60 ISSUES OLD

OUR FIRST ISSUE BACK WHERE IT ALL STARTED

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT what originated as a website and free a5 directory would grow into the multimedia publication and company we see today.

Crazy to think that this is our 60th BIRTHDAY edition, reaching this milestone is a massive achievement for any printed publication though particularly for us as a niche LGBTQIA+ Magazine.

In October I will be with GNI for 9 years, it genuinely doesn’t seem like even 1⁄2 that time.

From joining the business I have witnessed first had so many changes, mainly in attitude, I vividly recall the constant occurrence of being hung up on or ignored when businesses heard the dreaded words GAY or LGBTQIA+ publication, though this is thankfully changing at a rapid pace as more and more people and businesses understand the importance and see the benefits of reaching out to and engaging with our niche yet growing demographic.

It is great to see such change though don’t get me wrong we still have some ways to go.

On a personal level for me my role has changed dramatically within the company, starting off in a developmental role, this slowly expanded to doing food and show reviews. Now almost 9 years down the road I’m Director/Editor/Dogs Body and running the show - who would have thought.

Prior to GNI I worked for various daily and weekly news publications though there was always something missing, that was GNI, a publication that I could personally relate to, be proud of and passionate about.

99% of the time I love my job, it remains interesting, challenging, fun and rewarding, I have a great work-life balance, have had the pleasure of interviewing so many amazing people, engaging with forward thinking brands and clients and have the opportunity award those who work tirelessly to improve the lives of LGBTQIAl+ people. None of this would be possible without the support we receive and the contribution of many.

It has been a blast thus far and I am excited with what the future holds for the business. Here are a few words that have been submitted by some people and businesses who work with us.

Daniel May - Director

The Rainbow Project

From everyone at the Rainbow Project we wholeheartedly congratulate GNI Mag on the milestone of their 60th Edition. An LGBTQIA publication in Northern Ireland is a hugely important thing for our community. It’s a space where our stories, struggles, and achievements can be highlighted in a society where stigma and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people persist. The partnership between the Rainbow Project and GNI allows us authentic representation, and a vital platform at a crucial time as we progress our equality objectives and continue our work to support Northern Ireland’s diverse LGBTQIA+ communities. We look forward to many more editions.

The One I Love

The One I Love Bridal is proud to team up with GNI MAG for our great €1000 bridal gown voucher giveaway. We are delighted to work with this wonderful publication full of informative and entertaining articles, with a glimpse into LGBTQI+ culture and lifestyles.

Its fantastic content appeals and extends beyond its intended demographic and builds bridges towards a more inclusive community with better understanding of often marginalised groups.

Altogether a fantastic read.

Congratulations on your 60th Birthday GNI MAG!

Here’s to many more fabulous issues!

Lorren x

The One I Love Bridal, Ballinlough Village, County Roscommon

The Lord Bagenal Inn

The Lord Bagenal Inn is proud to be featured in the GNI Mag on its 60th issue. The dynamic magazine has flourished since its inception, creating a legacy of inclusivity, advocacy and empowerment and is committed to representing diversity across all borders.

The Lord Bagenal Inn wishes you continued success.

Humanist Association Of Ireland

The Humanist Association of Ireland is the only body authorised to carry out legal secular marriages in the Republic of Ireland and we have performed hundreds of same-sex marriages over many years. Collaborating with GNI demonstrates our commitment to being an ally and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion. It is important because it helps foster a more inclusive society where all individuals are seen, heard, and valued.

Four Seasons Hotel Monaghan

We at the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan, firmly believe in promoting inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of our work. We understand the unique perspectives and experiences that the LGBTQIA+ community brings, and we acknowledge the importance of providing a platform for their voices to be heard. By working alongside the only LGBTQIA+ publication in the country, we can contribute to fostering a more inclusive society, breaking down stereotypes, and creating a more accepting environment for all individuals, because love knows no boundaries after all!

Fish City

We are so proud to work with Daniel, Pauline and the team at GNI and join them in celebrating a momentous 60 years in print, representing and connecting Northern Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community. We applaud the invaluable work that GNI has done over these many decades to further equality, provide support to and champion dynamic, vibrant and powerful LGBTQ+ communities across Northern Ireland.

Aaron Norton

Coast Rosslare Strand

Coast Rosslare Strand is always thrilled to collaborate with GNI Mag, honoring its pivotal role in LGBTQIA+ advocacy. As GNI Mag commemorates its 60th birthday, Coast Rosslare Strand honors the publication’s legacy of inclusivity, advocacy, and empowerment, echoing its commitment to diversity and representation. We wish them a massive congratulations to everyone, past and present, on the team and wish them many, many more years of success

Humanist Uk

Our Humanist Ceremonies celebrants work with couples to create non-religious, inclusive wedding ceremonies, and are delighted to conduct same-sex weddings.

We’ve campaigned for marriage equality for decades and were instrumental in making humanist marriages in Northern Ireland legally recognised.

It’s been important for us to work with GNI to raise awareness of Humanist Ceremonies within the LGBTQIA+ community in Northern Ireland, Congratulations to GNI magazine on reaching its 60th edition!

Skin Works

“At Belfast City Skinworks, we’ve had the great pleasure of working alongside GNI mag for years now, we feel that representation in the LGBTQIA+ community is so important and we pride ourselves on being an inclusive business, which is why we have chosen to consistently share a platform with GNI and will continue to do so in the years to come”

Relate Ni

“Happy 60th Birthday to GNI Magazine from Relate NI! We have been working with GNI Magazine for a few years, a publication that represents and celebrates LGBTQIA+ culture and creativity. Thank you for giving us a platform to promote our relationship support services to everyone who is in need of them. Here’s to many more fantastic publications!”

Maldron Hotels

As a leading hotel brand, it is not only essential but also deeply meaningful for us to collaborate with the only LGBTQIA+ publication in Northern Ireland. Embracing diversity and inclusivity is a fundamental aspect of our brand for fostering a welcoming & respectful environment for all of our guests and employees. By partnering with the GNI Magazine we demonstrate our commitment to supporting & celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. This allows us to ensure that all of our guests feel valued, respected and represented during their stay.

Conleth Kane

Having an LGBTQ+ publication in any area should not be taken for granted and the significance of having one is quite something - especially in Belfast, where the community is so tight and interwoven. I have such fond memories of really finding my feet as a young gay man in my teenage years in Belfast and I recall the scene being so warm and supportive.

The fact that there is such a classy, wholesome and quality magazine like GNI celebrating everything that’s brilliant about the scene back home is just wonderful. I take my hats off to Daniel and all of the team over the past decade who have elevated the magazine to great heights, from amazing content and features to the amazing annual awards show. I want to personally thank GNI for offering me such unwavering support throughout my career and helping me feel included and celebrated over the years, despite living across the water in England. I wish you all the best going forward.

Conleth Kane x

Fred J Malcolm

We are here to help people celebrate love and what better way to make sure everyone is included in that celebration than to work alongside the only LGBTQIA+ publication in Northern Ireland. We thank GNI Mag for all that they do.