending these existing protections to all Utahns – including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens.

Equality Utah Executive Director Troy Williams stated: “We laud the LDS Church’s statement of support. The Church joins a growing number of faith, civic and corporate leaders who also stand on the side of compassion and fairness. We believe that gay and transgender Utahns can live and work beside people of faith. Many within the LGBT community are themselves people of faith. We look forward soon to the day when all Utahns have the opportunity to live and work freely in the state we call home.”

is sponsoring the nondiscrimination bill for the second year in a row, a bill that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the antidiscrimination statutes for housing and employment.

This marks the seventh year Equality Utah has worked to pass this kind of statewide legislation protecting all Utahns’ rights to work and live in Utah.

This appears to be a major turnaround for the Mormon church, which had previously backed Proposition 8 in California, and was heavily criticised at the time for what was seen as discrimination against the LGBT community,

by LGBT church members. (eile.ie 28/1/2015)

“We laud the LDS Church’s statement of support. The Church joins a growing number of faith, civic and corporate leaders who also stand on the side of compassion and fairness. We believe that gay and transgender Utahns can live and work beside people of faith. Many within the LGBT community are themselves people of faith.

We look forward soon to the day when all Utahns have the opportunity to live and work freely in the state we call home.”

Senator Steven Urquhart EILE Magazine 103

HRC: LGBT Youth Deserve To Learn in Environments Free From Harassment, Bullying

Newly reintroduced Safe Schools Improvement Act would require school districts to adopt codes of conduct specifically prohibiting bullying and harassment Yesterday (29th), the Human Rights Campaign, the U.S.’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the bipartisan reintroduction of the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA) by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Mark Kirk (R-IL). SSIA would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to require school

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districts, in states that receive ESEA funds, to adopt codes of conduct specifically prohibiting bullying and harassment, including on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and religion.

David Stacy, HRC Government Affairs Director stated: “All of our nation’s children deserve to learn in environments free from harassment and bullying.

Bullying and harassment of LGBT students - as well as students perceived to be LGBT - is heartbreakingly widespread and leads to dangerous situations that no young person should have to face.

This bill would go a long way in helping to change that sad reality and make an important difference in the lives of so many of our nation’s youth.”

“Bullying is a challenge that impacts far too many children and families across the country,” said Senator Casey.

“Right now only 17 states have

anti-bullying laws that contain protections for members of the LGBT community- that has to change. With the advent of text-messaging, social media, and social networking, many children find they cannot escape the harassment when they go home at night.

It follows them from the moment they wake until the moment they go to sleep. This legislation will ensure that school districts across the country take proactive steps to combat bullying and protect children.”

“1 in 4 kids have been bullied more than once, and with my Student Leadership Advisory Board in Illinois we are working on ways to end bullying and cyberbullying in Illinois and across the country,” said Senator Kirk.

“Every child deserves a safe environment, free of harassment, in which they can learn.”

While current federal law provides important support

to promote school safety, it does not comprehensively and expressly focus on bullying or harassment and in no way addresses the unique challenges faced by LGBT youth. SSIA would require that states report data on bullying and harassment to the Department of Education.

The Department of Education would then be required to provide Congress with a report on the state reported data every two years.

Studies have shown that bullying and harassment of LGBT youth contribute to high rates of absenteeism, dropout, adverse health consequences and academic underachievement. LGBT youth experience bullying at school more frequently than their non-LGBT peers. In fact, LGBT youth are twice as likely to experience verbal harassment, exclusion and physical attack at school as their non-LGBT peers. Among LGBT youth, 51 percent have been verbally harassed at

school, compared to 25 percent among non-LGBT students; 48 percent say they are often excluded by their peers because they are different, compared to 26 percent among non-LGBT students; and 17 percent report they have been physically attacked at school, compared to 10 percent among non-LGBT students.

LGBT youth also identify bullying as a primary problem in their lives. They identified family rejection (26 percent), school/bullying problems (21 percent) and fear of being out or open (18 percent) as the top three problems they face. In comparison, nonLGBT youth identified classes/ exams/grades (25 percent), college/career (14 percent) and financial pressures (11 percent) as the top three problems they face.

harassment, including the American Federation of Teachers, the American School Health Association, the National Association of School Psychologists, the National Education Association and the National Parent Teacher Association.

The House version of the bill is expected to be introduced soon

by Representatives Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) and Chris Gibson (R-NY).

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. (eile.ie 30/1/2015)

Numerous education, health, law enforcement and youth development organizations support federal legislation to combat bullying and

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Historic Day as Government Publish Wording for Referendum on Marriage Equality Speaking jointly today (Wednesday 21 January 2015), the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN), Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) and Marriage Equality have hailed the Government’s publication 106 EILE Magazine

of wording for the referendum on marriage equality as “historic”.

“This is a historic day for Ireland and Irish people. The proposed wording would amend the Constitution to add a right for lesbian and gay couples to have a civil marriage. Today we move a step closer to full inclusion in our Constitution for lesbian and gay couples.

The referendum will put the question of equality in the Constitution for lesbian and gay couples to the people, as recommended by the Constitutional Convention.

The referendum, if carried, will complete the remarkable 25-

year journey to Constitutional equality for lesbian and gay people in Ireland” said Kieran Rose, GLEN chair.

ICCL Director Mr Mark Kelly added: “We have made great progress towards equality based on the generosity and fairness of the Irish people and we are confident that we can appeal to this sense of generosity and fairness once more. The proposed wording would ensure that existing marriages and future marriages of men and women are not altered in any way. The proposed amendment would update the Constitution to say that any two people can marry, regardless of their sex. This wording rightly emphasises that the intention is to extend marriage ‘without distinction’ as to the sex of the spouses, thereby removing the last roadblock to the recognition in law of the full equality and dignity of same sex couples.”

Marriage Equality Chair Gráinne Healy said: “We look forward to a positive campaign for the referendum which focuses on the value of marriage to everyone in Irish society and explains why marriage matters to lesbian and gay couples.

Irish people rightly take constitutional change very seriously and our job over the next four months will be to engage in a national conversation with the citizens of Ireland to understand and assuage any concerns, and to encourage people to have their voices heard on the day” she concluded. (eile.ie 21/1/2015)

“Irish people rightly take constitutional change very seriously and our job over the next four months will be to engage in a national conversation with the citizens of Ireland to understand and assuage any concerns, and to encourage people to have their voices heard on the day”

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Feature | Dublin Lesbian Line

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Jozef Certan by Brian Hanlon

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