EILE Magazine July 2017 (Vol. 4 Issue 12)

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Magazine V4 Issue 12 - July 2017

Prime Gaze & Fringe Festivals Chechnya Petitions London Fashion Week Men’s SS18 Inside:

Christine & The Queens

Travel | Film | Theatre |Health | News

EILE Magazine | Who’s Who

Contributors

Mark Anthony Mark is a UCD English graduate, who writes his own menswear fashion blog.

Mark has also produced several fashion shows in the past, all in aid of worthwhile causes M. Butler M. Butler is a writer and editor, with a keen interest in human rights, and has studied philosophy and psychology Scott De Buitléir Scott is founder and Editor-at-Large of EILE Magazine. He is also a writer and broadcaster, from Dublin but now based in Cork Lisa Reynolds Originally from Co. Meath, Lisa is a fashion industry student, now living in Bray, Co Wicklow, with a great interest in media and celebrity Brian Rochford Brian has studied health, exercise, and nutrition, with a special interest in controlling pain in rheumatism and arthritis Frances Winston Frances Winston is EILE’s resident film buff, and has contributed to many other publications such as The Irish Independent and Irish Tatler

EILE Magazine

EILE Magazine | Welcome

Highlights July 2017 LGBTQ Chechens - P. 26 Lisa Reynolds tells us about Chechnya’s LGBT community, two petitions which are still ongoing, and why you should sign them

Travel - Pps. 32 and 34 Travel this month includes offers on the Seychelles and California

Health -Vitamins/Minerals - P. 36 Brian Rochford tells us how important vitamims and minerals are, especially as we get older

Music - Pps.6, 10,and 22 Festivals - Pps. 14 and 46 Our musical guests this month are Prime, Northern National, and Christine and the Queens. We also give a run down on the FRINGE and GAZE festivals

Fashion LFWM SS18 - P.18 Mark Anthony is still tingling with the excitement of London Fashion Week Men’s SS18, and gives us a flavour of what was on the catwalk

Volume 4, Issue 12 Editor-at-Large: Scott De Buitléir Editor: MKB Contributors: Mark Anthony, M. Butler, Scott De Buitléir, MKB, Lisa Reynolds, Brian Rochford, Frances Winston Photographers: Sean Berry Kristina Olga Lorenzo Lomboy, KOLL, LaFamos, Pedro Szekely, NB: All images in this publication are either under Creative Commons licence, or used with permission. Image credits, where necessary, are printed on the corresponding page(s) or photo(s). Any queries can be made to hello@eile.ie Special Thanks to MKB for all her hard work, dedication and support.

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.

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…plus festivals, film reviews, news,and much more!!

EILE Magazine

EILE Magazine | Editor’s Letter

Contents 6-

Prime

10 -

Northern National

14 -

Dublin Fringe 2017

18 -

Mark on LFWM SS18

22 -

Christine & the Queens

26 -

Chechen LGBTQ

32 -

Travel Seychelles

34 -

Travel California

36 -

Health

38 -

Once The Musical

40 -

Frances on Film

46 -

GAZE Film Festival

plus World LGBT News, Views, Arts, Entertainment etc

EILE July 2017 Edition!

Welcome to the July issue of EILE Magazine This month’s musical guests include Prime, Northern National, and Christine & The Queens, and we also give the rundown on the GAZE and FRINGE festivals.

Mark Anthony writes about that amazing spectacle, London Fashion Week Men’s SS18, Brian Rochford writes on vitamins and minerals, and Lisa Reynolds tells us about the ongoing Chechnya LGBTQ petitions.

Our travel section features the Seychelles and California, and Frances Winston reviews the latest films and theatre.

We also have news, views and entertainment from around the globe, so sit back and enjoy our July 2017 issue of EILE Magazine!

Scott De Buitléir Founder / Editor-at-Large

EILE Magazine EILE Magazine

See our film reviews

by Frances Winston p. 40

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Prime

US singer-Songwriter, music producer and instrumentalist, Prime, also an LGBT ally, has just released a great new pop/dance track called Poison “I don’t know how you got in Baby, you’re a poison in my skin I’m on a losing game I feel the fire, I’m going in anyway” These are some of the resonant lyrics from pop/rock PRIME’s latest single, Poison, and we feature him in EILE’s music section this month. The US pop/rock/electronic singer-songwriter has just released this edgy, high-energy pop/dance track.

The best way of describing Prime?

“If Usher, Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury had a baby, it would be PRIME.” Born in The Philippines, and raised and based in New York City, he has always believed that the world holds music as its common language. PRIME says that his eclectic musical taste spans pop, rock, R&B, electronic, and dance music, and a taste of each can be heard in his songs, and in particular, the new release, Poison.

Coming from a multi-ethnic background, he calls himself a ‘citizen of the world’. PRIME is of Filipino, Spanish, Chinese, and Indian descent. He mixes melodic vocals, airy synths,

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edgy guitars, and a dynamic low-end pulse.

Singing from the age of 3 and playing the piano at 7, he played in many musicals throughout his youth, and gained admission to the acclaimed LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts.

PRIME attended college for Multimedia Arts in preparation for pursuing his dream. He then devoted his full energy to songwriting, music production, and the visual sensibilities that illustrate his sound and lifestyle.

PRIME’s songs are a blend of edgy pop tunes, high-energy beats, and heartfelt ballads.

His soulful voice complements his eclectic musical taste spanning pop, rock, R&B, electronic, and dance music; a taste of each can be heard in his music..

music to become my PRIME mode of expression. They bring my dream closer to reality.”

We’d like to hear more from this artist, and we think you’d like him too! Check him out at his social media sites below.

-MKB Follow PRIME by visiting www.

FollowPRIME.com.

Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ primetheband twitter.com/ primetheband Visit: http://www.primeband.com/

Following the release of the single Heartbeat, and the positive press it received, he built a strong and engaged community on Facebook.

PRIME touts an undeniable connection between his music and fans.

“I do my best to connect with my fans at a personal level by replying to each and every comment/messages I receive.

I’m eternally grateful to the people that have allowed my

Cover Art for Poison

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“I do my best to connect with my fans at a personal level by replying to each and every comment/ messages I receive�

Photographer Credit: Kristina Olga Lorenzo Lomboy, KOLL

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This is a real treat! In our music section this month, EILE also features band is made up of members Rossi, Kanne, Supulski, Dylan and Anthon comparison, their sound has much in common with Catfish & The Bottle

Their latest single, Moneyblind, is an alt -rock track, full of high energy and changes in tempo, with play it again.

The first song co-written by the band as a whole, MoneyBlind showcases a unique blend of feel-goo

The track was produced by Dan Stringer (X Ambassadors, Johnny Stimson), mastered by John Da MoneyBlind comes together easily, and apparently gives a flavour of what the band sound like live The meaning behind MoneyBlind is just as interesting as the song itself, warning of the pursuit of

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Northern National

Dallas-based, alternative Indie-rock band, Northern National. The ny, and they have recently released their latest single, MoneyBlind. For emen, Kings of Leon, and Imagine Dragons.

h captivating guitar riffs, great keyboards and drums, and amazing vocals that make you want to

od beach vibes, moving into alternative/ rock energy.

avis (Lana Del Ray, U2, Royal Bloods), and recorded over four-days at Drive 35 Productions. e. success, forgetting about the most important things in life, and finding yourself alone in your

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accomplishments.

times and counting.

“To us, it’s a warning and reminder that however much success we achieve – to not sacrifice the people, morals, and loved ones that matter in your life to achieve that success”

Sonically, Northern National has been compared to bands such as X Ambassadors, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Kings of Leon and Imagine Dragons.

With an ever-growing fan base across the US, they aim to set out on their first national tour this year. The band considers the legendary House of Blues in Dallas their second home, and have played festivals such as SXSW and Red Gorilla. Northern National has shared the stage with notable artists such as Andy Grammer, Echosmith, Mat Kearney, MAGIC!, and more.

the band explains.

“The road might be slower, but it’ll be worth it in the end. Don’t be ‘MoneyBlind.’”

Northern National was originally formed by pianist and lyricist, Michael Kanne, and vocalist, Michael Rossi. In 2016, the band secured their official line up as a five-member band, with the additions of drummer, Anthony Comas, bassist, Dylan Greene, and lead guitarist, Andrew Supulski.

All coming from different backgrounds, each musician brings different influences to the table, making for a unique and fresh approach to alternative rock. Recently embracing a southern alternative rock vibe, Northern National is a versatile band that can write soul and pop tunes, and can just as easily flip the switch and dive deeper into the rock spectrum when needed, keeping listeners intrigued with what they’ll do next.

The five-piece rock band released their debut EP, The New Age, in 2016. Produced by Dan Stringer (X Ambassadors, Ms. Lauryn Hill), The New Age features 5 indie-rock gems, including their debut single, Love Is Fire, which caught the attention of Spotify.

Love is Fire was featured on Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlist and charted on Spotify’s Viral 50 worldwide.

Music curators such as Topsify, Filtr, and even Coca-Cola, have also featured the song on their playlists. Since the release of The New Age, Northern National’s songs have been streamed over 700,000 12 EILE Magazine

This latest single, MoneyBlind, released in April of 2017, proves that the group has a good head on their shoulders, and is ready for the next step in their career.

Teaming up with producer, Dan Stringer, once again, and mastering by John Davis of Metropolis Mastering (U2, Lana Del Ray, Royal Bloods), the single seamlessly bridges the gap between southern, indie, & alternative rock in a little under four minutes.

We don’t know if or when we’ll see them on this side of the pond, but it would be really something to look forward to!

-M. Butler Moneyblind is now available for download or streaming on digital music platforms worldwide.

You can visit Northern National at: http://www.northernnationalmusic.com https://www.facebook.com/ NorthernNational https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ northern-national/id672702516

Photographs: Sean Berry

“The migh slow but wor in th Don’ Mon

e road ht be wer, it’ll be rth it he end. ’t be neyBlind”

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DUBLIN FRINGE FESTIVAL September 9–24 Dublin Fringe Festival 2017 - an uproarious city takeover with 16 days of thrilling, mindboggling, inspirational events, this September:

Dublin Fringe Festival announces its 23rd edition today, so fasten your seatbelts and hold on tight as this showstopping, heart-thumping 16-day and night extravanganza pulls into town to thrill, provoke, turn heads and inspire Dublin city to the max.

Dublin Fringe is Ireland’s largest multidisciplinary arts festival, the home to brave and new ideas, bold performing arts and adventurous audiences - it will stage a jawdropping 81 productions, 460 performances, with 49 world premieres in 34 venues, this year.This highly anticipated annual city takeover of performing arts and culture is almost here.

This year audiences can experience more Fringe in more postcodes than ever, in a festival that will light up and animate new city sites more than ever before. Everyone has a chance to engage, wonder, be challenged and become a messer as Fringe shakes up all our preconceived thoughts and shows you a new way of thinking - and the craic will be only mighty. Festival ticket prices will be competitively low as always and there’s lots of FREE stuff too!

This year’s edition is gritty and ambitious, hard-hitting and sensitive while brandishing the perfect DIY soul. Taking stock of the world around us, Fringe walks right in the crossfire of world issues. It’s time to speak 14 EILE Magazine

out – Fringe is making sure the right person has the biggest microphone and is relaying their important messages.

In this complete city take over, there will be special Fringe-fuelled international collaborations between Irish artists and their Canadian counterparts. Trophy by STO Union (Ottawa/Gatineau) creates a glowing pop-up tent city on Barnardo Square for the festival’s opening weekend.

Inside, Dublin’s Change of Address reveal moments in their lives where everything changed. Town Choir from Theatre Replacement (Vancouver) and Tonnta (Dublin) transforms notable writers’ observations into choral song with a wry twist. Fringe is bringing ephemeral magic to familiar Dublin landscapes, in the hope of adding phenomenal artistic experiences to your memory maps of Dublin; whenever you pass by, a bit of Fringe magic will linger.

Now more than ever, connections with international artists and voices become hugely important. Talking of grit? Look no further than Lucy McCormick (London)’s Triple Threat, her megalomaniac one-woman (+ Girl Squad) retelling of the New Testament - where she stars in every ecclesiastic, fantastic role.

Leading Italian company Motus (Italy) serves up their sensational MDLSX - an explosion of memoir and gender fluidity featuring one of the most ferocious performances you’ll ever see. Both of these are part of Neighbours - international disruptions from Fringe and Project; a brand new partnership that brings us some of the best of the world stage to Ireland. Add to that Fringe and the Abbey’s co-presentation of pioneering transgendered artist Ivan Coyote’s bliss-inducing Tomboy Survival Guide (Canada) - a campfire of fearless songs and stories on gender we’ll all want to gather around. One of Brazil’s hottest young theatre companies, Grupo Tripé makes their international debut at Fringe with Entre Quartos (Within Rooms), a searing take on the lives and loves of 20-somethings in

Foil, Arms & Hogg:Oink

Tomboy Survival Guide Ivan Coyote

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Brasília.

Irish artists too are calling the nation to account. Grace Dyas (THEATREclub) and Emma Fraser (NINE CROWS) create a waiting room that holds an archive of testimonies from women who have travelled to access abortion services, asking them what was different in NOT AT HOME. Dance duo, Junk Ensemble grapples with violence and PTSD as experienced by Ireland’s military with Soldier Still.

Amanda Coogan and Dublin Theatre of the Deaf make a welcome return this year in a new work that will appropriate Teresa Deevy’s play The King of Spain’s Daughter: Talk Real Fine Just Like a Lady. Luke Casserlydeconstructs the controversial events surrounding the Kerry babies case of the 1980; and Sahar Ali gives a one woman show exploring Irishism, Arabism and racism that provokes queries like these; and wheelchair user, disability activist and journalist Louise Bruton makes a colourful exploration of sex and disability. Headlines, back-room whispers, unspoken myths hailing from all corners of the island inspire artists from Belfast, Galway, Laois, Donegal and Waterford (and a whopping ten ‘of em from Cork!). The all-island, all-Ireland presence has never been stronger at Fringe.

Calling all thrill-seekers and 16 EILE Magazine

craic-hounds: the pursuit of pleasure is still at the heart of the festival. Fringe will contunue to send you to dizzying heights with buzzy, atmospheric nights out. Irish aerial acrobat troupe, Loosysmokes takes over one of the last standing warehouses of the Dublin Docklands for nine nights of incredible aerial circus and inky performance art with their new show Raven Eyed. After their deliciously nightmarish turn (Behind the Dark) in Phoenix Park at Dublin Fringe 2015, this is one not to miss.

Fringe offers something for everyone across theatre, music, opera, dance, arts, comedy, circus, spectacle, live art and a mash up off all or some of the aforementioned – there’s an opera by Benjamin Britten, a finely tuned choreography of nine women with buckets at Meeting House Square; pop ups in Georgian Dublin; a Tribe of music at the Chocolate Factory; with meeting points at Baggot St Archways and Docklands LUAS stops and the last of the old warehouses in the docks area too; Some Sugar Coat’ing in a bookshop; and the opoortunity to go On the Pop at Fumbally Exchange; There will be shows in our native language (aon mhac tíre nó roinnt mic tíre) and a pajama man that returns as a TRUCKER. Show In A Bag has four more amazing offerings at Bewley’s Café Theatre and there will also

be some Fierce Notions – but that said, it’s Fringe and everything goes!

Fringe is excited to announce Smirnoff as their Drinks Partner for the first year this year. The world’s number one selling vodka brand will amplify and support three stellar Dublin Fringe Festival presentations: NEON Western by Cork’s Conflicted Theatre and Peter Power transforms the Samuel Beckett Theatre into a wild west saloon with a rave twist - this sensational highlight of Cork Midsummer Festival 2017 comes to Dublin for an exclusive engagement with Dublin Fringe; Tomboy Survival Guide; andEdward (Giegling) LIVE, a Berlin DJ and producer making his Irish debut with a very special three hour live audiovisual performance at DLight Studios.

Lovers of the cabaret will get a glittering extravaganza from the mavens of magnificence, Film Fatale at Liberty Hall. Fried Plantains Collective serve up BLACK JAM; a knees-up night of the best of punk and hip-hop from the African diaspora with feminist punk band legends Big Joanie as headliners.

Dublin Fringe Festival makes its momentous first foray onto the Abbey Theatre’s Main stage with Foil Arms and Hog’s brand new show OinK in a special late night series. And if comedy is what you’re

MDLSX Motus

after, Alison Spittle, Conor O’Toole and Davey Reilly make much-anticipated returns and Pajama Man’s Shenoah Allen premieres a new solo about a man transforming into a truck. Be sure to catch red-hot Fringe debuts from Jessie Doyle, Luke Casserly, Hannah Mamalis,,Sahar Ali, Erin McGathy and Sugar Coat Theatre Company.

Young Radicals: Fringe for Kids is the first Fringe programme made for and by young people and is co-presented with Collapsing Horse - the line up features breakout new shows from LORDS OF STRUT and THISISPOPBABY with LORDS OF STRUT: ABSOLUTE LEGENDS; Birdy, whose quest to form the best band in the world created

by Jane Madden and Ross Gaynor; Cobra’s Quest, an epic adventure podcast for under 12s written by 7-year old Cadhla McAnally; international hit for under-fours, Whoosh! ( Netherlands), a world where the only spoken language is music; and a very special Young Hearts Run Free featuring teen bands and Dublin’s glitterati in a gig for ages 15 and up in Teen Dream. Young comedy forms itself in the shape of Monster LOLs: Stand-up Comedy for Kids. Tell your friends, bring the chiselers (and grown-ups, we won’t blame you if you sneak in by yourself) as everyone is welcome and will be thoroughly entertained.

Fringe 2017 calls for activism and hedonism, for talismans to help the world find its antidotes.

The results as you’ll see are truly marvellous.

With over 400 applications, this year’s Fringe is but a selection of the brilliant makers who dare to be the creative and intellectual authorities the world so badly needs. The party hosters, the testifiers, the dissidents and the upstarts; they’re all here with survival guides, wrecking balls and hands-in-the-air, full-body art experiences.

The 23rd Fringe edition is the biggest and best blast of smelling salts Dublin has ever had.

It will pack a punch, delight the senses and offer all kinds of reasons to explore the city and experience it in totally new light. Revive yourselves with untold stories, urgent ideas, late night adventures and new perspectives.

Don’t stay at home this September, join us for an unforgettable fortnight that will leave you reeling in all the best ways.

DUBLIN FRINGE FESTIVAL 2017 runs citywide from September 9 – 24. All Fringe events are now on sale at fringefest.com or 1850 FRINGE (1850 374 643) from August 30.

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London Fashion Week Men’s S What You Need to Know Mark Anthony hobnobbed with the Glitterati this year’s London Fashion Week Men’s SS18 From snarling street-style to teletubbies on the runway, to general peacockery throughout the city - of course London Fashion Week Men’s had to be here. And I was only delighted to be there amongst the chaos, reporting for EILE Magazine.

The circus kicked off in London, and it showcased the threads and styles that we are likely to be sporting over the next twelve months. There are some cases that could be debatable though. This year felt a little different than the rest. I know it was my first to attend, but you can always get a feel for it straight away. It was almost like there was no direction. But hey, with everything that has been happening in the UK of late, and our current political climate, you can’t really blame people for becoming a little jaded. That being said, LFWM SS18 was a little gem in itself.

Season after season we have seen floral prints after floral prints, and busy pattern after busy pattern. But this time around, there was a different approach. A single tone from head to toe. So simple, yet so appealing.

You could say that it’s an extension of the two-piece suit. But this time it adds a sense of uniformity to a look. Oliver Spencer, Phoebe English, Songzio, and Tourne de Transmission all went big with this one. This would certainly help when you are staring into your wardrobe wondering what to put together. It even allows you to be a bit more creative with your shoes and even socks.

However it wasn’t all about tone. The loose-fit trousers yet again made a big play this season, and one that will probably make it stick around a lot longer. It isn’t a brand new trend, but you don’t see many loose trousers on the high streets. Is the public finally ready though? E. Tautz and Berthold showcased the floppy style of trouser in a way that made them look like a cool antidote to the stovepipes that have, well, constricted our blood-flow for the last decade.

Moving on from floppy trousers and trends. There has to be a colour of the season, right? This was difficult, given the monotone trend that has emerged this time around. However, there were a few hues that should 18 EILE Magazine

SS18 -

Christopher Raeburn

at

KTZ

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Oliver Spencer

stay firmly on our radar for the next few months. Firstly, it would have to be a rich, burnt-orange.

It is a tricky one, especially if you have pale skin, but in that case then you would opt for the striking blues and earthy greens, all of which were prominent this season.

While not all the looks at London Fashion Week Men’s are mainstream, or even wearable in some cases, you learn some of the best menswear lessons here. And even at that, it doesn’t have to be from the runway.

It could be in the front rows, or the street corners, or outside the host’s buildings (where some of the b e s t a t m o s p h e r e s were).

It is all of this that makes London a pinnacle for men’s fashion.

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“...not all the looks at London Fashion Week Men’s are mainstream, or even wearable in some cases..”

Topman Design

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

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Album Review

Chaleur Humaine By Christine And The Queens Lisa Reynolds Recently I came across Christine And The Queens’ album, Chaleur Humaine (2014) and what a delightful listen it is.

Spanning 11 tracks, the album (which in English translates as Human Warmth) has a wonderfully cohesive feel, with Héloïse Letissier’s subtle and beautiful vocal tones ensuring the album flows along magically, over brilliantly complementing backing vocals and instrumentals. It has an amazing combination of ethereal, pop, and synthpop sounds, that is both catchy and beautiful at the same time.

Following her studies at École normale supérieure de Lyon (ENS Lyon), Héloïse (Christine) moved to Paris in 2010, to continue her studies. She visited London in 2010, where she was influenced by the work of local drag-queen musicians, including Russella, who accompanied her in one of her early concerts. Later they became her backing band, The Queens.

She has dedicated much of her 22 EILE Magazine

creative output to them, and also to all transgender people as well. She started using the name, Christine And The Queens, upon releasing her debut EP, Miséricorde, followed up by the EP, Mac Abbey, in 2012. Also in 2012, she and the band were the opening act for Lykke Li, Woodkid and The Do. Having won the Best Discovered Act, known as Découverte du Printemps de Bourges, in 2012, as well as the Adami Premières Francos 2012 award, the band soon were appearing on Later ... With Jools Holland, and Glastonbury, before being spotted by our very own Graham Norton, when he read a review of their album in an inflight magazine.

He subsequently took a photograph of it, and passed it on to the booker of The Graham Norton Show. When Drake cancelled an appearance on the show, Christine And The Queens were given the slot that ensured their music reached an audience of about 3.9 million.

The opening track on the album iT has this gorgeous opera symphony that breaks into a pop sound, which catches

Festival des Vieilles Charrues 2014 Christine and the Queens

the listener a bit by surprise (sorry, I ruined that now!). It has a slight touch of Royals

by Lorde, so if you liked that, there’s a good chance you might like this track. Very catchy and a brilliant opener for the album.

Following iT is Saint Claude, and the transitions from the verses to the choruses are stunningly executed. The two are so at polar opposites: Letissier’s vocal is so subtle on the verses, and the chorus is ethereal and uplifting. On paper, these two styles probably wouldn’t work. However, they work a treat on this track - beautifully crafted.

Next up is Christine, which has a very memorable chorus, even if it is in French and I’m not entirely sure what I’m singing along to, mispronouncing French on the way. Good music definitely transcends language. Beautifully put-together, it is a wonderful contemporary song.

The instrumentals on track four, Science Fiction, are wonderful. There is a dazzling combination of pop with a continuous synthpop style that sounds to my ear

like ping-pong, or computer game Brick Breaker, and the combination works effortlessly and is quite cool.

The fifth song on the album, Paradis Perdus (Translated into English as Paradise Lost) is an enchantingly beautiful ballad. Héloïse’s vocal is haunting and passionate on this track. Very intricate and heartfelt, this track is magnetic.

Track six, Half Ladies, is very chilled out and relaxing. Highly-listenable and hypnotic. Track seven is the title track of the album, Chaleur Humaine. It is a transportingly beautiful and sophisticated ballad, which is well-rounded.

Following the title track is Narcissus Is Back. It is wonderfully positioned on the album, as it is more upbeat than the previous two ballads. This track is one of my favourites. There is a sense of intensity to the vocal and the instrumentals. Very catchy and stunningly crafted. It has a subtle thunderous quality to it. Again, something that probably wouldn’t work on paper, but is very well executed.

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We come next to Ugly-Pretty. This track has enchanting instrumentals, and is very assured. Nuit 17 à 52 (Night 17 to 52) is a blissful, beautiful ballad, emotionally-rich and layered.

The closing song on the album is Here. Another favourite of mine, this has a very modern sound, flowing from section to section, is very catchy and has beautiful instrumentals and powerful vocals by Héloïse, to close the album in perfect style.

In a romantic side-note that warms the heart of the romantics among us, on the acknowledgments for the album, Héloïse wrote: “Océane, my beautiful wife. The flowers are for you” which was in reference to the album art, usually assumed to be a dedication to French comedian and feminist, Océane Rose Marie.

A wonderful album, beautifully put together, and a thoroughly brilliant listen.

To purchase Chaleur Humaine by Christine And The Queens go to: https://www.amazon.com/Chaleur-Humaine-Christine-Queens/dp/B00KGLR3DA

Album Art for Chaleur Humaine

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HĂŠloĂŻse Letissier aka Christine Image: next. liberation.fr

Image: 20minutes.fr

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Petitions To Stop The Inhumane Treatment Of LGBTQ Men In Chechnya

By Lisa Reynolds Two petitions are ongoing campaigning against the horrifying abuse of gay men in Chechnya; one petition is by Amnesty International, while another is on The Petition Site, to end the torture, kidnapping, and killing of gay men in concentration camps in Chechnya, because of their sexuality.

The Amnesty International petition is entitled: Chechnya: Stop Abducting and Killing Gay Men The petition on The Petition Site is entitled: UN: Stop the Kidnapping and Torturing of Gay Men in Chechnya and was started by Andrew M, 26 EILE Magazine

with the intended target of the petition being UN SecretaryGeneral, Antonio Guterres.

Men who are gay, bisexual, pansexual, or polysexual, or men perceived to be any of these sexualities, are being pursued in this witch-hunt, by a pack of violent thugs with a lot of power. It is something which definitely makes you feel sick in the pit of your stomach. Everything that can be done needs to be done. It’s barbaric and inhumane.

Starting in February of this year, over 100 male residents from the Chechen Republic, which is a part of the Russian Federation, have been kidnapped and imprisoned in concentration camps and tortured. It is known that three men have been killed, one man in the concentration camp, and two other men have been killed by relatives, in what they see as ‘honour killings’. It has been reported, however, that an unknown number of men have died since being kidnapped.

The news first came to light on April 1 this year in the Novaya Gazeta, and one of the journalists who wrote the report has since gone into hiding, amid fears for their safety. On May 17, news was reported that survivors were having trouble finding countries to issue them visas.

By May 19, it was reported that nine survivors were granted visas; two by Lithuania, and the rest by two other unnamed countries.

By June, the Russian LGBT Network said that 42 men had been evacuated to other parts of Russia. They said that they were safe from immediate threat, but there was a risk that they could be tracked down by family members of the Chechen diaspora if they stay in Russia.

Some of the survivors have since spoken of the horrific hell they went through in the concentration camps. Anzor, a gay man in his 40s, spoke to The Associated Press on the condition that they use only his first name. He explained

Image: REUTERS/Alexander Demianchuk

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how police had stopped the car that he and friends were in in Argun, after officers had found a sedative pill on a friend of his.

Some small details that Anzor didn’t want to make public were what led the police to believe that he and one of his friends were gay. He said they were then brutally beaten in front of the police chief, before being taken to a shed, where Anzor spent the next ten days. Anzor told how there had been dozens of men in the shed, being beaten and abused by camouflaged men.

In the first days there, Anzor was beaten so often he stopped feeling any pain.

He told how the men were forced to attach clamps of electric wires to their fingers and toes, before captors turned on the power. He said that, at one point when he was lying on the dirty floor, a man in army boots jumped on his back.

“It’s a feeling like they are breaking every bone of every joint in your body at the same time.”

After ten days, Anzor was told he was free to go, and wasn’t given any explanation. When he left he had considered going to a hospital in a near-by region, but was afraid of the reaction he would get there saying: “I thought if I would go there, they would be people like that there, too.”

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Anzor has fled to Moscow, and has said he fears for the safety of his relatives as well as for his own life. He said: “Sometimes families turn away from such people, some families get rid of such people. I’m scared for my family, my sisters and brothers. I don’t want them to suffer for me. My friends, people I have socialised with were all rounded up. If they caught me again, I know for sure I would not have made it out of there alive.”

Another gay man in his 30s, who wished to remain anonymous, also told The Associated Press that he was arrested in a crowded place, after his number was found in another gay man’s phone who had been arrested earlier. He said: “We were tortured every day. Beside beatings, we were beaten several times a day with polypropylene tubes. We were tortured with electricity. For 20-30 seconds they spin the handle, you feel the electricity, then you fall down, they stop it, and then immediately you come back to consciousness and you are ready again for a new discharge. And it goes on five, six, seven times.”

He also said how the authorities were trying to get information on other men saying: “They were beating information out of us.”

Like Anzor, he has since fled to Moscow.

Three more men spoke to The New York Times under different names to protect their identities. One young man, Maksim, a gay man in his 20s, had been on a night out when he was arrested.

He was let go almost two weeks later. Maksim told how he was lured to being imprisoned and tortured, after a chat room conversation with “a very good old friend who is also gay” who asked him to meet up with him at an apartment.

When he got there, there was agents who beat him up, before strapping him to a chair and attaching electrical wires to his hands with alligator clips. They then began an interrogation shouting at him “Who else do you know?” They zapped him with current from time to time as the interrogation continued. Maksim said, “It was unbearably painful; I was hanging on with my last strength. But I didn’t tell them anything.”

He said five other men were in the apartment, who had also been lured there by the same ruse.

Maksim said: “One day, he suggested we meet for a drink. And because we knew each other a long time, I did not suspect he would be capable of something like this.”

Before the Chechnya concentration camps began, Maksim said that gay men in Chechnya could at the very least lead social lives, despite them being incredibly closeted ones. He said how they would meet in private chat rooms such as Village, or What the Mountains Are Silent About, on social networking sites. He said they would meet at cafés or apartments they rented for the night. He said: “When two gay men meet, they don’t tell one another their true names. Nobody suspected my sexual orientation, not even my best friends.”

The six men were brought to a makeshift cell in an abandoned building, where Maksim says they were tortured one by one with electricity. He was there for 11 days, before being released to a male relative. They told the male relative that Maksim was gay. Maksim and another man, Ilya, said that the security officers were told that if they had any honour, they would kill their family members. When Maksim met his father, his father threatened to beat him up, but stopped when he saw the bruises that Maksim had.

His father said: “I should kill you.”

Naturally fearing for his life, he went for help to the Russian LGBT Network in St. Petersburg.

Olga Baranova, the director

of the Moscow Community Center which is a support centre for gays, which is part of the volunteer network helping gay men flee Chechnya said: “These people don’t trust anybody.”

She said that many of the men said they had thought the volunteer group was also a ruse: “They say, ‘We didn’t believe you were real.’ We thought this was the last effort to round up whoever was left.’”

A 20-year-old student called Ilya fled Chechnya days before police showed up at his home. He said he had fled in fear saying: “If they caught him, they will get to me.”

Another young man, Nohcho, was also detained after a friend informed on him while been interrogated. He said: “I don’t blame him. We are not heroes. We’re just gay guys. They starve you. They shock you.”

The head of the Russian LGBT Network, Tatyana Vinnichenko, said she is working with other activists to get the men hospital treatment, plane tickets and housing arrangements.

Ekaterina L. Sokiryanskaya, the Russia project director for the International Crisis Group said:

“This society is highly homophobic. Homosexuality is condemned. It is believed Islam considers it a great sin.”

Alvi Karimov, spokesperson for Chechen leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, has said: “If there were such people in Chechnya, the lawenforcement organs wouldn’t need to have anything to do with them because their relatives would send them somewhere from which there is no returning.”

Sources have also said that Kadyrov had wanted the LGBT community eliminated

by May 26th.

Homosexuality was legalized in Russia in 1993, but in 1996, Chechen president, Aslan Maskhadov, adopted sharia law in Chechnya.

Article 148 of the Chechen penal code made all ‘sodomy’ punishable by caning, following the first two ‘offences’ and punishable by execution following the third ‘offence’.

The death penalty in Chechnya has not been used since 1999. Chechnya came under Russian rule again in 2000, but still has some autonomy. The Head of the Chechen Republic, Raman Kadyrov, “has brought Islam to the fore of Chechnya’s daily life, and gay people who reveal their sexuality are often discriminated against and shunned by their families.”

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In 2017, Human Rights Watch said “it is difficult to overstate just how vulnerable LGBT people are in Chechnya, where homophobia is intense and rampant. LGBT people are in danger not only of persecution by the authorities but also of falling victim to ‘honour killings’ by their own relatives for tarnishing family honour.”

These extrajudicial killings by family members have been encouraged by Kadyrov.

The locations of some of the inhumane prisons have become known. One was in the southern city of Argun.

This concentration camp was reported to have been moved to a new, unknown location, after being buried under demolition rubble in May. A second location found is south of the capital Grozny, in Tsotsin-Yurt. One escapee told the Guardian that 30 or 40 people are detained in one room, and are beaten and tortured with electricity.

In some cases, this endless torture ends in the person’s death. Human Right Watch published an analysis on May 26 about the Chechen concentration camps. They told how there were present leading government officials at the camps during the torture of the men. The report includes graphic descriptions of the torture faced by several survivors, and said that several victims were still being held in the camps at the time the report was published.

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Canada-based charity, Rainbow Railroad, told that it was working in conjunction with the Russian LGBT Network to help get safe routes out of Chechnya, and help at-risk men. On May 10, five activists were arrested, as they made their way to the prosecutor general’s office, to bring a petition calling for an unbiased investigation, which the Russian LGBT Network said had over two million signatures from people in many countries. Prior to this, 17 protesters, who wanted to raise awareness of what was happening in Chechnya, had been detained at a May Day parade in St. Petersburg by riot police.

a prompt investigation and intervention. They began a petition, which was signed by over 130,000 people. By April 17, the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said:

It is incredibly shocking that relatives would kill their own family members. What type of people are these relatives? Your family are supposed to make you feel safe and loved, not end your life. The fact that there are many people as bad as the authorities in many of the families makes an incredibly frightening situation even more frightening. Chechnya is an extremely conservative society, with a huge amount of prejudice surrounding sexuality, and the person is seen as a “stain on the entire extended family.” Personally, I think the stain on the entire family, not to mention being a liability and a danger, falls on somebody who would kill their relative because of their sexuality.

By April 20, Hilary Clinton condemned the human rights abuse, and said that the Trump administration should do likewise. On April, 27, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum issued a statement, in which the museum’s director said the Chechen and Russian authorities needed to look into the situation, and “ensure the safety of LGBT population within the Russian Federation.” German Chancellor Angela Merkel also spoke about the matter in a meeting on May 2, with Russian President Vladimir Putin. She urged him to “ensure that minorities’ rights are protected.” The next day, the foreign ministers of five European countries said they were concerned over the situation, in a joint letter to Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov.

On April 4, Amnesty International said it wanted

“We continue to be disturbed by reports of kidnapping, torture, and murder of people in Chechnya based on their sexual orientation and those persecuted by association. If true, this violation of human rights cannot be ignored – Chechen authorities must immediately investigate these allegations, hold anyone involved accountable, and take steps to prevent future abuses.”

French President, Emmanuel Macron, met with Putin on May 29, and pressed Putin on the issue, stating that there would be constant vigilance on the matter. Macron said that Putin said he had taken steps to find out “the complete truth on the activities of local authorities”.

Many celebrities and LGBT activists have voiced their condemnation of the concentration camps, including Billy Elchner, Ellen DeGeneres, Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer and Troye Sivan.

Svetlana Zakharova from the Russian LGBT network, said: “Gay people have been detained and rounded up and we are working to evacuate people from the camps and some have now left the region. Those who have escaped said they are detained in the same room and people are kept altogether, around 30 or 40. They are tortured with electric currents and heavily beaten, sometimes to death.”

The Russian LGBT network has said it has set up a hotline for people seeking help. The network said it received reports of the abuses and torture inside the prison through the hotline.

If you wish to sign Amnesty’s petition go to: https://www.amnesty.org/en/get-involved/take-action/chechnya-stop-abducting-andkilling-gay-men/ And to sign The Petition Site’s petition go to: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/en-gb/285/275/688/un-stop-the-kidnapping-and-tortureof-gay-men-in-chechnya/

EILE Magazine 31

Travel

In

From the Maldives and the Seychelles to Sri Lanka and Mauritius - these getaways are full to the brim with coconut tree lined sandy beaches and breath-taking blue waters, where opulence and luxury reign supreme.

Explore underwater reefs in the Maldives, spy Asian elephants and kitesurf in Sri Lanka, swim turquoise lagoons in the Seychelles, top up your tan in Mauritius and experience the grandeur of Dubai, all within touching distance of the equator.

Maldives Spend 7 nights at the 4* Kuramanthi Island Resort, on an all-inclusive basis, from only €2,779pp.

Price Includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation as stated.

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Price Includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, transfers, 9 nights’ accommodation as stated, free night included. Based on 2 adults sharing.

Travel: September 2017 Ref Number: 1512489 Seychelles Spend 7 nights at the 5* Constance Ephelia Resort, from only €2,269pp.

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Price Includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, airport taxes, transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation as stated. Based on 2 adults sharing.

Dubai and Mauritius Spend 3 nights at the 5* Habtoor Grand Resort in Dubai on a B&B basis and 9 nights in the 5* Heritage Awali Golf &Spa Resort in Mauritius, from only €2,629pp.

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32 EILE Magazine

ndian Ocean paradise getaways

Maldives Image: Maldives.com

Dublin, transfers, stop-over in Dubai, 12 nights’ accommodation as stated. Based on 2 adults sharing.

Travel: August 2017 - other dates and durations available.

Ref Number: 1512854 For more information on these offers or to book, visit www. travelmood.ie or call their team on 01 4331063 or visit the Travelmood store on Duke Street, Dublin 2, just off Grafton Street.

Image: Seychelles.org

EILE Magazine 33

Travel

USA -Fantastic 2018 Easter Offers!

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Las Vegas and New York Spend 4 nights at the 4* Luxor Resort and Casino and 3 nights at the 3* The Edison Hotel NYC from only €1215pp.

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Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 10 nights’ accommodation as stated, early entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and all transportation within Universal Orlando Resort, Fully Inclusive Car Rental with Alamo for 5 days, taxes and charges. Based on 2

Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 7 nights’ accommodation as stated, including a 4 night cruise, taxes and charges. Based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing.

34 EILE Magazine

The Strand, El Porto, California Image: Pedro Szekely

Travel: March 2018 - other dates and durations available.

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EILE Magazine 35

Health

Vitamins and Minerals Nature’s Little Helpers Brian Rochford writes about the importance of vitamins and minerals to our continuing health Because we usually don’t get enough vitamins and minerals in our daily diet, it is important that we learn to supplement our intake for proper healthy nutrition. Many people today neglect to eat foods that are from a natural, healthy source, which would give us these important nutrients, so often end up buying expensive supplements.

Getting the balance of our nutritional requirements right can be complicated, for example, knowing the way that vitamin D works in the absorption of calcium in the body.

Minerals and Vitamins are important for health, and research suggests that they can be helpful in preventing certain illnesses. If you are aware of the health benefits, and eat a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, like the kinds found in fruit and vegetables, and foods that are fortified, you are going a long way to getting some of your essential requirements.

Let’s look at some important vitamins, like Beta-carotene found in green peppers, carrots, sweet potatoes and other foods. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant, and is changed in the body to Vitamin A. It is helpful for good vision, good skin, and also for a healthy immune system.

Beta-carotene is found in carrots and spinach, also in kale, apricots and cantaloupe.

Calcium is an essential mineral, and is important of keep our bones healthy. Daily we lose calcium, and the body does not produce more - a good reason to make sure that we get proper amounts of this important mineral.

If we don’t get enough calcium in our diet, we have to get it from our bones, and we can 36 EILE Magazine

Image: mentalhealthy. co.uk

therefore lose bone-density. How much do we need? Men 70 and younger require 1,000mg* per day/ older 1,200mg* per day.

Women 50 and younger need 1,000mg* per day / older 1,200mg* per day. Where can I get my calcium needs? There are a wide range of foods that are high in calcium, and they are kale and almonds, sesame seeds, chia seeds, tofu, soya milk, orange juice.

Potassium is an important mineral for the proper functioning of the body. It is important in maintaining the balance of fluid in the body, and in keeping your muscles properly functioning. Experts recommend that you get your potassium from foods, and not from supplements.

Foods that contain potassium are broccoli, raisins and pistachios, bananas and lentils.

It is also important to remember that Vitamin D is required to assist in the body’s absorption of calcium. Adults also require Vitamin D to maintain strong, healthy bones. Not getting enough Vitamin D could lead to weaker bones as we get older, and in some cases, bones could fracture. Vitamin D can be found in soya milk, cereals and also orange juice.

Vitamin C is also called ascorbic acid, and is a water soluble vitamin, and a good antioxidant. This vitamin can help with regenerating tissues and with tissue repair, and helps with absorption of iron.

Symptoms of the deficiency can include muscle and joint pain, and bleeding gums. Vitamin C is found in strawberries, brussels sprouts, kale and broccoli, and also grapefruit and oranges.

Iron is necessary for the healthy functioning of red blood cells, and therefore prevents anaemia. You can get your iron requirements by eating green leafy vegetables, and nuts.

So you can see, eating for health means eating foods that are rich in natural vitamins and minerals, nature’s little helpers, to ensure vitality right into middle and old age!

EILE Magazine 37

Once The Musical Review by Frances Winston A summer run of Once The Musical is becoming something of a tradition at this stage – this is the third time we’ve been treated to it - and it is the sort of show that lends itself perfectly to this time of year.

The Dublin setting means that it is a go-to show for tourists, while natives of the city just enjoy seeing this literal love song to their hometown. When I saw it last year I thoroughly enjoyed it, however, my bugbear was in the casting of non-Irish actors in the leading roles. After all, this island has produced a wealth of talent (this is even referenced in the show) so I refuse to believe that there were no Irish actors that could fill the roles.

Either the producers listened to me, or they just wanted to give audiences a truly authentic experience, but this time around the show boasts a completely Irish cast, which I have to admit is a big selling-point for me. Alongside many returning cast members from last year’s show, Brian Gilligan and Niamh Perry take on the role of Guy and Girl.

Unlike many stage adaptations of movies, this actually manages to expand the world of the film. Girl is definitely a driving force here, moving all the action forward. Also characters that are only mentioned in the film feature as living, breathing, entities here. And these actors work for their money. Each performer also doubles up as a musician, and all the songs are performed live on the stage, which really adds a fantastic energy to this.

The basic premise of the melancholy love story between guy and girl is still there, but here it feels like it has a lot more depth to it. This is helped by fantastic performances from all involved, and an extremely witty script (shout out to Phelim Drew as Billy who made the audience laugh pretty much every time he opened his mouth, and who has some of the best lines).

Writer Enda Walsh has thoughtfully adapted John Carney’s original story, while really putting his own stamp on it. He portrays real Dublin characters that we all know and recognise, and like I said, this is a love-song to the city as much as a love story. Throw in some fantastic music, written by the movie’s original stars, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, and this becomes a truly uplifting joyous theatrical experience.

This is one of those shows where everything just comes together and works, from the set to

38 EILE Magazine

the music, to the performances to the lighting, to the script to the choreography, and everything in between. There is a reason it swept the boards at the Tony Awards, and it is a truly marvellous evening’s entertainment.

If you get there early, you can even be part of the action, as they open a bar on the Olympia’s stage where the audience can enjoy a drink and a bit of a hooley with the characters, before the show starts proper.

This should definitely be on any ‘Things to do in Dublin’ list.

Olympia Theatre, Dame Street, Dublin 2

Runs until August 26th Evening shows – doors 7pm, show 8pm Matinee shows – doors 2pm, show 3pm Tickets from €25

EILE Magazine 39

40 EILE Magazine

Frances Winston on Movies Directed by: Jon Watts – Starring: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Jon Favreau, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Tyne Daly, Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr. After two Spider-Man origin franchises in quick succession (2202, 2004, 2007 with Tobey Maguire in the titular role, and 2012 and 2014 offerings with Andrew Garfield taking on the leading man duties) this may feel like a bit of overkill, but having already been introduced to Tom Holland’s webslinger in Avenger’s Civil War, we already know that he brings a wit and a spark to the role that should make this at least watchable.

If you didn’t see that movie, don’t panic. Although Iron Man (yep the RDJ himself makes an appearance) popping up from time to time might seem confusing, there is enough exposition to explain the context without boring the audience members, who are up to speed with the MCU (that’s the Marvel Comics Universe if you’re not in the know).

Rather than take us through the whole Peter Parker getting bitten by a radioactive spider story again (because let’s face it, there aren’t many people in the western world who don’t know that tale, even if they

are not a fan of comic books) this picks up after Peter has been ‘adopted’ by Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, who decides he is his mentor.

But Peter is struggling to contain his excitement about his powers, while also juggling the demands of puberty, and isn’t ready to be reigned in by a self-confessed billionaire, philanthropist, playboy. It doesn’t help that Tony sees him very much as the kid he is, so when he uncovers a big weapons scandal, he can’t get anyone to listen, and is forced to take matters into his own hands, much to Tony’s chagrin,.

Throw in a fantastic turn from former Batman, Michael Keaton, as a baddie, and hilarious cameos from Chris Evans as Captain America in infomercials for high school kids, and you have all the ingredients for a fun-fuelled romp that is a notch above many superhero blockbusters.

Holland is great in the role – he was born to play it. RDJ is fantastic as always as Stark/ Iron Man, and the two bounce off each other so well it’s as if they have known each other all their lives.

All the supporting cast are great, and take full advantage of a very witty script that has a lot of heart, and focuses on character-development rather than action. After an initial outing, which is pretty much a recap of Civil War, it is quite a while before we see Spidey in action-proper again.

Instead, the story explores the realities of being a teenager, and feeling ready for the big bad world, while struggling with the realities of school and your day-to-day life.

Mind you, when there are action-scenes, they are spectacular as you would expect. They are truly magnificent, and a luxury that this movie could afford, given its massive budget. Which is why it is impressive that they don’t hinge the movie on those scenes, because the temptation was surely there.

Rather, they pace them out well, and they are structured beautifully, and fit in with the story marvellously. As Spidey discovers the full extent of his powers, his set-pieces get bigger. All in all, it feels like a perfect build.

Forget everything you think you know about SpiderMan. This movie restores his youthful swagger and bravado, that has been somewhat missing in the previous incarnations. It will strike a chord with every single person who has suffered through those awkward teenage years, and is almost like a cross between one of the John Hughes 80s teen angst movies, and a super hero epic.

Funny, engaging, thrilling, and moving, this really does have something for everybody.

In Cinemas Now! EILE Magazine 41

The House

42 EILE Magazine

Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Andrew Jay Cohen Starring: Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Jason Mantzoukas, Nick Kroll Will Ferrell is like Marmite. You either love him or hate him. His particular brand of schtick doesn’t appeal to everyone, which is fair enough. If you aren’t a fan of his, then this isn’t the film to convert you, as it sees him playing his oft-repeated role of bumbling everyman.

Ferrell is Scott, an average Joe, who along with his wife, Kate (Poehler), is apprehensive but excited about his daughter heading to college.

Unfortunately, neither Scott nor Kate had made much proviso for their offspring’s future. Thankfully, she is a bright kid who is destined to receive a scholarship from the local community. That is, until the town council decides to rescind the scholarship in favour of building a community pool.

Desperate to raise the cash for her tuition, they agree to set up an illegal casino with their friend Frank. It quickly takes off and becomes a roaring success. But of course this raises the hackles of not just the local law enforcement, but also some rather nasty gangsters who run rival operations.

This is a pretty straightforward premise, that never strays off message too much. It’s the kind of story that’s been done before, but Ferrell and Poehler do bring a nice energy to it, and she proves a good foil for his slapstick gurning. As is always the way with a Ferrell film, there is a lot of silliness, but on the whole, it manages to avoid some of the more puerile humour that has peppered previous works.

There is a fantastic supporting cast, who are all recognisable and brilliant in their own right, and they attack their parts with gusto. In fact, at times, it feels like there are so many big personalities competing for screen-time, that you don’t know where you should be looking.

Actually one of this movie’s biggest selling points is probably the ensemble.

This will amuse rather than generate belly-laughs. There are one or two laugh-out-loud moments, but they are inconsistent. And as a morality tale it doesn’t really hold up.

If you take it as what it is – a bit of silliness – it is a pleasant enough way to pass a couple of hours. It won’t become a cult-classic like Anchorman, but it will raise a smile, and sometimes that’s all you want.

In Cinemas Now! EILE Magazine 43

Baby Driver 44 EILE Magazine

Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Edgar Wright Starring: Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Eiza González, Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx, Jon Bernthal Given that his previous directorial efforts include The Cornetto Trilogy and Scott Pilgrim vs the World, when you see Edgar Wright’s name attached to a flick, you know it’s not going to be a straightforward narrative. Here he gives us a ‘jukebox heist movie’, with some of the most slickly-choreographed fight and shoot-out scenes you will ever see.

Elgort plays Baby, a young and talented getaway driver. After an accident as a child, he suffers tinnitus, so he relies on music to drown out the ‘hum in the drum’. Indeed, when we first meet him, he is on a job using his ‘soundtrack’ to keep him focused.

In debt to a mysterious criminal (Spacey) he knows that he is almost paid up, and will soon get his life back, so when he meets Debora (James) he quickly falls for her, and starts making plans for his non-criminal future. But escaping the past isn’t that simple, and when he’s sucked back in for one last job, it could be the death of all involved.

As I said, the choreography here is super-slick, and there is a particularly impressive shoot-out that plays out to the famous song, Tequila. Also the soundtrack is amazing. The effect of this though is that it detracts somewhat from what could have been a really gritty story. Also, it is as if they picked the music over character development, with many of the key players being clichéd stereotypes.

Elgort does a good job as Baby, but there is very little chemistry between him and James. Also their romance is portrayed in such a roundabout fashion, that you start to wonder why she would be willing to risk everything for him.

Their story isn’t allowed to breathe.

However, he and Spacey bounce off each other well, and their relationship is a huge part of the story. Unfortunately, Hamm and Foxx are playing completely one-dimensional characters that you don’t really care about at all.

This is a shame, because both are great actors and merit more than this.

This is an interesting movie, but the chirpy music and bouncy choreography belies the dark subject matter, and sometimes becomes confusing. Sadly, Wright seems to have sacrificed substance for style. That’s not to say it’s not entertaining. You’ll be tapping your feet along to the soundtrack, and oohing and ahhing at the movement. But ultimately, it feels somewhat dissatisfying.

A nice curio, but it could have been so much more.

In Cinemas Now! EILE Magazine 45

GAZE Film Festival Spe Progra The GAZE LGBT Film Festival has announced details of the 25th edition of the programme at a lively programme launch party hosted by Lead Sponsor, Accenture. The launch took place at The Dock, Accenture’s multidisciplinary research and incubation hub, at 7 Hanover Quay, in Dublin’s vibrant Grand Canal Dock. The anniversary programme was officially launched by Handsome Devil filmmaker, John Butler, and featured a striking performance of ‘The Crying Game’ by musician,

46 EILE Magazine

ecial 25th Anniversary amme Markus Feehily, highlighting the special retrospective screening of Neil Jordan’s classic film that will take place during the festival.

The festival will take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, at Light House Cinema in Dublin’s Smithfield, with the best in contemporary LGBT films, including work from Irish filmmakers. The Silver Anniversary programme also includes thought-provoking documentaries, discussions and retrospective screenings, with something to appeal to all tastes, all taking place with the backdrop of a weekend of celebration to mark the festival passing such a huge milestone. >>

EILE Magazine 47

AWOL, starring Lola Kirke, Breeda Wool, Dale Soules Friday 4th August Screening - 4:30pm / Screen 1 Lola Kirke shines as Joey, an aimless young woman searching for a direction in her small town in rural Pennsylvania. A visit to an Army recruiting office appears to provide her a path but when she meets and falls in love with Rayna, a rough and tumble housewife neglected by her long-haul trucker husband, that path diverges in ways that neither woman anticipated. As Joey falls deeper in love, she begins to lose sight of what’s most important to her while also becoming blind to the mistakes she is making.

OUT RUN, Friday 4th August Screening - 4:30pm / Screen 2 ​ As leader of the world’s only LGBT political party, Bemz Benedito dreams of being the first transgender woman in the Philippine Congress. But in a predominantly Catholic nation, rallying for LGBT representation in the halls of Congress is not an easy feat. Bemz and her eclectic team of queer political warriors must rethink traditional campaign strategies to amass support from unlikely places. ​

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THE FABULOUS ALLAN CARR Friday 4th August Screening - 6:30pm / Screen 2 ​ ​IRISH PREMIERE From veteran GAZE visitor and favourite Jeffrey Schwarz (Vito, I am Divine, Tab Hunter Confidential) comes another fascinating portrait of an LGBT Icon: The Fabulous Allan Carr.

A larger-than-life figure of 1970’s and 1980’s Hollywood, Allan Carr began his career with dreams of recapturing the magic of the classical movie era. A producer, manager, and marketing genius, he built his bombastic reputation amid a series of successes including the mega hit musical film Grease, not to mention his infamous Benedict Canyon parties, which defined Hollywood in the 1970’s.

Alas, as with most Hollywood fairytales, Allan Carr’s star began to slide in the 1980’s, with a series of disastrous movie, musical and career flops, culminating in the notorious debacle of the 1989 Academy Awards, which he produced.

A tale of glamour, talent, and the glorious triumph of the underdog, this insightful biopic records the life and work of one of Hollywood’s most fabulous moguls. >>

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Celebrating its 25th anniversary, GAZE Film Festival 2017 will celebrate Ireland’s LGBT journey over the past quarter century, and the role that storytelling has played in this historic narrative.

Renowned as one of the top LGBT film festivals in Europe, this year’s programme features an exhilarating selection of films to suit a wide variety of audiences. The festival continues in 2017, with the valued support of Lead Sponsor, Accenture, whose ongoing commitment to the festival has helped it to go from strength to strength.

The festival will open with triumphant documentary The 34th, which tells the story of the driven and dedicated people who formed Marriage Equality in Ireland, and developed it into a highly effective grassroots force with one clear goal in mind – the extension of Civil Marriage to samesex couples.

In the wake of Brexit, a cornerstone of the programme is the British LGBT Film Focus, kindly supported by the British Council. With the aim of strengthening cultural ties with our closest neighbours, GAZE 2017 looks at how we can continue to develop artistic relations with the United Kingdom. Not only that, but it is very significant that while GAZE celebrates its 25th anniversary, the UK is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality. The British series includes Young Soul Rebels and Queerama, which document British queer history, and films like The Book of Gabrielle and The Dark Mile, which reflect on contemporary LGBT life in the UK. This year’s Saturday Night Centrepiece screening will showcase Tom of Finland, a timeless biopic of a world-famous cult figure. Tom of Finland brings to screen the life and work of one of the most influential and celebrated figures of twentieth century gay culture.

The film chosen to close the special 25th anniversary of the festival is God’s Own Country, one of the most talked about and critically praised LGBT film titles of 2017. Captivating and broodingly beautiful, God’s Own Country is a thrillingly romantic story set in the heart of rural Yorkshire.

Both poignant and moving, it is bracingly open-hearted, with a host of stunning standout performances, making it the must-see film of GAZE 2017.

Noel Sutton, Festival Director of GAZE noted that: “The whole GAZE team are extremely excited to celebrate our 25th festival and to continue to bring the best in LGBT cinema to audiences in Dublin. It’s such a remarkable honour to be Festival Director of this special festival, for this very special anniversary year.”

He continued: “Without the help of our valuable supporters, including our Lead Sponsor Accenture who have been simply wonderful, we wouldn’t be able to bring such a wealth of choices to our enthusiastic audiences, many of whom travel from across the country and indeed internationally for the festival each year. We welcome all audiences to our festival to sample the eclectic programme, especially in this year when we’ll be reflecting on the journey of the LGBT community in Ireland and internationally, over the last 25 years.”

Dr Michelle Cullen, Head of Inclusion and Diversity at Accenture Ireland commented: “We are incredibly proud to support the GAZE International LGBT Film Festival, now in our sixth year. Every day around the world, Accenture puts the power of diversity into action and 50 EILE Magazine

Retrospective screening of The Crying Game with Jaye Davidson and Stephen Rea

the team at GAZE have been doing this for 25 years. Diversity makes us stronger and film is a powerful platform that connects people. The GAZE Film Festival provides this shared platform for people to watch films together to create awareness, insights, and empathy for changing attitudes in Ireland. We are delighted to support the LGBT community in telling these powerful stories through film.�

The GAZE Film Festival is kindly sponsored by Accenture, funded by Funding Partners, The Arts Council of Ireland, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, and Dublin City Council, and is supported by Venue Partner Light House Cinema. Other additional partners also provide valuable support.

The GAZE 2017 Film Festival takes place at Light House Cinema, Smithfield, from August 3rd – 7th 2017.

For more go to: https://www.gaze.ie/

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‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Launches Monday, 25 September Netflix has announced that the highly anticipated, Star Trek: Discovery, will launch on Monday, September 25, exclusively on Netflix everywhere, excluding the U.S. and Canada.

All new episodes will be available on Netflix weekly on Mondays.

The 15-episode season will be released in two chapters. The first eight episodes will run from Monday, Sept. 25 through Monday, Nov. 6. The season will then resume with the second chapter in January 2018.

Star Trek, one of the most iconic and influential global television franchises, returns 50 years after it first premiered with STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. STAR TREK: DISCOVERY will follow the voyages of Starfleet on their missions to discover new worlds and new lifeforms, and one Starfleet officer who must learn that to truly understand all things alien, you must first understand yourself.

The series will feature a new ship, new characters and new missions, while embracing the same ideology and hope for the future that inspired a generation of dreamers and doers.

Star Trek: Discovery is produced by CBS Television Studios in association with Alex Kurtzman’s Secret Hideout, Bryan Fuller’s Living Dead Guy Productions and Roddenberry Entertainment. Alex Kurtzman, Bryan Fuller, Heather Kadin, Gretchen J. Berg & Aaron Harberts, Akiva Goldsman, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth serve as executive producers.

The series will air on CBS All Access in the US, and be distributed concurrently by CBS Studios International on Netflix in 188 countries and in Canada on Bell Media’s Space channel and OTT service CraveTV.

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The Play That Goes Wrong

If ever a play did what the title says on the tin, it’s this. Anything that can go wrong does go wrong for the The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, as they attempt to stage a 1920s murder mystery (think anything by Agatha Christie and you get the idea).

In fairness you might wonder why you would want to see a play which is warning you in advance that everything goes pear-shaped. Well perhaps, because their mishaps and mayhem will provide you with some of the biggest belly-laughs you’ve ever had.

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The show begins even before the curta with cast-members wandering the foyer Winston (Yes that was slightly confusing Winston, it transpires, is a canine cast-m has gone AWOL, but that is only the beg director’s woes.

With an amateur cast all gurning for a an FX guy who would rather be listening Duran, this is amateur hour through and some dodgy props and sets into the mix, the recipe for some of the best slapstick a comedy you will see on stage.

Of course The Cornley Polytechnic Dr

Review by Frances Winston

Interestingly, this play was first performed in 2013, above a pub no less. But it has gone on to become both a West End and Broadway hit. It’s not hard to see why. I can honestly say that the audience was in stitches from start to finish, and while many of the gags may be a bit clichéd, it doesn’t make them any less entertaining. It is impossible not to get caught up in the sheer ridiculousness of it all. And if you’ve ever performed any kind of amdram (or even a school play) you will absolutely get a sense of what the ‘cast’ are feeling.

Brilliantly funny, this will leave you with a huge grin on your face , a stitch in your side, and is definitely a must-see!

The Play That Goes Wrong played at the Bórd Gáis Energy Theatre, Grand Canal Quay, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2, from June 26 to July 1st .

ain goes up, looking for g for me!). member who ginning of the

a fictional creation, and these are professional actors playing the roles. The play at the heart of the, well, play, is also a fictional creation. But what are very real are the laughs that are delivered in quick succession, with the audience barely having time to catch breath before another situation unfolds.

attention, and g to Duran d through. Add , and you have and situation

This is incredibly reliant on the physicality of the performers, and they are all amazing, throwing themselves into it with gusto. Even when you can see something coming, the way they handle it makes it truly hilarious. This is good, old-fashioned slapstick, that harks back to the likes of Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin, or more recently, Frank Spencer in Some Mother’s Do ‘Ave ‘Em.

rama Society is

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Design: Anthony Zagariko, exclusively for EILE Magazine

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

thiswayout.org | Twitter: @TWORadio Overnight Productions (Inc.)/”This Way Out” Post Office Box 1065 Los Angeles, CA 90078 U.S.A. EILE Magazine 57

Top Television News Anchors Who Identify As LGBTQ Around the world, LGBTQ television newscasters have a prominent profile in most countries. In their role as daily newscasters, and commentators, they convey an aura of reliability,integrity, and diversity, in an everchanging domain of news and current affairs.

They are usually at the forefront of breaking news, reflecting the presence of the LGBTQ people in broader society.

So while the number of LGBTQ individuals in the media is important, how they are conveyed to the public is equally important – the authority of a newscaster, seen on a regular basis, instils an aura of tolerance and acceptance of the broad range of sexual identity.

Many of the daily stories they cover reference the LGBTQ community and its issues. In many cases, these are the headline stories. Media plays an important part in conveying an 58 EILE Magazine

understanding of the role sexuality plays in our daily lives. Though not specifically tasked with the mandate, the presence of these individuals in the news industry helps to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBTQ issues around the world.

Of particular note is the transgender presence in this professional field.

Included among these are American, Eden Lane of PBS, India Willoughby, of the UK’s ITV network, and India’s Padmini Prakash of Lotus News. Ireland’s Jonathan Rachel of RTÉ is a well-known gender fluid newscaster, who presents in both his male or female persona.

Many of these individuals are activists within the LGBTQ community. American Charles Perez of ABC News is one to particularly note – he published his book ‘Confessions of a Gay News Anchorman’ (2011) after his ordeal of being fired from a position in Florida when he was identified as being gay.

Several supporting LGBTQ news organizations have been formed as action groups for this professional community.

For example, in France, there is L’association des journalistes LGBT, and in America there is the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association.

Irish news presenter Jonathan Rachel Clynch – Image: Irish Times

This list does not include the many commentators, journalists, reporters, contributors, bloggers, editors and others in the media industry who identify as LGBTQ and also contribute to news coverage of the community. The media industry itself plays a fascinating role in the overall history of the LGBTQ human rights movement around the world.

Charles Perez

Queerbio have identified LGBTQ news anchors from Australia, Canada, Ireland, India, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and the United States. To read more and see their fascinating biographies, go to Queerbio. com.

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Singapore - Pink Dot Pride Rally Draws Thousands Despite New Restrictions Singapore’s annual Pink Dot gay pride rally drew thousands of people on Saturday, July 1st, despite new restrictions aimed at keeping foreigners out of domestic politics, and barricades put up around the rally site.

The rally has been held since 2009 under stringent public assembly laws at Speakers’ Corner, an area set aside for demonstrations, performances and exhibitions.

But this year, Speakers’ Corner was barricaded, and participants had to show ID to prove they were citizens or permanent residents before they could enter, with a set maximum taking part.

Under Singapore law, sex between men is punishable by up to two years in jail, though prosecutions are rare. Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, told the BBC earlier this year than he was “prepared to live with (the law) until social attitudes change”.

Foreigners have never been legally allowed to join rallies in the city-state, but many have got around the restriction by ‘observing’ such events.

Changes to the law announced in October remove the distinction between ‘participants’ and ‘observers’, the Pink Dot organisers said.

They would not disclose the turnout or what the maximum capacity was on Saturday, but participants said the number was below the 28,000 who took part last year.

“The crowd is less dense this year, but I think we’re getting new people” said participant Atiq Lukman.

“Every year, I hear of people making this their first Pink Dot.” The level of security also tripled this year, organisers said, with metal detectors and barricades, under a law that requires police to monitor events with a crowd of more than

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The Pink Dot rally, Singapore’s annual gay pride rally, July 1, 2017 – REUTERS/Darren Whiteside

5,000 people.

The government said the move was in response to a growing threat of terrorism.

the same week in Indonesia, two men were publicly caned for engaging in gay sex, and police have set up a special force to investigate LGBT activity.

This year, Taiwan became the first territory in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. In

– Fathin Ungku, Christophe Van De Perre (Reuters)

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Northern Ireland Thousands March For Same-sex Marriage Thousands of people marched in Belfast on Saturday (1st July) to demand Northern Ireland join the rest of the United Kingdom in legalising same-sex marriage, a step blocked by the region’s largest party, a key ally of British Prime Minister Theresa May. The Democratic Unionist Party, one of the most socially conservative in Europe, has repeatedly blocked gay marriage, despite opinion polls in recent years showing a majority in Northern Ireland are in favour of it.

“It’s ridiculous that we’re treated differently to everyone else in these islands” said Belfast resident, Sarah, who was at the march with her partner, Toni.

“The DUP Dinosaurs are denying us equality and our human rights” 62 EILE Magazine

she added, declining to give her surname.

They joined thousands of demonstrators who marched through central Belfast waving rainbow flags and banners saying “Love is a Human Right.”

The march follows a vote by the German parliament on Friday to legalise same-sex marriage.

The Republic of Ireland, long one of the most socially conservative countries in Europe, backed gay marriage in a referendum in 2015.

The social policies of the DUP have been put in the spotlight by its deal this week for its 10 members of parliament to support May’s government, which failed to secure a majority in a snap election.

On Thursday, her Conservative Party was forced to agree to make funds available for abortions in England for women arriving from Northern Ireland, in order to secure backing from the British parliament for her policy programme.

Northern Ireland has some of the most

restrictive abortion laws in the European Union, and the DUP is against easing access.

The DUP has blocked same-sex marriage using a veto meant to protect Northern Ireland’s religious communities, but DUP assembly-member, Christopher Stalford, said on Friday he did not know whether the party would be able to keep using the veto in the wake of a poor showing in regional elections in March.

Supporters of gay marriage have not had a chance to test the DUP’s weakened position yet, as the DUP and the second-largest party, Irish nationalist Sinn Féin, have sofar failed to reach an agreement on forming a power-sharing government.

Sinn Féin, which has drawn parallels between efforts to secure equality for its Irish Catholic supporters, and equality for the gay community, is trying to secure agreement to legalise same-sex marriage as

part of the negotiations.

Human rights violations of Catholics helped fuel three decades of violence in Northern Ireland between Irish nationalists seeking a united Ireland and mainly Protestant unionists who wanted Northern Ireland to remain British.

“I see parallels with 25 years ago and sectarianism when we thought Catholics and Protestants were a different species” said Reverend Charles Kenny, a Church of Ireland rector from Belfast, who took part in the march.

“We have come a long way on that now and should on marriage equality.”

(Ian Graham, Conor Humphries – Reuters) (eile.ie 3 July 2017) EILE Magazine 63

Huge Crowds Attend World Pride Festival In Madrid After more than a week of events, concerts and a parade attended by hundreds of thousands, Madrid World Pride, the latest incarnation of the largest LGBT festival in the world, ended on Sunday, 2nd July.

Since its inception in 2000, World Pride is held once every several years in major cities across the world, to promote rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)communities.

Over 10 days, the Madrid festival has hosted events ranging from a global human rights conference, to a race in which men sprinted along a central street in towering three-inch heels.

Madrid World Pride coincided with the 40th anniversary of the first LGBT pride protest in Spain.

In a closing ceremony in central Madrid on Sunday, revellers gathered to see musical acts from across the world, including the host cities of previous parades, Jerusalem, Toronto and London.

The next World Pride will take place in New York in 2019, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall demonstrations, when members of the gay community protested against violent treatment at the hands of the police. – Sam Edwards, Barcelona, (Reuters) (eile.ie 3 July 2017)

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Revellers at the World Pride parade in Madrid, Spain, July 1, 2017 – REUTERS/Juan Medina

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Kiev - Gay Pride March Largely Incident-free Ukrainian politicians and foreign diplomats joined thousands marching for Gay Pride in Kiev on Sunday (18 June) carrying banners and waving rainbow and Ukrainian flags, in a parade flanked by a thick cordon of helmeted police.

Some supporters of LGBT rights see progress in Ukraine as symptomatic of the country’s closer integration with the European Union, and rejection of its ties with neighbouring Russia.

Sunday’s march was largely incident-free, although around 200 people protested, variously calling it an affront to traditional values, and to soldiers fighting pro-Russian separatist rebels in the eastern Donbass region.

Ukrainian authorities have increased their support for gay rights since a proWestern government took power, following the Maidan protests in 2014. In 2015, a law was passed banning workplace discrimination against the LGBT community.

But critics say homophobic attitudes remain widespread. Six people were detained for trying to breach the security cordon, the police said in a statement.

“Sunny & well organised #KyivPride2017. Another step forward for equality in #Ukraine,” Judith Gough, the British ambassador to Ukraine who joined the march, wrote in a tweet.

A day before the parade, Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister on European and Euroatlantic Integration, said the parade would help Ukraine shake off its “imperial legacy”.

“There is a consensus in society on the movement of our state in the direction of Europe,” she wrote on Facebook.

“This is not a choice about material wealth. This is a value choice,” she said, adding that a pivot to Europe meant Ukraine learning to respect 66 EILE Magazine

Participants take part in the equality march in Kiev, Ukraine, June 18, 2017. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogyrenko

“individuality and diversity”.

Sunday’s march was a far cry from the violent clashes witnessed at the same event in 2015, but protesters also made their voices heard.

“We cannot allow this march when the country is at war and our brothers are dying on the front,” said Igor, 33. “The Bible and our history are against them.”

The city was embroiled in gay rights row this year as it hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, with a slogan to ‘Celebrate Diversity’. A plan to paint a Soviet-era monument in rainbow colours was resisted by hard-right groups.

(Reuters – Pavel Polityuk) (eile.ie 19 June 2017)

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Indonesia: Gay Community Go Underground After Police Raids (Reuters) – When an angry mob of Islamists threatened to burn down a place hosting a gay and lesbian film festival in Jakarta in 2010, Indonesian police came to protect those staging it.

A volunteer at the festival, Adi, 28, now fears that instead of safeguarding their rights, authorities are targeting his community, forcing them to hide their lifestyles, or even consider moving abroad.

Indonesia’s Islamists have long sought to criminalise gay sex. The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), the vigilante group that threatened the now-defunct Q! film festival in Jakarta, has previously broken up what they said were gay parties, and then urged the police to detain the men.

But what is sending a new chill through the gay community is that police seem to have taken on the vice patrol role themselves. [..]

A month earlier, police raided a hotel in Indonesia’s second-biggest city of Surabaya over an alleged “sex party” and made the 14 detained men undergo HIV tests before publicly releasing the results, local media reports said.

“Before this, we used to think of the police as our safety net when mass organizations, or anyone claiming to represent the people, came to attack us,” said Adi, who works in e-commerce and asked to be identified using 68 EILE Magazine

only one name.

“Now if I want to do anything, I’ll do it in my apartment, in a private space,” he said, adding he was thinking of emigrating.

With the exception of the ultra-conservative Aceh province in northern Sumatra, where Islamic law is enforced and two men were publicly flogged last month for gay sex, homosexuality is legal in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country.

Police denied targeting the LGBT community.

The police raided the Atlantis and the Surabaya hotel because the gatherings there had caused “turmoil in the community”, national police spokesman Rikwanto said.

“As long as they are kept private and their (LGBT community’s) personal affairs are kept to themselves, then it will not be a problem,” he said.

Indonesia’s reputation for tolerance and pluralism was already under scrutiny after Jakarta Governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, an ethnic Chinese Christian, was sentenced last month to two years in prison for blasphemy in a trial that came after mass Islamist-led rallies last year.

His case highlighted the role of Islamic vigilante groups like the FPI, who helped organise the protests against him. The groups are known for raiding bars and brothels during the fasting month of Ramadan. Some have been suspected in arson attacks on churches.

Predominantly Muslim Indonesia has substantial minorities of Christian, Buddhist, Hindus, Confucianists as well as non-Sunni Muslim creeds, such as Shias, who have expressed worries about the vigilantes.

Members of the U.S. Congress sent a letter to the Indonesian government last week, stating their concern over the reports of possible human rights abuses targeting the gay community.

“These attacks are an unfortunate symptom of the growing radicalisation in Indonesia that has targeted women, religious and ethnic minorities, and which could negatively impact diplomatic relations and foreign investments in your country, if left unchecked,” said the letter signed by 35 congress members.

An Indonesian presidential spokesman declined to comment on the letter. President Joko Widodo last year gave qualified support for the gay community, telling the BBC “there should be no discrimination against anyone”, but noted homosexuality is not popular in his country.

Homosexuality remains a taboo topic with the public [..]. A Pew Research Center poll in 2013 found 93 percent of respondents in Indonesia disagreed that “society should accept homosexuality”.

Activists say controversial anti-pornography laws, under which offenders can face up to 15 years’ jail, were being misused against some

of those rounded up during the recent raids in Jakarta. Police also seemed to be using shaming tactics in the raids. [..]

“Honestly, after what happened, I’m scared.

Because what the police stripped naked was not just your body, but your name, your place of work. I’m a lecturer so it could be a problem for me,” said Ahmad, 33, who works at a university in Jakarta. He declined to give his full name or place of work, but nonetheless pledged he would not be deterred from visiting gay bars in Jakarta.

Amnesty International said the police raids were further evidence of an “increasingly hostile environment” for the gay community, fuelled over the past year by “reckless, inflammatory and inaccurate statements made by public officials apparently under the guise of ‘defending public morality’.”

Vice President Jusuf Kalla last year asked the United Nations Development Programme to stop $8 million* of funding of LGBTrelated activities in Indonesia, while Defence minister Ryamizard Ryacudu has suggested homosexuality was part of a “proxy war” waged by foreign states. *($1 = 13,325.0000 rupiah) (Gayatri Suroyo and Stefanno Reinard – Writing Ed Davies; Editing Bill Tarrant) (eile.ie 1 July 2017) EILE Magazine 69

Faith Group Supports March For Same-sex Marriage Faith in Marriage Equality (FiME) called on people of faith in Northern Ireland to support the public rally for civil marriage equality. The march took place in Belfast Saturday, July 1, 2.30 pm, at Writer’s Square, and Faith in Marriage Equality were present with their banner.

Spokesperson Dr Richard O’Leary said:

“Catholic and Protestant Church leaders only recently apologised for opposing in the 20th century Catholic-Protestant mixed marriage.

Church leaders could learn from their past mistake and drop their current opposition to same sex civil marriage”.

Dr O’Leary added:

“While it is proper that faith leaders govern their members’ access to religious marriage, they should not seek to prevent access to civil marriage.

Our politicians in Northern Ireland are being asked to legislate for civil, not religious marriage. We hope that the Democratic Unionist Party and our Catholic and Protestant Church leaders will recognise that more and more ordinary people of faith support civil marriage equality and would like their leaders to make a generous response” Faith in Marriage Equality (FiME) is supported by a range of faith organisations including the Catholic group ‘We are Church Ireland’ and the Anglican Church of Ireland group ‘Changing Attitude Ireland’.

Visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/FiMEIrl/

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Germany: Lawmakers Approve Same-sex Marriage In Landmark Vote (Reuters) – Germany’s parliament backed the legalisation of same-sex marriage today, (Friday 30th June), in a historic vote hailed by gay activists and leftist parties, but criticised by some in Chancellor Angela Merkel’s ruling conservative bloc, and by the Catholic Church.

The move brings Germany into line with many other European nations including France, Britain and Spain and follows Merkel’s surprise decision this week to allow her lawmakers to follow their own conscience rather than the party line on the issue. Merkel, daughter of a Protestant pastor, voted against the bill, which was backed by 393 to 226 in its favour.

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Hundreds of gay activists, some with painted faces, celebrated outside the Bundestag lower house of parliament after the vote, waving rainbow flags and placards that read “Marriage for all – make love for all”.

“This is simply a historic day for Germany,” said Soeren Landmann, a marriage equality activist.

“Today, thousands of samesex couples were given equality, and the two-class society in matters of love was abolished. Germany can really rejoice today.”

The vote has particular resonance in Germany as it unwinds a legacy of virulent homophobia. Earlier this year parliament agreed to grant compensation to thousands of gay men jailed under a 19th century law that was strengthened by the Nazis, and only dropped in 1969 when homosexuality was decriminalised in West Germany.

Merkel, who is seeking a fourth term in a national election on Sept. 24, said she had voted against the bill because she believed that marriage as defined under German law was between a man and a woman.

But she said her decision was a personal one, adding that she had become convinced in recent years that same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt children.

“I hope that the vote today not only promotes respect between the different opinions but also brings more social cohesion and peace,” she said.

Germany is the 23rd country to legalise samesex marriage, according to GLAAD, the world’s largest gay rights group.

A survey by pollster INSA for daily Bild showed this week that three quarters of Germans favoured its

legalisation.

Lawmakers voted by 393 in favour of same-sex marriage to 226 against, with four abstentions.

The landmark vote came about almost by chance after Merkel announced on Monday she would allow lawmakers to vote on samesex marriage according to their individual conscience, drawing the ire of some in her traditionally Catholic conservative bloc.

Same-sex marriage became a hot election topic after three parties – the Social Democrats (SPD), the probusiness Free Democrats and the Greens – each made it a condition for joining any future coalition with Merkel’s conservatives, effectively forcing her hand. The SPD is part of the current coalition.

At an event hosted by women’s magazine “Brigitte” this week Merkel spoke of a “dramatic experience” when she told a lesbian in her home constituency how she had struggled with the idea of same-sex couples adopting children.

Merkel said the woman had responded: “I tell you what, come and visit me in my home, where I live with my lesbian partner and eight foster children. The foster children have been with us for many years, and I think they are doing well.”

The SPD then pushed for Friday’s vote. The swift, untroubled passing of the legislation contrasts with the experience of neighbouring France, where the issue was a political hot potato for months, triggering mass street protests.

Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, the former leader of the SPD, said the vote was “a great moment for the parliament … even if it happened through an accident by Mrs. Merkel”.

“I mean, she voted against it.

It wasn’t exactly a strategic master plan,” he told reporters.

Erika Steinbach, an independent lawmaker who quit Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in protest over her opendoor policy towards asylum seekers, accused the chancellor of betraying the party’s values in pursuit of electoral advantage.

“It runs against the CDU’s own party programme, which sees marriage as being between a man and a woman, so CDU decisions are clearly not worth the paper they are written on. It would be hard to exaggerate how excruciating this is,” said Steinbach.

The right-wing, anti-Islam Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which opposed marriage equality, accused Merkel of “abandoning the

last conservative nuances her party had”.

The Catholic Church said it regretted the decision.

“An appreciation of samesex cohabitation can also be expressed by a different institutional design,” said Archbishop Heiner Kochof of Berlin.

Political analysts say the issue will likely have faded from voters’ minds by the time the September election comes around.

The vote marks a rare victory for the SPD, who are trailing the conservatives in opinion polls. SPD General Secretary Hubertus Heil accused Merkel of political cowardice over her decision to make the issue a matter of private conscience.

“After 17 years with her at the top, the CDU has become cowardly,” he told RND news. “Hers is a politics of no conviction.”

The same-sex bill will likely be signed into law

by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier some time after July 7.

(By Paul Carrel and Andrea Shalal – Additional reporting by Thomas Escritt and Joseph Nasr; Editing

by Gareth Jones and Alison Williams) (eile.ie 30 June 2017)

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US - HRC Responds To US Supreme Court News US Supreme Court of the United States takes up discrimination case involving Colorado bakery; rejects Arkansas Supreme Court’s discriminatory birth certificate ruling; and allows limited version of Trump’s travel ban to go into effect The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has responded to announcements from the Supreme Court of the United States in multiple legal cases greatly impacting LGBTQ people, including Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, a case involving a Colorado bakery which violated state law by refusing service to a same-sex couple; Pavan v. Smith, a case asserting the right of both same-sex parents to be listed on birth 74 EILE Magazine

certificates in Arkansas; as well as Donald J. Trump v. International Refugee Assistance Project and Donald J. Trump v. Hawaii, cases involving President Trump’s travel ban.

On June 26th, the high court agreed to hear Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, a case involving a baker who in 2012 refused to provide a wedding cake for a same-sex couple.

Last year, the Colorado Supreme Court upheld a ruling by the Colorado Court of Appeals that bakery owner Jack Phillips cannot cite religious beliefs or free speech in order to discriminate against samesex couples.

“Colorado state law explicitly protects LGBTQ people from discrimination in public services, and a business open to the public must abide by

the law” said HRC Legal Director Sarah Warbelow.

“The right to practice one’s religion is firmly protected by the U.S. Constitution, however, personal religious beliefs do not give a public business owner a special right to violate the law by discriminating against LGBTQ people. HRC supports the plaintiffs in this case and their attorneys with the ACLU.” The high court also ordered the state of Arkansas to allow both married samesex parents to be listed on their child’s birth certificate.

The decision, in Pavan v. Smith, overturns an Arkansas Supreme Court decision that had had banned the state’s Department of Health from listing both same-sex parents on their child’s birth certificate. The Arkansas Supreme Court

decision would have forced same-sex couples to enter into legal proceedings to guarantee their children’s rights. Under Arkansas law, a different-sex couple married at the time of a child’s birth are presumed parents, and listed as such on the birth certificate — even in cases where reproductive technologies have been used and agreed to by both parents. Additionally, a different-sex couple married after the birth of their child can both be listed as legal parents on the birth certificate if the husband attests he is the parent.

The case was argued by the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Ropes & Gray, LLP and Arkansas attorney Cheryl Maples.

“This is an important win for same-sex parents not just in Arkansas, but across the country” said Warbelow.

“Children deserve to have the full benefits of parental recognition from the time they are born, and this decision ensures married same-sex spouses have the same legal parental rights as different-sex spouses.

We congratulate the attorneys and plaintiffs

on this important victory.”

In the cases of Donald J. Trump v. International Refugee Assistance Project and Donald J. Trump v.

Hawaii, the high court also announced today that it has agreed to consider this fall the constitutionality of Trump’s travel ban, which has thus far been blocked by two lower courts. The justices allowed portions of the ban to take effect in the interim, on travelers from six Muslimmajority countries, including Libya, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

The court did, however, make an exception for anyone with a “bona fide relationship with a person or entity” in the U.S. — such as a family member or admittance to a school in the U.S. Earlier this year, HRC joined the International Refugee Assistance Project to pen an op-ed on how the President’s refugee policies are dangerous for LGBTQ people around the world.

people and others who are fleeing human rights abuses sanctioned by leaders in these countries. LGBTQ individuals are representative of all peoples — we are Jewish, Muslim, asylum-seekers, immigrants, black, white, and Latinx, and we must continue to stand together against this hateful ban. Despite today’s setback, we hope that the high court will ultimately recognize the travel ban for what it is — unconstitutional and discriminatory.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. (eile.ie 30 June 2017)

“Donald Trump’s travel ban discriminates against a huge portion of the world’s population and demonizes Muslims. That is flat out wrong” said Ty Cobb, Director of HRC Global.

“Worse yet, Trump’s reckless travel ban endangers LGBTQ

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Gay Games - Re Paris in

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

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

Register for the greatest sporting and cultural event a

Book your favorite activity now! You can take advantage of the prefer March 2017. The sooner you

Vis

https://parisgaygames.fuses 76 EILE Magazine

endez-vous with n 2018!

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

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

along with 15,000 attendees from over 70 countries.

rred price ‘Blue Supporters’ for the next 1,500 registrations before 31 u register, the more you save.

sit:

sport.com/registration/395/ EILE Magazine 77

Information and support for women who need someone to talk to

DLL – Phone: (01) 872 9911 (Callback facility available) 78 EILE Magazine

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LGBT Helpline and eir promote positive mental health at Dublin Pride The LGBT Helpline, the national support service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people, teamed up with eir to promote positive mental health at Dublin’s Pride parade on 24 June.

The parade commenced at St. Stephen’s Green South at 2pm, finishing with a Pride Party in Smithfield Square, Dublin 7.

The LGBT Helpline and eir had a large, colourful float in the parade. The theme for Dublin Pride this year was ‘Find Your Inner Hero’, and the LGBT Helpline / eir float reflected this with a range of superhero-themed costumes and props.

The float also showcased the ‘It’s Good to Talk’ campaign, which promotes positive mental health among the LGBT community, and highlights the mental health support services provided by the LGBT Helpline.

Following the parade, the LGBT Helpline and eir had a large and lively igloo tent at the Pride Party in Smithfield Square. Helpline staff were on hand to provide information and support to anyone seeking help.

As well as providing on-site support services, the LGBT Helpline were in celebratory mode, contributing to the Pride Party atmosphere with colourful, life-sized superhero cut-outs where people could pose for selfies, and a ‘Pick ’n’ Mix’ candy area with free sweets on offer.

Commenting in advance of the Pride Parade, Paula Fagan, National Coordinator of the LGBT Helpline, said:

“Pride is a time to celebrate and have fun, but for a lot of people, it can also be a time when negative thoughts or feelings can be magnified, as everyone else can appear to be happy and comfortable with their sexuality or gender identity. For people confused about their sexual or gender identity, or worried about coming out, Pride season can bring these feelings to the fore.

“We want everyone to know that we’re on hand to offer information and support to anyone who

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may be feeling worried or struggling throughout Pride, as well as celebrating everything that’s wonderful about being part of the LGBT community.”

The LGBT Helpline is the national support service for LGBT people, their families and friends. It was established in 2010 and is run through a network of local helpline centres and a range of online services. The organisation’s teams of trained volunteers provide confidential support and information through the telephone helpline, online chat service, peer support service and the LGBT.ie website. The helpline number is 1890-929-539.

For further information, visit www.lgbt.ie or follow @LGBT_ie on Twitter, #itsgoodtotalk.

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Over €3,000 To Be Won In Prizes – Intercultural Writing Competition Metro Éireann and Kenan Institute of Ethics have announced the third annual intercultural writing competition, with over €3,000 to be won in prizes.

Metro Éireann, in collaboration with Duke University’s Kenan Institute of Ethics, invites young writers living in Ireland to submit original works of writing to its third annual intercultural writing competition.

Announcing the 2017 writing competition, Bill McCarthy, coordinator of the project, said: “Writers between the ages of 14 and 21 – immigrants and non-immigrants – are encouraged to enter submissions that explore the ethical challenges associated with intercultural diversity in Ireland.

“Submissions are due by midnight on July 30, 2017, and may take one of three forms: a short story of no more than 2,000 words, a novel extract of no more than 2,000 words or a selection of poetry comprising no more than five poems,” he added.

All submissions must be typed using 12-point Times New Roman font and double-spaced.

They should be sent to info@metroeireann.com with the entrant’s full name and the word ‘submission’ in the subject line. Each submission should include a cover page with the entrant’s name, age, address and telephone number. The cover page should also include details about the entrant’s submission, such as its age category and title.

Cash prizes will be awarded in three categories. There will be an ages 14 to 17 winner and runner-up, an ages 18 to 21 winner and runner-up and an ages 14 to 21 Spirit of Intercultural Ethics winner. Each winner will receive 800 euros and each runner-up will receive 400 euros. The winning submissions may also be published in Metro Éireann.

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Judges will select winners and runners-up according to a list of criteria: engagement with the themes of ethics and intercultural diversity, creativity and originality, organization and structure, impact on the reader and initiative of beginning writers. Winners will be announced through an awards ceremony on August 4, 2017.

Workshop sessions will be held in Dublin for entrants seeking guidance with their writing.

Dates for those sessions are to be announced, but advanced booking will be first come, first served.

All submissions to: info@metroeireann.com

(eile.ie 21 June 2017)

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DLL – Phone: (01) 872 9911 (Callback facility available) EILE Magazine 85

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Once The Musical Olympia Theatre Dublin