EILE
FREE
Magazine V3 Issue 2 – July 2015
Some thoughts on
Dublin Pride
Tiger Dublin Fringe Mx Justin Vivian Bond & Glen Hansard Mark Anthony
Photoshopping & Body Image
California Dispatch
Symbols of Pride Thank You Ireland!
Inside:
Fashion | Film | Music |News | Interviews
EILE Magazine | Who’s Who
Contributors
Mark Anthony Mark is a UCD English graduate who writes his own menswear fashion blog. He has also produced several fashion shows in the past, all in aid of worthwhile causes. More of his work can be found on markmystyle.com 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-in-Chief of EILE Magazine. He is also a writer and broadcaster, based between Dublin and Nottingham. Lisa Reynolds Originally from County Meath, Lisa is a fashion industry student living in Bray, County Wicklow. Conleth Teevan Special thanks to Conleth Teevan for writing on the Tiger Dublin Fringe festival. Rick Watts Based in Los Angeles, Rick is an LGBT activist and contributor to the NewsWrap segment of LGBT radio show, This Way Out. He is also a board member of TWO’s production company, Overnight Productions. Frances Winston Frances Winston is EILE’s resident film buff, and has contributed to many publications such as The Irish Independent and Irish Tatler.
EILE Magazine
EILE Magazine | Welcome
Highlights July 2015 Tiger Dublin Fringe – P. 16
Volume 3, Issue 2
Tiger Dublin Fringe release advance highlights of the September festival’s 21st birthday edition!
Editor-in-Chief: Scott De Buitléir
California Dispatch – P. 56 Rick Watts writes from California about the Irish marriage referendum results, suggests a new pride symbol, and warns that we mustn’t sit back on our laurels!
After Pride – P. 40 Some reflections on the festival that celebrated much more than Dublin Pride!
Features Editor: MKB Contributors: Mark Anthony, MKB, Scott De Buitléir, Lisa Reynolds, Rick Watts, Frances Winston Photographers: Cover David Kimelman, Kim Noble, Hazel Coonagh 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). Any queries can be made to hello@eile.ie Special Thanks to MKB for all her hard work, dedication and support.
Music – Ps. 6, 12, 22 Jerry Fish, Ghost Lit Kingdom, and Magic Giant
Fashion – Ps. 26, 34 Mark Anthony writes about photoshopping and body image, while Lisa Reynolds writes on hippie era fashions!
Web: http://eile.ie Contact: hello@eile.ie Twitter: @EILEMagazine Facebook: http://fb.com/eilemagazine Note: All opinions expressed in this issue are the writers’ own.
1306% 50 #& " .&.#&3 0'
(BZ &VSPQFBO 5PVSJTN "TTPDJBUJPO
…plus film and music reviews and much more! EILE Magazine
EILE Magazine | Editor’s Letter
Joy & Necessity Contents Welcome to the July ‘15 issue of EILE Magazine! 6-
Ghost Lit Kingdom
12 -
Magic Giant
16 -
Tiger Dublin Fringe
22 -
Jerry Fish
26 -
Photoshopping/Image
30 -
Pearl Releases Perfume
34 -
Hippie Fashion
40 -
Pride Reflections
46 -
TCD LGBT Law
50 -
Frances On Film
56 -
California Dispatch
61 -
LGBT News Round-Up
After May’s incredible marriage equality result here in Ireland, things are slowly returning to normal, although it is certainly a new normal which we can all enjoy. Major advances have been made in terms of the all-too-important gender recognition legislation for Ireland, as it passes through its final stages in the Oireachtas. Soon, a new era will be made reality for LGBT people here. In this issue, we celebrate even more with a sneak peek at the Tiger Dublin Fringe festival, as well as some wonderful commentary on marriage equality, now passed in the United States on 26th June, which was a great boost to the LGBT community, and so much more. We also look at other important news and issues, however, with a look at Russia, South America and other countries and regions where homophobia and transphobia are still a horrifying reality. Such news stories should make one aware that while many Western countries provide (varying levels of) equality, the struggle is not yet won for many of our friends, brothers and sisters elsewhere. We cannot forget them. With news, fashion, opinion, film, music, and more, this July issue is bound to keep you informed and entertained. We hope you enjoy it.
Scott De Buitléir Founder / Editor-in-Chief EILE Magazine
EILE Magazine
EILE Magazine
Photo: Bryant Glenn
Ghost Lit Kingdom is a five-piece band comprisin Michael Sevilla and Andrew Furze, Their influences are many and varied and include that eclectic mix shows in the rich, full sound of the US and are all set to get back to the seriou
EILE Magazine
Ghost Lit Kingdom
ng Ela Kitapci, Taylor Morrow, Jason Rodriguez, whose home town is Los Angeles. e Indie, Alternative, Classical, Acoustic, Folk, and their music. They’ve just finished a minitour in us business of making another record! ...... >
EILE Magazine
“There is an energy in the music that is reborn on stage time and again, making the live show a captivating and moving experience� EILE Magazine
Ghost Lit Kingdom’s sound has a unique mix of musical, dynamic and vocal contrast. Dual vocals, as unique together as they are apart, are lain upon a canvas of flowing sound; moving through sections of quiet substance to passages of powerful vigor. According to Axiom
Records: “Anthemic alternative indie pop is the genre description of choice for this Southern California based quintet. Born from an acoustic side project and developed into an emotional catharsis filled with cascading dynamics, powerful vocal and lyrical substance, stunning musicianship and innovative songwriting, Ghost Lit Kingdom is poised to be the next indie
band of note to come from the Los Angeles scene. The band draws from an eclectic set of influences to create a unique and cultivated sound that sets them apart from their fellow indie musicians. There is an energy in the music that is reborn on stage time and again, making the live show a captivating and moving experience. There are big things on the horizon for
EILE Magazine
Ghost Lit Kingdom as they propel themselves into the LA music community.” Their single, entitled “You Don’t Know Me”was mixed by Ken Andrews (Paramore, Jimmy Eat World, Beck) and recorded at Suburban Soul Studios by Charlie Park and Nick Zagorin. Ghost Lit Kingdom have just finished a minitour which included Bakersfield, San Francisco and Portland, then headed back to LA to work on their music. We don’t know if they have any plans to visit Europe at the moment, but if and when they do, EILE will be sure let you know the times and places, so you’ll have no excuse not to have a great night out! You can listen to the band or download their music by visiting their website at: www.ghostlitkingdom.com or visit their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GhostLitKingdom
10 EILE Magazine
EILE Magazine 11
Magic Giant
12 EILE Magazine
EILE takes a look at folkMagic Giant, and gets the l the band got to
-electronic band, low-down on how ogether
Like a banjo player and a DJ rocking a club show in a barn, Magic Giant is inspired by its mission of moving bodies and souls. The four-piece just wrapped up self-producing its debut EP, managing to convince world-class musicians like Rashawn Ross of Dave Matthews Band and Spencer Ludwig of Capital Cities to record on the record at their studio in Venice, CA. The band has filled rooms elbow-to-elbow at every LA show including, most recently, the legendary Troubadour. A brand new band by most standards, Magic Giant has hit the ground running, playing festivals such as Sweetlife—headlined by Phoenix, Passion Pit, and Kendrick Lamar—and Life Is Beautiful— headlined by Kings of Leon, The Killers, and Imagine Dragons—and continues to build a reputation for its dancy live shows and anthemic sing-alongs. Recently, Magic Giant graced the stage of LA’s Bootleg HiFi selling out the October residency. Drawing from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, the crew has evolved into a folkelectronic band that includes Austin Bis on lead vocals; John Zambricki on banjo, mandolin, and fiddle; Brian Zaghi on upright bass and acoustic guitar. Magic Giant has been featured on media outlets ranging from NBC News to The Washington Post and recently ranked between Beck and Tiësto on Metrolyrics’ What’s Trending. Magic Giant continues to build a reputation for its anthemic sing-alongs, blending organic instruments with big drums and electronic beats. The band is composed of Austin Bis on lead vocals; Zambricki Li on banjo, mandolin, and fiddle; and Brian Zaghi on upright bass and acoustic guitar. >>>
EILE Magazine 13
The band almost never happened. Sometimes blockbusters don’t get made or the next great American novel dies on the writer’s shelf. Fortunately, the story of Magic Giant is one the public will have the chance to know. What is now a folk revival band with euphoric hooks, a dozen rotating instruments and even some choreography, was first imagined in 2012 when lead singer, Austin Bis, made the New Years resolution to follow his childhood dream and put a band together. Naive and new to LA, he asked around if anyone knew someone who could play banjo, fiddle, and sing harmonies and he was quickly introduced to Zambricki, a recent Nashville transplant. What he did not know, was Zambricki had made that same resolution on that same New Year’s Eve. And so it began. They played a handful of local shows, had their fair share of good times, and like most endeavors, fizzled out. Cue the violins… another band bites the dust. The tale could have easily ended there, but sometimes in life you get a second chance, and as fate would have it, six months later, the phone rang. It was the talent-buyer from the Sweetlife Music Festival (Phoenix, Avicii, The Strokes) who had seen one of those rare, early performances and was intrigued. Unaware of this passion project hiatus, he attempted to book them, setting off a chain of events, that began with “We’re gettin’ the band back together!” Being in the unique situation to showcase a lost project in front of thousands was too hard to resist and so the experimentation began. After one taste of what tour-life and playing under the Sun had to offer, combined with a thunderous response from an enlivened crowd of Washingtonians, 14 EILE Magazine
the crew parlayed one festival into two, landing a slot at the inaugural Life is Beautiful Festival in Las Vegas. But the musicians were not quite ready to cease tweaking their sound. They started weaving mandolins with live horns and drum machines, and added a crucial piece to the puzzle: Brian “Zangarang” Zaghi on upright bass and guitar, who grabbed their attention when Bis stumbled upon an iPhone video of the salsa dancing prodigy. Together they formed the energizing band you see today, hitting capacity with a line down the block of folks turned away, at their first show, March 26, 2014, as the newly minted Magic Giant. The group’s shows are consistently noted for their infectious energy and “vibe.” They decided not leave history up to chance, but to give it everything they have, self-producing their debut EP, and touring it around North America. The self-titled album is available on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ magic-giant-ep/id975868399 Band Members: Austin Bis - Lead vocals ZambrickiBanjo, mandolin, fiddle Brian Zaghi - Upright bass, guitar http://www.magicgiant.com/
EILE Magazine 15
TIGER DUBLIN FRINGE FESTIVAL releases some advance highlights for a special 21st birthday edition Sep 7 - 20 Tiger Dublin Fringe rips up the rule book and releases some advance festival highlights for its special 21st birthday Tiger Dublin Fringe is 21
years old this September. Ireland’s most important festival for new voices and brave performing arts launches a special birthday edition.
taking place in venues throughout the city from September 7 – 20.
Promising a magnificent carnival feel, you’ll savour the very best in Irish and international performing arts with Fringe
The first festival to debut the awe-inspring Spiegeltent in Ireland, Fringe is excited to herald the return of the beloved turn-of-the-century pavilion to its original Irish birth place at Wolfe Tone Square. Expect an exciting two week Spiegeltent programme of events including Australian circus legends Scotch & Soda who promise a cocktail of physical feats and jazz beats performed by daredevil acrobats and mesmerising musicians. Following hugely successful runs in Edinburgh, London and Australia, Scotch & Soda is a brand new circus extravaganza set to take Dublin by storm: Book now to avoid disappointment. The 2015 Spiegeltent
16 EILE Magazine
Left:Circus Extravaganza Scotch & Soda
Tony-nominated Mx Justin Vivian Bond, whose special guest star is Glen Hansard Photo: David Kimelman
EILE Magazine 17
You’re Not Alone photo: Kim Noble
programme traverses circus, music and more; the festival is excited to announce the participation of Tonynominated Mx Justin Vivian Bond, with special guest star Glen Hansard.
18 EILE Magazine
Hailed as the “TransAtlantic Cabaret Messiah”, Bond together with Hansard and musical direction from Thomas Bartlett - creates a one-nightonly spectacular with the Irish debut of Mx Justin Vivian Bond
...And Things of THAT Nature! This evening features original songs from Vivian’s albums Dendrophile and Silver Wells along with astute social commentary, comic anecdotes
about sex in trees and other nature-based extravagances from childhood memoir Tango: My Childhood, Backwards and in High Heels. Feel like some shock therapy comedy? Then you’ll be piqued by Kim Noble’s You’re Not Alone, another Fringe and Dublin debut. The show blends provocative comedy and film where Noble’s ambition is ‘to get
close to people’. You’re Not Alone is a moving and comic production chronicling Noble’s attempts at connection, friendship and employment at B&Q. Don’t miss this intimate glimpse into the mind of an eccentric comedy genius. Tiger Dublin Fringe welcomes three legends of the Irish theatre scene, together with Company SJ, to the festival following an acclaimed run at
London’s Barbican for their International Beckett Season. The company that gave Tiger Dublin Fringe audiences Act Without Words II, Rough for Theatre I and Fizzles, continues its astonishing Beckett in the City project - this time with Beckett’s women. Directed by Sarah Jane Scaife and featuring leading Irish performers, Bríd Ní
Company sj photo: Hazel Coonagh
EILE Magazine 19
Neachtain, Michelle Forbes and Joan Davis. Footfalls, Rockaby, Not I and Come and Go reveal women whose connections between body and soul have been ruptured. The human figure, sound, sight, history, movement, architecture and projection will be presented within the walls of the historic Coláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square, a unique site slated for imminent conversion to a new Northside cultural hub.
Fringe turns 21 this year and we’re celebrating with every other 21 year old Dubliner. In a central project titled TWENTY FIRST, Fringe tasks itself with reaching out to fellow 21 year olds, with the aim of interviewing as many as possible for their input to an imperfect census. If you are 21 and would like to take part in person or learn more about the project, email projects@fringefest.com.
In further birthday celebrations, Tiger Dublin Fringe is now releasing limited tickets for Scotch & Soda and Mx Justin Vivian Bond ...And Things of THAT Nature! at a special rate of €21 –book now online to avail of this once-off deal for these highlight shows.
A fourteen day feast of brand new events, TIGER DUBLIN FRINGE 2015 runs city-wide from September 7 – 20. Early release tickets now on sale at fringefest.com with the full programme available from July 29. More info at: www,fringefest.com
20 EILE Magazine
Glen Hansard Live source: seattlemusicinsider.com
Glen Hansard is the Special Guest of Mx Justin Vivian Bond....And Things Of That Nature! For one night only! Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival EILE Magazine 21
Gig Review: A Very Emotional Jerry Fish!
By M. Butler
On Thursday last (9th July) I went to see Jerry Fish (aka Gerard Whelan) and his band perform at the opening of the new venue downstairs at The Empire Bar in Swords, Dublin. What a treat! The consummate showman entertained the crowds, in spite of the placing of the ‘stage’, at right-angles to the audience, where the band had to contend with people constantly walking right across in front, heading for the bar, the toilet, or to serve drinks as waiting staff. [The auduence had to keep moving back out of the way every couple of seconds, for those oblivious to the privilege 22 EILE Magazine
being offered to them]. Professional as he is, Jerry Fish managed to turn this situation to his advantage, by insisting the walk-throughs dance or wiggle their rear-ends as they as they went – some obliged, to the hilarity of the on-lookers. In spite of it all, you couldn’t help but enjoy Fish’s antics and engagement with the crowd, as the moustachioed-singer gave us a somewhat burlesque performance, assisted very ably by his four-piece band, and the often-overlooked fifthbeatle, the soundman, who controlled the levels perfectly throughout. At times rocky, and at times soulful, the singer switched between the two with ease, as classics like Early To Bed and Upside Down were delivered. His energy didn’t seem
to flag throughout the performance, which included a burlesquetype dancer, by the name of Joanna, I think, who also had her work cut out for her, as the passers-by ignored that there was a show going on. The shy crowd were encouraged to dance right in front of the band by Fish, as he came down from the podium-styled stage to engage with the audience. Self-consciousness soon gave way to daddydancing and mammydancing, as the crowd were affected by the joiede-vivre and charisma of the showman, waving our hands in the air on command, and, for the more energetic, jumping up and down on the spot was engaged in, also by order of he-who-mustbe-obeyed, and before whom we were not worthy. Strangers, who
Jerry Fish
had previously avoided eye-contact with each other, were now laughing at, and with, each other’s efforts. Never giving long intro’s to the songs he sang, to his credit, Jerry Fish launched into to each one seamlessly, where even a change in tempo seemed part of the song before, and the band rose to the challenge with each one, perfectly in synch with
their lead-singer, both as support and as equal partners. When you come away from a gig more energised than when you went in, you know you’ve been in the presence of greatness, and you also know that the venue did not match up to the band’s professionalism, as they engaged the crowd in spite of, and not with the help of, whoever
allowed the situation of the absence of a custombuilt performance area, where there should have been no walk-through. I should also say something here about the wonderful Paul Harrington, who was on before Jerry Fish, and who, because of the lack of a band, and being hidden away in a corner of this self-same podium by the piano, could not EILE Magazine 23
compete with the walk-through situation. His beautiful ballads were barely audible to us, over the noise of the crowd and the movement of passers-by, completely obscuring him from view. Although Paul laughed about it during the performance, you know it must be soul-destroying for a performer to have to endure these types of conditions. Having said that, the Empire Bar itself on ground level, which had ‘Who’s Eddie’ playing, appears to be a really nice place to go to have a meal or a drink. The decor is just the right mix between intimate and modern, and although we didn’t get to see them perform as we were reviewing Jerry Fish and Paul Harrington downstairs, the band area for ‘Who’s Eddie’ seemed to be in a better location for a gig situation. All in all, it was a gig not to be missed. Fish did what he was born to do, and entertained and enchanted the crowd. The music is at times rocky, at times bond-themed especially with the presence of the trumpet, with hints of carnival and burlesque, and the for those who may not have seen him before, Jerry fished in a few new fans in the process! Visit Jerry’s website at http://www.jerry-fish.com/
Jerry Fish in action in Dublin Thursday 9th July
24 EILE Magazine
The Inimitable Jerry Fish
EILE Magazine 25
Photoshopping and Body Image Mark Anthony focuses on the effects, very often negative, of photoshopping fashion and celebrity images
To Photoshop or not to Photoshop. That is the question being raised by many. Photoshopping seems to be one of the latest hot topics creating buzz in the media. The fashion industry has been photoshopping images for years. With eating disorders and low self-esteem as huge issues among young girls that continue to rise, more people are coming forward, speaking out against photoshopping and the negative impact it contributes to these issues. Last year, Vogue unveiled its February 2014 issue, featuring actress Lena Dunham on the cover. Many applauded Vogue for placing someone on their cover who was not the typical “Vogue girl”. Lena Dunham represents someone who tells the world to accept her as she is, flaws and all. She celebrates her uniqueness with an attitude of “I don’t care what you think of me”. It’s refreshing and admired by
26 EILE Magazine
many. Then of course the Jezebel story went live. Jezebel, an online women’s news and culture magazine, expressed their disappointment in the images shown in Vogue, saying the images were obviously photo-shopped, and offered $10,000 for the unretouched images. While Jezebel brings up some valid points regarding photoshopping, and questions why magazines feel the need to “fix”women by altering their images dramatically, the $10,000 image “bounty” was viewed as misplaced by many. Some people offered better ways, in their opinion, to use the $10,000, such as donating it to a charity or organization that focused on positive body image for young girls. However, this can be a broad debate, so let’s take a look at it from both sides. Some would say a little photoshopping is not a bad thing. Whiten some teeth, remove a tattoo, hide some stretch marks
Vogue February 2014 cover featuring Lena Dunham
where images of celebrities in magazines were photoshopped to the point of limbs being removed, as well as waists being more defined, and bodies made to look slimmer. And I am sure every one of us has looked at a magazine cover, or image on a retailer site, and said to ourselves: “That looks photoshopped”. The positive side to ‘no photoshopping’ was evident a few months ago with the launch of two campaigns featuring models whose images were not retouched.
and/or scars. It really depends on what the image is being used for. For example, if it’s a conservative retailer, they may not want any tattoos showing. If it’s a swimwear campaign, the retailer or brand may want the stretch marks photoshopped. In their minds and from their perspective, it’s about marketing that product to consumers. But when is it too much? Jezebel cited some examples of photoshopping
The first campaign featured British plus-size model, Laura Catterall, in a swimwear campaign for Cosmopolitan Australia. At size 14, she is on the smaller side of the plus size modelling range. However, this image in
EILE Magazine 27
particular caught my eye, especially since it was Cosmopolitan magazine. The other campaign that had people talking came from retailer, American Eagle. Their Spring 2014 Aerie Real ad campaign featured all un-airbrushed models with the tagline: “The Real You is Sexy.� Granted, the models in the campaign look to have minimal flaws. However,
28 EILE Magazine
kudos to American Eagle for using larger, straight-sized models, and not photoshopping what we consider normal things, such as a tummy and tattoos, and for using the campaign to promote positive body images. Considering that their customer demographic is 15 – 21 yrold women, this is clearly a fantastic way to convey positive body image through imagery. This brings up the important issue of body image. The important thing to take away from this is that we should not be
Left: Cosmopolitan Australia swimwear ad with plus-size model, Laura Catterall
looking to models in magazines as a way of defining what the perfect body is. Instead of trying to mirror someone else, which is an unrealistic goal, we should be embracing our own individual beauty, no matter what size we are. Change starts within each of us first. Then we can be better examples and mentors to young girls out in the world. Well, all you girls can. I don’t think any girl would look at me and be like “Damn, I wanna be just like him when I grow up”. I think the biggest thing to realize for girls out there is that you can’t let someone define beauty for you. You are your own definition of perfection. Each of us are. These models are like characters in your favourite books or movies, they are based on real people, but in the end, those images are only fictional. Noticing that difference is the important thing here.
Below: Spring 2014 Aerie Real Ad
EILE Magazine 29
Pearl Releases Signature Fragrance For Men and Women Since clawing her way to the Top 3 on this past season’s RuPaul’s Drag Race, the wildly fashionable Pearl has continued her quest of world domination, debuting at #3 on iTunes with her electronic dance album, Pleasure, and starring in The Transformation of Pearl, a photo project by Wilhelmina Artists, where the 24-yearold nonconformist drag performer channeled past icons Farrah Fawcett, 1960s Barbarella, Charlie’s Angels and more. Now Pearl is releasing her own unisex fragrance, Flazéda, named after the word she coined in Drag Race to broadly describe anything positive (“I’m feeling very Flazéda today”). “The word came as a result of being exhausted after
30 EILE Magazine
a long day of filming,” explains Pearl. It has since become a commonly used phrase and hashtag among show fans. Pearl was personally involved in creating Flazéda, consulting with Xyrena perfumers to choose her favorite notes and ultimately selecting the final formula containing top notes of anise, pepper, bergamot, and jasmine; middle notes of amber, lavender, and mandarin; and base notes of sandalwood, vanilla, and vetiver. Pearl describes it as a sexy and exciting fragrance that captures the mood of an opulent night out in New York City. The 1.7 oz. bottle of extrait de parfum (no water added, as opposed to the waterdowned eau de toilette commonly sold in department stores) retails for $124. Pearl’s Flazéda is available now for pre-order at Xyrena.com/Pearl and will begin shipping July 15th.
“We reached out to Pearl about creating a scent a long time before she was one of the Drag Race finalists,”
explains Xyrena founder Killian Wells. Dubbed “The olfactory rebels”, Xyrena is a Hollywoodbased perfumery that specializes in luxury fragrances and cosmeceuticals. “From episode one, we had no doubt Pearl would be the perfect fit as our first brand partner. In drag, she is a classic beauty with an edge. Out of drag, he has that heartthrob look. Pearl’s appeal transcends far beyond
that of the average drag performer.” Wells says he aimed to capture Pearl’s unique duality in the ad campaign for Flazéda. The commercial – or fashion film, as it is being called - features Pearl as both a modern day Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. Shot in a West Hollywood hotel suite, the film is titled “Love Yourself” because the underlying message
is to embrace - and fall in love with - who you are, inside and out. Wells directed along with Xyrena’s Creative Director, Christopher Oroza. “We chose black and white for a classic film noir look and to make Pearl the main focus,” says Oroza. Pearl became a star on the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, standing out with wildly EILE Magazine 31
creative looks. A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, Pearl got her start in Chicago’s drag scene, where she established herself with an act that broke away from the typical showgirl routine that had been popular in Chicago. Hers was a more conceptual and out of the box style of old school drag, a combination that celebrated wealthy Hollywood stars and club kids. In December 2014, Logo announced that Pearl was among fourteen drag queens competing on the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. She would go all the way to the show’s finale, vying for the top prize against Ginger Minj and Violet Chachki. Pearl understands a queen’s time as a Drag Race girl is numbered. “You really just have to take the experience and do anything you can with it. You have to be smart about your future and give the fans what they want.”
“I’ve made a career out of breaking away from the expected,” she continues. “I will never limit myself creatively. I always want to think of something a little more interesting.” That is exactly what Pearl is doing with Flazéda, making herstory as the first RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant to release a signature fragrance.
Pearl’s Flazéda is available now for pre-order at Xyrena.com/Pearl. Pearl can be found online at Instagram.com/pearliaison, Twitter.com/ pearliaison and Facebook.com/pearldragqueen.
32 EILE Magazine
Pearl’s FlazÊda is available now for pre-order at Xyrena.com/Pearl. Pearl can be found online at Instagram.com/pearliaison, Twitter.com/pearliaison and Facebook.com/pearldragqueen.
EILE Magazine 33
Fashion Spotlight On ... Hippie Era Style Lisa Reynolds gives us an overview of what fashion was like in the Hippie era
Non-conformist and a style of self-expression, the hippie style was arguably one of the biggest social, political and fashion movements in history. Growing out of the Beat
34 EILE Magazine
Movement of the 1950s, hippie style took off in the 1960s, with hippies wearing looks such as peasant blouses and jeans, which replaced the beatnik style of black turtlenecks and trousers. Clothing was loose, and popular fabrics included natural fabrics like hemp and cotton. Flowers were a major feature in hippie looks in this “flower power� era. There were
floral patterns on tops and dresses, while flower patches adorned skirts and jeans. Real flowers were worn in hair, while hippies showed their creative side through painting flower images on their faces. They also showed their creative tendancies through their handmade clothing and accessories. Jewellery was handmade, or derived from Native
American or similar designs inspired by nature. Peace signs were popular in accessories and on clothing, as the Vietnam War escalated. Beads were also worn everywhere, and things which made musical sounds, such as bells, were worn as pendants, and ankle-bracelets that made music. Alongside the popular pattern of floral, there was many other patterns utilized by hippies. Some of these were psychedelic designs, paisley, stripes, op-art and tie-dye. They didn’t follow trends, yet their style became a go-to for fashion inspiration for many
runway collections, and still is to this day. Looking for an alternative lifestyle, and standing up against the repressive society they were living in, hippies still managed to find time to look stylish. Mini and micro-mini skirts also became popular, and were often worn with suede kneehigh boots or sandals. When it came to dresses, hippies opted for mainly two different options. There were the short dresses which skimmed the body, and there were the very iconic, long, loose peasant or granny dresses. More hippie
styles included hiphugger bell-bottoms, which often had fringing at the ankle, and flower patches, which were popular elements of the hippie look. Hippies loved any clothing which was handmade, whether it was knit, sewn or woven as macramĂŠ. They also loved to dye their clothes, which gave rise to the tie-dye look. T-shirts and skimpy halter-tops paired with jeans were further popular looks. Long hair was the popular choice of hairstyle, and ribbons often adorned both hair and clothing. Many hippies also
EILE Magazine 35
liked to go barefoot, and many women went braless. Dashikis and long, flowing skirts, which were full, and were decorated with patchwork of nature influences, or Native American, Latin American and Native American patterns were also popular. Many male hippies also had beards. Thrift stores, military surplus stores and fleamarkets were popular sources where many hippies searched for their alternative clothing, and accessories, such as head scarves, flowing scarves, floppy hats, workshirts and headbands. The movement spread universally via a mixture of rock, folk, blues and psychedelic rock music styles, and not only found a niche in fashion and music, but in literature, film, television and the visual arts. Many rock concert posters and album covers had a hippie look to them, which appealed to legions of hippie music lovers. Music was a very integral part of the hippie movement, and the 1969 Woodstock festival was a huge event in the hippie calendar that year, and many of the hippie styles can be seen in the numerous photographs from the festival. The festival also became a fashion
36 EILE Magazine
inspiration at the time, with many people being influenced by the “Woodstock� look. Many celebrities, who were also known for their fashion sense, dressed in hippie style. These included Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Stevie Nicks, and The Mamas & the Papas. Greenwich Village in New York, and the Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco, were popular places where hippies lived, surrounded by culture, politics, music and like-minded people. Hippies challenged many stereotypes, including the traditional view of gender roles in society, with both male and female hippies opting for long hair and jeans, and many female hippies wore little or no make-up. From 1967, the androgynous hippie style was very popular.
Their homes and vehicles were also decorated with psychedelic art, and the very iconic photographs of psychedelic hippie buses show the vibrant colours of the hippie movement in full swing. Through all of this we can see that being a hippie was more than a fashion movement. It was a sense of identity, a lifestyle, and gave people a sense of community and belonging. But it was the clothing that outwardly showed a person was a hippie, and to this day many hippies, admittedly and sadly in less numbers, walk around with their own individual style and a sense of freedom.
“Their homes and vehicles were also decorated with psychedelic art....�
EILE Magazine 37
“Chasing Shadows” exhibition at GalleryX till 6th of August ChasingShadows is a photographic art collective based in Ireland. Founded in 2010, its members incorporate historic and alternative photographic process into their visual arts practices. The aim of Chasing Shadows is to enhance the debate between digital and analogue photography creations especially with regard to the historical methodology of photography.After a very successful exhibition at DIMBOLA – the Julia Margaret Cameron centre on the Isle of Wight in the UK, they are returning to Dublin with an exhibition at GalleryX
from the end of June until the beginning of August. This exhibition is part of the Photo Ireland festival. Members showing are: Alison Baker-Kerrigan,Dominique Beyens Caitriona Dunnett,Monika Fabijanczyk Remco de Fouw, Louis Haugh Jamie Maxwell, Ian Mitton Sharon Murphy, Marie Murray Linda Plunkett, Adrian Reilly Karl Sheridan, Kyle Tunney Dominic Turner ,Gwen Wilkinson and members of the London Alternative Photography Collective
For this exhibition, the gallery will be open Thursday to Saturday from 11AM to 5PM
GALLERYX 3, Herbert Street, Dublin, Ireland 38 EILE Magazine
EILE Magazine 39
A Pride To Make Us Proud! Dublin LGBTQ Pride Parade 2015 The joy was palpable. Each person marching had pride in their stride! The crowd of over 50,000 held flags and banners aloft, as they marched as one mass, with smiling faces painted and brightly-coloured clothes. What a Dublin Pride Day! As the marching crowd neared the Pride Village at
40 EILE Magazine
Grand Marshals: L-R Mark Kelly, Grรกinne Healy and Brian Sheehan
Le Galaxie Merrion Square, they saw more of the same, crowds milling around, already at the venue, waiting in anticipation. The three Grand Marshals, Grรกinne Healy, Mark Kelly and Brian Sheehan, were equally proud to be leading this very special Pride parade, and the crowd were equally proud of them. After a welcome by Jason Flynn, chair of Dublin Pride 2015, who stated that this Dublin Pride was more of a celebration than a protest in view of our Marriage
EILE Magazine 41
Rainbow clad, outside Pride Village, Merrion Sq Photo – M. Butler
Referendum Yes result, people were royaly entertained by Jerry Fish, Elm, and Le Galaxie. The ubiquitous Panti, who looked stunning in pink sequins, acted as MC. There were plenty of PDAs, and the lack of self-consciousness was evident in the relaxed way couples held hands as they walked along, surrounded by family, supporters and allies. As the Village activities came to a close, there was an air of sadness, but that would soon be replaced by the excitement of the parade-goers preparing for a night out at one of the many venues holding after-pride parties, like Motherclub, The George, Pantibar and Nealons.
42 EILE Magazine
Outside Pantibar, Dublin
Photo: M. Butler
“The ubiquitous Panti, who looked stunning in pink sequins, acted as MC”
Panti in pink sequins Panti in pink sequins
Which is just where they went as you can see below. All in all, a proud Pride Day to remember! – M. Butler (eile.ie June 29th 2015)
Outside Nealons Dublin Photo: M. Butler
EILE Magazine 43
!
Opinion:
Thank You, Dublin Pride Scott De Buitléir writes about the massive celebrations at Dublin LGBTQ Pride, and the end to a remarkable, symbolic festival. It’s Sunday afternoon, and I’m in the living room of my apartment, occasionally throwing my eyes up to glimpse at some classic episode of Friends. Meanwhile, my boyfriend naps after his post-Pride breakfast, snoring softly on the sofa. It might sound like a disappointingly mundane way to start off a column piece about Dublin Pride, but that’s intentional – because equality also means normality. This year’s brilliant, colourful, musical, and captivating Dublin Pride parade & festival was the biggest and best way possible for
44 EILE Magazine
the LGBTQ community to say ‘thank you’ to the Irish people for voting in favour of marriage equality this year. It was also a way to extend the party (and maybe wedding) invitations to the wider Irish community and have them celebrate with us all. The amount of people who attended – and also took part in – this year’s festival proves that the invitations were well-received, as it was undoubtedly the most popular Pride festival in Ireland yet. Everyone and everything gets back to normal after a big party, though, and this year’s journey back to normality is a special one. Equality, whether with gay couples, or straight couples, now faces a reality that has been hinted at through jokes – that gay & lesbian
couples deserve to be as miserable as straight couples when it comes to marriage. I hope “miserable” is a little too dramatic, but that normality is something I look forward to experiencing one day. The lazy Sundays with the lie-ins, the food shopping, the nights in with a pizza and some TV, the summer holidays, the walks along the river or in the park – the little moments that aren’t remarkable at all, but are enough to put that smile on your face at the end of the day. The ordinary becomes extraordinary, especially when you’re in love. So, thank you for the good times, Dublin Pride. I think I need to nap after all that partying…!
Dublin Pride Parade 2015 Photo: Scott De BuitlĂŠir
EILE Magazine 45
TCD Seminar: LGBT Rights & The Law – Legal Rights and Legal Change #CICL A seminar about how legal action brings about social change, often through Public Interest Litigation - by M. Butler This seminar on LGBT rights and legal change took place on Friday last (10th July) at Trinity College in Dublin. The Speakers included Senator David Norris, Senator Katherine Zappone, Ann Louise Gilligan, Brian Sheehan of GLEN, and Professor Mark Bell of TCD. The seminar was organised by Professor Ivana Bacik of TCD Law School, and Dr Mary Rogan (DIT Law) in partnership with PILA (Public Interest Law Alliance) the NWCI (National Women’s Council of Ireland) GLEN (the Gay & Lesbian 46 EILE Magazine
Equality Network) and the ICI (Immigrant Council of Ireland). The aim of the seminar was to explore the relationship between legal action and social change, and to promote debate on how Public Interest litigation has influenced social change in Ireland. It was introduced by Professor Ivana Bacik, who gave an overview of what the seminar was about and introduced the speakers. Dr Mary Rogan then spoke explaining that they wished to explore the stories of the individuals behind the litigation, and that the partnership between PILA, the WCI, GLEN and the Immigrant Council had 2 main
objectives – to provide the opportunity to share experiences, and to help NGOs to use the law to effect legal change. Rachel Power of PILA was up next, speaking about how groups can work together for social change, and how the legal system often collides with political systems so that social change cannot come about quickly, even when the people have moved on. Brian Sheehan then spoke, and said he was glad to be speaking before David Norris, as David Norris was a very hard act to follow. He first mentioned that the Gender Recognition Bill had passed all stages the day before, almost unnoticed. He spoke about section 37.1, and
Trinity College Dublin
Lydia Foy’s long battle, and how before this, change for transgenders was based on the medical model, but now, it is based on selfdeclaration, and now Ireland has one of the most progressive pieces of legislation in the world for trans people. He also paid tribute to the litigants, saying it takes courage to become one, and how any change that comes about must be sustainable. These victories affect all Irish people and contribute to future social change. He also spoke about how
cases can sometimes reverse progress and bring in regressive legislation. Changing the rules changes the culture, Brian said, and this changes the lived experience of people. This is why LGBT people must be out, vibrant and visible. There was a culture change as more LGBT became more visible, and with the legal recognition of LGBT parenting. In explaining social sustainability, he cited the case of South Africa [the Civil Union Act 2006] where a change in
the law regarding samesex marriage did not bring social and political changes, and how in the US it took the Supreme Court to rule for federal rights for all to turn the tide. He also said the courts were not activists, and we must use change to leverage further change. You may have equal status, but not systemic change, and we must make sure that all schools, for instance, include LGBT children. He paid tribute to Norris and Dudgeon for their courage and EILE Magazine 47
tenacity in taking cases to decriminalise homosexuality. David Norris stood up next and said how he always resented criminal law which criminalised sexual behaviour. He cited a case where two airmen were charged years ago for “looking lasciviously at each other”, and also spoke of a time when he himself fainted, and was whisked off to hospital, where they told him being a homosexual was a danger to his mental health. He regaled us with some other personal stories which had the hall erupting with laughter. He also paid tribute to various legal professionals who had helped him along the way, including Gareth Sheehan, who is now a judge. He also spoke of how there was subsequently a split in the gay movement in relation to the way forward, with some wanting to take a constitutional line. He also paid tribute to Mary Robinson and Paul Kearney, who is now a judge. He mentioned how, when his own case got to the European Court, where he was not allowed to speak, the Irish judge was the one 48 EILE Magazine
who voted against him. David Norris ended by saying that some political parties produce ministers “who have no principles whatsoever”, but that for the people who didn’t support him, he didn’t give a “fish’s tit”. Again more laughter. Ann Louise Gilligan was next to speak, and said how she had been a philosopher all her career. She said we have become very negative about the legal profession, but that in her case, she had come across extraordinary kindness from the legal profession, and such people as Ivana Bacik, Michael Collins and Ger Hogan. In her case, with wife Katherine Zappone, they were told only good could come of this case, but Ger Hogan said it would get harder. She also told the story of a taxi-driver who collected her from the court, and asked if she knew what was going on there that day. She asked what, and the taxi-driver told her it was about two women who wanted their marriage recognised here. When she asked what he thought, he said: “What harm will it do?”She felt that
this typified the Irish spontaneous response, which was also evident on canvassing for a Yes vote. She also told of how, after taking the case to court, she knew her job was in danger because of section 37, as the Archbishop was manager of St Pats, and although she didn’t lose her job, her recent promotion was rescinded until she indicated that she would fight it. At this point, a compromise was offered by the Archbishop, that she would hold the promotion for four years. She emphasised the importance of probono litigation, and paid tribute to various people who had helped on the way, such as Brophy’s Solicitors Kevin and Phil, Noeleen Blackwell of FLAC and Ger Hogan who stated: The Constitution cannot be stuck in the perma-frost of time”. Senator Katherine Zappone then spoke, and said that she was moved by the privilege to have the opportunity to be among such speakers. She mentioned the #LoveWins campaign in the States, and how on June 26th last, it was a 5-4 decision at the US Supreme Court which brought in
equal marriage in the United States, using the due process and equal protection clauses. She also mentioned that each country is using each other’s legal arguments, campaigns and experiences to win their cases, and how there is the potential to have a global impact on social change. She also quoted Mary Benotto who had said: “Those who fight us organise internationally, and so do we too”. Katherine said that there had been a seismic shift in the cultural foundations of Ireland, but that the impact of that change only drips slowly, and the ripple effect moves into streams and rivers which we can’t even see now. It must come about because of head and heart changes. She also emphasised the importance of Public Interest litigation. Rounding off the list of speakers, Professor Mark Bell spoke of how the LGBT cause often starts with discrimination cases, which moves to anti-discrimination laws and then to family and adoption. He said that equal rights at work, covered by the 1977 Employment Equality Act, was about general equality, but that this did not always protect LGBT people. He spoke about how cases taken at the time might not be successful, but may set up a climate for future success. Bell said that there was very little data about legal cases taken for LGBT discrimination, but that a low level of litigation doesn’t mean that legislation is ineffective, as cases may have been settled beforehand. However, it was of concern that there appeared to be so little use of the law. Many didn’t want to reveal their orientation by taking a case, and hid it at work. Litigation raises awareness and visibility, and so there was a role for Public Interest litigation. He said that the law and policy should be used to further equality. Ivana Bacik then took the floor again to thank the speakers, and a short Q&A session followed. The seminar series forms part of a joint DIT/TCD legal research project, entitled Changing Ireland, Changing Law (CICL) #CICL funded by the Irish Research Council, additional contributions from the Trinity College Dublin Equality Fund, and the Arts & Social Sciences Benefactions Fund.
– M. Butler
EILE Magazine 49
Terminator G e n i s y s
50 EILE Magazine
Frances Winston on Movies Directed by: Alan Taylor Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney, Matt Smith J. K. Simmons He said he’d be back, and true to his word, Arnold Schwarzenegger returns for his fourth outing as the T-800 killing machine that was first introduced to the world back in the original Terminator movie back in 1984. He may have an additional 30 years (and a stint as Governor of California) under his belt since the original, but, as Sylvester Stallone and Liam Neeson have both proved, age is no barrier to action-hero credibility, and this is especially true when it comes to an iconic character such as this. Kicking off in 2029, after judgment day and the rise of the machines, John Connor (Jason Clarke) leads his resistance movement in one final battle against computer giants, Skynet, whose creations have decimated mankind. When they are too late to prevent the original Terminator being sent back to 1984 to kill his mother, Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke) they realise they will have
to send someone else back in order to defeat the killer machine. As his friend and righthand man, Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) steps into the time-travel device, John gets attacked by a machine, and the 1984 he arrives in is not the timeline he was expecting. The original Terminator is now Sarah’s guardian, after an earlier attempt on her life, and his own memories are changing, thanks to time paradoxes that have occurred. You don’t have to have seen the original films to make sense of this, as they very kindly fill you in on all you need to know about the plot. However, if you have seen them you will get a lot more from this movie, as they totally pay homage to what went before. Love him or hate him, the moment when Arnie proper (there is also a young version of him) appears on screen is fantastic. It’s the cinematic equivalent of slipping on an old pair of slippers, and he really shows that he can laugh at himself. Clarke lacks the brawn of the original Sarah Connor, Linda Hamilton, but does an adequate job, and has a good chemistry with Courtney, which really develops as the story
progresses. The plot is a bit all over the place. So many people are jumping back and forth in time, and timelines are disappearing and changing, that it’s best not to try to keep up and just strap yourself in for the ride. That said, it does make it somewhat ironic that the movie features Matt Smith, most famous for playing the ultimate time-traveller, Doctor Who (blink and you’ll miss him though). This is great fun, and a thrill-a-minute rollercoaster. It plays up to its roots, while evolving the story and characters for a new generation. The effects are amazing – particularly in 3D, and the set pieces are jaw-dropping. A proper summer blockbuster in the good old-fashioned tradition, it’s not trying to take itself too seriously, and as long as you don’t either, this is thoroughly enjoyable. There are already two sequels announced, and Schwarzenegger will definitely be in at least one, so you won’t have to wait too long for your next fix either.
In Cinemas Now!
EILE Magazine 51
AMY
52 EILE Magazine
Directed by: Asif Kapadia Starring: Amy Winehouse The story of Amy Winehouse is a modern tragedy that serves as a warning to all the wannabes chasing their 15 minutes via the X Factor or similar. But behind the headlines and sensationalism, Amy was just an ordinary girl with an extraordinary talent, who was thrust into a spotlight that she didn’t know how to cope with. Using previously unseen footage, Amy’s own words, and interviews with those closest to her,, Kapadia pieces together the singer’s story, from her rather ordinary beginnings to her extraordinary rise to fame. Although supremely talented, stardom was never something Winehouse craved. Indeed given that she saw herself as a pure Jazz singer in the style of the old masters, a genre which was rather unpopular at the time, she never expected it either. All she wanted was to be able to play her music her way, but her talent was such that her career quickly became a juggernaut. Writing from the heart, her poignant songs struck a chord, and by the time her second album, Back to Black, was released, her star was meteoric. However her personal life was in turmoil. She had started doing drugs, was drinking a lot and was heavily under the influence of her boyfriend, and later husband, Blake Fielder, who introduced her to crack cocaine. Despite this, the hits kept coming, and the more famous she became the more
the public was bombarded with photographs of a worse-for-wear Am,y stumbling around London looking more like a homeless junkie than a global superstar. While Amy’s rise and downfall and tragic death has been well documented, it has never been told through her eyes. Kapadia doesn’t sugar-coat anything, and watching the fresh-faced healthy youngster blossom into a truly unique artist is all the more heartbreaking because you know the inevitability of her fate. It is heartbreaking to watch her descent into drug addiction - all the more so because so few people around her seemed to care, as they relied on her for their own livelihoods. Despite being incredibly ill at times, she was plonked out on a stage to perform - often with horrifically embarrassing and messy results. In one instance, she was passed out drunk and carried to a plane in her sleep before being brought to a venue and told to perform, despite the fact that she had explicitly stated she didn’t want to do that gig. Almost no-one in her entourage comes out of this well. You can see the heartbreak on her face when her father arrives to see her with a film crew in tow, as he makes a documentary trying to further his own career, while Fielder is clearly only along for the ride and revels in the millionaire stars adoration. One of the most heartbreaking moments comes when she is forced to watch her phenomenal Grammy’s win from the UK after visa issues over her drug use. When one of her heroes, Tony Bennett, comes out on the stage to present her award, her reaction hits you like a kick in
the stomach. She is completely and utterly gutted to be missing the chance to meet him (though they did later record together). Throughout all this there is the music, and when you learn the stories behind some of the songs they become all the more poignant. Not an easy watch, Amy is a well-thought-out documentary that doesn’t sensationalise its subject, but rather sticks to the facts and lets the players do the talking themselves. Although you know the tragic end to her tale, you find yourself willing a different outcome as you get to know her better. In the end, you are left pondering what a senseless waste her death actually was. Her story is a cautionary one. The fact that she crammed so much into her 27 years is of little comfort when you consider all the things she could have accomplished had she lived. You don’t have to be an Amy Winehouse fan to enjoy this film. It is simply the story of a girl who loved music and had a supreme talent for it, who found herself thrust into a spotlight she didn’t know how to cope with. An astonishingly thoughtprovoking work. Bring the tissues for this one. You’ll need them. In cinemas July 24th
EILE Magazine 53
“A Doctor’s Sword” to open at Irish cinemas August 7th Wildcard Distribution is delighted to announce that it has acquired the rights to Gary Lennon’s feature documentary A Doctor’s Sword which is screening at the Galway Film Fleadh this week. A theatrical release is now set for Friday 7thAugust. Galway audiences got a chance to see the film when it played at the Galway Film Fleadh on Thursday 9th July, in Town Hall Studio. A Doctor’s Sword tells the incredible story of Aidan MacCarthy, a young doctor from West Cork who survived some of the most harrowing episodes of World War II (including the atomic bombing of Nagasaki) and his family’s search to uncover the origin of the Japanese Samurai sword, which now resides in MacCarthy’s Bar in
54 EILE Magazine
Castletownbere. Speaking about the theatrical release, filmmaker Gary Lennon said: “It is a real pleasure being able to work with Wildcard distribution on A Doctor’s Sword.
It is rare that one comes across a story like Dr. Aidan MacCarthy’s, he is, for me, a miracle man. His is a story where an Irishman shows the rarest combination of courage and humanity. It is wonderful to be able to share his story on the big screen.” Dr. Aidan MacCarthy stands as one of the most incredible survivors of World War II. He survived Dunkirk and the fall of Singapore; he spent four years as a POW and was just a few hundred metres from the atomic bomb in Nagasaki.
From the ashes of Nagasaki Aidan MacCarthy was given a sword by a Japanese officer but its provenance was shrouded in mystery. Going to Japan, Aidan’s daughter Niki attempts to find this Japanese officer that gave Dr. MacCarthy his ancestral sword. On her journey Niki discovers much more about her father and his remarkable story and the war from both the Allied and Japanese sides. Recreated through animation this is a story of survival, forgiveness and how humanity can scale the highest heights. A Doctor’s Sword screened at the Cork Film Festival last November to a soldout crowd, prompting a second screening and hugely positive reactions. The film was produced by Bob Jackson with funding from BAI, IFB, UCC, Cork City Council and Cork County Council Arts Office.
Aidan MacCarthy EILE Magazine 55
Califor
Symbols o
Left: Jon Davidson of Lambda Legal
Rick Watts celebrates the recent Irish equal marriage referendum result, suggests a new pride symbol, but reminds us that there is still more to do to bring about equality among the gay community and the wider population
THANK YOU IRELAND! Your May 22 decision as a people to welcome LGBT persons into your family has shown the world a light, and the hope that San Francisco-based LGBT civil rights pioneer Harvey Milk called for so many years ago. As you read this, the United Supreme Court will also presumably have already rendered its own judgment on the right to marry. Hopefully “the luck [and good sense] of the Irish” has rubbed off on the American Justices in rendering 56 EILE Magazine
their decision on what “created equal”, “equal justice under law, “liberty and justice for all” mean. Hopefully they have finally learned that the separation of church from state exists to protect each from the other—and thereby all of us from abuses by either. These are lessons that, alas, far too much of humanity has yet to learn...but which the Irish people have provided now a template. THANK YOU, Ireland for becoming the eager vessel of that hope that is so badly needed by so many
people around the world. And for the Irish people, who, having suffered so much in so many ways over the centuries, to have risen above it all to recognize that we ALL are family—on Harvey Milk’s birthday, no less-well, it just makes your act and example all the sweeter, and all the more inspiring for other troubled areas of the world. To borrow from that old Irish blessing, “May the sun shine warm upon your face!” And may we all learn from your example. You have taught us all a lesson about what
rnia Dispatch:
of Pride
it means to live in a free society, where democracy is used not as a tool for the majority to oppress difference, but to embrace it as worthy and enriching to the fabric and potential whole of which we each are a part. However, as appropriate a celebration as this moment is, we would be remiss if we merely rushed headlong into assimilation and apathy, instead of seizing it as a catalyst to rededicate ourselves to the great tasks that remain yet undone, even where marriage is already a reality. Last Thursday night here in West Hollywood, the AMAZING civil rights attorney Jon Davidson, of the equallyamazing Lambda Legal organization, was honored for his invaluable contributions to LGBT equality and justice. Jon’s brilliant work has been critical in ending antiLGBT discrimination in the United States military, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Boy Scouts, and marriage and all the rights attached thereto; serving to open
to participation by LGBT persons all of these institutions, which once were, before his work, avowedly hostile to us. In his acceptance remarks, Jon presciently warned us against that assimilation and apathy; and reminded us that the quest for freedom and justice is far from over:
with greater resources… the fight for the gay teen kicked out of his home and engaging in survival sex on the streets; for the woman savagely attacked just because she’s transgender; for the lesbian living in an assisted living center denied visitation by her partner…for the bisexual employee denied a promotion and harassed “…Indeed, what the battles by both straight and about equal access to each gay co-workers because of these institutions have she’s bi, but who lives in really been about, at the a state without express deepest level, is choice… legal protections; for choices about how to live the HIV-positive man our lives. Choice is central whose sex life has been to the rights of liberty, illegitimately criminalized; freedom, dignity, equality for the African-American and justice. Choice is churchgoers savagely about us, as individuals, murdered…and for all having the freedom to living in this country and decide what is right for around the world who ourselves (so long as are wrongly incarcerated, others are not harmed by who are hungry, disabled those choices) rather than or sick, and who are having the government or struggling because of our neighbors decide what poverty or due to racism, is right for us… sexism, religious or political persecution or …Our work is very far from other forms of intolerance done because there are and hatred. many in our community who continue to have A couple mornings ago I their choices limited helped a couple colleagues unjustly. Impoverished, from the Stonewall low-income, and workingDemocratic Club setting class LGBT people have far up an information fewer choices than those booth for the annual EILE Magazine 57
“Transgender Pride” at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s cultural event facility. As I drove off to head up to meet with “This Way Out” radio production staff elsewhere, I noticed a couple of homeless youth dragging their belongings across the street. One of their backpacks came apart mid-street, spilling sleeping bag and all into the traffic lane. Both persons were clearly having trouble getting their burdens to the sidewalk, and both were obviously not only tired but feeling effects from the current summer heat wave, so I stopped to help and offer each a bottle of water, for which they were grateful. As we introduced ourselves, Shane and Thomas noted the AIDS LifeCycle volunteer shirt I was wearing, and I told them that I’d recently returned from the Ride (my 10th year), and that I had been HIV-positive for 31 years; two of which were with fullblown AIDS, and that I too had twice almost been homeless. Hearing that, Shane replied that he’d contracted HIV four years before.
at the moment they were homeless, and were simply trying to make their way to the LGBT Center’s Youth Services facility a few blocks away for a meal when I’d encountered them. I offered a ride, which they eagerly accepted, along with the water. And during the drive I learned that Thomas had recently earned his certification as a Nursing Assistant, while Shane had just gotten a job as well, but that it just wasn’t enough to put a roof over their heads…at least not so far. And since the Center’s emergency shelter was full, they were in the meantime relegated to sleeping wherever they could.
proclamation to me of their seemingly indefatigable love and hope for each other and themselves in spite of their obvious present adversities. And I remembered Jon Davidson’s words about the work not being done; about the dangers of assimilating, even as we embrace our right to be treated as equals.
The Greek letter “lambda”, which Jon’s organization adopted as its symbol/moniker, was itself adopted many years earlier by gay activists, because of its use in mathematics to mean “potential.” And like the pink triangle adopted by AIDS activists in the 1980s in an act of reclaiming that symbol from Nazi Upon arrival at the Germany’s use of it Youth Center, I to mark homosexual offered a few words concentration camp of encouragement inmates, the “lambda” as we unloaded their came for a time to belongings; reminding symbolize defiantly that them that I’d once we would not go back almost been in their into the closets, where shoes, and that things too many cowered will get better if they can in fear for too long. just hang in there and And that in turn led support each other— me to think about the that communication and Rainbow flag, that now, mutual support through more than the other bad times and good two, symbolizes the are what marriage and LGBT movement. friendship are all about. For me the Rainbow They proudly mentioned As I drove off, I flag, including as it that they were engaged pondered on Shane does ALL the colors to be married--but that and Thomas’ mutual of the rainbow into a 58 EILE Magazine
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 59
single fabric, means much more than LGBT visibility or equality—as important as those are. To me, the very fact that ALL the colors are there in ONE symbol signifies that as we—all of us—despite our unique “colors” as belonging to this or that sexual orientation or identity, religion or faith tradition, national or ethnic or racial background, or the myriad other categories into which we humans seem bent on dividing ourselves, and too-often away from one another; despite all these…we truly are ONE people; ONE humanity. And that is something, during Pride Month, of which we all can be proud. And, though I am not Irish, and have never (yet) visited your land, might I submit that I’d like to add one more symbol of hope and potential to inspire the LGBT community and the rest of humanity: the shamrock!
[Note: Little did Rick know at the time of writing that his own country’s Supreme Court would bring in equal marriage a month later in the US. Congratulations all, we’re delighted for you here at EILE Magazine!]
This shamrock to the right, and the one on page 5 was done by us at EILE to congratulate you all, on the passing of equal marriage, as suggested Rick Watts (above) as a symbol of hope!
60 EILE Magazine
Rick Watts Rick Watts Based in Los Angeles, Rick is an LGBT activist and contributor to the NewsWrap segment of LGBT radio show, This Way Out. He is also a board member of TWO’s production company, Overnight Productions.
US: HRC Call To Remove Obstacles To Marriage Equality Immediately After Friday’s (26th June) sweeping ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States, striking down bans on marriage equality in all 50 states, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, called on state officials to act with all deliberate speed to remove remaining obstacles to marriage equality. In individual letters to the governors and attorneys general of Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota,Tennessee, and Texas (states where marriage licenses were not previously being issued to same-sex couples statewide)
and of Alabama (where the state supreme court had sought to obstruct the issuance of marriage licenses), HRC’s Legal Director Sarah Warbelow made the case for immediate action: “In order to be in full compliance with the law, we urge you to take immediate action to ensure that all Justices of the Peace begin issuing marriage licenses to all eligible couples immediately. […] Delaying the issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples is not only unlawful, but allows the discriminatory impacts of an unconstitutional law to continue.” In a sweeping 5-4 ruling issued earlier on Friday (26th), the majority of the Supreme Court made clear that bans on marriage equality did not pass constitutional muster—and that all 50 states should begin extending the right to marry to all committed and loving couples. (eile.ie 29th June 2015)
EILE Magazine 61
Irish Welcome for Historic US Supreme Court Decision on Marriage In a historic decision, the Supreme Court of the United States has today (June 26th) declared that marriage for lesbian and gay couples is a right that must be available across every State in the US.
struggle for our rights, here in Ireland, in the US and across the world. “The overwhelming victory Today’s outcome is in the Irish referendum wonderful for lesbian and has led to increased gay citizens across the support for equal access US, in particular for those to civil marriage in living in States which other countries. We had banned marriage. are confident that the Like Ireland, all that will US Supreme Court happen now is that lesbian decision will strengthen and gay couples will get progress towards full married” said Rose. equality for LGBT people. Both decisions send a “While much remains to very strong message be done across the world of inclusion, value and to ensure that LGBT equality to lesbian and gay people can live freely, people everywhere” said without threat, today’s The US now joins Ireland Rose. decision will inspire and 20 other countries activists to continue to across the world where “The decision by the campaign for equality and lesbian and gay couples Supreme Court reflects the the human right to marry can marry. profound transformation the person you love” in attitudes to LGBT concluded Rose. “The resounding decision people over the last decade of the Irish People in in many parts of the (eile.ie 28th June, 2015) the marriage equality world. The referendum referendum, and the US result here in Ireland Supreme Court decision demonstrated that the today, together mark public are hugely in a turning point in the advance of liberty, equality support of equality for LGBT people” said Rose. and acceptance for LGBT people across the world” “It has been a long said Kieran Rose, GLEN
62 EILE Magazine
Chair, welcoming the decision.
Kieran Rose, Chair of GLEN
“While much remains to be done across the world to ensure that LGBT people can live freely, without threat, today’s decision will inspire activists to continue to campaign for equality and the human right to marry the person you love” EILE Magazine 63
Major Milestone in Providing Legal Certainty to LGBT Employees GLEN warmly welcomes the passage of the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2015 in the Seanad yesterday evening (9th July) which amends the provisions of Section 37(1) of the Employment Equality Act.
employments that are funded by the tax payer, to live openly and enjoy the same employment protections as their coworkers” . “The Bill provides a critical springboard for the cultural change necessary in our schools; change that ensures that all people, whether they’re working or learning, can do so in an environment that is welcoming and affirming of who they are. While legislation is very important, everyone with an interest in ensuring that schools are welcoming, fair and safe have a role to play in creating such a culture”
“Today marks a very important milestone in reaching the day when LGBT employees of religious, medical and educational institutions no longer need to hide their sexual orientation, gender identity, civil or family status”, said Kieran stated Rose. Rose, GLEN Co-chair. He continued: “The Bill, when it completes its passage through the Dáil, will give much greater legal confidence to LGBT people working in religious run
64 EILE Magazine
“GLEN affirms the principle that every employee should enjoy equal protections in their workplace and in their recruitment and promotion prospects. This Bill moves a major step closer to that principle for
those working in publicly funded institutions. We remain hopeful that the Bill may be further strengthened during its passage through the Dáil, by providing the same protections for privately funded institutions and increased certainty around protections for all employees” said Rose. “While many transgender employees are covered under the gender ground and therefore through the provisions of this Bill, further protections to ensure that all trans employees are equally protected remain to be addressed”, he continued. “To date Section 37.1 has served to create a chilling effect for many LGBT employees. The existing provisions pose a threat of discrimination which has served to silence thousands of teachers in our schools” said Rose. “The Bill as passed by the Seanad will go a long way towards thawing the
“Today marks a very important milestone in reaching the day when LGBT employees of religious, medical and educational institutions no longer need to hide their sexual orientation, gender identity, civil or family status”
Kieran Rose
threat hanging over LGBT and other employees. GLEN believes that most Irish people, including all those who demonstrated their support for lesbian and gay people in the marriage referendum, would agree that no person should have to hide who they are in their workplace, be that in a school, hospital or any other workplace” concluded Rose. We offer our thanks to Minister Aodhan O’Riordan TD and his officials, and to Senators Ivana Bacik, Averil Power, Katherine Zappone and Jillian Van Turnhout and all the Senators for their work on the Bill. (eile.ie 10 July 2015)
EILE Magazine 65
Russia: A Change Of Heart Towards LGBT Relationships? Russian journalist, Dmitry Kiselyov, is apparently evolving in his attitude to gay relationships, even if not actually endorsing equal marriage.
to make life easier for adult people who want to take upon themselves – including in a contractual way – the obligations to care for one another. After all, love can work miracles, who is against that?”
In the weekly programme, Vesti Nedeli (News of the Week) for June 28th, he urged people not to think about gay relationships in terms of sex, but to think of civil unions as you Kiselyov, appointed by would think about laws to Putin in 2013 as head do with guardianship, that of the offical Russian is, that it does not matter government-owned international news agency, what gender the guardian Rossiya Segodnya, is more or ward is. famous for his stance that LGBT people should not be However, he stated that allowed to donate blood or marriage should only be between a man and a organs, among other antiwoman. gay statements, and his anti-American rants. “But civil unions are a different thing, a different However, in his coverage level” he stated, adding of the American Supreme that “we don’t need to see Court decision to allow men wearing white lace equal marriage, he to weddings, or throwing appears to have spoken bouquets over their out in favour of Civil shoulders”. Partnerships. “We can figure out how 66 EILE Magazine
According to Radio Free
Europe, another Russian politician, deputy head of the committee on constitutional legislation of the Federation Council, Konstantin Dobrynin, also urged Russians to try to find a “legal form, that would ensure a social balance on this topic between the conservative part of society and all the rest”. He suggested that the policy of “don’t ask, don’t tell” should be applied to sexual minorities, “those who hold non-traditional sexual orientation” when he was interviewed by Interfax on June 28th. He said that this principle could be established by law, and also said it was important for Russia not to turn away from the realities of time. He felt that it was only a matter of time before minorities got equal rights, of which they have been deprived. Dobrynin said that it was most important to reduce the intensity of aggression against minorities, and only time will tell how Russia will be judged in
Dmitry Kiselyov
this regard. In response to questions about Vitaly Milanov’s call to ban facebook because of the rainbow-striped photographs, Dobrynin said that the state needed to be protected from these quasi-politicians [like Milanov] who are making these uncalled for statements. He said it is they, and not the gay community, who are a direct and obvious threat to Russia’s security. – MKB (eile.ie July 1st 2015)
“After all, love can work miracles, who is against that?”
EILE Magazine 67
NUI Galway students raise over €6,000 to end homophobia Students from NUI Galway have raised over €6,000 in aid of BeLonG To Youth Services, Ireland’s national organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual & trans young people. Over the last academic year (Sept 14’ - Jun 15’) the Students Union and multiple Student led Clubs & Societies ran fundraising events in aid of BeLonG To including a Sponsored Climb of Croagh Patrick with the NUIG Mountaineering Club. Speaking last Thursday (June 25th) at the cheque presentation, Oisín O’ Reilly - Fundraising Manager with BeLonG To said: “We’re delighted & extremely thankful with the efforts of the students to raise funds in aid of our work. We’ve invested just short of €40,000 in the last five years in the 68 EILE Magazine
support service for LGBT Young People in Galway City, County and the wider Mid West Region. The funds raised by the NUI Galway students will help fund our work to bring about an end to homophobia.” BeLonG To supports and funds a nationwide network of LGBT youth group embedded within mainstream youth work organisations. In Galway City the local LGBT youth group is called shOUT! LGBT Youth Project which is run by Youth Work Ireland Galway and was the first LGBT Youth Group outside Dublin accredited by BeLonG to in 2008. The group meets weekly on Friday’s & Saturdays providing a mix of one-to-one and peer based supports to LGBT young people in Galway. Speaking at the presentation Declan Higgins, Student’s Union President said: “Despite the constant cutbacks and daily challenges we all face, students have once
again done their bit to help others. NUI Galway students have a very proud tradition of raising money for charities and they have excelled themselves this year.” NUI Galway Students Union selected two charities for the last academic year, BeLonG To, and Console, raising a total of €12,500 which was divided equally between the two charities. BeLonG To Youth Services, founded in 2003, is the national organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual & trans (LGBT) young people. BeLonG To provides support services to LGBT young people, their families, and professionals who work with LGBT youth, through our nationwide network of 22 locations across the country. To contact BeLonGTo, visit www.belongto.org (eile.ie July 2nd 2015)
[L -R] Margaret Tierney (Console), Declan Higgins (NUIG SU President), Aoife Ní Shúilleabháin (NUIG Welfare) Phelim Kelly (NUIG Education) & Oisín O’ Reilly (BeLonG To) Photo: Aengus McMahon
“We’re delighted & extremely thankful with the efforts of the students to raise funds in aid of our work. We’ve invested just short of €40,000 in the last five years in the support service for LGBT Young People in Galway City, County and the wider Mid West Region. The funds raised by the NUI Galway students will help fund our work to bring about an end to homophobia” - Oisín O’Reilly
EILE Magazine 69
Japan: LGBT Group Call For Marriage Equality As Human Right Yesterday, 7th July, members of the LGBT community in Japan filed a complaint with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations to have samesex marriage recognised as a human right. Toshimasa Yamashita, a lawyer, said that the JFBA will investigate the complaint, and may then issue a warning to the central government to
rethink its strategy on gay marriage .The complaint states that it is unconstitutional not to allow equal marriage, contradicting the principles of equality and individual dignity which are guaranteed by the Japanese Constitution. Although the warning would be non-binding, Yamashita said it would have farreaching effects, and being very comprehensive, it would inform future trials and legislation as these arise.He also
believed that the recent Supreme Court decision in the US would lend weight to the complaint. The group argue that not having equality with heterosexual couples opens them to disadvantages such as in the areas of health insurance and inheritance issues. It also deprives them of the “right to pursue happiness” as guaranteed by the Constitution. –MKB (eile.ie 8th July 2015)
Epcot Japan Gate 70 EILE Magazine
EILE Magazine 71
US: IACHR Condemns Killing of Trans Woman in El Salvador Francela Méndez
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has condemned the killing in El Salvador of Francela Méndez, a trans woman and defender of human rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans and intersex (LGBTI) persons. According to reports, so far this year at least seven trans persons have been killed in El Salvador, in circumstances yet undetermined. The information available reveals the existence of a high level of impunity with respect to the crimes against trans persons in 72 EILE Magazine
the country. Francela Méndez was an active defender of the human rights of the transgender community in El Salvador. She joined the board of “Colectivo Alejandría” since its foundation in 2010, an organization dedicated to promote the rights of LGBTI persons. She was also involved in the implementation of a program against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, and she was part of the Salvadoran Human Rights Defenders Network. Reports say that she was killed by unknown persons on May 30, 2015, when she was at a friend’s house, who was also killed.
The IACHR has urged the El Salvador to initiate an exhaustive investigation to be conducted with due diligence, and to prosecute and punish those responsible. In particular, the IACHR encourages the State of El Salvador to follow lines of investigation that take into account whether the killing of Francela Méndez is related to her work in defense of the human rights of LGBTI persons, or whether it was committed because of her gender identity. The Commission welcomes the message by the Attorney General for the Defense of Human Rights of El Salvador, David Morales, who on June 4th condemned the killings, and who, according
to media reports, had requested the District Attorney’s Office to investigate this killing without discrimination, and stated that the impunity of the killings of trans persons encourages their repetition. The IACHR has praised the efforts of the El Salvador to protect and promote the rights of LGBTI persons in recent years, such as the signing of Executive Order No. 56/2010 to prevent discrimination within the Public Administration, the creation of the Sexual Diversity Unit within the Ministry of Social Inclusion and the establishment of the Permanent Roundtable for the Human Rights of LGBTI persons within the Office of the Attorney General for the Defense of Human Rights. However, the information available to the IACHR indicates that violence against LGBTI persons in El Salvador has exacerbated in recent years. In the context of countries with high levels of insecurity and organized crime, it is particularly important for States to adopt a differentiated approach to guarantee the rights to life and integrity of LGBTI persons and defenders of human rights of LGBTI persons, who are particularly
vulnerable to violence by armed groups. The Commission has urged the State of El Salvador to take additional measures to combat discrimination and violence against LGBTI persons. It is necessary to adopt a gender identity law and other measures to eradicate existing social prejudices about gender identity and sexual orientation. It is also essential to advance in the implementation and adoption of legislative measures and public policies, among others, which afford effective protection to defenders of LGBTI rights. The IACHR recommends the State to produce official data on violence and discrimination against LGBTI people.
the IACHR urges the State to adopt all necessary measures to ensure the right to life, physical integrity, and security of human rights defenders, including those who work on issues related to discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. A principal, autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), the IACHR derives its mandate from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The InterAmerican Commission has a mandate to promote respect for human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. (eile.ie 9th June 2015)
Attacks on leaders of LGBTI organizations have the effect of intimidating them and LGBTI persons in general. This fear is exacerbated by the impunity in which these attacks usually remain, resulting in their repetition. The work of human rights defenders is critical for building a solid and lasting democratic society, and defenders play a leading role in the process to fully implement the rule of law and to strengthen democracy. In addition, EILE Magazine 73
US: State Appeals Court Hears Arguments In Gay Couple Cake Discrimination Case The Colorado Court of Appeals heard oral arguments yesterday (7th) in a discrimination case brought by a same-sex couple against a cake shop that refused to sell them a cake for their wedding reception. In 2012, Colorado residents David Mullins and Charlie Craig visited Masterpiece Cakeshop to order a wedding cake. Mullins and Craig planned to marry in Massachusetts and then celebrate with family and friends back home. Masterpiece owner Jack Phillips informed the couple that, because of his religious beliefs, it was his
74 EILE Magazine
standard business practice to refuse to provide cakes to customers for samesex weddings. Phillips has turned away several other couples for the same reason. “As marriage equality becomes law all across the nation, it’s especially disheartening that we’re still fighting this battle where businesses like Masterpiece Cakeshop feel they can violate the law and discriminate against us just because of who we are and who we love,” said Mullins. His partner Craig added, “It’s time we moved on from using religion as an excuse to discriminate. No one should be told they are less than anyone else, especially at a joyous time like a wedding.” Colorado’s AntiDiscrimination Act prohibits businesses, such as Masterpiece Cakeshop, from refusing service based on factors including race, sex, national origin, or sexual
orientation. The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Colorado filed suit on behalf of Mullins and Craig in 2013. In December 2013, an administrative law judge ruled that the bakery had illegally discriminated against the couple. In 2014, the Colorado Civil Rights Commission affirmed that ruling. Masterpiece Cakeshop appealed. “Nobody gets to pick and choose which laws they want to follow,” said ACLU of Colorado Legal Director Mark Silverstein. “If a business owner is allowed to simply cite personal beliefs as a basis for turning away same-sex couples, then what stops a doctor from denying medical care to the child of same-sex parents or a police officer from refusing to defend a church or a synagogue?” “This case is not about cake. It’s about
David Mullins and Charlie Craig Photo: f/b
longstanding civil rights laws that ensure that businesses open to the public are open to everyone,” said Ria Mar, Staff Attorney for the ACLU LGBT and AIDS Project, who argued the case before the Court yesterday morning. For more information about Charlie Craig and David Mullins v. Masterpiece Cakeshop: https://www.aclu.org/cases/charlie-craig-and-david-mullins-vmasterpiece-cakeshop
“Nobody gets to pick and choose which laws they want to follow”
EILE Magazine 75
Australia Parliaent House - Photo: JJ Harrison
Australia: Advocates Welcome Timetable For Cross-Party Marriage Equality Bill Marriage equality advocates have welcomed reports a cross-party marriage equality bill will be introduced into parliament in early August, and go to the Coalition Party for debate on a free vote on August 18th. It is reported that a cross-party bill cosponsored by Liberals, Warren Entsch and Teresa Gambaro, two Labor MPs, and independents, Andrew Wilkie and Cathy McGowan, will be introduced on August 11th.
76 EILE Magazine
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said:
mobilisation, rallies and advertising campaigns throughout July and across the nation.”
“Because this bill will be signed by two Liberals it will have the best chance of achieving a Coalition free vote, and because it has cross-party support it has the best chance of passing.”
Mr Croome said he is very hopeful the Coalition will remove the last hurdle to marriage equality by allowing a free vote on the cosponsored bill.
“With momentum growing after marriage equality in Ireland and the US, this bill gives Australia the strongest opportunity we have ever had of achieving marriage equality.” “We aim to win majority support in parliament with grassroots
“It is untenable for Coalition MPs to introduce legislation they can’t vote on” he said. (eile.ie 2nd July 2015)
EILE Magazine 77
Mozambique: Victory For LGBT Community As Anti-Gay Law Removed
Mozambique has overturned an antigay law which has been on the law books since Portuguese colonial times. A new penal code, signed into law in December last, came into effect yesterday, Monday 29th June, and effectively decriminalises homosexuality, which has been a crime in Mozambique since 1886. However, since 1975, when the country became independent, no-one has been arrested for the
78 EILE Magazine
offence of “vices against nature”. The LGBT rights organisation, Lambda, has welcomed the new code, but says it should also include legislation which would stop discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, Danilo Da Silva, of Lambda, says the group considers it a win, having been fighting for decriminalisation for seven years. The organisation also confirmed that it has still not been registered as an NGO, despite requesting it for the last 8 years. It is a
process which should only take about 40 days, but even the new Minister for Justice has ignored their requests to meet him, in spite of the UN telling Mozambique to speed up the process for Lambda. Da Silva says that registration is a fundamental right, and he expects the matter to come up in 2016 when the UN again review Mozambique’s human rights. –MKB (eile.ie 30th June 2015)
Information and support for women who need someone to talk to
DLL – Phone: (01) 872 9911 (Callback facility available) EILE Magazine 79
Design: Anthony Zagariko, exclusively for EILE Magazine
80 EILE Magazine
EILE Magazine 81
BeLonG To and Minister Kevin Humphreys launch new resource for transgender young people and their families at Dublin Pride Festival In the wake of their successful marriage equality referendum campaign, and while the Gender Recognition Bill is at committee stage in the Dail, BeLonG To – Ireland’s LGBT youth organisation, launches a new resource for transgender young people.
transgender young people, who have drawn on their own personal experiences to make the process of coming out easier for others” He continued:
“We are working to make Ireland a society where transgender children and their families have their identities and rights fully recognised. They deserve and need this. This booklet is a step on this journey. Working with government to include Speaking at the launch, proposed amendments so BeLonG To’s Founding that transgender young Director Michael Barron people are fully included said: the the forthcoming Gender Recognition Bill “We are so proud that is also vital. We have an the Irish people voted for Equality for lesbian and gay incredible opportunity to make Ireland a leading young people. We are now country in the world for pushing for full Equality transgender youth rights.” for transgender young people,including a Gender Recognition Bill which is fully inclusive of them. The resource we are launching tonight was written by
82 EILE Magazine
Launching the resource, Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection, Kevin Humphreys TD, with
responsibility for the Gender Recognition Bill, said: “This is an important time for the transgender community and I am proud to be centrally involved in piloting the Gender Recognition Bill through the Oireachtas. This resource we are launching here tonight is particularly important. It sets out some very clear messages, Gender identity is personal to each of us and every person is entitled to express that in our own individual way; Gender identity is part of what we are but it is not the only thing that defines us. I am hopeful that the final steps in the Gender Recognition Bill will be completed by Government as soon as possible. This will mean that we will have a very progressive system of gender self-recognition on the statute books.” The Gender Recognition Bill is: An Act to recognize
change of gender; to provide for gender recognition certificates; to amend the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, the Civil Registration Act 2004, the Passports Act 2008 and the Adoption Act 2010; and to provide for matters connected therewith. BeLonG To runs IndividualiTy – Europe’s oldest transgender youth support group, which was founded in 2007, and which has been singled out for international recognition. Speaking at the launch, Lisa McKenny, who coordinates this group said: “Recently we have experienced a huge rise in young people accessing the service as well as families reaching out for support . Transgender young people are coming out at a much younger age now and they and their families need support and
recognition. That is why we are here and why this publication is so important. We see firsthand the extreme isolation that trans young people and their families can experience– very often facing numerous barriers and all too often report feeling frustrated and left extremely vulnerable. This booklet aims to reach out to these and other young people, their friends, families and communities with a positive and empowering message – that it’s completely ok to be Transgender or to explore your gender identity– we recognise you and are here to support you” Alex Lawson, who is 19 years old and a member of IndividualiTy, said: “As more and more young people seek out information on the internet, this booklet provides something that has been lacking – the internet is full of misinformation,
but this booklet provides clear bulletpointed information. It compacts a world of gender-identity into easy terms and emphasises throughout that it’s okay for us to be ourselves. It is so important that transgender young people can access this information and that their society recognises and values us for who we are. Thank you to BeLonG To for supporting us to make this project possible and for pushing for our lives to be valued and respected.” BeLonG To is the national LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) youth organisation for 14-23 years.
For more information, visit http://www. belongto.org (eile.ie 25th June 2015)
EILE Magazine 83
LGBT Helpline & Gay Switchboard Ireland to Launch Online Support Services The LGBT Helpline and Gay Switchboard Ireland have announced details of new online support services, which will be available from July. Both organisations already provide a confidential telephone support and information service for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, as well as for their family and friends. The new online messaging resource will be accessed via each organisation’s website and will be staffed by trained volunteers who are LGBT identified. The free and confidential service will complement the organisations’ helplines. Once on the site, an instant message box prompt will appear, 84 EILE Magazine
allowing the user to ‘chat’ in real time with a trained volunteer. Initially, a weekend online support service will be offered for the summer months, with service hours being extended from the autumn. The LGBT Helpline’s online support service will operate from 4pm to 6pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The service will be extended to match the helpline’s hours of operation from September. Gay Switchboard Ireland will also initially offer a weekend online support service, operating on Fridays from 6.30pm to 9pm, on Saturdays from 2pm to 6pm and on Sundays from 4pm to 6pm. It will extend its hours to mirror its phone service from September. Coordinator of the LGBT Helpline, Paula Fagan said: “We have seen a huge increase in the level of traffic to our website
and online messaging looking for support so we wanted to respond to that need. The top three visited pages provide information on LGBT, coming out, and getting support locally. “More than 60 per cent of visitors to our site are under 34 years of age and we believe that an instant online support service would appeal to that younger demographic. In the age of smartphones, it also provides a more discreet way for people to access instant help and support.” She added: “The passing of the Marriage Equality Referendum last month offers great progress and the positive result encouraged more people to come out, and to seek support from us. However, while this is a step in the right direction, people still need support and it will take years to change the stigma for LGBT people. “This is Dublin Pride week
and we felt it an appropriate time to announce details of our new online support service.” Adam Shanley, director of Gay Switchboard Ireland, said: “We too have seen an increase in traffic to our website. We decided to explore an online support service in a bid to ensure that we adapt to the way in which LGBT people and their families seek support in a digital age. “We have found that some service users can find it difficult to verbalise how they are feeling over the phone. Last year we launched email support in an effort to create new ways in which LGBT people can reach out to us. This chat support service allows us to expand and diversify the support we offer to the community even further.” The LGBT Helpline and GSI online support services launch on July 3. (eile.ie 25th June 2015) EILE Magazine 85
HRC Foundation’s Groundbreaking Conference On LGBTQ Youth to be Held in Dallas The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, in partnership with the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Counseling Association (ACA), is proud to announce that it will be holding its nationallyacclaimed Time to THRIVE conference for educators and youth-serving professionals at the Marriott Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center outside Dallas from February 12 – 14, 2016. In its third year, this premier event of the HRC Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil
86 EILE Magazine
rights organization, will address safety, inclusion and well-being for LGBT and questioning youth, and bring together a wide range of youthserving professionals to discuss best practices for working with and caring for LGBTQ youth and their families in schools, community centers, healthcare settings, and beyond. “We are thrilled to host Time To THRIVE in Dallas, where we have a strong base of LGBTQ supporters and advocates ready to help us bring our message to new audiences of teachers, counselors and others working with youth in Texas and beyond,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “As we continue to make great strides toward full equality across the country, we remain dedicated to ensuring LGBTQ youth everywhere have the opportunity to live proudly – and safely – in school and at home without fear of marginalization or
discrimination.” The conference in previous years has featured actress Ellen Page’s deeply inspirational coming out speech that quickly went viral; special guests including Chelsea Clinton, Lance Bass, Dolores Huerta, and Betty DeGeneres; and, in 2015, Time To THRIVE award-winners Michael Sam, the first openly-gay NFL football player, and actor and LGBTQ activist George Takei.
“We are honored to bring the third annual Time to THRIVE conference to North Texas, a central location for youthserving professionals across the nation who wish to attend” said Dr. Vincent Pompei, Conference Chair and Director of HRC Foundation’s Youth Well-Being Project. “North Texas is home to more than 15,000
LGBTQ youth, and we know from experience that Dallas has great wisdom to share about improving the lives of these young people.” “We have seen heartening progress in the Dallas area, including the adoption of comprehensive anti-bullying policies that include sexual orientation and gender identity in its two largest school districts,” Pompei said. “This was accomplished with strong support from the Dallas-based Resource Center, an LGBTQ community center that is providing exemplary services to LGBTQ youth to strengthen their family and peer relationships, and address their overall well-being.” According to Growing Up LGBT In America, HRC Foundation’s 2012 survey of more than 10,000 LGBTQ young people, LGBTQ youth in the United States still face unique challenges. Only half of LGBTQ youth surveyed say that they “fit in” in their community; LGBTQ youth are more
than twice as likely to be verbally harassed at school; and 63 percent of LGBTQ youth say they will need to move to another part of the country to feel accepted. Held over Presidents’ Day Weekend, the conference will take place at the Marriott Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center outside Dallas. Marriott has earned a perfect score in HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, which rates American workplaces based on their commitment to LGBT equality. Dallas has also earned a score of 91 out of 100 points on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Municipal Equality Index, a nationwide evaluation of LGBTQ inclusivity in municipal law.
working with LGBTQ youth of color and immigrants, preventing homelessness, raising awareness of HIV and youth, and protecting young people from dangerous “conversion therapy.” The next conference will be held in February, 2016, in Dallas. The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. (6th July 2015)
During the threeday 2015 conference, attendees from 43 states and four countries chose from more than 60 workshops presented by 40plus organizations. Workshop topics ranged from creating safe and inclusive schools, to
EILE Magazine 87
European Neighbourhood Policy Puts Human (Incl LGBTI) Rights First On Thursday last (9th) the European Parliament voted to put human rights, including those of LGBTI people, at the heart of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). The Parliament emphasises the “need to focus on strengthening and consolidating … respect for diversity and the rights of minorities, including … the rights of LGBTI persons.” (see par. 22) The ENP organises
88 EILE Magazine
relationships between the EU and its closest Eastern and Southern neighbours*, and has a budget of more than €15 billion (2014-2020), part of which goes to civil society.
supported by homophobic politicians.”
The policy was set up after the 2004 enlargement round, with the objective of creating a “ring of friends” around the European Union.
Tanja Fajon MEP, Vice-President of the Intergroup on LGBTI Rights, continued: “This report recognises the need to improve the situation for LGBTI people in our neighbourhood.”
Ulrike Lunacek MEP, Co-President of the Intergroup on LGBTI Rights, reacted: “Too many people in our neighbourhood face discrimination and violence for their sexual orientation or gender identity. In some cases this is endorsed by laws criminalising homosexuality, or
“I am glad the parliament by this report has ensured that this will be taken up by the Neighbourhood Policy.”
“It gives the European Commission and all EU delegations in the ENP countries the mandate to tackle discrimination and work with civil society to change the situation for the better.” (eile.ie 9th July 2015)
“It gives the European Commission and all EU delegations in the ENP countries the mandate to tackle discrimination and work with civil society to change the situation for the better.�
EILE Magazine 89
Youth Council welcomes Senator VanTurnhout’s proposed amendment to Gender Recognition Bill
Interim Gender Recognition Certificate for young people a positive step The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) on Tuesday (16.06.15) announced its support for Senator Jillian van Turnhout’s proposed amendment to the Gender Recognition Bill. The Bill is reaching the final stages of the legislative process and according to the Youth Council, despite the significant and positive changes to the Bill for adults proposed by Government, children remain excluded from the provisions from the Bill. The NYCI is the representative body for youth organisations whose 1,400 staff and 40,000 volunteers work with over 380,000 young people
90 EILE Magazine
nationwide. Mary Cunningham, NYCI Director said: “NYCI believes that all of our legislation should be guided by what is in the best interest of young people. We support the proposed Interim Gender Recognition Certificate for children, which would allow the rights and best interests of trans children to be promoted and protected. This proposed certificate would allow young people to live their young lives in the gender of their identity, which is what they deserve. “NYCI also supports the ongoing work of our member organisation, BeLonGTo, which works with and campaigns for trans young people and is also calling for this amendment to be included in this important legislation,” concluded Ms Cunningham.
NYCI is a membership-led umbrella organisation that represents and supports the interests of voluntary youth organisations and uses its collective experience to act on issues that impact on young people.
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
EILE Magazine 91
Australia: National Rugby League Backs Marriage Equality Advocates have applauded the National Rugby League (NRL) for supporting marriage equality in Australia. In a letter to Australian Marriage Equalit,y the NRL says it supports the reform, joining a growing list of businesses and community groups that also back change. NRL Chief Operating Officer Suzanne Young
92 EILE Magazine
said:
Croome, said,
“One of the NRL’s core values is inclusiveness and we have put in place practices and policies to support and recognise the rights of our LGBTI community. Accordingly, the NRL supports marriage equality.
“We applaud the NRL for its principled stand in support of marriage equality and for its defence of fundamental Australian values like equal opportunity and a fair go.”
“We are very proud that the NRL was the first national sporting organisation to join as a member of the Pride in Diversity Index. For the past three years our welfare and education programs have included homophobia as part of our broader Respectful Relationships programs.” Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney
“The NRL’s stance reflects growing momentum for marriage equality across all sections of Australian society.”
EILE Magazine 93
GLEN: Suspicious Parcel Delivered To GLEN Office Staff at the GLEN office had to deal with an unexpected package yesterday morning (18th) – one that appeared to have been handdelivered, and which contained a blue powder. It also had the message “goodbye” on a note, and had no stamp. Members of the Army, Dublin Fire Brigade, and Gardaí, who were called to the scene at Upper Exchange Street, Dublin, had to wear hazmat suits as a precaution. The building was evacuated. The staff at GLEN
94 EILE Magazine
tweeted: “Suspicious package arrived to GLEN this morning. Terrific response from the emergency services. We’re all safe!” and later: “We’re still inside, but we are all safe. Leaving the professionals to it!” and then a facebook message: “We’ve just got the all clear…the substance was not toxic…thank you to the Army, Gardai and Dublin Fire Brigade for an extremely professional service”. The Dublin Fire Brigade, who had a really busy day yesterday with gorse
fires on Howth Head and Ireland’s Eye, among others, gave the all clear and tweeted: “Exchange St incident is now safely concluded, Dame St should be returning to normal”. Although the GLEN staff tweeted that they were safe, Tiernan Brady felt that the aim of the package delivery was to cause fear. “The intent was to terrorise, no matter what was in the envelope”, he said. – M. Butler (eile.ie 19th June 2015)
Emergency Services at GLEN Offices
EILE Magazine 95
#PurpleMySchool: Asia-Pacific countries against homophobic/ transphobic bullying in schools Asia-Pacific countries have committed to taking steps to address homophobic and transphobic bullying in their schools during a three-day regional consultation organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Development
96 EILE Magazine
Programme’s (UNDP) AsiaPacific regional offices. Delegations from Australia, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Samoa, Thailand, Tonga and Viet Nam attended the consultation, with several pledging to work towards introducing concrete measures. “We know [that] exclusion, bullying and violence have immediate, long-term and intergenerational effects. This includes school attendance,
performance, and completion,” said UNESCO Bangkok Director Gwang-Jo Kim. “And for those that think that bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity only affects LGBTI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex] people? This is wrong. It affects the whole climate of the school and community. “Taking steps to make schools safe, respectful and inclusive benefits everyone,” he said. The commitments were made during the AsiaPacific Consultation on School Bullying on
Delegates wearing the colour purple pose for a photo in support of the #PurpleMySchool campaign, launched during the Asia-Pacific Consultation on School Bullying on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression in Bangkok. Photo: UNESCO/UNDP/V.Dithajohn.
the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/ Expression held from 15-17 June in Bangkok, Thailand. More than 100 participants took part in the consultation, including delegations from 13 Asia-Pacific countries, comprising education and other ministry officials, national civil society organisations, academic institutions and UN agencies, as well as regional and global education and development partners. Caitlin Wiesen, Chief, Regional Policy and Programme Support
for Asia and the Pacific for UNDP said that the consultation “represents a vital part of the UN’s mission to tackle the discrimination and marginalization of LGBTI people in the Asia-Pacific region”. “UNDP believes that for development to be effective, it must be inclusive. In order to be inclusive we must proactively ensure that all marginalized populations are actively encouraged and supported in achieving the full realization of their rights,” she added.
The three-day meeting helped participants determine the scope of bullying and violence on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (SOGI/E) in the region, what measures are being taken to address the problem and where gaps lie when it comes to protecting students’ rights to a safe learning environment. The importance of teacher training, awarenessraising interventions in schools, counselling and peer support were among the areas discussed in sessions.
EILE Magazine 97
Justine Sass, UNESCO’s Regional HIV and AIDS Adviser for Asia and the Pacific, said that teacher training, in particular, was a key area to be addressed.
“Teachers usually want to support students, but on this issue often don’t have the knowledge or skills. Teachers can also be part of the problem. To be part of the solution, teachers and other staff need to review their values, attitudes and beliefs about sexuality and gender and to understand their roles in creating safe and respectful environments.” Delegates at the consultation committed to pursuing measures to raise awareness around bullying on the basis of SOGI and to introduce safeguards in their educational systems. The Philippines, for example, plans a SOGI sensitization workshop for education ministry officials as well as consultations on how to integrate SOGI in the country’s anti-bullying law. Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam also committed to consultations aimed at bringing a broader set of stakeholders into the
98 EILE Magazine
discussion. Opportunities to better protect the rights of all learners were also identified in the policy and legal fields. For example, a pending bill in the Philippines that bans discrimination on the basis of SOGI references discrimination in education, while the Myanmar delegation identified the potential for SOGI to be referenced in the portion of the country’s draft Education Law that deals with exclusion. In Australia, the expansion of the antibullying Safe Schools programme into new states brings with it the opportunity to strengthen federal policies in this area as well. Prominent Indian LGBTI activist Sunil Menon left the consultation feeling positive about the momentum going forward in efforts to stop bullying on the basis of SOGI at schools and better support learners. “I’m feeling positive, inspired and hopeful of the way forward. India has a long way to go … yet it’s an informed and educated beginning.” In the coming year, UNESCO and UNDP will be supporting national consultations in the target countries for the
second phase of the BLIA initiative – China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand – on LGBTI exclusion, discrimination and violence in their education systems, and will also be supporting priority actions identified during the consultation. Findings from the consultation will feed into a draft regional analysis of the situation and response to bullying on the basis of SOGI/E in the region to be released later this year. The meeting was part of UNESCO’s three-year global project: “Education and Respect for All: Preventing and Addressing Homophobic and Transphobic Bullying in Educational Institutions” funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of the Netherlands. This project will culminate in the International Meeting of Ministers of Education: Education Sector Responses to Homophobic Violence in Paris in 2016. The consultation is also linked to UNESCO’s partnership with UNDP on the ‘Being LGBT in Asia’ initiative and follows on from the Regional Dialogue on LGBTI Human Rights and Health in Asia-Pacific held on 25-27 February 2015 in Bangkok.
This initiative is being supported by the Embassy of Sweden in Thailand and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). UNESCO and partners have been building a base of research into the effects of school bullying on the basis of SOGI/E since 2011, when the first international consultation on the issue was held and a subsequent publication, “Education Sector Responses to Homophobic Bullying”, was published by UNESCO. More recently, UNESCO Bangkok and partners released a study in 2013 that showed the hugely damaging effects of this type of violence on young learners in Thailand. That study has informed data gathering on this issue in other countries in the
region, including in Viet Nam. Further research to better understand the risk factors for, and the consequences of homophobic and transphobic bullying are an important first step to effective action in the region.
Online Campaign launch: Purple power for LGBTI learners’ rights! The #PurpleMySchool online campaign was also launched on the final day of the consultation. The campaign aims to promote safe spaces for LGBTI students in AsiaPacific schools by calling for supporters – peers, parents, teachers or schools themselves – to show solidarity through images that feature the colour purple prominently, whether via clothing, drawings or purple creations, the more creative
the better. Participants can sign up to the campaign and submit photos viahttp:// www.campaign.com/ PurpleMySchool or by using #PurpleMySchool in postings on Instagram. A selection of the best photographs will be showcased in a new publication on LGBTI bullying from UNESCO, UNDP and ‘Being LGBT in Asia’, which will be presented to education ministers at the 2016 Paris meeting. h/t Christoforos Pavlakis (eile.ie 5th July 2015)
EILE Magazine 99
EILE Magazine
Photo: Louise Hannon
100 EILE Magazine
EILE Magazine Scotch & Soda Dublin Tiger Fringe