January 2016

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EILE

Magazine V3 Issue 8 – Jan. 2016

Say You’ll Remember Me Gareth Russell’s New Play

Mark Anthony

Be A Bowie

Singer Songwriter

Josh Stevens

Inside:

California Dispatch

Bar None None Barred

Fashion | Film | Music |Health | News

EILE Magazine | Who’s Who

Contributors

Mark Anthony Mark is a UCD English graduate who writes his own menswear fashion blog, and is a freelance writer. Mark has also produced several fashion shows, all in aid of worthwhile causes Jon Beaupré Jon Beaupré is Assoc. Chair, Dept. of TV, Film, & Media Studies at California State University, Los Angeles, and is a member of the radio team for US LGBT radio programme, 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 Scott De Buitléir Scott is founder and Editor-at-Large of EILE Magazine. He is also a writer and broadcaster, originally from Dublin but now based in Nottingham Stephen Donnan Stephen Donnan is a writer, LGBT rights and political activist, based in Belfast. He is founder of the all-Ireland equal marriage group, #LoveProudly Lisa Reynolds Originally from Co. Meath, Lisa is a fashion industry student, now living in Bray, Co Wicklow, with a great interest in media Brian Rochford Brian has studied health and nutrition, with a special interest in controlling pain in rheumatism and arthritis Frances Winston Frances Winston is EILE’s resident film buff, and has contributed to many other publications such as The Irish Independent and Irish Tatler

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EILE Magazine | Welcome

Highlights January 2016 Heart Health - P. 30 Brian Rochford writes on the importance of keeping your heart healthy

California Dispatch - P. 40 Jon Beaupré writes about the place of the gay bar in the history of the gay community in Los Angeles

Gareth Russell’s new play, Say You’ll Remember Me - P. 18 Reviewed by Stephen Donnan, after a run at the MAC theatre, Belfast

Volume 3, Issue 8 Editor-at-Large: Scott De Buitléir Editor: MKB Contributors: Mark Anthony, Jon Beaupré, M. Butler, Scott De Buitléir, Stephen Donnan, MKB, Lisa Reynolds, Brian Rochford, Frances Winston Photographers: Ella McMasters NB: All images in this publication are either under Creative Commons licence, or used with permission. Image credits, where necessary, are printed on the corresponding page(s) or photo(s). Any queries can be made to hello@eile.ie Special Thanks to MKB for all her hard work, dedication and support.

Music - Josh Stevens - P. 6

Web: http://eile.ie

Josh Stevens is a singer, songwriter, producer, who has recently released a great EP, Story of Summer

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

Fashion - Pps. 10, 14 This month, Mark Anthony writes about changing your style to Be A Bowie! while Lisa Reynolds takes a look at fashion in some of Grace Kelly’s iconic photographs

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

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…plus film reviews, news and much more!

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EILE Magazine | Editor’s Letter

Contents 6-

Josh Stevens

10 -

Fashion - Be A Bowie

14 -

Remembering Grace

18 -

Donnan on Russell

23 -

Making It Big

28 -

Couples and Pairs

30 -

A Healthy Heart

34 -

Frances On Movies

40 -

California Dispatch

46 -

Ad In Bad Taste

48 -

B I 2 Survey

49 -

ZIKA Virus TMB

From page 50 on World LGBT News, Views, Religion, Entertainment etc

A Challenging New Year Ahead Scott De Buitléir on the challenges that still face the LGBT community It’s hard to believe that this is 2016, and the dreams of marriage equality, gender recognition and protected workplaces have become a reality for the LGBT community in Ireland.

The challenges ahead may seem not that important in relation to the push that was on last year, and many feel that a well-earned break is in order. While that’s true, it may be harder to root out long-standing homophobia in some areas, and, especially in schools, it’s very important to do just that, for both LGBT students and teachers to feel safe.

This involves making sure that the legislation that was so long coming is now put into practice, with accountability for those establishments which don’t.

We must also be mindful that for many LGBT around the world, light is not at the end of the tunnel yet.

Having said that, we should also celebrate the good things that have happened, and this year, there are many LGBT people who will be heading to the registry office to make it official after years of waiting!

On that positive note, it’s time to wish you all a very Happy New Year, and hope that all your wishes, whatever they may be, come true in the year ahead.

Scott De Buitléir Founder / Editor-at-Large

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JOSH STEVENS

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Josh Stevens is an American singer/ songwriter, record producer, and engineer, of Native American (Apache) and Spanish descent, who was raised in Los Angeles.

Josh has worked with the likes of Warren G, Snoop Dogg, The Game, LMFAO, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Steve Aoki, Calvin Harris, Nicki Minaj and Wiz Khalifa to name a few, until he found his own modern sound in pop/indie-rock/ dance.

Josh toured with LMFAO in 2011, visiting Asia, Europe, South America, Central America, Canada and the U.S. In 2012, he was one of Sky Blu and Goonrock’s personal producers, writer, and A&R consultant. This got the attention of Interscope Records, which led to the Universal Music Group subsidiary asking Josh to feature as a singer, writer, and remixer for multiple artists on their roster.

However, in 2014, he decided to devote himself to becoming the front singer and face of

his own project. This led to the writing of his newest work “Story of Summer”. The EP features guest appearances from Spencer Ludwig of Capital Cities, Drew Hester of Foo Fighters, Matt Mcjunkin of A Perfect Circle and Pusifer and Thurz of Red Bull Sound Select. It is executive-produced

by Byron Martinez and Josh himself. Other producers on the project included K-Kov (on the track titled Anna).

“Story of Summer” was mixed

by Ryan Greene, Eric Racy, and mastered by Grammy Award Winner, Chris Gehringer, of

Josh Stevens at Story of Summer EP Launch

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Sterling Sound, New York, NY. Josh Stevens

The “Story of Summer” revolves around a tumultuous romance with a fictional character named “Anna”.

It’s a first person perspective to the rise and fall of a relationship.

The setting of this love story takes place in the sunny beach city of Los Angeles, California. It follows Josh through different stages, from extreme euphoria to the darkest lows of meaningless one-night stands.

The album tells this story, while still maintaining a sense of celebration with a high-energy party song called Perfect Circle. The music is a mix of live instrumentation and electronic under tone. The first single is titled “Hill Top” and features Spencer Ludwig. It is best described as an epic upbeat anthem that is sure to get you singing along, and perfectly sets the mood for the roller-coaster love affair.

His works are Grammy Award Winning, RIAA Platinum Certified, Billboard Award Nominated, Juno Award Nominated (Canada) and ARIA Music Awards Platinum Certified (Australia).

If you’d like a taste of Josh’s music, you could listen to ‘Anna’ from the EP ‘Story of Summer’. This is a great single, written by Josh and K-kov, with elements of ballad and rock anthem, vocals by Josh, and guitar, keys and drums by K-kov.

Listen to ‘Anna’ on Soundcloud at: https://soundcloud.com/joshstevens/ anna-story-of-summer-ep

EILE Magazine

Album Art for Story of Summer

Teaser Poster Released for the BFG From Director Steven Spielberg, “The BFG” is the exciting tale of a young London girl and the mysterious Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country.

Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, “The BFG” (Big Friendly Giant) was published in 1982 and has been enchanting readers of all ages ever since. Dahl’s books, which also include “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “James and the Giant Peach,” “Matilda” and

“Fantastic Mr. Fox,” are currently available in 58 languages and have sold over 200 million copies worldwide.

The BFG is in cinemas across Ireland from July 22nd, 2016.

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‘Be A Bowie

Mark Anthony writes about ringing the changes, and re-inventing yourself with a change in style By now, you all know that I love timeless staples, and creating a personal style that can withstand any passing trend, right?

However, I feel like you all know how much I like a little reinvention as well.

And it’s January of 2016, so isn’t this the time we go ‘new year new me’?

Reinvention is such a powerful tool for oneself, both on a physical and psychological level. It helps us all form our

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identity, one that is personal and unique. Henry Rollins once said: “I believe that one defines oneself by reinvention. To not be like your parents. To not be like your friends. To be yourself. To cut yourself out of stone.”

of identity reinvention, and all of this through constant change within himself. Who else could I be talking about but the legend that is the late David Bowie.

Honestly, I’d challenge anyone not to feel liberated by that quote.

Breaking onto the scene in 1969 with ‘Space Oddity’ and with his hippy style, he then later re-emerged during the glam rock era as his iconic, androgynous alter ego, Ziggy Stardust.

While we are on the topic of reinvention though, I think it’s important to look at one man and one man only. This is a guy who single-handedly shaped the world’s perception

Complete with red hair, pale skin, a skeletal frame, and a lightning bolt painted across the side of his face; the master of reinvention had definitely arrived.

Even after he killed off Ziggy, he continuously altered his image throughout the rest of his career. Bowie went from a blonde-haired commercial superstar, to an underground electronic minimalist who lived in Berlin; and he didn’t just stop at that, with countless other transformations.

However, we are not all successful music artists who can use transformations as part of our stage personas, but it is all about taking elements of this dramatic end-and-then-begin-again strategy to keep your own personal style fresh and exciting.

Reinvention keeps things interesting. You don’t want to be that ‘one trick pony’ after all.

There’s really only one rule: Try something new for you. Are you that city slicker who loves monochrome? It sounds clichéed, but add a bit of colour and that may reignite your confidence, and banish that boredom when getting ready. Even if it just a pair of quirky socks.

Or maybe you are that guy who loved wacky prints? Strip it all back and go for those basics.

Not only will this make your wardrobe look less cluttered, but it will help clear the clutter from your head too. Swap those Aztec prints for classic tailoring, and take the stress out of dressing.

Bowie - Aladin Sane 1973

Bowie 1974

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Am I beginning to win you over yet? It’s all about using the art of change to keep things fresh and interesting.

Change is good, remember?

Experimenting with your look shouldn’t just be for adolescent teens. Make it your goal to constantly change things up. When it comes down to it, changing your personal style is all about reinventing your mindset. Life is always changing, and we are continuously changing to adapt to this.

Image jpsblog.net

The experiences we go through in life impact our style, and the changes we go through. Good or bad, these changes make us feel

better and more confident about ourselves. They are a reflection of how great we are feeling.

Whatever your reason for it, it is important to embrace the experiences you have throughout that given period of reinvention. It’s so much better to look back and cringe at that horrific hairstyle, than look back regretting not taking any risks at all.

Be a Bowie.

Bowie 1976

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Bowie as Ziggy 1970’s Rik Walton

Bowie 1976

David Bowie Chicago 2002 photo Adam Bielawski

“It’s so much better to look back and cringe at that horrific hairstyle, than look back regretting not taking any risks at all.

Be a Bowie.”

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Book Review

Remembering Grace

By Howell Conant, and Kay and Dig Diehl Lisa Reynolds reviews this book on Grace Kelly, seen through the lens of photographer Howell Conant Remembering Grace,

by Howell Conant (2008) with text by Kay and Dig Diehl, is a glamourous book detailing the life of Hollywood actress, Grace Kelly, who later became Princess Grace. The photogenic star shines through the lens of legendary photographer, Conant, in this light-hearted, and stunning portrayal.

The first section of the book includes a shoot Conant did on the beach with Grace in Jamaica, after he joined Grace and her sister Peggy on holiday, to take some pictures for a Collier’s cover story.

The beauty of the scenery of Jamaica in the background seems to mirror Grace, who 14 EILE Magazine

is arguably one of the most glamourous style-icons of her generation, and possibly of all time.

The second section includes pictures taken on the set of The Swan. There is a fencing scene that Grace did in the film, which Conant photographed, and the colour and vibrancy coming through in these shots is amazing, while there is a stunning shot from the movieset at Biltmore House, of Grace lying on an ancient staircase, which is stunningly shot.

Another highlight is an understated shot, which comes across as very natural, of Grace looking sideways at the camera, while wrapped in a camel’s-hair overcoat. The third section includes shots Conant took of Grace in the Hollywood Hills’ home she leased, during the early dates of production on The Swan.

The house, which Grace leased from a friend of Greta

Garbo’s nutritionist, Gayelord Hauser, looks glowing and spacious. The iconic pictures of Grace, looking radiant in an understated black dress and long earrings, while standing in between two flowing, billowy curtains, were taken here.

There are also some sweet pictures taken of Grace with her adorable poodle Oliver, who was a present from Cary Grant. These pictures show the human side behind the movie-star persona, to excellent effect. There are also some lovely engagement shots from this section of Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco, which were taken by Conant, in her Fifth Avenue apartment.

The fourth section of the book entitled, “Voyage to Monaco”, has some stunning shots of Grace on the deck of the ship, on the journey with her dogs.

There is one picture which opens the section of Grace looking every inch the casual movie-star, wearing a billowing

Photo of Grace Kelly by Howell Conant

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midi-skirt, understated striped blouse, and a long brown coat with matching heels.

She also accessorised beautifully, with a belt cinched in at the waist, an elegant scarf wrapped around her head, and large black sunglasses, while section five has many beautiful pictures of herself, and her husband-to-be, in Monaco, including one picture as they stepped into the beautifully-adorned Galerie D’ Hercule.

Grace on the palace steps 1966

by Howell Conant

the newly-weds attended in the Opera House.

There is a shot of Grace and Prince Rainier, and the women of the palace, with the night sky captured beautifully overhead. The religious ceremony happened on 19 April in St. Nicholas Cathedral, and was attended by stars such as Cary Grant, Gloria Swanson, Ava Gardner and Somerset Maugham. Grace once again looked stunning in another Helen Rose creation.

The ivory high-necked masterpiece, with long sleeves and a fitted bodice, had an overlay of 125-year-old rose point lace, and was the most lavishly expensive item Rose ever created at $7,200. There are also some amazing pictures from the champagne buffet, which took place in the palace courtyard afterwards.

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Section six includes shots from Grace’s marriage to Prince Rainier, in 1956, April 18. Dressed in a rose pink taffeta gown designed by Helen Rose, Grace looked stunning for their civil ceremony in the throne room. There are some great shots taken afterwards at the luncheon, the garden party at the palace, and a gala celebration, which

Photo by Howell Conant 1976

Grace Kelly by Howell Conant in Biltmore House

Section seven shows Grace getting into her new royal role, through the lens of Conant. She is pictured with her crown glittering on her head, as well as a selection of her new duties, including a sweet picture of her on a visit to an orphanage.

The final section includes pictures from her new life as a wife and mother. She and Rainier are pictured in sweet family shots, as well as pictures together, including one picture where they are standing chatting on the palace balcony, and two others where they seem very at ease messing about Grace’s hat. There are also pictures near the end of the pair, their family, their dog and their horses, as they each got older.

An interesting book. Perfect for a coffee table. And a must-read for any Grace Kelly fan, or anyone with an interest in royal or Hollywood lives.

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Say You’ll M

Stephen Donnan rev Gareth Russell, ‘Say Y on Gareth’s ‘Popular’ ran at the MAC theatre 16 J 18 EILE Magazine

Remember Me

views the latest play from You’ll Remember Me’ based ’ series of novels. The play e in Belfast recently from 14January

Stephen McCombe as Blake and Paul Storrs as Cameron – Photo: Ella McMasters

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“Fatniss Everdene”is how one character describes another in this hilarious comedy from Gareth Russell.

Emma Taylor, as Imogen, and Debra Hill, as SammyJo, stole the show, however.

Taylor doesn’t miss a beat in her delivery as feisty and fierce best friend, Imogen, accurately portraying the typical English, school-girl snob with a bad attitude.

You’ll have to forgive me for this relatively short review, but it takes a lot to make me laugh when I’m in the theatre, and Say You’ll Remember Me had me in stitches every couple of seconds.

Hill ticked all the boxes, as she had the audience in a wrinkle from the moment she walked on stage as working class, Loyalist, schoolgirl, complete with hoop earrings, ponytails, and Union Jack schoolbag, one of her opening lines being “Yolo swag, yolo flag!”.

In a completely different vein than his previous production, Gate Of The Year, this new show pits plucky and newly-out, Cameron Matthews (Paul Storrs) from the Malone Road in Belfast, against the trials and tribulations of the adolescent jungle.

Paul Storrs delivers a blindingly adorable performance as Cameron, and supporting cast members all have their centre stage moment in Russell’s script.

A few of the jokes failed to land with the audience, but I suspect that was more down to shock than anything else; this is definitely not a play for young kids, but will hit home with young people and millennials, who will recognise all-too-well the grammar school environment that has been perfectly mirrored on the stage by Russell and his cast.

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One of the more memorable faces from the show is Shane McNaughton, who plays James, and who has also been spotted in NI favourite, The Fall, and had a role in Belfast Nativity. He fluffed his lines once or twice, but it was barely noticeable, and his professionalism and that of the cast turned a few similar moments into laughs or seamless ad-libs.

There is not a single thing I would criticise about this production, even the singing was on point! Get down to The Mac while this is still on, or you will be missing out on a real treat.

Kudos to Gareth and his team for another stand-out show.

-Stephen Donnan

Paul Storrs as Cameron and Stephen McCombe as Blake

Actors: Lucy Brownlie, Paul Storrs, Rebecca Lenaghan, Claire Handley, Sarah Steen and Emma Taylor

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Irish film ‘Mammal’ selected for two of Europe’s most prestigious festivals

The Irish feature film Mammal starring Academy Award® nominated and Golden Globe® winning actress Rachel Griffiths (‘Six Feet Under’, Muriel’s Wedding) and rising Irish star Barry Keoghan (‘Love/Hate’, ’71) continues its run of festival selections with the news that it will have its European premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in the Netherlands and that it is also selected for Gothenburg International Film Festival in Sweden which is Scandinavia’s largest film event.

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The announcements come ahead of the film’s world premiere at the A-list Sundance Film Festival later this month.

projects. Daly’s debut feature The Other Side of Sleep premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival Directors Fortnight.

Mammal, which co-stars Michael McElhatton (‘Game of Thrones’) and Johnny Ward (‘Love/Hate’) is the compelling story of a woman (Griffiths) who has lost her son and develops an unorthodox relationship with a homeless youth (Keoghan). Their tentative trust is threatened by his involvement with a violent gang and the escalation of her ex-husband’s (McElhatton) grieving rage.

Mammal was produced by Macdara Kelleher and Conor Barry for Fastnet Films (Strangerland, Kisses, What If) and was funded by the Irish Film Board (IFB), Luxembourg Film Fund, BAI, TV3 and the Netherlands Film Fund.

Picture Tree are the films sales agent. Wildcard Distribution will be releasing the film in Irish cinemas later this year.

Directed by Rebecca Daly and written by Daly and Glenn Montgomery, Mammal was selected as part of the first Berlinale Residency, a programme organised by the Berlin International Film Festival to support writer/ directors develop their new

International Film Festival Rotterdam takes place 27 January – 7 February.

Gothenburg International Film Festival takes place 29 January – 8 February.

New Irish LGBT Webseries: Making It Big

Making It Big is a new Irish reality web series, following the lives of 7, 20-something, friends living in Barcelona.

We’ll see the friends’ struggles with emigrating abroad in search of a better career, as well as highlighting what it’s like growing up gay and lesbian in Ireland. The cast features Sean Dempsey, Amy Coleman, Stuart Weafer, Emma Arnold, Roisin Gaffney, Niamh Dempsey and English native Abbie Jolliffe.

This season, pop singer Sean is on top of the world as he finishes and releases his debut album, but issues with his roommates turn everything around and Sean can’t seem to avoid the conflict. His best friend of 20

years, Stuart, struggles to find a focus on the sidelines while he watches his friends’ careers soar. New couple, Abbie and Emma, are still getting to know each other, while Abbie takes her music to the next level and Emma discovers what life is like newly out. Niamh searches for employment after losing her job, but when her ex returns, conflict erupts throughout the group and her relationship becomes everyone’s concern. 20 year old Roisin came to Barcelona to find herself, and while working on music she makes a startling realisation that changes her life forever. Amy finds it hard to come to terms with life abroad as she struggles with career prospects, and receives news from home that could cut her time in Barcelona short.

What makes the show unique is that the entire experience is filmed and edited by the show’s cast. The series shows weekly through the Making It Big YouTube channel, and started with an extended introduction episode of the 9 part series.

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Béar Féile 2016 .

Thu 31 Mar 2016 - 4 Day(s). Dublin, Ireland Ireland’s Biggest Bear event March 31 to April 3 Featuring Paul M Kylie goes Gaga Lady Diamond Sitges Mr Bear Ireland with Panti DJ’s Aggie, El Styra Nano Corky Reg Packs on sale now €30

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For more information on BĂŠar FĂŠile 2016, or the Dublin Bears group and their events, visit: www.dublinbears.ie EILE Magazine 25

For all you bears out there!

Dublin Bears are launching 2016 with The Big Scrum at Voodoo, 40 Arran Quay, Dublin, from 9pm to 3am, on Saturday, 30 January.

This is the first Big Scrum in Ireland, and Dublin Bears are hoping to make it a regular event.

DJ Aggie 26 EILE Magazine

With great DJs like DJ Aggie and El Styra, if you’re a bear, you have to be there (or be a square bear!).

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Couples+Pairs Tackles Love In All Its Guises At Theatre Upstairs Couples + Pairs, an evening of short plays and songs, all with love and relationships as a theme, takes to the stage for Valentine’s week at the Theatre Upstairs, Dublin.

In ‘First Impressions’, by Mike Kunze, a couple relive the same date over and over again- will they finally get it right?

nominated for Best New Writing at the Dublin Gay Theatre Festival in 2015.

stage.

“It’s great that two of the plays feature samesex couples, and I think it’s significant that the fact of them being in a gay relationship And in ‘The Tearing up of is secondary to the Fergal and Tim’ by Sean Denyer, two men’s attempts to main issue at stake in have a ‘civilised breakup’ goes each case. In ‘Icarus’ it is a secret part of disastrously awry, when a dispute over the ownership of one of the women’s a book of poems escalates into past which causes a In this entertaining and a full scale fight! problem. For my own thought-provoking world play, I had never seen premiere of five short plays, Another play, ‘Baggage’, by by exciting new and emerging a play that dealt with Erica Murray, who had a big writers, the theme of love the challenge of a gay Dublin Fringe Fest hit with is explored in all its glory. couple breaking up, ‘Oh! What a lovely Rose’ Searching for love, finding where everything you involves a woman turning up love, and losing it are all say is loaded with touched on in this show, from for a blind date, but not being what’s happened in the sure whether, in fact, she’s Blue Heart Theatre, in the past. In my experience turned up for the right one! intimate space of the Theatre gay couples are often Upstairs, for Valentine’s week. very good at staying The show also features live In ‘Icarus’, by Margaret Perry, music by American chanteuse, friends with exes, but, Cal Folger Day, who will link as in this play, it can a promising new relationship the pieces with songs familiar, be challenging to do between two women is and some not so, which echo threatened by a dark secret that without inflicting and amplify the stories on from the past. The play was further damage!”.

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Writer and producer, Sean Denyer, said:

Theatre Upstairs, 10-11 Eden Quay, Dublin 1 ●

5th-20th February

●

Evenings 7pm Tuesday-Saturday

● Matinées 1pm Wednesday and Saturday (excluding Sat 6th and Wed 17th) and 3pm Valentine’s Day, Sunday 14th Booking: www.theatreupstairs.ie Tel: +353 (0)85 772 7375 www.bluehearttheatre.com/

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A Healthy Heart Brian Rochford tells you how to improve and maintain your heart’s health and your overall well-being According to the American Heart Association: “Cardiovascular disease is the leading global cause of death, accounting for 17.3 million deaths per year, a number that is expected to grow to more than 23.6 million by 2030’’ With that chilling statistic in mind, here are a few ways that you can help to keep your heart healthy: 1. Try to keep your stress levels under control 2. Manage your body weight 3. Drink alcohol in moderation 4. Stay active by exercising on a regular basis One of the key ways to maintain a healthy heart is to practise a healthy lifestyle. This vital organ is essential to the delivery of many important nutrients that the body needs, and as the heart is a muscle, it needs to be kept in top condition with plenty of exercise.

Recognizing the need to look after your heart may require for many of us a big change in our daily routine. We may have to eliminate a number of factors that could be putting our heart at risk. These changes can not only be good for your heart, but could improve your overall sense of wellbeing and general fitness, and reduce your stress levels.

An aerobic exercise workout of about 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week will help to get the blood circulating, and give your heart a good exercise session.

Here are some examples of aerobic exercises that you can do. Swimming, Cycling, Jogging,

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using Steppers, or an Elliptical machine.

As always, it is important to be reminded that you should speak to your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

More and more people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of diet in relation to maintaining a healthy heart, and of the significant part that diet plays in the upkeep of our general physical and mental health. So strive as much as possible to eat a balanced diet, and perhaps five small portions rather than three big meals a day.

It sounds like common sense, but you should eat more fruit and vegetables, also beans and whole grains. Available in these powerful plant foods are nutrients and fiber essential for the upkeep of your physical and mental health.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, vegetables are important sources of many nutrients, including potassium, dietary fibre, folate (folic acid), vitamin A, and vitamin C. Eating fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet can protect

the body from many illnesses, including heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and cancer. A diet which includes fruit and vegetable fibre may reduce the risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Try eating a variety of protein foods, like low or fat-free dairy, also tofu, nuts, beans and legumes.

According to the American Heart Association, drinking alcohol may lead to alcoholism, high blood-pressure, obesity, stroke and breast cancer. And according to Drinkaware, long-term drinking increases your risk of developing problems with your heart.

However, some studies claim that moderate drinking (one drink a day for women and two for men) appears to protect some people against heart disease.

It can be difficult to change the habits of a lifetime. However, it is not impossible, and with a little effort, you can make small changes over time that will be of tremendous value to your long-term heart strength and overall health.

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Design: Anthony Zagariko, exclusively for EILE Magazine

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LITTlE GEM RECOrDS 5, CAVENDISH ROW, AT THE TOP OF O’CONNEll STrEET, DUBlIN, IS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK. SPECIAlISINg IN INDEPENDENT ArTISTS AND lABElS, STOCKINg VINYl, CASSETTE, COMPACT DISC, AND lITTlE gEM PlAYErS

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CREED 34 EILE Magazine

Frances Winston on Movies Directed by: Ryan Coogler

and unyielding pressure of his parentage.

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson

Stallone recently won the Best Supporting actor Golden Globe for his performance in this, and if there is any justice he will win the Oscar. Maybe it is because he isn’t the main focus of the film so he could relax into the role a bit more, but he is truly wonderful here.

The Rocky movie franchise is hugely beloved, and fans have been following the fortunes of underdog turned champion, Rocky Balboa, for almost 40 years now.

However, time marches on, and despite fans thirst for more tales of the Italian Stallion, the reality is that Sylvester Stallone is now almost 70, and while he looks great, it would be stretching even the most liberal dramatic licence to have him play a young vibrant prizefighter again.

However, that is no reason to keep a good, money-making franchise down, and rather than put it to sleep or reboot it, director and co-writer, Coogler, has come up with a plausible way to keep the Rocky legend alive, without short-changing the fans.

Step forward Adonis ‘Donnie’ Johnson (Jordan) the love-child of Rocky’s one-time nemesisturned-friend, Apollo Creed! A wild youth who is spending time in a youth facility, he is taken in by his father’s widow, who raises him as her own.

Unfortunately, she is vehemently opposed to boxing, having watched Adonis die in the ring (in Rocky IV fact-fans) so when he decides to follow in his footsteps, Donnie finds himself out on his own.

After failing to get into an elite boxing academy, he seeks out Rocky (Stallone of course) and asks him to become his trainer. Initially reluctant, he eventually agrees to mentor the young fighter, and the two bond as they aim to take Donnie to the top on his terms, despite the expectations

Johnson is also amazing as his protégé. He is filling some big boots, and he does it with aplomb. The pair have a wonderful on-screen chemistry, and they have a few scenes that will move even the hardest viewers and critics to a few tears.

Creed doesn’t stray too far from its roots, and the setting, cinematography, and even the story are all comfortable and familiar. And although there is a thumping new soundtrack, the classic Rocky overture still slips in there, and I defy anyone not to feel a little thrill when they hear it.

This very much harks back to the original Rocky movie, and feels like a genuine passing of the baton. It has all the humanity and warmth that the first movie had, and it is completely engaging from start to finish.

Even if you’re not a fan of the franchise, you will enjoy Creed, and, for anyone who is, you will be buoyed up by what is a worthy continuation of the Rocky saga (unlike 2006’s Rocky Balboa, which we’ll say nothing else about).

This is a wonderful piece of cinema that relies on storytelling and performances rather than CGI and effects, and is all the better for it.

In Cinemas Now!

EILE Magazine 35

36 EILE Magazine

Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Alejandro G. Iñárritu Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter Based on the true story of frontiersman, Hugh Glass, it is unlikely that you haven’t already heard one or two tales about The Revenant.

One story that has been especially prevalent in the media is the rumour that Leonardo DiCaprio (as Glass) gets raped by a bear! Without wishing to spoil anything for viewers, that is exactly as outlandish as it sounds, so if that was putting you off seeing The Revenant, don’t worry.

What does actually happen is that Glass get separated from his party of hunters and trappers, while they are escaping an ambush, and he is viciously attacked by a bear. Although there is no rape, it is a gruelling scene, as DiCaprio is tossed about and brutally mauled by the vicious creature.

Believing that their friend is fatally injured, the captain (Gleeson) asks that someone

stay behind to give him a decent burial when he eventually passes. With his son and two of his colleagues, Fitzgerald and Bridger (Hardy and Poulter) reluctantly staying behind, they await his demise.

But Fitzgerald loses patience, and kills Glass’s son while trying to bury him alive, much to Bridger’s disgust. Leaving him for dead to rejoin the party, he doesn’t count on Glass’ resilient spirit. Literally crawling through the harsh terrain, he manages to not only remain alive, but also recover enough to try and navigate his way back to camp.

But when circumstances conspire to confirm that he is alive to Fitzgerald, he panics, knowing that this will ultimately lead to a showdown between the pair.

This has been receiving high praise and many plaudits, and rightly so. It is a marvellous example of filmmaking done well. Rather than rely on CGI, they really made the film in harsh terrain, and it shows. All of the actors bring an almost hype-intensity to their roles, with DiCaprio managing to command the screen, even though he has no dialogue for a huge chunk of the movie following the bear attack. Hardy is almost unrecognisable as Fitzgerald,

and Poulter has developed into a fine young actor.

Visually, The Revenant is stunning, with sweeping landscapes and beautiful composition. The soundtrack is also extraordinary, and is like nothing you will have heard in a frontier-based movie before. Ethereal and otherworldly, it is almost like an additional cast-member here.

Survival in the wild is not a new topic for movies, and many are formulaic, but there is an excitement about this one that is lacking in many others. It helps that it is grounded in fact (although some artistic licence has been taken). At times, The Revenant is heart stopping, breathtaking and disturbing.

It stirs emotions in the audience that most movies don’t, and will make you feel things you had forgotten existed.

My only complaint would be that it is a completely malecentric movie, which is a huge problem in Hollywood at the moment. However, that personal bug bear aside, this is a must-see.

In Cinemas Now!

EILE Magazine 37

ROOM

38 EILE Magazine

Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Lenny Abrahamson Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Joan Allen, Sean Bridgers, William H. Macy Adapted by author Emma Donoghue from her awardwinning hit novel of the same name, Room is a movie that could have gone horribly wrong. The novel was almost claustrophobic in its intensity, not something you necessarily want to pass on to an audience in a movie-theatre setting. In the hands of the wrong director and cast, this could have been a hot mess. Thankfully, a wonderful team was assembled, ensuring that this is a cinematic treat.

However, when this is successful, it proves to be only half the battle, as Joy must try to assimilate back into her old life, while Jack must adjust to a world that he never knew existed.

Room deals with many sensitive subjects, and it would have been very easy to sensationalise these aspects, but Abrahamson resists that temptation. He is helped in no small part by a wonderfully layered performance from Larson, as she maintains a cheerful façade for her son, while dying a little bit inside every day.

Larson plays Joy, who was kidnapped as a 17-year-old, and who now resides in a tiny room with her son Jack.

Containing only the bare necessities, they are both at the mercy of her captor, whom they rely on for food and utilities.

Tremblay is a revelation as Jack. His performance never feels forced or contrived, and he performs some very heavy scenes as if they were second nature to him. The chemistry and relationship between the pair are at the heart of this movie, and it is a joy to watch.

Even in the confines of their prison, they have a love and affection that shines through the screen.

Jack is oblivious to their situation, but when he turns five, Joy decides to tell him the truth about her life before “room”. Explaining that there is a bigger world than just the room, she trains Jack to play dead, so that her captor will remove his body, giving him the chance to raise the alarm and set them both free.

Given that we initially meet them in captivity, Room could have become very boring very quickly due to the lack of action, but it trots along at a good pace, and never feels staid or boring. This is partly due to the complexity of the story. There is always far more going on than it appears, and this movie really draws you

in, running you through the gamut of emotions.

Room goes from harrowing to heart-warming in a splitsecond, and the whole movie is incredibly moving. The story has probably been lent credibility by recent reports of similar kidnappings. While it’s scary to think that we now accept that this happens, it does help lessen the sense of the outlandish that could easily have marred this tale.

With Jack the main focus of the story, you never really get a proper sense of how traumatised Joy is, but that doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of this film, and indeed probably would have made extremely uncomfortable viewing for some people if it had featured.

Room is yet another movie that relies on a decent narrative and strong performances, rather than effects and sleight-ofhand, and it is all the better for it. A wonderful film that should be seen by anyone who wants to be truly moved, this deserves all the accolades and praise it has been receiving.

In Cinemas Now!

EILE Magazine 39

Califor

BAR NONE

Protests outside The Black Cat tavern, two and a half years before Stonewall

Jon Beaupré looks at the heritage of the gay bar, and its role in the institutional identity of homosexuals up to the present It could be argued that the institution which did the most to incubate and inform the long fight for the civil rights of African Americans was the Christian church.

In like manner, it could be argued that the institution which most nurtured and gave a ‘base of operations’ for the lesbian and gay movement for 40 EILE Magazine

civil rights was the gay bar.

The omission of both bisexuals and trans people from the beneficiaries of the early movement is intentional here - it would be several decades before the mantle of institutional identity would be extended to those groups. Use of the terms ‘Lesbian’ and ‘Gay’ is an overt recognition that the ‘B’ and ‘T’ had not yet rounded out the modern acronym ‘LGBT’.

Nonetheless, this piece is about

the role that those bars played in the institutional identity of homosexuals in the U.S. during, and after, World War II up to the present.

The gay or lesbian bar provided a place to see a friendly face, to catch up on the news, to form social bonds that would lead to the formation of supporting institutions in the years to come.

It was in the safety of these bars that queer people could

rnia Dispatch:

E; NONE BARRED share a drink, and in many cases find a willing sex-partner.

California in general and Los Angeles in particular were the home of some of the country’s earliest and most significant lesbian and gay bars.

In the early 1950s, sociologist Donald Webster’s The Homosexual in America: A Subjective Approach called the gay bar a place to meet friends that is significantly more respectable than street cruising. He observed that there are all kinds of gay bars in an average city - in fashionable areas, in the theater district, in bohemian neighborhoods and in slum districts - because this is where gay men “come to lay aside their masks, as many cannot do in their own homes....” Webster also notes that bar owners (and frequently organized crime) began to understand that it’s good business to cater to a gay clientele.

The earliest concentration of gay bars in Los Angeles was in the Bunker Hill neighborhood of downtown, and extended south on Hill Street to Pershing Square, and then east to Main Street, with Hill and Main considered the epicenter of gay life.

By the early years of the

twentieth century, the adjacent neighborhoods of Bunker Hill and Pershing Square were already known as ‘Gay Ghettos’. It remained a safe zone for gay men through the 1950s, when lesbian and gay neighborhoods began to move north to Hollywood and Silver Lake. Pershing Square’s cozy postage-stamp park was not only a cruising area, it was also a place where people gathered to discuss a range of homoissues.

The list of legendary lesbian and gay bars from the era is long. Bars like the upscale lesbian club, Flamingo, and the working-class, If Club, in the 1930s and 40s, became indispensible to local lesbian life. Cafe Gala, on the Sunset Strip, opened in 1939 by Baroness Catherine d’ Erlinger, was perhaps the most famous of the post-Decency Code gay nightspots in Hollywood.

“Not that it advertised itself as a gay bar or even had an exclusively Gay patronage,” says historian David Hanna, “but a Gay bar it essentially was.” Like the so-called “pansy clubs”, it attracted Hollywood’s smart set, regardless of sexuality, and was treated like other clubs by the tabloids.

Café Gala provided a façade that could not be overly identified as ‘queer’ or ‘deviant’

– both the club and its gay clientele could thrive within the studio structure.

Other clubs that survived raids and other social challenges include B.B.B.’s Cellar, the Montmartre, and Jimmy’s Backyard, perhaps the best known of gay bars frequented by those working in the film industry. A straight woman, Helen P. Branson, owned The Windup on Melrose Avenue, and wrote a book about her experience as the owner of a gay bar in 1957, acting as a kind of den-mother for her gay clientele.

Essentially, every member of the LGBT community knows about the Stonewall rebellion, in June of 1969, in New York. Less remembered were the acts of civil resistance surrounding police raids on the Black Cat Tavern, in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, on New Year’s night of 1967 - two and a half years before Stonewall.

Undercover police officers mingled with the patrons of the Black Cat, and arrested several of them for kissing. The officers started to beat several of the patrons, and ultimately arrested more than a dozen EILE Magazine 41

Notice in 1951 Los Angeles Times that the Flamingo Club was denied a licence as it was a gathering place for ‘undesirables’ Image - queermusic heritage.com

of them, as well as three bartenders.

This led to scattered street skirmishes that spread to a bar across Sanborn Avenue called New Faces, where cops continued their rough handling of patrons and staff. More demonstrations followed, with over 200 protesting the raids and rough treatment at the hands of the LAPD at one rally.

By many accounts, this was the first time lesbians and gay men openly defied the existing legal and social structure, claiming rights that should apply to them equally with the rest of society.

Up to the present, you can read the temperature of LGBT communities by the condition of their bar scene. By the turn of the new millennium, queer communities began to at least recognize the importance of including all sexual minorities, 42 EILE Magazine

not just lesbians and gay men.

Now, the one mile stretch of Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood, known locally as Boy’s Town, has brought an astonishing amount of traffic and business to the area, resulting in continued investment into the gay nightlife scene, according to the official West Hollywood website. Flaming Saddles, Revolver, Rage, Here, Micky’s, and The Abbey have poured millions of dollars into developing their properties .

Some have argued that the more LGBT bars become integrated into their local communities, the healthier those communities become.

Unfortunately, just because a bar gains a reputation as friendly to sexual minorities doesn’t mean it is immune to other social forces.

In the recent past, three major LGBT clubs in Los Angeles have closed, ostensibly to develop new residential and retail centers, in the place of the old night spots.

They have generally not closed because they failed financially, or for openly homophobic reasons, but rather for simple economics. In two of the three closures, developers see that they can make more money by building entertainment venues that appeal to a wider audience.

It’s also telling that most of the iconic clubs to close recently catered to people of color.

It was success rather than failure that closed Catch One in the summer of 2015. Its iconic owner, Jewel Thais Williams, who opened the club in 1973, simply felt that she had done what she could to serve her

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 43

Studio One, West Hollywood, 1976

community, and her community whole-heartedly agrees.

Catch was a space where black lesbians and gay men could enjoy themselves, according to the Los Angeles Times, escaping what they saw as the racial discrimination of West Hollywood, and the homophobia of the African American community. It was also a center for community activism and crucial AIDS/HIV outreach.

The Electric Circus was an exuberant LGBT hot spot that didn’t shut anyone out, again according to the Times.

Not gay men. Not their female friends in high heels.

And not Latinos, who were often turned away at other gay clubs. Developers intend to build upscale residences on the site.

Opened in 1974, Studio One drew hundreds every night to its dance floor, on a side street in West Hollywood, including celebrities, music, sports and fashion stars, and young hipsters just coming of age.

Some residents consider the club a cultural landmark that helped shape the city’s reputation as a gay mecca (and some would say its admittance policies also helped shape the city’s reputation as an all-white gay mecca).

They believe it should be preserved, but developers see the nondescript building, with the green façade, as the perfect place for a bustling marketplace.

One of the areas most popular and crowded clubs, The Abbey, is open to anyone. In practice, however, it features a predominantly white, attractive young male clientele. It is in no danger of closing any time soon.

44 EILE Magazine

Jon Beaupré is Assoc.

Chair, Dept. of TV, Film, & Media Studies at California State University, Los Angeles, and is a member of the radio team for US LGBT radio programme, This Way Out

EILE Magazine 45

Opinion Labour’s Adams/ Martin Ad More Than Dangerously Bad Taste

The Irish Labour Party apparently has an advertisement in the pipeline, depicting Gerry Adams of Sinn Féin, and Mícheál Martin of Fianna Fáil, as two gay men getting 46 EILE Magazine

married, with the caption “This is one marriage we should vote NO to this year”.

What is wrong with this ad?

Many things. For starters, Labour wants to denigrate and parody both leaders, and

so depicts them as gay men.

‘Punch’ anyone?

By negatively commenting on, and depicting, both politicians as gay men getting married [so it would have to be a same-sex marriage] they are denigrating both gay men and the equal marriage law that we have fought so hard over the years to bring in in this

country.

Also, just because equal marriage has finally been legislated for here does not mean that homophobia and discrimination have gone away. Therefore any advertisement, which equates gay men and equal marriage with any other union that the advertisers wish us to see as undesirable, can only be damaging to the gay community.

It could be seen for what it really is if members of any other minority group had been used as models. For instance, why not portray Adams and Martin as two black men, or two asylum seekers, and say “this is one human right we should say NO to this year”?

Speaking of rights, it is Fianna Fáil’s and Sinn Féin’s right to go into government together if they so wish, just as it was Labour’s right to join up with Fine Gael for the present government. All parties have been voted into power by the people, and are therefore equally valid.

Labour used the word ‘marriage’ and not any other, so it is not in any doubt that it is a gay marriage that is negatively depicted, and appropriated as a tool to demonise the two politicians.

Why weren’t the leaders dressed as a heterosexual couple?

To portray Adams and Martin in the worst way possible, the best that Labour could come up with was to portray

them as gay men. If they had portrayed them as any other minority group, there would be public outcry. Puerile as this ad may be, it is also damaging to the psyche of the LGBT community, and so is unacceptable as a form of advertising. It is using the gay community as the butt of a joke, to make fun of someone else, and giving a signal that it is okay and acceptable to do so (not that different to trying to insult someone by calling them ‘gay’ in the schoolyard).

equality in any depiction of these groups;

The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI) has a code of conduct with which advertising agencies, and those involved with advertising, must comply.

Below are only some of the items in that code that the Labour ad would appear to contravene:

It is obvious that gay couples are not being respected in this advertisement, that they are being subjected to ridicule and offensive humour, that they are being stereotyped, and being used in negative images, and comments from the gay community have shown that these images are obviously hurtful. The gay community have also been exploited for ‘unrelated marketing purposes’ in this Labour advertisement.

2.16 “Marketing communications should respect the dignity of all persons and should avoid causing offence on grounds of gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race or membership of the traveller community”.

And:

(b) fully respect their dignity and not subject them to ridicule or offensive humour; (c) avoid stereotyping and negative or hurtful images; (d) not exploit them for unrelated marketing purposes; (e) not ridicule or exploit religious beliefs, symbols, rites or practices”.

Hopefully the ASAI will also see it that way.

– M. Butler (4 January 2016)

2.18 “To avoid causing offence, marketing communications should be responsive to the diversity in Irish society and marketing communications which portray or refer to people within the groups mentioned in 2.16 should: (a) respect the principle of EILE Magazine 47

NXF Survey – Burning Issues 2: What’s Next For LGBT Ireland?

In 2015, after years of dedicated LGBT activism, the LGBT community in Ireland have achieved marriage equality, gender recognition, and legal protections of LGBT staff in religious-run institutions.

Following these momentous gains, in an election year, and as we approach the centenary of the 1916 Rising, the National LGBT Federation (NXF) is now asking: “What is next for LGBT Ireland and what is important to YOU“?

This has led to the second online national survey, Burning Issues 2 being conducted by the NXF, who also publish free LGBT 48 EILE Magazine

community magazine, GCN. Burning Issues 2 seeks to uncover the priorities of the LGBT community across a range of key issues, including ageing, children, education, health, migration, personal safety, politics, Pride, rural isolation and support for younger LGBT people.

To complement the survey research, a number of LGBT community workshops will take place across Ireland in Spring 2016, where participants will have the chance to make their voices heard, with a particular focus on the needs of LGBT people outside Dublin, and LGBT migrants.

www.nxf.ie/ BurningIssues2 or if you would like to go directly to take the survey, go to: https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/ bissues2 You can also follow on facebook: https://www.facebook. com/BurningIssues2/

All information received is completely confidential, and the survey should only take about 15-20 minutes of your time.

Burning Issues 2 is the follow up to the ground-breaking Burning Issues national survey conducted by the National LGBT Federation (NXF) in 2009, which provided – for the first time – an in-depth overview of the attitudes and opinions of LGBT Ireland.

The original Burning Issues research report is available at:

For more information on the survey, and to participate, visit the NXF website at:

http://nxf.ie/wp-content/ uploads/2014/02/burningissues-report.pdf

Dr Graham Fry comments on the Zika Virus The Zika virus is a disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes, similar in many ways to the better known Dengue Fever or Chikungunya.

The incubation period (time from infection to when you first develop symptoms) is usually 3 to 5 days and typical symptoms include fever, muscular aches and pains, headache and runny eyes - all very similar to what is seen in ‘flu’.

However, in many cases it appears that only 20% of those infected actually develop symptoms sufficient enough to cause problems.

The current major issue relates to risk of Zika Viral infection for pregnant women travelling to the at-risk regions, with the majority of the countries in Central, South and North America expected to report infections within the next months.

There are concerns that there may be an association with foetal abnormality for women who become pregnant during infection.

Medical Bureau, has said of the connection between the Zika Virus and pregnancy, “It is uncertain if there is a direct link between Zika infection and foetal abnormality and it is also uncertain if there is a higher risk at any one stage of pregnancy. While there is no specific treatment for those infected usually all that is required is for the individual’s own body defences to get to work. The main protection against the Zika Virus is to avoid travel to atrisk areas and also to avoid mosquito bites.”

“There is no vaccine against Zika viral infection, similar to many other mosquito borne diseases. As the CDC states ‘out of an abundance of caution’ pregnant women, or those planning to become pregnant, are advised to avoid unessential travel to countries reporting a high number of cases at this time.”

Research is currently under way to generate more evidence regarding perinatal transmission and to better understand how the virus affects babies.

To book an appointment, contact the Tropical Medical Bureau on 1850 487674 or visit: www.tmb.ie.

Dr Graham Fry, Medical Director of Tropical

EILE Magazine 49

Australia: Petition “Stop anyone else from going through this pain” – Marco Bulmer-Rizzi Rodney Croome, director of Australian Marriage Equality, writes to us about Marco Bulmer-Rizzi, husband of David Bulmer Rizzi, who recently passed away on their honeymoon in a tragic accident in South Australia. He asks people to sign a petition to change marriage laws in Australia, so that ‘never married’ will not appear on the death certificate of a gay married man again.

“The recent loss of my husband is deeply traumatic, and painful. But when I found out our marriage is not legally recognised in Australia, it made the pain so much worse.

His death certificate now states ‘never married’. We were happily married. That is difficult to accept. Will you please join me in making sure 50 EILE Magazine

this never happens to anyone else?”

– Marco Bulmer-Rizzi, husband to David BulmerRizzi. marco bulmer-rizzi Marco and David on their wedding day It’s difficult to comprehend the grief Marco Bulmer-Rizzi must be feeling after the sudden loss of his husband while honeymooning in Adelaide.

Now, imagine that on top of that loss, the government doesn’t recognise your marriage. In fact, “never married” is prominently typed on your husband’s death certificate when you look at that painful document, because South Australia does not recognise overseas samesex marriage.

Unfortunately, Marco’s story and pain [are] not unique, and could easily happen again in Australia.

Right now, the states of

South Australia and Western Australia still do not recognise same-sex marriages from overseas, like Marco and David’s. The Australian Federal Government also does not recognise same-sex marriage, and is standing in the way of Australians being about to marry the person they love.

It’s time to recognise the marriages of people like Marco and David in every single state and territory, and provide that same equality to all Australians who wish to marry the person they love.

It’s time for marriage equality.

Will you support Marco’s call for reform, and sign our petition.

This is just one step along the way to ending marriage discrimination. We need full marriage equality in Australia, and AME is campaigning to make sure 2016 is the year we win.

With hope,

David Bulmer-Rizzi (left) and husband Marco

The entire team at Australian Marriage Equality PS – As of late Wednesday, SA Premier Jay Weatherill has announced a desire to change the legislation in South Australia so it recognises same sex marriages from overseas. He has also apologised to Marco for his treatment after his loss, and has agreed to issue him and the family with a new death certificate reflective of their legal marriage.

Marco and David on their wedding day

Let’s make sure these long overdue reforms occur Australia-wide: http://www. australianmarriageequality. org/petitions/ (eile.ie 22 January 2016)

EILE Magazine 51

Orange Is The New Black – Season Four Premiere Ready to do a little more time with the ladies of Litchfield?

Orange Is The New Black thinks it’s time for some new blood. #WelcomeToLitchfield The outrageous, award-winning and critically-acclaimed series from Emmy Award winner Jenji Kohan stars Taylor Schilling, Uzo Aduba, Laura Prepon, Kate Mulgrew, Natasha Lyonne, Laverne Cox, Dascha Polanco, Michael Harney, Danielle Brooks, Taryn Manning, Selenis Leyva, Yael Stone, Nick Sandow, Samira Wiley, Lea DeLaria, Jackie Cruz, Elizabeth Rodriguez and Adrienne Moore.

For fans of the show, Orange is the New Black Season 4 Premieres Friday, 17 June 2016 at 8:01am (Irish Time) on Netflix.

52 EILE Magazine

Information and support for women who need someone to talk to

DLL – Phone: (01) 872 9911 (Callback facility available) EILE Magazine 53

Sean Hayes, Eric McCormack, Debra Messing

Cast of Will & Grace To Re-unite For NBC Special Sean Hayes, the actor who played Jack in the TV sitcom, Will & Grace, has confirmed that the four main stars of the iconic show, which featured two gay men as lead characters, have agreed to a TV special.

Will & Grace ran from 1998 to 2006, for 188 episodes, and featured Sean Hayes as Jack, Eric McCormack as Will, Debra Messing as Grace, and Megan Mullally as Karen.

The NBC special will see the casts of three other shows also re-unite, Cheers, Frasier and Friends, in a tribute to director, Jimmy Burrows (who directed all 188 episodes of Will & Grace) and all four casts have confirmed their participation. There is some doubt about Matthew Perry of Friends being able to attend 54 EILE Magazine

as he is said to be in London rehearsing for his play, The End Of Longing, which previews on February 2nd.

Hayes announced at a Television Critics Association press tour: “We’ve confirmed all casts from all shows. On January 24 we tape, and it airs February 21” [in the US].

He added: “It’s the re-union of all re-union shows. It’s going to be unlike anything everyone’s ever seen”.

-MKB

House of Cards: Underwood for President!

For those who are fans of the series, House of Cards, Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) has announced his candidacy for president.

The fourth season of House of Cards premieres Friday, 4 March 2016 on Netflix. #FU2016 EILE Magazine 55

Australia: Queensland About To Overturn Gay Convictions In Australia, the Queensland government has begun arrangements to overturn convictions which related to those charged with homosexual acts over the years.

Homosexual acts were decriminalised in 1991 in Queensland. However, convictions up to that point were still on the record, which meant that those convicted were still regarded as having a criminal record.

“This is about doing what is right, what is fair and what is just for all Queenslanders” said Queensland’s AttorneyGeneral and Minister for Justice, Hon Yvette D’Ath, of the Australian Labor Party 56 EILE Magazine

(ALP) who has asked the Queensland Law Reform Commission to begin a process by which these convictions can be expunged from the record.

Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath According to D’Ath, during the 90 years these laws were in existence, Queensland had seen 464 convictions, and 500 cases before the courts, and “many other states have already taken action in this area – we’re one of the last to do so – and I think it’s long overdue”.

“This is just one more step we can take to provide that equality and fairness”.

There are also other areas of concern to D’Ath, such as the gay panic defence and the difference between age of consent for heterosexuals (age 16) and homosexuals (18), and she feels that these could be

legislated for at the same time.

Leader of the opposition, Lawrence Springborg, also supports expunging the records of homosexual convictions. He stated:

“We are very, very pleased that the government is now following suit, and we look forward to the final details around that”.

New South Wales, ACT, South Australia and Victoria have already removed convictions for homosexual acts which occurred prior to 1991 and were still hanging over the gay men involved, while Tasmania has pledged to bring in legislation to this effect this year, 2016.

-MKB (eile.ie 14 January 2016)

‘Subject To Change’ – New Aussie Teen Drama With LGBT Characters In Lead Roles Subject to Change, an Australian first made for TV drama, features teen LGBT characters in the lead roles.

Sixteen-year-old Ben (Aiden Debono) is anxious to meet his mystery online boycrush, while best friend, Evie (Katy Avery) agonises over her body image and crippling desires. Their foil, Karly (Maryann Wright) a rambunctious tomboy, reveals her singing talents with an all-too-appropriate cover of Missy Higgins’ “Secret”.

Hedley High newcomer, Ethan (James Richie) intrigues them all.

You can watch the first episode on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipooMeRx1eg&feature=youtu.be or shortlink: bit.ly/1PCTjds EILE Magazine 57

Italy - Senators Call For Anti-gay Measures Ahead Of Civil Unions Debate In a move which would rival Russia’s anti-gay legislation, some of Italy’s Catholic senators have called for an amendment to be included in a civil unions bill, which would require LGBT couples with children to prove that they had not obtained them by surrogacy, or face a prison term.

The Catholic senators, from the Democratic Party, have also called for any children who have been born from surrogates abroad, to be given up for adoption, and imprisonment for the gay couples involved.

This follows an earlier call from Angelino Alfano, Italy’s Interior Minister, who stated that using surrogates should be considered a sex crime.

A debate on a civil unions bill is due to take place on January 28, which, if passed, would allow civil partnerships for same-sex couples.

The proposed anti-gay amendment has been heavily criticised by LGBT advocates, and lawyer and activist, Filomena Gallo, has said that the amendment has ‘no normative basis’, should be ruled ‘inadmissable’ and if passed, would immediately be challenged in the courts.

The amendment, presented by Senator Cirinna from Zuanna and others, seeks to tighten punishment for gay couples who resort to surrogacy, with sentences from 3 months to 2 years, and for those who promote or organise it, 6 to 12 years.

However, Ms Gallo pointed out that surrogacy is already banned for heterosexual couples in Italy, and that therefore, the proposed amendment seems to be an attack on homosexuals, and homosexuality is not a crime.

-MKB (eile.ie 23 January 2016)

58 EILE Magazine

Filomena Gallo, Italian lawyer and activist, who says the anti-gay amendment has ‘no normative basis’ and should be inadmissable

‘The amendment, presented by Senator Cirinna from Zuanna and others, seeks to tighten punishment for gay couples who resort to surrogacy, with sentences from 3 months to 2 years, and for those who promote or organise it, 6 to 12 years’

EILE Magazine 59

Russia - State Duma

Russia: Rejection of New Anti-gay And PDA Law By Duma A bill, drafted by two communist MPs, that proposed fines for PDAs (Public Displays of Affection) between gay men, and a possible prison term for ‘coming out’, has been rejected, after recommendations by the Russian lower house Committee on Constitutional Law. Chairman of the committee, Vladimir Pligin MP (United Russia) said on Monday that its members voted unanimously to reject the draft.

When the bill was first introduced in October 2015, by communist MPs Nikolai Arefyev and Ivan Nikitchuk, it was severely criticised by large sections of Russian society, including

60 EILE Magazine

Vitaly Milonov, who had introduced the 2013 anti-gay propaganda bill. Milonov said the present law was adequate, and any public statement could affect children, and this was already banned.

According to RT, the sponsors claimed that they had acted because they had received many letters from voters. When asked who should police these observations, they said it could be included as part of the Russian police’s duties.

One of the authors clarified that the PDAs involved were “kissing and holding hands”.

-MKB (eile.ie 20 January 2016)

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen

Taiwan: New Female President Supports Gay Rights

“In the face of love, everyone is equal. Let everyone have the freedom to love and to pursue their happiness. I am Tsai Ing-wen, and I support marriage equality”.

In a double first for Taiwan, their new president is a woman, and openly gives her

support to gay rights. She is also a former academic, and chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) who loves cats.

She then became head of the Mainland Affairs Council, responsible for crossstrait policy in the DPP administration.

59-year-old Tsai Ing-wen won 56.12% of the vote, from approximately 12 million votes cast. The Hakka woman is single, and has law degrees from National Taiwan University, Cornell University, and the London School of Economics & Political Science.

She joined the DPP in 2004, serving as Vice-Premier under President Chen Shui-bian for a short time. She later had to clean up the image of the DPP, which had been involved in corruption scandals because of Mr Chen.

The law academic came to the fore when she was asked

by President Lee Teng-hui to head up a team of legal experts to prove that Taiwan was not part of the People’s Republic of China, and develop the ‘twostates theory’.

–MKB (eile.ie 18 January 2016)

EILE Magazine 61

UK Brighton & Hove: New Trans Sport Initiative ‘Trans Can Sport’ Trans Can Sport is a new project which will deliver free fitness sessions to trans people in Brighton & Hove, in the UK, during 2016. The project will support people who feel their transgender identity creates barriers for them to access fitness by providing series of group sessions for participants at all levels of experience and fitness.

Recent local research has found high levels of non participation in physical activity amongst the trans community. The Brighton & Hove Trans Needs Assessment has found that trans people are less likely to report good physical health. The same research found that 83% percent do not access gyms or participate in

62 EILE Magazine

organised sport.

The reasons citied included feeling selfconscious, uncomfortable and unsafe, not being able to access a suitable changing area due to gender, having issues with clothing. Other reasons included finding the environment too unfriendly. Crucially many said they were not able to financially afford getting involved. Trans people face extra pressure to [lose] weight for commencement of HRT and for surgery.

Being told to simply exercise more is unhelpful given the barriers faced by transgender people.

The Trans Needs Assessment also found that anxiety is experienced by nearly 80% of trans people. Exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety and boost self esteem, which is also a problem area for trans people.

Project co-ordinator, Rory Smith said: “I used to feel unable to exercise because of real discomfort and fear surrounding use of

the changing rooms and feeling intimidated by other gym users. I’m excited about this project as I know that in the 12 months I’ve been getting fit, my confidence, self esteem and wellbeing has improved markedly. I want to others to have this opportunity too”.

Marquita Smith, personal trainer, who will be leading many of the sessions, said: “I’ve been working with trans people in one-on-one and group sessions for some time now, supporting with a range of health and fitness goals. I’m excited to be able to use my experience and techniques to support Trans Can Sport. This will be an excellent opportunity for individuals, who have felt intimidated or uncomfortable, to ask for support in mainstream fitness establishments and I’m proud to be a part of it”.

The project launches this month ( January) with taster sessions before the main project commences in February. All the coaches [are] trans aware and have experience working with trans clients. Sessions are open to anyone who identifies as trans or feels [their] gender identity prevents them from getting fit.

Places need to be booked in advance, however, Trans Can Sport will provide the sessions for free. (eile.ie 4 January 2016)

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Ellen Murray, Green Party Candidate for West Belfast

NI: Transgender To Stand As Green Party Candidate In NI Assembly Elections The Green Party in Northern Ireland is putting forward a transgender candidate for West Belfast in the upcoming NI elections.

The candidate, Ellen Murray, Founder and Chairperson of GenderJam, a trans support group, and director of Cara-Friend, says she believes the political system should be open to all, and is delighted and excited to put her name forward for the Green Party in the upcoming Assembly elections.

“There is clear under-representation of many groups within the Assembly, including women, young people and the LGBTQ community. I will give a voice to those who need it most”

64 EILE Magazine

she said.

Murray has spent many years working with marginalised people, and believes that the time is right for change in Northern Ireland, and equality for all. She is standing for the Green Party as she feels they have a good track record on social issues, and thinks that having more of them in Stormont can only improve the quality of life for everyone.

She stated: “As a young, queer, trans woman, I hope that standing for election as an MLA will offer choice and hope for those who need it most”.

-MKB

(eile.ie 16 January 2016)

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Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby 66 EILE Magazine

105 Senior Anglicans Send Open Letter To Archbishops Re Treatment of LGBT People Below is the text of the Open Letter sent to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York on January 7th 2016 by 105 Senior Anglicans to bring the news to the other Primates that the Church has failed in its duty of care by its treatment of LGBT people, should acknowledge this, and should repent for promoting discrimination on the grounds of sexuality: “The Rt Hon and Most Revd Justin Welby The Rt Hon and Most Revd Dr John Sentamu January 7th 2016 Your Graces We the undersigned ask you, our Archbishops, to take an

unequivocal message to your meeting of fellow Primates next week that the time has now come for: Acknowledgement that we, the Church, have failed in our duty of care to LGBTI members of the Body of Christ around the world. We have not loved them as we should, and have treated them as a problem to be solved rather than as brothers and sisters in Christ to be embraced and celebrated. We have made them feel second-class citizens in the Kingdom of God, often abandoned and alone.

Repentance for accepting and promoting discrimination on the grounds of sexuality, and for the pain and rejection that this has caused. We, the Church, need to apologise for our part in perpetuating rather than challenging illinformed beliefs about LGBTI people, such as the slanderous view that homosexuals have a predisposition to prey on the young.

ways of interpreting the Scriptures, but we urge you to be prophetic in your action and Christ-like in your love towards our LGBTI sisters and brothers who have been ignored and even vilified for too long.

Please be assured of our prayers for you at this time, and that the world will know by our words and actions that everyone who is baptised into the faith is of equal value in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Yours sincerely�

They also invite others to add their own signatures to the letter if they so wish.

-MKB (eile.ie 11 January 2016)

We understand that the Primates come from a variety of contexts with differing EILE Magazine 67

Pro-gay Episcopal Church Suspended

By Anglicans Primates who represent 88 million Anglicans, in 38 autonomous provinces, have decided to suspend the USbased Episcopal Church, because of its distance from traditional Anglican teachings by supporting gay marriage.

“The traditional doctrine of the Church in view of the teaching of Scripture, upholds marriage as between a man and a woman in faithful, lifelong union. The majority of those gathered reaffirm this teaching” stated the Primates. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, ‘Primus Inter Pares’ (First Among Equals) headed the meeting of Primates, which represented the worldwide 68 EILE Magazine

Anglican Church.

The Primates stated that recent developments in the Canon of the Episcopal Church represented a departure from the faith and teaching held by the majority of the Provinces, on the issue of marriage, and so they are being suspended for a period of three years. They will not represent the Anglican Church, and will

“no longer represent us on ecumenical and interfaith bodies, should not be appointed or elected to an internal standing committee and that while participating in the internal bodies of the Anglican Communion, they will not take part in decision making on any issues pertaining to doctrine or polity.”

The Primates said that their reason for suspension was the decision taken by the Episcopal Church’s General Convention last June to change canonical language that defines marriage as between a man and a woman (Resolution A036) and put in place two new marriage rites with language allowing them to be used by samesex or opposite-sex couples (Resolution A054).

There have been many tweets in support of the Episcopal Church, for example, one tweeter compared their situation to that of many LGBT youth: “Unvirtuous Abbey @ UnvirtuousAbbey Now the #Episcopal church knows what it’s like to be gay and asked to leave home because your family doesn’t want you at the table

Anglican Primates Meeting 2016 at Canterbury Cathedral – Photo: Canterbury Cathedral

#anglican” A mass-exodus of conservative African bishops was expected, but in the event, only one African bishop (the Revd Stanley Ntagali) left the meeting, and it was he who had proposed that the Episcopal Church withdraw voluntarily from the meeting until they had “repented” their decision to support same-sex marriage. The motion was defeated 15 to 20. When they refused to go voluntarily, the

bishop left the meeting.

However, the Episcopal Church was later suspended by a decision of the majority of the Primates.

The Primates meeting is being held from 11-16 January, and represents the Anglican Church in some 165 countries around the world.

The presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, Michael B. Curry, told the meeting that the sanctions would be painful for many in the Episcopal Church to receive, as they were committed to a church where all were truly welcome.

-MKB (eile.ie 15 January 2016)

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Anglican Church In Canada – Possible Change To Canon To Include Same-sex Marriage The Anglican Church in Canada is gearing up to a possible change in its canon which would allow both heterosexual marriage and samesex marriage, but is mindful of what has happened to the Episcopal Church at the recent Primates meeting at Canterbury. The Episcopal Church was suspended for three years for changing its canon to include marriage for same-sex couples.

In relation to same-sex marriage, the Anglican Church of Canada General Synod 2013 Resolution 003 asked that: “.. Council of General Synod [..] prepare and present a motion at General Synod 2016 to change Canon XXI on Marriage to allow the marriage of same sex couples in the same way as opposite sex couples, and that this

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motion should include a conscience clause so that no member of the clergy, bishop, congregation or diocese should be constrained to participate in or authorize such marriages against the dictates of their conscience”.

The Canadian Anglican Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, released a statement after the recent Primates meeting, and said: “We struggled with the fragility of our relations in response to the actions taken by the General Convention of The Episcopal Church in changing its canon on marriage, making provision for the blessing of same sex marriages. We talked, prayed and wrestled with the consequences considered by the meeting. Some of us wept.

into our deliberations”.

Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, would not commit himself on what consequences would ensue if the Canadian Anglican Church changed their canon to include same-sex marriage.

He said it had been discussed at the meeting, but that they would cross that bridge when they came to it. He also said that another two or three provinces were looking at a possible change to include gay marriage.

In a summary of the Marriage Commission Report called for by General Synod 2013, it stated:

“It is clear that a change to the marriage canon would cause concern for our Anglican Communion partners Through this whole as it would for our conversation I was deeply ecumenical partnership mindful that our church will with the Roman Catholic deal with the first reading of a Church. The nature proposed change of a similar of the change to these kind in our canon on marriage relationships has not at General Synod in July been named specifically.

2016. There is no doubt in my It would not change mind that the action of the our relationship with Primates’ meeting will weigh other full communion or

Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada

ecumenical dialogue partners, such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada or the United Church of Canada, who already offer same-sex marriage”.

The Marriage Commission did not think that a change to the canon would change the definition of marriage: “The Marriage Canon defines marriage as a lifelong union between two qualified persons, established by God’s grace when couples declare their intent for such a union and exchange vows. This union is in faithful love,

to the exclusion of all others, and for better or for worse. This definition would not change.

What would change is the understanding of “qualified persons” to now include persons of the same gender. What would also change is the understanding of one of the three purposes of marriage: procreation (if it may be)”.

It also stated that the sanctity of same-sex relationships were no longer in question.

-MKB (eile.ie 19 January 2016)

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Faith group responds to Archbishops’ sanctions against pro-gay Anglicans Faith in Marriage Equality (FiME) has responded to the decision of the Primates of the Anglican Communion to penalise the Anglican/ Episcopal Church in the USA for blessing same-sex relationships.

FiME spokesperson, Dr Richard O’Leary, a member of the Church of Ireland, said:

“I and many Anglicans in Ireland am appalled at this anti-gay decision by the Archbishops. Many Anglicans in Ireland feel closer to the Anglican Bishops in the USA, who want to bless same sex-couples, than to the Anglican Bishops in Uganda and Nigeria who want to jail same-sex couples”.

Dr O’Leary added:

72 EILE Magazine

“I am dismayed that the Archbishops’ statement does not even acknowledge the existence of the persecution of LGBT persons in Uganda and Nigeria ”.

Dr O’Leary concluded that “Ireland has more in common with LA than Lagos” and he “hoped that the Primate of all-Ireland, Archbishop Richard Clarke, can explain the adoption of this fundamentalist, homonegative stance by his fellow Anglican Primates”.

Faith in Marriage Equality is campaigning for the extension to Northern Ireland of civil marriage for same sex couples and for those clergy in Ireland who wish in good conscience to bless same sex couples to be allowed to do so.

For more information on Faith in Marriage Equality, go to: http://www.fime.ie/ (eile.ie 15 January 2016)

China: Domestic Violence Law Does Not Include LGBT Couples

China has passed a law outlawing domestic violence among co-habiting couples, but this does not include homosexual couples, according to government official, Guo Linmao.

The new law also covers those who are cohabiting, but does not include gay couples cohabiting. Although homosexuality is not illegal in China, having been decriminalised in 1997 (Hong Kong 1991) same-sex marriage is still illegal.

This is the first time China has addressed the issue of domestic violence, said to be because the government did not want to bring shame on the traditional idea of the family.

“As for homosexuals in our country, we have not yet discovered this form of violence, so to give you a certain answer, it can be said that people who cohabit does not include homosexuals”.

However, now it has banned all types of domestic violence and abuse, including psychological abuse.

According to figures, almost 90% of cases reported refer to abuse of wives by husbands, but a leading women’s group, All-China Women’s Federation, say that about one quarter of all married women are actually affected by domestic violence. However, only 40,000 to 50,000 cases are reported each year.

When asked why gay couples were not included in the new law, Linmao stated:

-MKB (eile.ie 28 December 2015)

EILE Magazine 73

Anti-Transgender Ballot Initiative Fails in California A coalition of California civil rights and LGBT organizations announced recently that supporters of a proposed antitransgender ballot initiative had admitted that they have failed to submit the signatures necessary to qualify it for the November, 2016 ballot.

“Privacy for All”, the group behind the failed measure, needed to submit 365,880 valid signatures to the California Secretary of State’s office to qualify for the ballot. “Privacy for All” is backed by the right-wing, Sacramento-based Pacific Justice Institute and other supporters of Proposition 8.

“All Californians – no matter their race, age, gender, or sexual orientation – should have the same freedom to support their families and go 74 EILE Magazine

about their lives without fear of discrimination,” said Kris Hayashi, executive director of Transgender Law Center.

“This initiative was a poorly veiled attack on transgender people that sought to undermine that freedom and single out for harassment anyone who doesn’t meet stereotypes of what it looks like to be male or female. […] Californians have made clear these types of discriminatory attacks on transgender people and our families, communities, and neighborhoods have no place in our state.”

The so-called “Personal Privacy Protection Act” would have prohibited transgender people from using facilities in government buildings and requiring the government to monitor bathroom use.

Supporters of similar efforts elsewhere fought ugly, divisive and deceitful campaigns that preyed on voters’ ignorance of what it means to be transgender.

“Opponents of LGBT equality use ignorance and fear as a weapon against the transgender community,” said Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California. “We know from our research that many people don’t really even know what ‘transgender’ means. While our opponents failed to gather enough support this time, we know they will be back. Through our public education campaign, we will educate the public about transgender people, the challenges they face and the contributions they make.”

“Having lost the battle for marriage equality and having failed to qualify a similar ballot initiative several years ago, antiLGBT extremists have failed once again in their attempt to legislate

discrimination,” said Dave Garcia, Director of Public Policy and Community Building at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. “I’m relieved they couldn’t get the relatively low number of signatures they needed, but even if they had, I’m confident we would have defeated this measure. No one should fear harassment, interrogation or a lawsuit simply for using the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity.”

“The people of California saw our opponents’ campaign for what it was — a blatant effort to undermine the rights and freedoms of transgender people. By categorically rejecting such discrimination, Californians have affirmed their support for the equal rights and dignity of all people. We, like the people of California, are committed to continue working to ensure that cruel and senseless efforts against our fellow community

members are always stopped in their tracks,” said Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

To educate California voters about their transgender neighbors and to forestall similar, future efforts to target them at the ballot box, Equality California and the Transgender Law Center are leading a separate statewide public education campaign to combat widespread public misunderstanding about transgender and gender nonconforming people and the issues they face.

The separate campaign includes other LGBT and civil rights organizations as well as groups serving communities of color and the faith community. The effort is independent of work on any political or legislative campaign and is aimed at creating understanding and acceptance of transgender Californians through research

and education.

“Discriminatory ballot measures, and the campaigns they engender, serve the interests of no one except those who would demonize and exclude, to the detriment of California,” stated Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF President and General Counsel.

“MALDEF hopes that this failure will discourage any others seeking to sow division within our state.”

The coalition against the ballot initiative consists of the American Civil Liberties Union of California, Equality California, the Human Rights Campaign, Los Angeles LGBT Center, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), and Transgender Law Center, as well as a steering committee of organizations representing diverse communities throughout California. (eile.ie 3 January 2016)

EILE Magazine 75

UK - MI5 named employer of the year by Stonewall Today, Tuesday, 19 January, MI5 was named as number one in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers list for 2016, up from seventh in 2015. In second place was Lloyds Banking Group (third 2015), closely followed by the National Assembly for Wales in third (fourth 2015).

The Top 100 Employers list, created by lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) equality charity Stonewall, is compiled from submissions to the Workplace Equality Index, a powerful benchmarking tool used by 76 EILE Magazine

employers to assess their achievements and progress on LGBT equality in the workplace.

This year saw over 400 organisations take part in the Index, the highest number in its 12 year history. Each participant must demonstrate their expertise in 10 distinct areas of employment policy and practice, including networking groups, career development, training and community engagement.

More than 60,000 staff from across these organisations also took part in an anonymous survey about their employers’ attitudes towards workplace culture, diversity and inclusion, making it one of the largest national employment surveys in Britain.

Responses to this survey reveal that: Only 27 per cent of lesbian, gay and bi people feel comfortable disclosing their sexual orientation to all colleagues and customers.

Figures were lower for lesbians (23 per cent) than gay men (33 per cent), and considerably lower for bi individuals (12 per cent).

People who are out as LGB at work experience better job satisfaction and have a higher sense of achievement, according to 67 per cent of lesbian, gay and bi people We need to see more visible LGBT role models. Just 11 per cent of respondents believe there are bi role models at

work; 19 per cent see trans role models, 42 per cent see lesbian role models and 53 per cent see gay role models at work Senior leaders are showing more commitment to lesbian, gay and bi equality now (63 per cent) than in the previous year (53 per cent) Just 42 per cent of trans respondents said that senior leaders demonstrate a visible commitment to trans equality at work Organisations from the legal and housing sectors dominate the Top 10 on the Index, and across the Top 100, local government, education and health and social care are the

most featured sectors.

Outside of London, Wales and the East Midlands have the most organisations featured in this year’s Index (12 and nine respectively).

Commenting on taking the number one spot, Andrew Parker, Director-General, MI5 said: ‘Diversity is vital for MI5, not just because it’s right that we represent the communities we serve, but because we rely on the skills of the most talented people whoever they are, and wherever they may be. This

accolade from Stonewall is a great acknowledgment of the continued progress we have made over recent years in ensuring we draw on the widest possible pool of talent in our vital work.’

You can read the full report by going to: www.stonewall.org.uk (eile.ie 19 January 2016)

“Diversity is vital for MI5, not just because it’s right that we represent the communities we serve, but because we rely on the skills of the most talented people...”

- Andrew Parker, MI5

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Ireland - Resource Teacher With Gay Son Wins Discrimination Case A woman who stated that she was discriminated against on the grounds of her religion and also because she has a gay son, has won her case, under the Employment Equality Acts.

Bernadette Marron was a resource teacher at St Paul’s National School, in Collooney, in Sligo, which is a Church of Ireland School, and had worked there for seven years.

Ms Marron told the Equality Tribunal that certain comments were made by the Principal of the school in relation to religion, and that negative comments were also made about her son, who is gay.

This included a comment that a “normal boy” would not spend an afternoon shopping for clothes. The Principal also questioned what kind of mother the complainant was to have a son like that. A colleague had informed her of similar comments made by the Principal regarding Ms Marron’s son.

Equality Officer, Kevin Baneham, found in favour of Ms Marron. Part of his decision

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(Decision No. DEC-E2015-121) read:

“I also find that the comments referring to the sexual orientation of the complainant’s son amounts to discrimination by association. Those comments relate to his clothes, his choice of leisure activities on a Saturday afternoon and comments made by the principal regarding the son acknowledging his sexual orientation at the valedictory service. The comment made by the principal regarding the upbringing of the complainant’s son undermined her dignity at work. Given that they related to him saying he was gay, it falls within the rubric of discrimination by association. The comment was made at an event associated with another school and raised by the principal during the course of her employment as principal of the respondent national school”.

St Paul’s School, Coolloney, Co Sligo

The section which relates to discrimination because of comments about Ms Marron’s son falls under the following: The Employment Equality Act Section 6(1)(b) provides for discrimination by association whereby “a person who is associated with another person is treated, by virtue of the association, less favourably than a person who is not so associated, is, has been or would be treated in a comparable situation.

Mr Baneham then summed up:

“I have investigated the above complainant and make the following decision in accordance with section 79 of the Employment Equality Acts and section 41(5) (a) (iii) of the Workplace Relations Act 2015 that the complainant has established that she was subjected to discriminatory treatment and harassment on the grounds of religion and, by association, sexual orientation”.

He ordered the school to pay Ms Marron 3,000 euro compensation for breach of the Employment Equality Acts, and further ordered, pursuant to Section 82(1)(e) of the Acts, that the school arrange for training for members of the Board of Management and all staff in relation to its employment policies, in particular to equality, discrimination and harassment.

–MKB (eile.ie 10 January 2016)

EILE Magazine 79

The UK’s National Festival of LGBT History 2016 is being held around the UK in February, and the events of 5 – 7 February are taking place in London.

Many events, films, performances and presentations are planned for that weekend.

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On Friday, 5 Feb, Islington Town Hall will see the launch of the London events from 5.30 to 10.30 pm. The Mayor will open the event, and speakers include Peter Tatchell, Professor Jeffrey Weekes, Rikki Beadle Blair, Roz Kaveney, Angela Eagle, Stuart Milk and the Diversity Choir with Claire Mooney as your MC! (Free event but prebooking is required).

A full day of celebration of

the Festival of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans History will take place on Saturday, 6 Feb, at the V&A from 11 am to 5.45 pm. Schools OUT UK, LGBT History Month along with V&A LGBT Network and Wise Thoughts (organiser of GFEST – Gaywise FESTival) join hands to present a day full of presentations and events exploring a range of exciting LGBT history topics.

All events are free entry on a first come first served basis

UK: National Festival Of LGBT History 2016 London 5 – 7 February (no booking needed).

On Sunday, 7 Feb, events will run at the Museum of London from 11 am to 5 pm.

An exciting full day for all the family and workers in education. Continuous readings from children’s and young adults books, from wonderful readers and authors including Ian McKellen, Bonnie Greer, Stuart Milk (Harvey Milk’s nephew), James Dawson and many more… (Free events, but pre-booking is required).

Sue Sanders, founder of LGBT History Month and Schools Out UK said:

“For over forty years Schools OUT UK have been making LGBT people in all their diversity visible and safe and Educating OUT prejudice. We are thrilled the festival

is continuing in that tradition. The National LGBT History Month festival is now the largest LGBT History event in [..] Western Europe. ” Niranjan Kamatkar, artistic director of Wise Thoughts and the co-ordinator for London hub festival activities added:

in LONDON is jointly organised by Schools Out UK, V&A, Wise Thoughts (organisers of GFEST – Gaywise FESTival ®), V&A and Museum of London, along with a number of partner agencies.

“This a brilliant opportunity for young people to learn about LGBT Histories. It’s a privilege and I am really excited to work on and present the first LGBT History Month National Festival events in London.”

For more information and online booking links, please visit: http://lgbthistorymonth.org. uk/event-calendar/ The National Festival of LGBT History 2016 EILE Magazine 81

Report - US Should Act to Address Violence and Discrimination Against the Dominican Republic’s LGBT Community Human Rights First released a report in December outlining the challenges to equality faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the Dominican Republic, and highlighting the vital efforts of civil society to combat these human rights challenges.

The report titled, “Hope Will Prevail: Advancing the Human Rights of LGBT People in the Dominican Republic,” follows research trips 82 EILE Magazine

conducted by Human Rights First in June and August 2015, and includes recommendations for how the U.S. government can better support the Dominican Republic’s LGBT community.

“LGBT people in the Dominican Republic face widespread discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia leading to acts of violence and lack of access to justice and services,” said Human Rights First’s Shawn Gaylord.

“The most recent expression of hateful rhetoric espoused by a Dominican Cardinal toward the openly gay U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic and the attention that followed

is illustrative of both the widespread homophobia in the country and the depth of U.S. influence. The U.S. government should harness this influence to bolster the important work of activists working to transform their society and cement full inclusion for LGBT Dominicans.”

LGBT Dominicans face a range of human rights concerns including violence, discrimination, lack of access to justice, impunity for perpetrators, and societal homophobia and transphobia.

Certain domestic laws directly contradict the protections offered to LGBT people through the constitution, the domestic legal system, and international law.

Police regulations criminalize same-sex activity among the police force and marriage equality is constitutionally

prohibited. The country also lacks comprehensive nondiscrimination and hate crime laws to guarantee the protection of all LGBT Dominicans. LGBT Dominicans also experience discrimination in accessing services including housing, employment, education, and healthcare.

In addition to detailing the challenges faced by the Dominican Republic’s LGBT community, the report outlines how civil society leaders have worked for decades to advance the human rights of all people, providing legal, healthcare, and other direct services to LGBT Dominicans and conducting domestic and international advocacy to call for enhanced legal protections for LGBT people and accountability for violations.

Recommendations in the report were informed

by Human Rights First’s meetings with members of the Dominican LGBT community, civil society activists, Dominican officials, and the U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, James “Wally” Brewster. Key recommendations include: Secretary of State John Kerry should convene a regional dialogue with Caribbean government officials to discuss initiatives to counter discrimination and hate crimes against vulnerable groups, including members of

the LGBT community.

Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons Randy Berry should convene a regional meeting of Caribbean civil society organizations advocating comprehensive nondiscrimination and hate crime laws and policies.

U.S. Ambassador James “Wally” Brewster should conduct regular follow-up with Dominican authorities on the investigation and prosecution of cases of violence against members of vulnerable groups, including LGBT people.

Congress should engage in legislator-to-legislator outreach with Dominican counterparts in support of civil society calls for nondiscrimination and hate crime laws.

The International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Bureau within the Department of State should incorporate diversity and human rights training, including on the rights of LGBT people, in all trainings with the Dominican police force.

USAID should fund NGO data collection on hate crimes in the Dominican Republic.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) should assist in the development of curriculum and instructor training on human rights and diversity for Dominican law enforcement, inclusive of the rights of LGBT people.

DOJ should assist in the development of mechanisms

to document human rights violations and hate crimes, including violations against members of the LGBT community.

A recent poll conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Human Rights First revealed that a majority of Americans believe the U.S. government is not doing enough to address pressing human rights challenges. It demonstrated that only 31% of Americans believe the United States is providing enough support to advance LGBT rights worldwide. (eile.ie 3 January 2016)

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NI: Department of Education NI Survey On LGBT Post-Primary Experiences Northern Ireland Post-Primary School Experiences of 1621 year old Young People who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transgender (LGBT)

The Department of Education in Northern Ireland have commissioned research into the post-primary school experiences of 16-21 year old people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT).

This survey may be completed by any person aged between 16 and 21 who is lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender and who knew this to be the case whilst they were still at school, recognising that they may still be attending school, or they may have left school recently.

Please share this with anyone you know who went to or is still in school in Northern Ireland. The link to the survey is http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/DELGBTyoungpeople/

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Daniel Nava July 2010

Boston Professional Sports Teams Support Bill Against Trans Discrimination Professional sports teams in Boston are supporting a bill which aims to end discrimination against transgenders.

The Boston Globe has reported that teams such as Boston Celtics and the New England Patriots are supporting a bill which will ban transgender discrimination in public places.

Freedom Massachusetts, an activist group who want to change the law to protect transgenders from

discrimination, say that Under Massachusetts law at present, there are no explicit protections ensuring that transgender people cannot be turned away from a hotel or denied service at a restaurant—simply because of who they are. The group are a bipartisan coalition of businesses, advocacy groups and politicians, and are trying to change that law.

the sports teams coming out in favour of the bill, it will show the governor that there is widespread support for the measure.

The Boston Red Sox have already come out in favour of the anti-discrimination bill, which is before the legislature in Massachusetts.

-MKB

Freedom Massachusetts have told the Globe that its not a controversial issue, and that a “wide variety of people, a wide variety of businesses support nondiscrimination protections�.

(eile.ie 11 January 2016)

Governor Charlie Baker could veto the bill, if it does not pass the legislature with a twothirds majority. However, activists are hoping that with

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Homophobic and transphobic bullying – call to share personal experiences

IGLYO has been invited to be part of UNESCO’s global event on homophobic and transphobic bullying in May 2016, and is looking for your personal experiences to create a short film and photo exhibition UNESCO will hold a global event on homophobic and transphobic bullying in May 2016: it will be a unique opportunity to present the issues faced by LGBTQI young people in education to decision makers from around the world.

IGLYO has been invited to be part of it, and is looking for your personal experiences of homophobic and transphobic bullying in school to create a short film and a photo exhibition to present at the event.

The organisation wants to show the faces and tellthe stories of the individuals behind the statistics about homophobic and transphobic bullying.

There are three ways to get involved: – Create a short filming using set interview

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questions – Write an account using set interview questions – Send a high quality photo and some quotes about your experience IGLYO especially welcomes entries from young people outside of Europe. The closing date for submissions is 14th February 2016.

For more information, go to http://www.iglyo.com -Daniele Paletta

ILGA Announces Dates For Its 2016 World Conference The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) has announced that it will hold its 28th World Conference in Bangkok, Thailand from November 28 to December 2, 2016, co-organized with Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand and Purple Sky Network.

This will be the association’s second world conference ever to take place in Asia, and the first one in Thailand. Registration will be open from the second half of March 2016 through a dedicated website.

ILGA world conferences are now a reference point for the LGBTI world. In these meetings, about 500 representatives of civil organizations around the world meet to share their experience and best practices, strategize, build alliances and partnerships and elect their representatives.

Public officials, legislators, academics, directors of cooperative institutions and representatives of offices of the United Nations also participate in enriching analysis and discussions.

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Information and support for women who need someone to talk to

DLL – Phone: (01) 872 9911 (Callback facility available) EILE Magazine 89

Josh Stevens

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