EILE Magazine - October 2017 (Vol. 5, Issue 3)

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Magazine V 5 Issue 3 - October 2017

Veronica Bianqui E Embracing The Ordinary in Gay Ireland Inside:

Julia Othmer

Travel | Film | Fashion |Health | News

EILE Magazine | Who’s Who

Contributors

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 Paul Dowling Paul lives in Chicago and is an Irish emigrant, who has recently initiated a project to encourage the Irish government to look at the special case of LGBT diaspora in its plans for inclusion of Irish emigrants the world over 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

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EILE Magazine | Welcome

Highlights October 2017 Embracing the Ordinary - P.18 Irish Emigrant Paul Dowling writes from Chicago about his impressions of the evolving Irish attitudes to the LGBT community

Travel - Pps. 22,24 Travel this month brings you offers on holidays to the exotic far east, and city breaks to New York and elsewhere in the US

Health - Facts on Fats - P.26 Brian Rochford gives us a run-down on the differences between the varioius forms of fats in our diet

Volume 5, Issue 3 Editor-at-Large: Scott De Buitléir Editor: MKB Contributors: M. Butler, Scott De Buitléir, Paul Dowling, MKB, Lisa Reynolds, Brian Rochford, Frances Winston Photographers: Ceethreedom, James T. Lundie NB: All images in this publication are either under Creative Commons licence, or used with permission. Image credits, where necessary, are printed on the corresponding page(s) or photo(s). Any queries can be made to hello@eile.ie Special Thanks to MKB for all her hard work, dedication and support.

Music - Pps. 6,10,and 14

Web: http://eile.ie

Music comes this month from Veronica Bianqui and Julia Othmer

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

Fashion P.14, LGBT film P.20 Brian Rochford writes about wrapping up for the Winter, and Lisa Reynolds reviews LGBT-themed film, Pretty Boy

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

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

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EILE Magazine | Editor’s Letter

Contents 6-

Veronica Bianqui

10 -

Julia Othmer

14 -

Men’s Fashion

18 -

Paul Dowling

20 -

Pretty Boy

22 -

Travel East

24 -

Travel NY

26 -

Health Fats

28 -

Frances on Film

32 -

Review Miss Saigon

34 -

GFEST 2017

38 -

LGBT Economists

40 -

No! Sediments

42 -

IFI Horrorthon

plus World LGBT News, Views, Arts, Entertainment etc

EILE October 2017 Edition!

Welcome to the October issue of EILE Magazine As usual, we have a packed magazine to keep you entertained this month.

For your musical enjoyment, we bring you American singer-songwriters, Julia Othmer and Veronica Bianqui.

Brian Rochford tells us about fats in our diet and Lisa Reynolds reviews LGBT-themed film Pretty Boy. Irish emigrant, Paul Dowling, writes from Chicago on how he has seen attitudes changing in Ireland toward the LGBT community here.

Our travel section features the far east and New York city breaks. Brian Rochford also writes our fashion feature this month on men’s winter fashion, and Frances Winston reviews some great films and Miss Saigon.

It’s also GFEST and WinterPride Maspalomas time again, and Australia’s plebiscite will soon give its answer to marriage equality there.

We also have lots of news, views and entertainment from around the globe, so we hope you enjoy this October 2017 issue of EILE Magazine!

Scott De Buitléir Founder / Editor-at-Large

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See our film reviews

by Frances Winston

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Veronica Bianqui In EILE this month, we are delighted to feature rock/jazz/pop singer-songwriter, Veronica Bianqui, who has recently released a single with a great message, Victim (about refusing to be a victim).

Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Veronica Bianqui, fuses high rock energy with soulful R&B, and even brings in 60s pop influences, born, no doubt, from her mother’s love of Joe Cocker, and Beatles’ music. She has shared the bill with the likes of The Coathangers, Dead Sara, and The Cosmonauts, and had a residency at Hollywood’s Harvard & Stone. Bianqui has also raised funds for drug abuse education and harm reduction with the track, Victim.

Her tastes and influences encompass a wide range of sounds - musical theatre, jazz, classical, and even Indian classical music. When performing a live show with her band, consisting of up to 10 members, Bianqui sings with revue-style showmanship, giving the audience a unique experience.

Before going solo with her new material, Bianqui had already made a name for herself on the LA circuit, performing and touring with bands across the US and Europe. She is also a current member of 1960’s inspired folk/surf/psych rock outfit The Blank Tapes, and balances the two bands, often collaborating with bandmate and co-producer Matt Adams, which she did on her upcoming debut album In the short amount of time that she has been releasing music, including a cassette single release of Aah, Paris… and If Love’s A Gun, I’m Better Off Dead, via Lolipop Records, she has managed to gain the attention of several respectable press outlets, such as Pick-Of-TheWeek in LA Weekly, and One-To-Watch on Buzzbands.LA, and Grimy Goods. She has been

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featured on hypem.com, and is frequently played on independent tastemaker stations like KCRW and KXLU. Bianqui’s past gigs include the main stage at Echo Park Rising 2017, headlining slots at The Hi Hat and The Bootleg, a popular residency at Hollywood’s Harvard & Stone, shared bills with Mikal Cronin, The Coathangers, Dead Sara, Cosmonauts, Capital Cities, and more.

She has self-booked multiple UK & European tours, and was hand-picked by bookers to play iconic Los Angeles venue, The Echo’s 15 year anniversary party, in December 2016. In light of this vast range of performances, it is no wonder that people want to see the young songstress live.

Her debut album, recorded with Mark Rains (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Shooter Jennings, Alice Bag, Death Valley Girls), will be released in 2018.

We think you might enjoy her latest single, Victim (that is, not being one). See what you think!

-MKB

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You can download Victim on iTunes at: itunes.apple.com/us/artist/veronicabianqui/id1274362238 and visit Veronica on Facebook and Twitter at: www.facebook.com/ veronicabianquimusic twitter.com/vbianqui Photographs: Ceethreedom

Veronica Bianqui Photographs: Ceethreedom

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Julia Othmer This singer-songwriter from Kansas city, is a real treat for the ears, with her moody, balladic latest new single, Purple And Gray.

In our EILE October edition, we bring you a real treat.

Kansas-city native, Julia Othmer, has recently released a great new single, Purple And Gray, from her new album, Sound. This track is a wonderful, slow, moody, dark ballad, totally pared back to reveal Julia’s soulful vocal. If you like the amazing Kristina Train’s ‘Dark Black’ (both have colours as titles!) you will have an idea of what Purple And Gray sounds like. Purple And Gray is a collaboration between Julia and producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist, James T. Lundie. About the album Julia says: “I focused on writing with space around the words, with openness. There’s room for the listener to have their own interpretations, to make the songs their own […]

James and I explore making music out of all kinds of things – kitchen gadgets, seed pods from the garden, anything and everything”.

Julia is no slouch when it comes to live performances either. She has performed alongside icons, Sarah McLachlan, Emmylou Harris, and Heart, and has shared the stage with the likes of Amanda Palmer, Minnie Driver, Regina Spektor, Amos Lee, and John Waite. Julia has been hailed as “a piano-playing siren making a mark with her fiery, passionate performances,” (NXNE Festival Guide).

Julia’s new album, SOUND is set in cinematic soundscapes, the songs are “rich in space and soaring dynamics and rife with layers and textures and melodies and grooves” (Tim Finn, KC Star). The album is a journey, from the exultant disco rock anthem Hungry Days (Make Me Feel), to the vulnerable and delicate Homeward, from the haunting surf guitar of Purple and Gray, to the sublime vocal orchestration of Whoever Says.

Integral to SOUND is producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist, James T. Lundie. “I heard his work. It was epic,” says Julia. “And honest. I had to meet him.

So I knocked on his door in London and kept asking him to collaborate until he said

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Julia Othmer Photo: James T Lundie

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yes.” And collaborate they did.

Fueled by a remarkably successful Kickstarter campaign, they created SOUND during a period of reclusion and focus.

“We had this great gift of support and no sense of limitations. We decided we weren’t going to stop until we made something that both of us were proud of. No caveats. No concessions. No compromise.”

Working in their LA studio for over two years, they performed almost every role themselves, except for a few notable guests, including their pit bull, Mary. Julia explains: “James and I explore making music out of all kinds of things – kitchen gadgets, seed pods from the garden, anything and everything. And Mary is always with us in the studio; it was inevitable she would end up on the recordings. If you listen close, you can probably hear her howling in my backing vocals.”

She has a warm rapport with her audiences and a strong connection with her loyal and ever-growing fan base. “I get to write and play songs because people come out to concerts and support live music. I don’t take that for granted.”

Originally from Kansas City, Julia attended Columbia University in New York, before moving to Philadelphia, where she began performing live, then moved to Los Angeles to record her debut album, Oasis Motel, with producer Michael Blum (Roger Daltrey, Madonna). Her songs have been featured on shows like Witches of East End, Switched at Birth, Army Wives, The Lying Game, and DeGrassi: The Next Generation.

Julia Othmer ludmarkphotography Facebook 12 EILE Magazine

Julia has performed alongside icons Sarah McLachlan, Emmylou Harris, and Heart.

She has also shared the stage with Amanda Palmer, Minnie Driver, Regina Spektor, Amos Lee, and John Waite, among others.

Julia Othmer Photos: James T. Lundie

Looking ahead, Othmer is planning a tour in support of SOUND. “We worked hard on the album. Now it’s time to celebrate. No better way to do that than playing music.”

-M. Butler To catch up with Julia, visit: www.facebook.com/juliaothmermusic twitter.com/juliaothmer itunes.apple.com/us/artist/julia-othmer/ id46630322 Photographer: James T. Lundie EILE Magazine 13

Men’s Winter Fashion All Wrapped Up! Brian Rochford tells us how to keep warm and stay stylish this Winter Now that Autumn and Winter are taking centre stage, you’ve got to think about keeping warm, while still keeping an eye on style. You can start by layering up with scarves and heavy jackets, woollen and padded overcoats, and don’t forget those boots are made for walking! (not just looking good).

As always, with each season, there are certain colours, styles, and fabrics trending, and this season, shades of green abound - military green, moss green, and even dark green/olive. You will have seen these colours popping up on the runways, making their way into the department stores, and onto the covers of fashion magazines.

Designers to check out for ideas might be Dries Van Noten, and Dolce & Gabbana. Their recent Autumn/Winter collections show what fabrics, styles, textures and colours were trending on the catwalk. Also, to whet your appetite, you could take a look at what’s on offer from the Ralph Lauren collection - an exciting mix of clothes in olives, browns, and greys.

Dark neutral tones tend to dominate this season, but you might be surprised to find pastels are also on display, with light pinks and blush and, surprise surprise, you could even find orange rearing its unlikely head. Who knows, there may even be glimpses of some light yellows.

It seems surprising that these bright colours, which are best worn in the Spring and Summer, are tip-toeing into the Autumn/Winter season. Not everyone may enjoy the latest trends, but you can find some items that may work for you, and that will keep you warm and stylish this season.

Where would you be without the sweater, especially in cold windy weather?

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-

dolce & gabbana

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tie, so stylish and practical at this time of year. The light-weight crewneck, always a big hit when you have the physique to show it off, Â is also available in a wide range of colours, and is so versatile you can combine it with jeans, slacks, and chinos, and it always looks smart and comfortable.

Scarves are the fashion essential this time of year. They don’t just keep you warm! They also add colour, style and sophistication to your Autumn/Winter wardrobe. You can style them in so many different ways to complete your look .

The overcoat is a must for men at winter-time. It is practical, easy-towear, and perfect if you want to layer up in the colder months ahead. Dolce & Gabbana featured both woollen and padded versions of this staple, as did most of the major houses.

One piece most of us own is the casual

dries van noten

You could try sporting the light-weight Vneck sweater, which can look stunning, especially if you are in good shape. It is so versatile and stylish, and is available in a range of attractive shades. You could also go for the sophisticated look of the turtleneck, which looks great with jackets and coats, especially in cold weather.

Knock yourself out this season with the quarter-zip sweater. This can be worn solo or with a shirt, even with a shirt and 16 EILE Magazine

ralph lauren

dolce & gabbana

georgio armani

bomber-jacket, which is a must for making the transition from Autumn to Winter. It screams style on the outside, while keeping you warm on the inside. A version of this, the aviator jacket, has remained popular for the past few years.

This jacket is destined to be on your hanger (excuse the pun) this season. It can be dressed up with a roll-neck and slacks, or toned down with a crew-neck, a pair of jeans, and chukka boots, if you want a more laid-back look.

No doubt, all of these designer styles will be found in a wearable form at your local Marks & Spencer, River Island or Zara, so that everyone can enjoy the current trends!

dries van noten EILE Magazine 17

Colu

Image: Irish Times

Paul Dowling writes on the changes he has seen coming about in Ireland from a gay emigrant’s perspective As someone who’s lived outside of Ireland for almost eight years, there’s an element of risk involved in my asserting much about contemporary Irish life. Not only have I been gone for a significant amount of time, I’ve been absent during an era of rapid social change on many fronts, including attitudes towards sexual and gender identity.

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I cobble together an approximation of everyday Irish life through conversations with family, media sources, and what I can glean first-hand during the couple of weeks I get to spend at home each year. While I believe what I manage to manufacture is accurate, I don’t underestimate the significance of the lived experience. I lack the profound understanding of Irish life that must be acquired both directly and daily. I’m too far away for too long at a time to feel the creeping changes that occur as the nation shapes and reshapes itself everyday through the millions of interactions and conversations that take place in every corner of the county.

I’ve watched the changes that have happened for us as an LGBTQI community, but without having lived them, there’s still something about these advances that seem sudden to me.

Visiting home in 2014, I saw two men walking

Embrac Ordinar Irela past the gates of Trinity College holding hands.

For a moment my heart stopped. I was in disbelief. I felt joy, then jealousy, then pride, and then they were gone. I wondered if it had actually happened, and then chastised myself for staring if indeed it had. I watched with hope and horror as Ireland prepared for the Marriage Equality referendum. I came close to tears as I played and replayed clips of strangers taking boats and planes home to vote yes for me.

When I left Ireland eight years and one lifetime ago boys didn’t hold hands in the street. Panti Bliss hadn’t addressed the nation in their own living rooms on Christmas day, and the elected officials of Ireland hadn’t all but unanimously supported a referendum granting access to one of Ireland’s most traditionally cherished institutions for one of Ireland’s most traditionally excluded groups.

Then along came Leo,

umn -

Ireland’s Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar Image: finegael.ie

cing The ry in Gay and and again, I found myself wondering how – as a long term emigrant – my feelings about this latest advancement might stack up against those of people living in Ireland.

Of course, I welcomed the news of a gay taoiseach. I was elated; initially at least.

Something of real significance had happened in a place I still call home and had left because of difficulties with my own sexuality. The election of a gay Taoiseach was more powerful evidence of acceptance, and after all, isn’t acceptance what those of us who grew up out-ofbounds crave the most?

My experience of this latest social milestone began to shift from the visceral to the intellectual. I understood the significance of our new Taoiseach being – among many other things – gay, but I no longer gushed in the way the recently empowered are wont to do.

I wondered what might be wrong. After the Marriage Equality Referendum there

had also been an anticlimax for me, but that was because I was so far removed from where I wanted to be to celebrate – home. I truly felt as though I could burst with relief and joy. The people of Ireland were sound, and it looked like they thought I might be sound too. The anticlimax I felt on that occasion was because I couldn’t find a gratifying way to express my joy, not because I didn’t feel joy.

I turned to the internet to help me sort out my feelings.

I wanted my deflated spirits to be roused by smiling faces, rainbow flags, and jubilant signage. While the international media was abuzz with headlines about Leo Varadkar’s sexuality, and what it said about the modern Emerald Isle, Ireland itself seemed to share my stunted sensibilities.

Prominent news sources scratched their heads and pondered whether it’s actually that big a deal that Ireland has a gay Taoiseach. Several other

articles acknowledged the significance of a gay Taoiseach, but stood only briefly on this point before getting down to the business of the composition of the Varadkar cabinet, and what his conservative philosophy might mean for social programmes. Another article pointed out that in many ways Varadkar could be categorised accurately as more-of-the-same; he’s a man; he’s the privatelyeducated son of a doctor.

Ireland appeared to be more concerned with Varadkar’s political leanings rather than his sexual ones. There really was a sense of so what? It turned out, in this instance, I did have my finger on the unruffled pulse of the nation.

As I thought more about it, I grew to love the lack of reaction to our Taoiseach – Ireland’s and my own. True inclusion isn’t about marriage or Taoisigh, it’s about being allowed to be completely ordinary, and for our differences to be seen but not to matter that much at all.

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Review

Gay-themed Short Film Pretty Boy Lisa Reynolds reviews this film of unlikely friendship by writer/director, Cameron Thrower LGBT-themed film, Pretty Boy (2015, but released on Youtube 2017) is a compelling and engaging short (32 minutes). It centres around the friendship which develops between high school senior, Sean Collins (played by Nick Eversman) and prostitute, Katie (played by Rebekah Tripp).

The pair meet when Sean’s religious, bigoted father, John Collins (played by Jon Briddell) brings him to meet with Katie for his 18th birthday, after finding a magazine with naked men in Sean’s room.

Over the course of the film, which is just over 32 minutes long, Sean confides in Katie that he is gay, that he fancies a boy at school called David (played by Zach Matchem) and that he is being badly bullied at school.

They also discuss Sean’s late mother (played by Anne Montavon) and Katie’s 4-year-old son, Brandon. As the film continues, we see how Katie also faces discrimination in the shop when she and Sean go out to get some food, and how she is estranged from her family, who won’t let her see Brandon.

It is a very cleverly-written short movie that never feels contrived. It flows from scene to scene with ease. Sean’s and Katie’s friendship is beautiful to watch, and it is brilliantly written, how she, as an older person, is like a big sister to him, helping him to be brave, unashamed, and unapologetic, in a world filled with adversity that she knows only too well in her own way.

Although they are both at different stages in their lives, they have a lot in common. They have both faced discrimination, they both have people who are trying to make them feel ashamed, and they both have problems with their families.

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Nick Eversman as Sean Collins

Written and directed by Cameron Thrower, the film is a stunning and touching picture, which is very well put together from start to finish, with very well-rounded characters.

A must-watch, the message in this short movie is a salutary one: Be yourself. Be happy. And never let anyone take that away from you.

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Travel

Explore the fantastic Far East For a trip that will take you out of your comfort zone and reward you with amazing experiences and everlasting memories choose the fantastic Far East.

Travel the city of Hong Kong, take a nighttime stroll around Victoria Harbour and see the amazing views of the city or take a daytime hike up into the hills along the Dragon’s Back trail.

Langkawi Island is especially recognised for its excellent diving opportunities while also hiding a treasure trove of other exciting holiday opportunities. Make your beach break even more memorable with a fantastic city stay in Kuala Lumpur.

Bali offers those who visit the chance to spend their time in a luxury resort, on a white sandy beach, in a lush jungle or deep underwater examining the captivating wildlife.

Or if you wish to visit a country with a rich and important history, diverse cities, a captivating coastline and welcoming locals then a vacation in Vietnam is just right for you.

Whichever Far Eastern destination you choose to explore, Travelmood, the worldwide holiday experts, can help your dreams come true.

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Hong Kong Spend 6 nights at the 4* Kowloon Hotel from only €939pp Price includes: Return flights ex.

Dublin, 6 nights’ accommodation on a room-only basis, taxes and charges.

Based on two adults sharing.

Travel: February 2018 Ref: 1523863 Langkawi & Kuala Lumpur Spend 7 nights at the 4* Berjaya Langkawi Resort and 3 nights at the 4* Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur from only €1499pp Price includes: Return flights ex.

Dublin, airport transfers on arrival, 10 nights’ accommodation on as stated, taxes and charges. Based on two adults sharing.

Travel: January 2018 Ref: 1529830 Bali Spend 7 nights at the 4* Bali Tropic Resort & Spa from only €1269pp Price includes: Return flights ex.

Dublin, airport transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation on a B&B basis, one night free stay, Bali Sunset Dinner Cruise, taxes and charges. Based on two adults sharing.

Travel: February 2018 Ref: 1528070

Vietnam Ho Chi Minh, Danang, Hanoi & Halong Bay Cruise from only ₏2349pp 3 nights at the 4* Saigon Prince Hotel, Ho Chi Minh on a B&B basis 5 nights at the 4* Furama Resort Danang on a B&B basis 1 night at the 4* Pan Pacific Hanoi on a B&B basis 1 night Halong Bay Overnight Cruise, Full Board Basis 1 night at the 4* Pan Pacific Hanoi on a B&B basis Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, airport transfers on arrival, 11 nights’

accommodation on a B&B basis, one night free stay, Bali Sunset Dinner Cruise, taxes and charges. Based on two adults sharing.

Travel: May 2018 Ref: 1520669 For more information on these offers or to book, visit www.travelmood.ie, call their team on 01 4331063, or visit the Travelmood store on Duke Street, Dublin 2, just off Grafton Street.

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Travel

The ultimate USA city breaks Boasting almost 20,000 cities and towns, the USA really offers a variety of destinations to choose from. However, to view them all would take 365 days a year for 54 years!

To help you make the most of your trip Stateside, here’s a variety of hotspots to help you get the most from your holiday, including cities that will give you both pause and pleasure for however long you choose to visit.

Avail of these amazing last-minute offers and escape to the States this winter!

Christmas Shopping in NYC Spend 3 nights at the 3* Hotel Metro from only €784pp.

Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 3 nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges. Based on 2 adults sharing.

Travel: November 2017 Ref No: 1530950 Thanksgiving in Boston Spend 4 nights at the 3* Boston Park Plaza from only €668pp.

Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 4 nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges. Based on 2 adults sharing.

Travel: November 2017 Ref No: 1530740 San Fran & NYC Spend 3 nights at the 3* Beresford Hotel and 3 nights at the 3* Stewart Hotel from only €1025pp.

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New York at night

Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, internal flights from San Francisco to New York, 6 nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges. Based on 2 adults sharing.

Travel: December 2017 Ref No: 1530856 Call American Holidays to book on 01 673 3804 or call into their office just off Grafton Street - 18- 19 Duke Street, Dublin 2 where their staff will help you plan your holiday of a lifetime.

For more information visit www.americanholidays.com.

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Health

Facts About Fats Brian Rochford writes on the different types of fats and their effect on the body We all take in some form of fat in our daily diet, but what type of fat, and how much, are very important considerations when we think about our health. The three main types of fats consumed daily are saturated, polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats.

It has been stated that, from about the age of 35, you should have your levels of cholesterol tested at least every 5 years. It is important to watch your cholesterol levels, as it is desirable to keep your levels low. When the levels register high, treatment is required.

Saturated fat has a tendency to increase the levels of cholesterol in the blood. Many saturated fats are solid at room temperature, and they are mainly found in dairy products and meat, and also in some vegetable oils. On the other hand, polyunsaturated fats are generally found in plants, and usually help to reduce levels of cholesterol. Mono-unsaturated fats can also help to lower bad cholesterol. A good source can be found in olive oil, also in avocados and canola oil.

1. If you happen to be somewhat overweight, take practical steps to lose weight.

Cholesterol is needed by the body to work efficiently, however, the health of the body can be damaged when cholesterol levels become too high.

When the cholesterol levels of the blood increase, it builds up in the walls of the blood vessels. These deposits are known as plaque, and can either stop or reduce the flow of blood.

These changes can cause deterioration in the condition of your health.

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Ways to help keep your levels of cholesterol in check include:

2. Develop the habit of eating a healthy diet, taking in some polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats, and lots of fruit and vegetables.

3. Taking regular exercise can be very helpful also, as it can raise levels of high-density lipo-proteins (HDL) or good cholestrol, and lower low-density lipo-proteins (LDL) or bad cholestrol, linked to heart disease.

Polyunsaturated fats not only help to reduce cholesterol, but can also provide the body with nutrients, which help with the maintenance of the body’s cells.

Introducing oils that are rich in polyunsaturated fats can help provide the body with essential nutrients that it needs, but cannot produce. For example, Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids can

Prostate Cancer - The University of California (2013) found that vegetable and nut oils, subtituted for animal fats and carbohydrates, increases plasma antioxidants and reduces insulin and inflammation, and may deter the progression of nonmetastatic prostate cancer (June 10 2013 in JAMA Internal Medicine)

help with many of the body’s functions, such as reducing inflammation, lowering risk of chronic heart disease, and assisting in brain function.

Omega 6 also helps skin and hair growth, bone health, and helps regulate both the metabolism and reproductive system.

Generally oils that are derived from plants can be helpful due to the content of unsaturated fat. It is important to note what oils are more beneficial, as not all fats are of the healthy variety. Oils such as olive oil and canola are considered to be healthier. Examples of oils that contain polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are sesame oil, corn oil, olive oil, and soybean oil.

It is beneficial to follow a diet largely containing whole foods, and where possible avoid processed foods. Start to introduce foods like

fruit and vegetables, beans, and wholemeal/ wholegrain foods, lentils and chickpeas, which are low in fat and high in protein.

Lowering cholesterol can be helped by making an exercise routine part of your day. By building up your muscles, and reducing the fat, you can help your heart, and overall health and energy levels.

You can improve your cholesterol levels, and reduce your blood pressure as well as the risk of stroke and heart attack, by introducing a moderate exercise programme into your daily life.

As always, before undertaking any exercise routine, or change in your dietary habits, be sure to consult your medical professional.

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Frances Winston on Movies Directed by: Denis Villeneuve Starring: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright, Mackenzie Davis, Carla Juri, Lennie James, Dave Bautista, Jared Leto While I would usually give a synopsis of a movie at the beginning of a review, the director himself has requested that we don’t write anything that may spoil Blade Runner 2049 for the viewer, so all I can really say is that Ryan Gosling earns his paycheck here, appearing in almost every scene in the film.

That’s good news if you’re a Gosling fan. But of course he is only the young pretender in this sequel, and the star of the original movie, Harrison Ford, also features here, and while you do have to wait for his appearance, when he finally shows up it is worth it. Reprising his role as Rick Deckard from the first movie, he may be older and more grizzly, but he still radiates an exciting energy, and, as he proves in a full-on fight scene, he can still tear it up with the best of them.

Without spoiling anything, I can tell you that this is set in 2049 – three decades after the original movie, and that Gosling plays K, a Blade Runner for the LAPD. IF you haven’t seen the first movie, their job is basically to ‘retire’ rogue replicants (synthetic humans that are bred as slaves). However, while going about his work, he uncovers a complicated long-buried secret, which could change the world as he knows it forever.

Although Blade Runner 2049 uses the

original movie as a catalyst for its story, it is not necessary to have seen it in order to be able to follow the plot. This expands on the world of the first film, but the effects are slicker and even more impressive. It doesn’t take too many chances, sticking to what they know the fans will enjoy, and their reverence for the original is obvious. It’s not reinventing the wheel in terms of genre, but it is more thoughtful than most sci-fi films, and is executed almost as a work of art rather than a movie. With a 2 hour 43 minute running time, it doesn’t rush to its conclusion, and while it could easily have been at least 20 minutes shorter without destroying the integrity of the movie, it never really feels as long as it is.

Visually Blade Runner 2049 is stunning, and the sound editing is fantastic. If you can see this in IMAX then do, as you will really appreciate the audio-visual in that format.

With a roll call of actors, such as those in the cast list, it goes without saying that the performances are great. Jared Leto is somewhat wasted, however, and his character never really gets a chance to go anywhere.

The story isn’t overblown as sci-fi sagas sometimes have a tendency to be, and is extremely intelligent in its twists and turns.

Even non sci-fi fans should find something to enjoy in Blade Runner 2049. It’s thoughtful and character-driven, and keeps you guessing until the end. A worthy sequel to the 1982 movie, this should satisfy old fans, and will definitely garner some new ones.

If you fancy almost three hours of total escapism, then look no further.

In Cinemas Now!

EILE Magazine 29

Kingsman The Golden Circle

30 EILE Magazine

Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Matthew Vaughan Starring: Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Taron Egerton, Mark Strong, Halle Berry, Elton John, Channing Tatum, Jeff Bridges No you’re not seeing things. That is indeed Elton John’s name in the cast list.

Alongside no less than four Oscar winners.

Mind you, Sir Elton doesn’t really stretch himself here, rather playing a version of himself. Unlike the aforementioned Oscar winners.

If you’ve seen the first Kingsman movie, your mind is probably already made up about this one. A quick straw poll concluded that it was somewhat of a marmite movie. I personally enjoyed it, but amongst those I asked it was 50:50, with no happy medium. You will also know that Colin Firth’s character Galahad (SPOILER ALERT) was killed off.

But he is indeed back here through some storytelling wizardry, alongside Taron Egerton as his protégé (who took up the mantle of Galahad when he thought Galahad was dead, and that’s not confusing at all!) and Mark Strong as tech-wizard Merlin.

They are forced to team up with their American counterpart, Statesman, when almost their entire number is wiped out in a missile attack. With Julianne Moore’s panto-baddie, Poppy Adams, holding the world hostage, thanks to a deadly virus that is being spread through her illegal drugs, the polar opposites must work together to try and attain the antidote and save the world.

This is bolder and brasher than the first movie. They have a bigger budget, and it shows. The action scenes are superstylised, and there are big set-pieces that wouldn’t look out of place in a James Bond movie (if James Bond didn’t take himself too seriously!)

While it does have an incredibly silly plot, and a ridiculously OTT baddie, somehow this manages to work. Firth, Egerton and Strong all play it totally tongue-in-cheek, and are only short of giving a knowing wink to the camera, and although he plays himself badly, there is something hilariously charming about Elton’s performance. In fact, Halle Berry is one of the weakest links here, as she is given very little to do, and there is a sub-plot involving her being turned down for field work by another agent, that never really gets explained properly and just hangs there.

This lacks the charm and naiveté of the first offering, and at times is too clever for its own good. It is slightly too long at 141 minutes, and is clichéed and predictable in places. On the whole, it is good fun though.

It’s not setting itself up as serious fare, and as such it can get away with some silliness (and not one but TWO deaths by mincer!)

Not as good as the first one, and absolutely bubble-gum for the senses, but if you just want some light-hearted untaxing and uncomplicated entertainment, this is the movie for you.

In Cinemas Now!

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Musical Review: Miss Saigon – Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Frances Winston feels that this is a ‘not to be missed’ production of Miss Saigon, which is both awe-inspiring and thought-provoking Most touring productions passing through the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre run for around a week. The fact that Miss Saigon is booked in for six weeks is a testament to its enduring popularity.

Even though it premiered 25 years ago, it still continues to capture the public’s imagination, despite the difficult subject matter – the repercussions of an American GI’s romance with a Vietnamese girl, while stationed there during the war.

It has also had to overcome accusations of racial stereotyping and misogyny over the years.

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Add to this the fact that the Vietnam War is not a subject that many under the age of 50 are very familiar with, and it is a wonder that this show remains so popular. But you can’t argue with bums on seats, and it continues to sell out wherever it plays.

If you were to get incredibly analytical, you could argue that this is down to the universal themes of love and hope, and the hardships and sacrifices we make for those we care about.

However, it helps that this is a visually epic show.

This latest revival, produced by the legendary Sir Cameron Mackintosh, has altered some elements since its original outings (one or two songs have been replaced and some of the scenes are staged differently) but its scale remains enormous. It has the kind of effects that make you gasp in wonderment at their execution, but yet they never detract from the story.

Taking the lead role of Kim, the young Vietnamese girl, who finds herself deserted by her GI lover Chris, is Korean actress, Sooha Kim, who gives an amazing performance, taking the character from frightened 17 year old girl to battle hardened, but hopeful, mother. She previously played the role in Japan (in Japanese) but she seems completely at home with the English version. While all of the cast and ensemble (and it’s a really big ensemble) are wonderful, this is very much her show, and she ably carries the story on her delicate shoulders.

The choreography is a visual delight, and again will have you gasping in awe – this time at the talents of those performing. As you would expect from such a popular show, the songs are amazing, and in a few cases thought-provoking. And the set is an accomplishment in engineering, and of a far grander scale than you usually see in a touring show.

If it wasn’t for the fact that this is essentially a tragic tale, it would be a pretty near-perfect musical. But it is impossible to watch this and not relate it to many current situations in the world, meaning that you leave it awestruck, but thoughtful, rather than dancing out the door singing the songs.

Epic, visually stunning, and thought-provoking, this is a musical masterpiece that will resonate with you long after you leave the theatre. It is 15 years since it was last in Ireland, and it would be a shame to wait that long again to see it, so catch now while you can.

Miss Saigon Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin 2 October 4th to November 18th at 7.30pm nightly.

Matinee performances every Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets €15 – €70.50

EILE Magazine 33

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2017

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2017 - Arts Prote ‘protests’ revealed at London L

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival invites you to the 10th anniversary celebrations of the showcasing ecl place across multiple venues in Lon

An annual November event for LGBTQI artists and organisations, the 10th anniversary celebrat venues acro

Arts Protest: 10th anniversary GFEST showcases new art and films by new and previous GFEST a ye

“When we started GFEST in 2007, it was a different time, stories were told in a slig technologies. We have stepped forward in winning legal battles and recognition. B we are and who we love. We are still telling these diverse LGBTQI ‘protest’ stories people are excited by these stories which stretch imaginati

says GFEST artistic dire

“Despite many changes on the political and social scene and huge fundraising challenges, we ar struggle. This year’s GFEST is there to celebrate the heart-warming, moving, quirky and unique t

34 EILE Magazine

est! Not just dissent. A World full of Stories of LGBTQI artists fest GFEST 2017.

lectic art, films & performances by both local and international LQBTQI artists. The event will take ndon from 13th-25th November 2017.

tions of GFEST – Gaywise FESTival ® will run from Monday 13 to Saturday 25 November 2017 at oss London.

artists. Films line-up includes London/ UK premieres and a revisit to some films from the previous ears.

ghtly different way. Today we are telling stories with advantage of social media and But the battle continues for gaining full and equal social acceptance. It is about who s in many new ways. The narratives have moved on but what has been constant is ions and help shape the creative lives of future generations”

ector Niranjan Kamatkar.

re still determined to excel once again, telling stories of protests that are part of LGBTQI equality tales by LGBTQI artists and audiences. And we are so looking forward to GFEST 2017 launch event

EILE Magazine 35

on Tuesday 14 November at Menier Gallery.”

FILMS: ‘Fighting for LGBTQI rights’ on various fronts!

An extraordinary film line-up includes recently completed LGBTQI works and numerous UK and London premieres: feature films include Fire Song, an award winning, coming-of-age story of a Canadian First Nation gay Anishinaabe teenager, If You Dare Desire, a drama about two Bengali lesbians, and I’m Not Sick! I’m Gay telling a story of LGBTQI struggles in Kazakhstan.

Short films line-up include a number of UK films: Ballroom Boys, Lily, Mai, Dusk, Shadow Plant, Lightrapping, Segun Mateo, and a north London based filmmaker’s Finding Home. The film events will take place at Rich Mix cinema in Shoreditch and Arthouse Crouch End cinema from 20 to 24 November, and will include filmmakers Q&As. PERFORMANCES: ‘Singing Loud & Proud’ A delightful evening filled with music and fun! Performers include award-winning divas: Rosie Wilby waxing lyrical about relationship challenges, Short & Girly Showpresent all-female troupe performing improvised comedy sketches and songs. Be there to be enthralled by The Symphonic Winds’ awesome music and The Gay Men’s Dance Company‘s latest energetic numbers. GFEST 2017 performances evening will be at St Pancras (new) Parish Church in Euston, on Saturday 25 November.

This is a fundraiser event for GFEST 2018 to ensure that GFEST becomes an even stronger platform for LGBTQI artists.

VISUAL ARTS: ‘Arts Protest’ – LGBTQI identities and articulation.

A series of challenging and insightful works will be exhibited at Menier Gallery, (Upper Gallery), from 13 November to 18 November. This year’s line-up of artists include: Alice Boland-Rhodes, Gökhan Tanrıöver, Heather Carol, Mike Bliss, Jason Carr, Marta Kochanek, Peter A Leigh, Reggie Blennerhassett, Sarah Jane Moon and Simon Croft. Past GFEST artists, performers and filmmakers over the last 10 years will present a “Wall of Protest” – selfies or portraits of some participants from the year 2007 onwards, curated by GFEST artistic director Niranjan Kamatkar.

Free entry.

Reggie Blennerhassett will lead the discussion when LGBT activists joined the miners’ 19845 strike: the real story behind the film ‘Pride’, and the impact of ‘Arts Protest’ to deliver social change.

This debate on Saturday 18 November at the Menier Gallery will also explore how the work presented at the exhibition challenges preconceived notions.

GFEST 2017 full programme details are live on the GFEST website: https://gaywisefestival.org.uk

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Chained Short doc film (USA) dir: Betsy Kalin /14 mins A GFEST 2011 film – 10th anniversary special From Victorian pocket watches to Zoot Suit style to motorcycle necessity, wallet chains have evolved over the years to become more than a trend in lesbian culture.

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2017: Also presents an evening of LGBTQ shorts: “Finding their Narratives”

Finding Home - Short doc film GFEST 2017 about LGBTI asylum-seekers in the UK

EILE Magazine 37

Prominent LGBTQ Economists Around The World Though LGBTQ issues do not directly enter into the study of economics, there are many relevant issues for the community. Some examples include: looking into the effects of discriminatory behaviour to economic output and firm profitablity; the study of the wage gap which exists between heterosexual and homosexual employees; the revenues, location, and types of business within the LGBTQ economy; the health and welfare costs of AIDS; and more. It is generally agreed within the profession that there are positive economic benefits to be had from promoting non-discrimination economic behaviour, whether that be towards the LGBTQ community or other minorities.

Economics is the study of the functioning of society and its economy by way of its financial and business dealings. These dealings include employment, production, the determination of prices, impacts on social interactions, transportation, purchases, and much more. Since much of economics looks at the financial transactions between members of society, it is not surprising that issues such as bias, preferences and subjective behaviour are important to the analysis, as they are to the LGBTQ community.

There is an ongoing debate in the profession as to whether economics is a science or an art. Without doubt, a great deal of attention and rigour is paid to statistical data from the past, what financial and business trends and relationships can be perceived from this data, and determining potential economic outcomes for the future based on this past data. The question focuses on the accuracy of predictions based on past behaviour in similar circumstances. Economics is often described as the ‘dismal science’ based on its often gloomy outlook for future financial and business predictions.

There is no group or association which represents LGBTQ individuals within the profession. Whether this is based on the absence of discrimination within the profession, or whether it is because of pressure within the profession to conform to a normative lifestyle, is yet to be analyzed and discussed.

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John Maynard Keynes

John Maynard Keynes, one of most prominent and influential economists of all time, was gay. A branch of economics which studies the relationship between the supply and demand for goods and services, known as Keynesian Theory, emanated from his research work. Another prominent contemporary economist, who has gained great respect for her work in the study of capitalism, is transgender, Deirdre McCloskey, a distinguished professor at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

Many banks and other financial institutions around the world employ economists to strategize their business activities, and several of these identify as LGBTQ. For a list of prominent LGBTQ economists around the world, visit Queerbio.com

EILE Magazine 39

Psychelic musicians ¡NO! launch ‘SEDIMENTS’ Friday November 3 at Jigsaw 40 EILE Magazine

A tonal shifting minimal exploit of human consciousness through experimental music making. The incorrectly pronounceable (!?) group draw influence from such saints of strange music as CAN, Faust, Steve Reich, Philip Glass, Cluster & Brian Eno. Their latest offering, and tenth release, is an LP that begins with luxurious textures building through ambient and elusive melodies, growing beyond expectation into repetitious hard banger jams and back to ¡NO!’s instinctually primitive tribalesque mode.

Produced by ¡NO! and Andy Walsh in 2016 at a recording studio assembled in an abandoned cable factory in the Coombe, Dublin 8, the album is lasting contemporary music for all genres and generations.

Mastered by Stephen Quinn at analog heart audio, the disc has been meticulously crafted and is presented in unique artwork

by Parisian artist Marc Antoine Beaufils.

improvisations.

Sediments will be their tenth release in three years. ¡NO! is Fergus Cullen: saxophones, guitars, voice, keys, synthesizer, clarinet, piano, flutes.

Jamie Davis: drums, percussion, saxophone.

Damien Lennon: bass, synth, percussion. * (and formerly Graham Montgomery: guitars, keys, synth, Roland Handsonic, mbira, percussion; Graham appears on Sediments, but has since left the group).

Sediments Album Launch, featuring ¡NO!, Rigmarole (fronted by Engine Alley’s Canice Kenealy) and other guests TBA. Friday 3rd November, Jigsaw, 10 Belvedere Court, Mountjoy, Dublin 1. Doors 8pm. 10 euro Admission includes vinyl copy of the LP.

For those of you familiar with the music and style of ¡NO!, you are in for a treat.

For the uninitiated: ¡NO! are para-psychedelic spontaneous composers based in Dublin. They have created and curated Concrete Soup, Dublin’s acclaimed monthly improvised music residency, featuring international and domestic guests in live collaboration with the hosts. ¡NO!bodies have worked with iconic underground pioneers including, Glenn Branca, Damo Suzuki (Can), Kawabata Makoto (Acid Mother’s Temple), Itaru Oki and Alfred 23 Harth. The group is prolific beyond concerns for commerciality.

Since 2014 they have released a radio session (digital release) and 8 studio

EILE Magazine 41

IFI Horrorthon – A festival of horror films – October 2630 For those of you who love a good fright, the Irish Film Institute will be presenting its yearly festival of frights, Horrorthon.

Ireland’s biggest horror festival is back for what promises to be a landmark year. From October 26th to 30th 2017, they will present 34 feature films, many of which will be receiving their first screening in Ireland.

They’ll have classics too, and the ever-popular screening of crazy shorts, as well as a lineup of guests from around the world.

Check out the full lineup below, and book your tickets at: http://ifi.ie/horrorthon.

You can also get multi-ticket deals and festival passes, by giving them a call on 01 6793477.

Films: Thursday October 26th 19.00 TRAGEDY GIRLS 21.10 DEAD SHACK 22.45 CHARISMATA 22.50 WHO’S WATCHING OLIVER 23.00 SEQUENCE BREAK

42 EILE Magazine

The Housemaid

Friday October 27th 13.10 THE CRAZIES 15.10 THE DARK HALF 17.25 TOP KNOT DETECTIVE 19.10 HABIT 21.15 THE ENDLESS 23.15 DOUBLE BILL: TONIGHT SHE COMES / RUIN ME 23.20 DOUBLE BILL: JOHN CARPENTER’S PRINCE OF DARKNESS / BODY SNATCHERS 23.30 DOUBLE BILL: FREDDY/EDDY / INCARNATION

23.20 EVENT HORIZON 23.25 FASHIONISTA

Sunday October 29th 13.00 KING COHEN: THE WILD WORLD OF LARRY COHEN 15.10 SHORT FILM SHOWCASE 17.10 THE MIMIC 19.10 SURPRISE FILM 21.10 68 KILL 23.00 ANGEL HEART 23.00 TORMENT 23.10 REPLACE

Saturday October 28th

Monday October 30th

13.00 EATEN ALIVE 14.45 78/52 16.30 TAG 18.10 OUR EVIL 20.00 GAME OF DEATH 21.30 VICTOR CROWLEY 23.15 THE NIGHT OF THE VIRGIN

13.00 RE:BORN 15.10 RETURN TO RETURN TO NUKE ‘EM HIGH AKA VOL. 2 16.40 THE LAPLACE’S DEMON 19.10 STILL/BORN 20.50 THE HOUSEMAID

EILE Magazine 43

Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami – Live With Friends – Screening 25th October

A special screening and unique live event of the music film, Grace Jones: Bami, will take place on Wednesday 25th October, in a number of cinemas ahead of the film’s release in the Irish Film Institute from Friday 27th

The one-night only event on the 25th will see the cultural icon, Grace Jones, sit down to discuss her lif of her closest collaborators, following an exclusive preview of the film.

Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami, directed by Sophie Fiennes, aims to step inside the mind of an ic encompasses both the scale and spectacle of Jones’ live performances, and the intimacy of personal deep into her mind.

The film features the singer performing hits such as Slave to the Rhythm and Pull Up To The Bumper, sequences with intimate personal footage, showing both her private and public worl

We’re taken on a road trip across Jamaica, where her family roots, and the story of her traumatic child The film also features photographer and Jones’ frequent creative collaborator, Jean-Paul Goude, as w Sly and Robbie.

Produced by Irish producer, Katie Holly, for Blinder Films, along with Sligoville and Ameoba Film, Gr and Bami had its world premiere at the renowned Toronto International Film Festival, where it was th Docs section of the festival.

The film will be released in the IFI, Dublin from Friday 27th October.

For more, visit: http://ifi.ie/ 44 EILE Magazine

: Bloodlight and s across Ireland, h October.

Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami – Live With Friends

Grace Jones Twitter.com

fe and work with some

con, on a journey that footage, which delves

and contrasts musical lds.

dhood, are uncovered. well as Jamaican duo,

race Jones: Bloodlight he opening film of the

EILE Magazine 45

Winter Prid Maspalom 2017 Select You Premium Events!

Get ready for Winter Pride Maspalomas 6 -12 November 2017, and prepare your holiday today!

Many events are free admission, but your holiday would not be complete without visiting one of the amazing Premium Events, such as the Tea Dance, Club Air Pool Party, Garbo’s Dinner Show, and the VIP Lounge, where you can enjoy live shows from the elevated first floor, with front stage view, seated area with tables, and entrance to events such as Wet & White, T-Dance and Club Air. To see the full range of events, and ticket prices, go to:

http://www.winterpridemaspalomas.com/tickets/

46 EILE Magazine

de mas

ur m

Download the Winter Pride Maspalomas App Available at the Apple App Store (iPhone) and Google Play (Samsung) You can now download the Winter Pride Maspalomas 2017 app for your iPhone or Samsung.

Always have the complete programme with you on your mobile phone!

It also includes discount coupons valid for restaurants, bars, shopping and more!

Only available on the app!

Support Winter Pride Maspalomas and download the app today! Thank you! Gracias!

Danke! Bedankt! Grazie! Merci!

Apple App Store Google Play Samsung

Winter Pride Maspalomas 2017 From 6 - 12 November 2017 at Europe´s Nº 1 Gay Paradise, Maspalomas in Gran Canaria

EILE Magazine 47

Sparking Change with Dil! – New Podcast from Dil Wickremasinghe Dil Wickremasinghe sparks social change one conversation at a time with new podcast A week after her decade-long Newstalk show was abruptly cancelled, Dil Wickremasinghe will be returning to your ears, minds and hearts. She has joined The HeadStuff Podcast Network to create her brand new podcast, Sparking Change with Dil. This new podcast will shine a light on the latest social justice and mental health issues, and hopes to spark positive social change, one conversation at a time.

The weekly, hour-long episodes will be released on Friday mornings, and will comprise of three segments based on the latest stories.

Sparking Change with Dil will be available on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn and all other podcast apps, as well as HeadStuff.org/sparking-change-with-dil Dil is an award-winning broadcaster and journalist, but she is also a social entrepreneur, stand-up comedian, and actor. In 2011 with her wife, Anne Marie, she co-founded Insight Matters, a mental health service. With a team of 45 therapists, they support over 300 clients per week. In 2014, Dil was honoured with the Frederick Douglas Award, as part of the Lord Mayor’s Awards, for her outstanding contribution to Dublin civic life.

“It was like coming home,” explains Dil when she describes her relationship with Ireland.

“When I came to Ireland 17 years ago, by pure coincidence my arrival coincided with Dublin Gay Pride and within 24 hours of arriving I found myself taking part in my first ever Pride March… I knew then I was finally home!”

Dil, who was born in Italy and grew up in Sri Lanka, has experienced great adversity in her life. She was sexually abused by a teacher when she was 14, rejected by her religious parents when she came out at the age of 17, and was homeless for four years. At the age of 19, she began her career in Sri Lankan media, only to be fired after a few months based on her sexuality.

“Like many migrants I started out as a kitchen porter washing pots and pans in a hotel, and

48 EILE Magazine

after a few years began a successful career in recruitment. Over time, I became acutely aware that Ireland wasn’t as fair and equal as I first imagined, as I met many marginalised people unable to live an authentic life or live life to their full potential because of who they were, what they experienced, or where they came from.”

Dil began her career in Irish media in 2006 to highlight the stories of the most vulnerable in the hope to raise awareness.

“My decade-long show was axed just weeks after I publicly spoke out about a fellow presenter’s views on rape, I am determined more than ever to continue my work as a journalist and advocate for the voiceless in our society. It has always been my personal belief that equality for one person is equality for all and have always regarded my work more than just a job but my own civic duty to inspire positive social change one conversation at a time.

You can catch up with Dil by visiting: Dil on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DilW HeadStuff on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisHeadStuff HeadStuff on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHeadStuff/

EILE Magazine 49

Controversial ‘No Stone Unturned’ about killing in Co. Down , Ireland, hits Irish and UK cinemas 10th November No Stone Unturned, the latest film from the producers of Bobby Sands 66 Days and written and directed by the Oscar-winning and prolific American-documentarian, Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side) will be released in Irish and UK cinemas from Friday 10th November.

On 18 June 1994 in the small village of Loughinisland, County Down, three gunmen burst into a pub with assault rifles and fired on the customers, killing six civilians and wounding five. The pub was crowded with people watching the Republic of Ireland team playing in the 1994 FIFA World Cup. No one has ever spent a day in prison for this, one of the more awful crimes of the Irish “Troubles“.

In the film, Gibney ignites a fire under this cold case that has frustrated the victims’ families for more than 20 years. Through interviews with victims’ families, former terrorists, officers of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, and other government officials, as well as piecing together official documents and previously uncharted leaks of information, Gibney explores the incongruities of the case and connects the dots between mass murder and official malfeasance, between memory and sanctioned amnesia.

50 EILE Magazine

The film, which had its world premiere at the New York Film Festival and screened at the recent BFI London International Film Festival, is a tour de force of investigative journalism and cinematic realism. A real-life mystery and tragedy dealing with neighbours murdering neighbours, a government betraying its people, and the survivors living with the ever-present fear that the person next to them on the grocery line might the killer of their father, husband or brother.

No Stone Unturned was written and directed

by Alex Gibney, and produced by Trevor Birney for Fine Point Films in association with Jigsaw Productions and Kew Media Group.

Director Alex Gibney has been called “the most important documentarian of our time” (Esquire) and “one of America’s most successful and prolific documentary filmmakers” (The NY Times T Magazine).

A wildly prolific director and producer, Gibney has spent a career exploring and investigating the extreme and untidy elements of contemporary life, including corporate hubris (“Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room”), sports (“Catching Hell”) and the paradoxes of modern religion (“Going Clear: Scientology & the Prison of Belief”; “Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God”). He has created film portraits of some of the more outrageous ne’er-do-wells of our age (Julian Assange, Lance Armstrong, Jack Abramoff) as well as some of our more important cultural figures

Documentary film-maker, Alex Gibney – Image: Zimbio.com

(Frank Sinatra, James Brown, Fela, Hunter Thompson, Ken Kesey).

Known for his gripping, deeply insightful and thoroughly cinematic documentaries, the filmmaker has won the Academy Award®, multiple Emmy Awards, the Grammy Award, several Peabody Awards, the DuPontColumbia, The Independent Spirit, The Writers Guild of America Award, and more.

Gibney was honored with the

International Documentary Association’s Career Achievement Award in 2013 and the first-ever Christopher Hitchens Prize in 2015.

His films include “Taxi to the Dark Side” (2008 Oscar); “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” (Oscar nominated, 2006); the triple Emmy Award-winning and Peabody Award-winning “Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God” (HBO), and the Emmy-winning “The History of the Eagles”

(Showtime).

Gibney’s recent films also include the triple Emmy and Peabody award-winning “Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief,” the most-watched HBO documentary in a decade.

No Stone Unturned will be released by Wildcard Distribution in cinemas across Ireland and the UK from Friday, November 10th.

EILE Magazine 51

Police drive in front of marchers as they participate in a marriage equality march in central Sydney, Australia, October 21, 2017. REUTERS/David Gray

Australia: Thousands march for gay marriage before plebiscite closes 52 EILE Magazine

(Reuters) – Thousands of people rallied around Australia on Saturday urging the legalization of same-sex marriage, one week before final ballots can be submitted in a contentious postal survey on the issue that has divided the country.

The largest crowd was in Sydney, where organizers said between 5,000 and 10,000 people gathered in front of Central Station, before marching along one of the city’s biggest roads to Victoria Park.

“It’s a good reflection of the enthusiasm of people,” Australian Marriage Equality’s Tiernan Brady said. “They are very determined, very positive and not complacent.”

Other rallies in favour of same-sex marriage were held in the northern city of Brisbane and the central hub of Alice Springs.

Rallies organised by the Coalition for Marriage, the lead campaigner against same-sex marriage, also were held across the country.

The coalition, which includes the Australian Christian Lobby and other religious groups, encouraged those who haven’t returned their surveys to do so.

“We’re so pleased so many people have engaged with this process and we encourage those who haven’t to tick ‘no’ and put it in the post,” spokeswoman Monica Doumit said.

Though the postal ballot is non-binding, a “yes” vote is expected to lead to the legalization of same-sex marriage which could further fracture the government of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Ballots were mailed out from Sept. 12, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics recommending all votes be returned via the postal service by Oct. 27.

The latest update from the ABS, issued on Oct. 17, showed almost 11 million postal votes had been returned, about 68 per cent of the total distributed.

The result is expected on Nov. 15.

-Benjamin Cooper (eile.ie 22 October 2017)

EILE Magazine 53

Indonesia - 51 Gay Men Detained By Police In Jakarta Indonesian police detained 51 men including several foreigners in a raid on what authorities described as a “gay spa” in Jakarta late on Friday, and some could face up to six years in prison under pornography and prostitution laws.

The arrests are the latest in a spate of highprofile police actions, against gay clubs and parties in Indonesia this year, that have called the country’s reputation for tolerance into question.

With the exception of the ultra-conservative Aceh province in northern Sumatra, where Islamic law is enforced and two men were publicly flogged in May for gay sex, homosexuality is not criminalised in Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population.

Among those detained at the spa in Central Jakarta on Friday were four Chinese nationals, a Singaporean, one Thai national, one Malaysian, and one Dutchman, although none of the foreigners would be charged, Jakarta Police spokesman Argo Yuwono told Reuters on Saturday.

54 EILE Magazine

When asked about what the people in the spa were doing at the time of the raid, Yuwono noted that it was dark at the time.

“LGBT is clearly between men and men or same-sex relationships. Male prostitution,” Yuwono said, without clarifying further. He said those charged could face up to six years in prison under Indonesia’s pornography law.

“There’s a cashier, the manager there and also those providing facilities like towels and other things,” he said.

Activists say police targeting of consensual gay sex has shone a light on discrimination and harassment in the world’s third-largest democracy.

Andreas Harsono, a Jakarta-based researcher for Human Rights Watch, referred to a pattern of discriminatory police action against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Indonesia.

“If they raided (this club) because they are gay, it is abusive, it is abuse of power” he said, adding that there is no law against

Jakarta - Bundaran http://www.nationsonline.org

homosexuality, as long as relationships are consensual.

“If there is no victim, there is no crime,” he said.

Police often use the pornography law to ‘criminalise’ such cases, but that law itself is also problematic, Harsono said, noting that people could be charged if they had pornographic material on a cell phone.

“Just imagine if every person in Indonesia had their cell phones checked, how many hundred million people would go to jail?”

-Agustinus Beo Da Costa, Fergus Jensen – Reuters (eile.ie 9 October 2017)

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Pakistan: Transgender People Feel Sidelined

By Census When Pakistani census officials came to the home of Aisha, a 27year-old transgender woman in Lahore, she was marked down on their documents as a man.

“I live with my parents and when the officials came to my home I was not there,” she said.

“My parents marked me as a male as they have not accepted my gender.”

Transgender people like Aisha were “disturbingly” undercounted in Pakistan’s recent census, campaigners say, leaving them on the margins of mainstream society.

While they were counted for the first time in the census, published in August, the survey identified only 10,418 transgender people out of a population of nearly 208 million.

This, say rights campaigners, seriously underestimates the true size of the transgender community in Pakistan.

“In the province of Punjab alone, we are anywhere between 400,000 to 500,000”

to over 30,000 transgenders in Lahore city alone,” she added.

Bindya Rana, another community activist, who heads Jiya, a transgender rights group in the port city of Karachi, put the total number of transgender people at 300,000 across Pakistan.

The census – the first in 19 years – identified transgender people according to their national identity cards, said Ali. But many transgender people identify as male or female rather than third gender on their cards to avoid discrimination.

The undercounting of transgender people will have serious consequences, said Kami Sid, a transgender woman who works as a model and actor – but whose identity card marks her as male.

Now the government can claim “‘you are just a handful and so these many resources are enough for you’” she said, adding: “They can wash their hands of us without feeling guilty.”

said 24-year Mona Ali, who heads the Khawaja Sira Society, a Lahore-based group working for the rights of transgender people.

The concept of a third gender dates back centuries in South Asia and the “khawaja siras” community, identifying as neither male or female, are accepted but marginalised – with transgender and intersex people often forced into begging and sex work.

“We have been providing health facilities

Anis Haroon, member of the National

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Commission on Human Rights, said transgender people had been “disturbingly undercounted” and little would change until official records more accurately reflect the size of the community.

“If their numbers are not fully reflected it will affect policies to bring them at par with other citizens. They will be deprived of their share in education and jobs,” Haroon said.

In 2010, the Supreme Court ordered the full recognition of the transgender community, including the provision of free medical and educational facilities, microcredit schemes and job quotas for transgender people in every government department.

Pakistan’s first law recognising transgender people as equal citizens with penalties for discrimination and violence against them is pending approval in parliament.

It also gives inheritance rights to transgender people – something which has held them back from declaring their gender status on official documents.

“If I declare myself as a trans woman, I will lose my inheritance as Islamic law gives me no

such privilege,” said Kami Sid, the transgender model.

However Rana from the Jiya NGO said when census officials came to her home she was determined to declare she was transgender.

“Although there was no separate column on the form, they did write my gender as per my wishes on the form,” she said, but most transgender people, many of them with little education, did not realise that this was possible.

Farid Midhet, a demographer at the Johns Hopkins University-affiliated health nonprofit, Jhpiego, said one way of getting the numbers right would be to include questions about transgender people in the next Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey, which will begin early next year.

“Maybe the PDHS is not as spread out as the national census, but … (the surveyors) can ask these questions in a more sensitive manner to get honest responses,” he said.

-Zofeen T Ebrahim – Thomson Reuters Foundation (eile.ie 9 October 2017)

EILE Magazine 57

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 59

US - Bill 239 Updates California’s HIV Laws The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has praised California Governor, Jerry Brown, for signing into law Senate Bill (SB) 239 — a measure that modernizes several provisions of California’s criminal code targeting people living with HIV. “This important measure modernizes California’s HIV laws in response to clear and compelling evidence from public health science,” said JoDee Winterhof, HRC Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs.

“Outdated HIV criminalization laws harm our efforts to achieve an AIDS-free generation by reinforcing stigma and discouraging people from getting tested out of fear that if they know their status, they may be accused of wrongdoing. We applaud Governor Jerry Brown for signing this measure into law.”

SB 239 is designed to reform various severely outdated HIV criminalization laws, that ,when enacted, solely relied on old science

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and stigma against people living with HIV. Since the laws were enacted, however, there has been significant scientific advances in HIV prevention, care, and treatment. SB 239 helps California’s law reflect the current landscape by bringing it in line with current science.

SB 239 leaves HIV criminalization laws in place but lowers the penalties for the spread of HIV so they are in line with those of other communicable diseases. Health officers have the authority to issue orders of isolation and quarantine for anyone who poses a threat to public health, whether through bad intentions or through negligence.

More than 30 states have laws in place that have been used to prosecute people living with HIV. People living with HIV can be tried and imprisoned simply because a partner accuses them of hiding their HIV status.

There is no evidence that laws criminalizing HIV and targeting people living with HIV reduce the spread of HIV. Rather, such laws deter individuals from getting tested out of fear that if they know their HIV status, they could be charged under one of the several current provisions. Moreover, these laws only reinforce stigma about knowing one’s status or even seeking testing.

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 8 October 2017)

Governor of California Jerry Brown

EILE Magazine 61

Indonesia Draft Bill With Anti-‘LGBT On TV’ Legislation Indonesia’s parliament is considering national legislation that would ban lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender content from TV screens by the end of the year.

The Draft Bill would ban LGBT content and ads, and comes amid police raids on ‘gay spas’. The UN has condemned gay raids in Indonesia, and Egypt, and the bill is not really understandable, as Transgender characters, for instance, are found in traditional Indonesian culture.

Days after a long-running Indonesian television comedy aired last month, its producers got a letter from the broadcast commission warning that a male character in the show was “dressed and behaving like a woman” and could violate broadcasting 62 EILE Magazine

standards.

“We evaluated the show…we immediately reminded our staff to be careful because we are minimizing LGBT content on our network,” said Anita Wulandari Prasojo, head of marketing and public relations at Trans7, the private television station that aired the show, Opera van Java, last month.

She may have to do more than that in the future.

Indonesia’s parliament is considering the legislation that would ban LGBT content from TV screens by the end of the year.

The draft bill, which Reuters reviewed, would revise the broadcasting law to scrub content with “LGBT behaviour”. Broadcasts and advertisements that show “lesbian, homosexual, bisexual and transgender behaviour” would be banned.

It does not explicitly define “LGBT behaviour”.

Lawmakers told Reuters the ban could include dramas with gay characters, traditional folk or comedic performances with crossdressing or “effeminate” men, and broadcasts advocating LGBT rights.

It would be the latest

measure targeting the LGBT community in a rising tide of hostility in the world’s thirdlargest democracy.

Indonesian police last week briefly detained 51 people, including eight foreigners, at a ‘gay spa’ in Jakarta, one of several raids targeting the LGBT community.

“LGBT is not criminal, but if it enters the public sphere, if it’s broadcast to the public, then of course it must be regulated,” said Bobby Rizaldi, a member of parliament involved in drafting the law.

Another MP, Hanafi Rais, said “LGBT is an abnormality”.

“It is destructive for our younger generations. If the content has no educational qualities, and is only for commercial or advertising purposes, then we must reject it,” Hanafi said.

If the content was aimed at ‘fixing the abnormality’, then it would be allowed, he added.

The United Nations human rights office on Friday condemned anti-gay crackdowns in Indonesia, Egypt, and Azerbaijan.

“Arresting or detaining people based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity is by definition arbitrary and violates international law,”

UN human rights spokesperson Rupert Colville told a news briefing.

In May, police detained 141 men at another gay sauna, and reportedly strip-searched them before marching them almost naked from the venue into police vehicles. […]

Police have used a controversial antipornography law that outlaws any physical display of sexual relations to justify the raids.

Activists say the law is too sweeping and can be abused to target the LGBT minority.

Homosexuality is not a crime in Indonesia, which has the world’s largest Muslim population, except in the ultra-conservative Aceh province which enforces Islamic law.

Programmes like ‘Opera van Java’, are a regular fixture on Indonesian TV. Drawing on Indonesia’s traditional performance arts and folk tales, they often depict transgender and transvestite characters.

The transgender community, known locally as ‘waria’ – a contraction of the Indonesian words for woman and man – is largely accepted in most parts of the country.

adjust their behaviour to avoid sanction. They can’t be as expressive,” he said.

Artists have been told in programming meetings at private TV stations not to be “over the top” and scripts have had to be rewritten, Persada said.

Prominent gay rights activist Dede Oetomo said the draft law was misinformed. It did not take into account local cultures where transgender people are an accepted part of society in which traditional performances, based on ancient myths, can feature transgender characters.

“It just shows the ruling elite has lost touch with our traditions,” Oetomo said. “It’s already difficult to be LGBT here. ..but in the long run, we will continue to protest and fight,” he said.

The draft legislation, put forward by the commission on information, is pending approval from a plenary session of parliament later this year.

-Kanupriya Kapoor, Agustinus Beo Da Costa – Reuters (eile.ie 17 October 2017)

The entertainment industry fears the proposed broadcasting restrictions could end up further discriminating against the LGBT community. […]

“LGBT artists have had to EILE Magazine 63

The MAC Theatre, Belfast – There’s A Bishop In My Bedroom – Outburst QAF Tinderbox Theatre Company and Outburst Queer Arts Festival present – There’s a Bishop in my Bedroom. A hugely entertaining one-man show that riffs on the familiar theme of religiously mixed marriage to address a very contemporary topic: same-sex love and marriage.

Directed by Patrick J O’ Reilly, this is wonderfully funny, raw, and deeply-affecting storytelling theatre that will leave you in no doubt about the power of real love and commitment – part of the Outburst Queer Arts Festival 2017.

Emerging from Outburst’s new writers’ workshops with Tinderbox Theatre Company, it combines Irish oral-tradition storytelling with folk theatre to take on sex-education, sourcing illegal condoms in 90s Dublin, religiously mixed and same-sex relationships and facing the realities of end of life care.

Written and performed by Richard O’Leary, and based entirely on Richard’s own extraordinary story, we follow his journey from a would-be priest in Cork, through to coming-out as a gay man and falling in love with a Protestant minister, who would become his life-long partner.

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There’s a Bishop in my Bedroom, 8pm, Monday 13 – Tuesday 14 November 2017 Tickets £12.50 to £18.00 Monday 13 November 2017 – 8pm Tuesday 14 November 2017 – 8pm Unreserved, Upstairs at the MAC, 10 Exchange St West, Belfast. BT1 2NJ Age guidance: 14 years + For more information, go to: www.themaclive.com/whats-on

EILE Magazine 65

Little Gem Records - First Indie Label Day Took Place At Whelans On Saturday October 14th Little Gem Records were excited to be a part of the first Indie Label Day, which took place on Saturday at Whelans of Wexford Street, Dublin.

Indie Label Day was a day long fair, celebrating DIY music and culture on the island of Ireland. It was organised by Art for Blind and Penske, to throw a spotlight on the underground music scene in Ireland, through a market during the day, and a gig in the evening.

The afternoon featured pop-up stalls, bringing together a range of independent record-labels operating around the country, as well as artists, photographers, zine-makers, and book-sellers, soundtracked by live DJs. The market was an opportunity for labels and practitioners to sell physical merch from their rosters direct to the public, and in a social environment. The evening saw live performances from a curated line-up of bands from some of the participating labels.

The event took place on Saturday October 14th, at Whelan’s of Wexford Street in Dublin. The market ran 2-6pm, with the gig following from 8pm ’til late.

Many of your favourite small labels participated, with a rare Dublin performance from Belfast-based noise-darling, Gross Net. You can contact Little Gem at: Little Gem Records 18 Kildare Street Dublin 2 littlegemrecords@gmail.com www.littlegem.ie https://littlegemrecords.bandcamp.com

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Little Gem Records Basement 18 Kildare Street Dublin 2 http://www.littlegem.ie/

EILE Magazine 67

New Study reveals LGBTI face inequalities, barriers, discrimination in health services Researchers, experts, and activists in LGBTI health, conducted a state-of-the-art review, and 12 focus groups, in six EU Member States, for an EU-funded pilot project, Health4LGBTI. The aim was to better understand the specific health inequalities experienced by LGBTI people and the barriers faced by health professionals when providing care to these groups.

The countries involved were Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Lithuania, Poland and the UK. Although situations vary across Member States, the study’s findings revealed the existence of health inequalities, barriers, and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender

68 EILE Magazine

identity, gender expression and sex characteristics of LGBTI people.

of organisations and universities to execute it. Key findings include:

The results will be used to develop training for health professionals.

Root causes likely to contribute to the experience of health inequalities by LGBTI people are: i) still prevailing cultural and social norms that assume people are non-LGBTI by default; ii) minority stress associated with sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics; iii) victimisation; iv) discrimination (individual and institutional), and; v) stigma.

The findings were corroborated by focus groups involving LGBTI people, and with health professionals in the six Member States.

The stories and experiences shared by participants revealed a wide variety of ongoing inequalities and barriers in LGBTI healthcare, regardless of whether equality for LGBTI people is supported at the political level or not. LGBTI people and healthcare professionals involved in the project agreed that mandatory training around LGBTI issues is needed by all staff in healthcare services.

The study is part of a 24month project that started in April 2016. It is funded by the European Parliament and carried out by the European Commission, which contracted a Consortium

Significant mental and physical health inequalities exist for LGBTI people. For example, LGBTI people are at significantly higher risk of poor mental health compared to the general population which includes higher incidence of suicidal thoughts, substance misuse, anxiety, and deliberate selfharm.

LGBTI people face barriers when accessing healthcare.

Examples include prejudicial

attitudes and discriminatory behaviour of healthcare staff; unequal treatment; needs not being recognised; fear of disclosure of gender identity, sexual orientation, or sex characteristics. Cases were reported where LGBTI people see themselves being refused healthcare services due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics.

Many health professionals lack knowledge and cultural competence concerning the lives and healthcare needs of LGBTI people. Firstly, medical literature regarding LGBTI people needs to be updated, secondly health professionals’ assumptions can be a barrier to LGBTI people seeking healthcare.

These include assumptions that people are non-LGBTI by default; that being LGBTI is irrelevant; and that LGBTI people do not experience significant discrimination.

Thirdly, they can find it difficult to challenge antiLGBTI attitudesfrom both colleagues and patients.

Specific groups within

LGBTI (particularly bisexual, trans and intersex people) encounter their own specific barriers, and healthcare professionals’ knowledge of these groups is limited.

Although scarce, in some Member States, examples of promising practice in meeting the needs of LGBTI people are evident.

The study revealed there are significant gaps in research on the topic. For example, there is very limited research with trans and intersex people to better understand their general health profile, experiences, and physical and mental health needs in relation to service provision.

Similarly, further research that adopts an intersectional perspective on health inequalities experienced by LGBTI people is required.

Where research does exist, it shows that living in rural areas, being a migrant, refugee, and/or asylum seeker, being on a low income, being young or old, and living with disabilities can contribute to health

inequalities for LGBTI people, and have implications for access to health services.

The findings of the review, and the feedback about the kind of training needed, gathered during focus group sessions, are being used to develop a new training package for healthcare professionals across the EU. This modular training package will expand healthcare professionals’ skills regarding LGBTI people’s healthcare, in order to help address the barriers and inequalities identified.

For more information about Health4LGBTI, visit:

https://ec.europa.eu/health/ social_determinants/ projects/ep_funded_projects_ en#fragment2 (eile.ie 15 October 2017)

EILE Magazine 69

UNHCHR: Alleged Detention Of LGBT People In Azerbaijan, Egypt and Indonesia Should Be Investigated And Perpetrators Punished Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Rupert Colville, gave a press briefing yesterday, 13th October, in Geneva, stating that allegations of detention of LGBT people in Azerbaijan, Egypt, and Indonesia should be investigated, and the perpetrators punished.

Mr Colville stated: “We are deeply concerned by a wave of arrests in Azerbaijan, Egypt and Indonesia of more than 180 people perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) – many of whom have reportedly been mistreated by law enforcement officials.

In Azerbaijan, as has just been described by several independent UN experts, more than 80 people presumed to be gay or transgender have been arrested in Baku since midSeptember.

Some were allegedly subjected to electric shocks, beatings, forced shaving and various other forms of humiliation apparently in an attempt to make them incriminate themselves and others.

While all those detained have reportedly been released, several served terms of administrative detention based on charges 70 EILE Magazine

of “hooliganism” and “resisting a police order”. Many were forced to undergo medical examinations, and information about their health status was divulged to the media by the authorities.

In Egypt, more than 50 people have been arrested in recent weeks based on their assumed sexual orientation or gender identity.

Two were arrested for waving rainbow flags during a concert, and one for running a Facebook page. In some cases, individuals were reportedly arrested after being entrapped by law enforcement officials on apps and in internet chat rooms. Charges include “habitual debauchery”, “inciting indecency and debauchery”, and “joining a banned group”. At least 10 men have been sentenced to between one and six years’ imprisonment, most others detainees are awaiting trial, and a few have been released. Several of those detained were subjected to intrusive physical “examinations”.

In many cases, due process rights appear to have been violated.

In Indonesia, more than 50 people were arrested at a sauna in Jakarta last Friday, based on their perceived sexual orientation.

While many have since been released, four men and one woman were charged under Indonesia’s vague “Law on Pornography”, which has been used to arrest people for consensual same-sex relations.

Arresting or detaining people based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity is by definition arbitrary and violates international law – including rights

to inter alia privacy, nondiscrimination, equality before the law and equal protection of the law.

Arresting and detaining people for legitimately expressing themselves – including by displaying a rainbow flag – is also arbitrary and violates individuals’ right to freedom of expression. In all three countries, authorities have alleged that those arrested were involved in sex work – although in almost all cases the accused have denied such allegations or indicated that they were coerced into confessing involvement.

Regardless, United Nations human rights experts have emphasized that States should repeal laws that criminalize sex workers.

Azerbaijan, Egypt and Indonesia should take immediate action to release anyone detained on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, drop charges based on vaguely worded and discriminatory laws, and should repeal such laws in line with their legal obligations under international law and long-standing United Nations recommendations.

They should also release immediately all those detained for legitimately exercising their right to freedom of expression.

Egypt should urgently prohibit the practice of

National Flag Square, Baku, Azerbaijan – Image: Moonsun1981

intrusive physical ‘examinations’, and Azerbaijan should immediately cease subjecting people to forced or coerced medical tests and exams, which violate the international prohibition on torture and ill-treatment. Those who have been arbitrarily detained and subjected to these abuses should be afforded effective remedy, including reparations. Allegations of torture and ill-treatment should be promptly and thoroughly investigated; and, if convicted, alleged perpetrators punished”.

Note: A member of the Council of Europe, Azerbaijan is obligated to abide by the European Convention on Human Rights ban on discrimination – including discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity – torture, and arbitrary detention. Azerbaijan is also a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which include similar obligations.

-MKB (eile.ie 14 October 2017) EILE Magazine 71

US: Legislation Introduced To Protect Transgender Service Members Yesterday (13th October) saw the U.S. House of Representatives introduce bipartisan legislation to protect currently-serving transgender service members from being discharged due to President Trump’s transgender military ban.

The legislation was introduced by Representatives, Jackie Speier (D-CA), Charlie Dent (RPA), Susan Davis (D-CA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Adam Smith (D-WA), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ).

“Transgender troops serve this nation with distinction and honor, and President Trump’s unpatriotic attack on their service is unconscionable” said Stephen Peters, HRC National Press Secretary and Marine Corps veteran.

“Qualified Americans who are willing to put their lives on the line for their fellow citizens should be allowed to do so — regardless of their gender identity. We thank Representatives Jackie Speier, Charlie Dent, Susan Davis, Ileana Ro-Lehtinen, Adam Smith, and Kyrsten Sinema for their leadership in defending transgender service members.”

The Senate version of the legislation was introduced last month by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Susan Collins (R-ME), John McCain (R-AZ), and Jack Reed (D-RI).

The legislation is based on an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act introduced by Senators, Gillibrand and Collins, that was blocked by Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell (R-KY), despite the likelihood of majority, bipartisan support in the chamber.

The legislation would protect transgender service members currently serving from being discharged because of their gender identity, and express the sense of Congress that individuals who are qualified, and can meet the standards to serve in the military, should be eligible to serve.

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After Trump unexpectedly announced via Twitter in July that he would impose a discriminatory ban on transgender military service, members of Congress from both sides of the aisle spoke out forcefully against it. A clear majority of Americans believe anyone who is willing and able to serve in our nation’s military should be allowed to do so.

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 14 October 2017)

EILE Magazine 73

Yesterday (12th October) the Council of Europe adopted a resolution on the human rights of intersex people.

This is the first intersex-specific resolution of its kind from a European intergovernmental institution.

At yesterday’s plenary sitting of the CoE’s Parliamentary Assembly (PACE), 33 members voted in favour of the resolution, that was based on a detailed report by

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rapporteur Piet de Bruyn.

“Everyone at ILGA-Europe congratulates the intersex activists from across Europe and the rapporteur who worked together to produce this ground-breaking report” remarked Evelyne Paradis, ILGA-Europe Executive Director.

“Thanks to the extensive collaboration between institutions and intersex activists, this resolution provides a detailed guide for policymakers across Europe, mapping out the necessary steps they need to take to protect the fundamental rights of intersex people.”

When it comes to the human rights of intersex people, the resolution is crystal clear in terms of what governments and national authorities need to work on. Here are just some of the highlights:

The Council of Europe – first resolution on rights of intersex people The resolution calls for “medically unnecessary, sex-normalising surgery” on intersex babies to be prohibited, along with other treatments practiced on intersex children and young people without their informed consent.

The report acknowledges that parents are often under pressure to agree to “sexnormalising” surgeries without any information about the long-term consequences such surgeries might have. In order to protect the child’s right to bodily integrity and self-determination, what is needed are patient-centered and holistic approaches, in consultation with intersex organisations.

The need for public awareness-raising is also highlighted, emphasising how important it is to increase the general public’s understanding of the issues encountered by intersex people (especially among teachers, social workers and the medical profession). The report underlines the fact that awareness-raising is key in order to ensure that intersex people are “fully accepted in society without stigma or discrimination”.

ILGA-Europe is also very encouraged by the report’s ambition in relation to gender markers. We welcome the fact that the report encourages making the registration of sex on birth certificates and other documents optional for everyone.

“Now, in order to make this resolution relevant in the day-to-day lives of intersex people in Europe, it is important that national governments start taking steps to legally protect the rights of intersex people. Their number one priority should be to ensure a strong human rights perspective when providing access to care to intersex people” added Evelyne Paradis.

The rapporteur’s full report is available to download at: http://assembly.coe.int/nw/xml/XRef/Xref-DocDetails-en.asp?FileID=24027&lang=en (eile.ie 13 October 2017) EILE Magazine 75

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EILE Magazine 77

New €2m Fund for Film, TV and Game Industry in West of Ireland A new €2m film fund will encourage Film, TV and the Game Industry in the West of Ireland. It is called the WRAP Fund, and will cover film, TV, animation, and game sectors. The €2m fund will run over a three-year period, and aims to create 90 direct jobs in the Western Region.

The new fund is being launched today (Thursday, October 12) in Galway, the UNESCO City of Film.

The Western Region Audiovisual Producer’s Fund — or WRAP Fund — is an initiative of the Galway Film Centre and the Western Development Commission (WDC).

It is estimated that this investment will create 90 direct additional jobs within the industry in the Western Region. It will run over a three-year period, in 78 EILE Magazine

association with the local authorities, in the counties of Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo.

The €2m WRAP Fund will be launched at the FÍS TV Summit in Galway this afternoon, by Minister of State for Rural Affairs and Natural Resources, Seán Kyne, who commented: “I’m delighted to launch this €2 million WRAP fund at the FÍS summit here in Galway. The potential of the film, television and game industry for the West of Ireland has already been very well demonstrated by TG4 and a range of independent producers. I’m confident that this new WDC-backed fund will further develop this sector in the West bringing greater benefits in terms of job creation as well as for the creative industry. I look forward to seeing the results of the investments on our screens in the near future.”

Father Ted writer, Graham Linehan, is special guest at

today’s FÍS Summit, and one of the highlights of the day is an interview with the writer, who is also behind hit television shows, The IT Crowd and Black Books.

The Summit will also include a panel with Director Generals of the main broadcasters in Ireland, and another with funders from the world of video on demand (VOD).

The objective of the new WRAP Fund is to facilitate the development of, and investment in, film, television, gaming, and animation projects, in the Western Region.

It is hoped that it will increase the number of screen-content production projects undertaken in the region, creating direct employment of 90 jobs.

The WRAP Fund is aiming to support 15 development projects, with an expectation that at least 20 per cent of these would secure resources to go into full

production. Around another 10 internationally funded coproductions will be supported in the region.

Galway UNESCO City of Film, has created a perfect moment for the launch of the €2m WRAP Fund.

To be eligible for the fund, projects must demonstrate commercial potential, and have a significant presence in the Western Region. The aim of investing in projects with commercial potential will allow the Fund to make a return on investment, in order to create a legacy fund for future projects within the region.

Declan Gibbons, Manager of Galway Film Centre & Director of UNESCO City of Film, sees the fund as a ‘gamechanger’:

Full details of eligibility and how to apply will be available once the WRAP Fund is up and running early next year.

Recruitment of a WRAP Fund Development Manager will begin in the next few weeks.

Funding for the initiative has been ring-fenced by the WDC from its Revolving Evergreen Western Investment Fund.

The local authorities in the counties involved will provide funding towards operational costs.

In the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs 2015-2017, a commitment was made under Action 144 to “develop and implement an action plan to support the film industry in Galway and the West Region and explore the potential for a Regional Film Fund”.

This commitment, together with Galway Film Centre’s role as administrator of the

“The WRAP Fund is a game changer for the audio visual and gaming sectors in the Western Region. Building on the UNESCO designation in 2014, Galway Film Centre is now delighted to partner with the WDC to roll out this fund in collaboration with all the local authorities concerned.

This significant investment has the potential to provide increased content creation and continuity of work and is an immense boost to the wealth of screen talent in the region.”

Galway also has the largest audiovisual industry outside Dublin, with more than 600 jobs, and an indigenous industry worth more than €72m annually to the local economy.

Sligo recently hosted the Premiere of ‘Halal Daddy’, a feature film shot on location in Sligo, while Donegal’s Malin Head has become famous the world over after being featured in ‘Star Wars’.

Telegael in Galway are in post-production on Ireland’s first stop-motion animation feature, ‘Captain Morten

and the Spider Queen’ *(see note below) Other film makers – such as Johnny Gogan of Bandit Films, based in Leitrim, are shooting acclaimed work in the West.

Ian Brannigan, Acting CEO of the Western Development Commission (WDC), sees the potential for increasing employment in the region. He stated: “The WDC is very excited to be able to provide this funding to the audio visual sector. We think it has huge potential to increase sustainable employment within the sector as well as create opportunities to upskill crews working here.

The benefits of the film industry to a region has been recognised for some time.

As well as creating direct employment, there is an impact on the wider economy such as those providing food and accommodation during the shoots to the more longterm increase in tourism.”

This plan was written by Galway Film Centre and Galway County Council, with the support of Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board, Galway City Council, Galway County Council, Mayo County Council and Roscommon County Council. (eile.ie 12 October 2017)

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Information and support for women who need someone to talk to

DLL – Phone: (01) 872 9911 (Callback facility available) 80 EILE Magazine

EILE Magazine 81

Greece passes transgender law opposed by Orthodox Church The Greek parliament passed a law yesterday (Tuesday 10 October) making it easier for people to change their legallyrecognised gender, a move that angered the Church, but was welcomed as long-overdue by human rights groups.

The law will allow people to change their gender on official documents with a court ruling, and without requiring medical tests or sterilisation, as is the case now.

It has been condemned as “immoral” by the Greek Orthodox Church, and as a “monstrosity” by right-wing politicians. […]

“Absolutely no tradition, no perception of family calls for people to be sidelined or tossed aside into a social and institutional abyss,” Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who supported the law, told a heated discussion in parliament.

The law applies to anyone over the age of 15, and allows a person to change legal gender twice. Applicants must not be married, and a final decision will be taken 82 EILE Magazine

by a court.

The main opposition conservative New Democracy party voted against the bill, saying it was a “sloppy” attempt to divert public attention from Greece’s financial woes.

“Your only goal is to stay in power,” said conservative lawmaker Simos Kedikoglou.

“You’ve found various methods of deception and this bill is the latest proof.”

Supporters rallied outside parliament during Monday’s debate, holding a banner reading: “Transgender rights are human rights”.

The Church had urged the government to withdraw the bill.

“For every human, gender is a sacred legacy. It is a precious thing for a woman to know about her feminine nature, and for a man to be aware of his male nature,” Bishop Nicolaos of Mesogaia told Greek Skai TV. The Church, he said, embraced “people with difficulties.”

The bill passed by 171 votes in the 300-seat parliament, but it exposed fissures in the

“Absolutely no tradition, no perception of family calls for people to be sidelined or tossed aside into a social and institutional abyss”

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras

ruling coalition of Syriza and right-wing Independent Greeks party.

Most Independent Greeks approved the bill in principle, but voted against an article setting the minimum age at 15, arguing that was too young.

–Renee Maltezou, Michele Kambas – Reuters (eile.ie 11 October 2017) EILE Magazine 83

Australia: Rugby League Player, Ian Roberts, On Marriage Equality Australia’s Ian Roberts, professional Rugby League player, talks about Australian marriage equality, and asks people to donate to the campaign: “I’ve been lucky enough to represent Australia internationally, play in nine State of Origin Games, and a Grand Final. I loved all of it.

In 1994, I became the first professional Rugby League player to come out as gay.

This year, I wrote to the NRL, calling on them to support marriage equality. I had tears in my eyes when I read their response saying they would.

Watching Macklemore play Same Love at the NRL Grand Final on Sunday was a beautiful moment.

I encourage you to enjoy Macklemore’s wonderful performance by watching it here.

[As regards the marriage equality postal vote] nearly 300,000 18-24 year olds have ticked YES but haven’t returned their surveys! The YES campaign needs help to reach those YES voters with online ads, and get those YES votes in the post. Please chip in to help the YES campaign run those ads!

Thank you so much, Ian Roberts” You can also keep up with The Equality Campaign on Twitter or Facebook. (eile.ie 6 October 2017)

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Ian Roberts Twitter.com

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Australia - AFL blocks transgender footballer from AFLW Draft THE AFL (Australian-rules Football League) has blocked transgender footballer, Hannah Mouncey, from entering this year’s NAB AFL Women’s Draft, according to Marc McGowan of the AFL newsite, AFL.com.au.

the AFL Players’ Association, the Australian Sports Commission and Pride in Sport.

Mr McGowan writes that a subcommittee was formed to rule on Hannah’s eligibility, and its decision was based on analysis of transgender strength, stamina and physique, as well as the AFLW (Australian-rules Football League Women) being in its infancy.

The AFLPA and Hannah were informed of the provisional decision on Monday. She responded to that decision, but the five-person subcommittee determined her nomination would not be accepted on this occasion.

“AFL.com.au understands the subcommittee believed Mouncey would have had an unreasonable physical advantage over her opponents”.

While Hannah was “extremely disappointed” at the decision, she wished the other girls well in this year’s draft. She tweeted yesterday:

“Good luck to all the girls who nominated for the AFLW draft tomorrow, especially my mates from Canberra. I can’t wait to see you all at the highest level and to play with and against you back in Canberra next year!” 7:16 AM – Oct 17, 2017 Before making the decision, consultations were held with Hannah, her management, 86 EILE Magazine

The AFL state it was also guided by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission’s guidelines ‘Trans and gender diverse inclusion is sport – complying with the Equal Opportunity Act 2010’.

McGowan states that the ruling “relates solely to this week’s NAB AFL Women’s Draft and the next AFLW season”, meaning Hannah can nominate for future drafts and register in other competitions.

Hannah stated:

“While I am extremely disappointed with the AFL’s decision regarding my participation in tomorrow’s AFLW draft, I thank them for the genuine way in which they approached my situation”.

“Despite not being able to take part in the draft, the AFL has given me the all clear to play for Ainslie next year in the AFL

Canberra competition for which I am very grateful and look forward to doing in 2018, before hopefully being able to nominate for next year’s draft.”

Tanya Hosch,the AFL’s general manager of inclusion and social policy, who was on the subcommittee, said Hannah’s case would impact future AFLW transgender procedures.

“Hannah’s passion for football is undeniable, and I want to thank her and her team for their constructive participation in the decision-making process,” she said.

“It was important to involve the right stakeholders to review all the information and data available.

Every case will be decided on its own merits along with the individual circumstances of each future nominee.

“We acknowledge Hannah’s openness and cooperation. She has contributed to a process which will substantially inform the development of the AFL’s transgender policy and procedure for future players at the elite level.

“The AFL has made very strong commitments to equality and inclusion at all levels of the game. We recognise that participating in sport has physical, psychological and social benefits and we are committed to making Australian football on every level welcoming to all in our community.”

The AFLPlayer’s Association has urged the League for clarity on the entry of transgender players to the AFLW in light of its decision on Hannah.

“While Hannah was provided with the opportunity to discuss her application with the AFL, the AFLPA believes there should have been clear guidelines available for transgender players wishing to enter the AFLW draft this year,”

Hannah Mouncey Image: Twitter.com

AFLPA general manager of player relations, Brett Murphy, said.

“No athlete should face such confusion around their eligibility for an elite competition just days out from a draft.”

McGowan writes that the subcommittee also included AFL commissioners Jason Ball, Gabrielle Trainor and Major General Simone Wilkie, and AFL general counsel and general manager game development, Andrew Dillon.

AFLW clubs had shown interest in recruiting Hannah, 190cm tall and weighing 100kg, who played eight matches and kicked 17 goals for Ainslie in the Canberra Women’s League. (eile.ie 18 October 2017)

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Information and support for women who need someone to talk to

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

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Veronica Bianqui Image: Ceethreedom