EILE Magazine July 2016 (Vol.4 Issue 1)

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Magazine V4 Issue 01 - July 2016

Brielle

Pop Sensation

After Orlando Pieces by Lucia Chappelle, Scott De BuitlĂŠir, Stephen Donnan

Dublin Pride Day 2016

Melody Federer Indie/Folk Singer-Songwriter

Inside:

Travel | Film | Fashion |Health | News

EILE Magazine | Who’s Who

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

Mark has also produced several fashion shows in the past, all in aid of worthwhile causes M. Butler M. Butler is a writer and editor, with a keen interest in human rights, and has studied philosophy and psychology Lucia Chappelle Lucia Chappelle is Associate Producer of the Los Angeles-based LGBT radio programme This Way Out Scott De Buitléir Scott is founder and Editor-at-Large of EILE Magazine. He is also a writer and broadcaster, originally from Dublin but now based in Nottingham Stephen Donnan Stephen Donnan is based in Belfast, and is a writer, LGBT rights and political activist, and founder of LGBT group Love Proudly 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 July 2016 Theatre - Pps.36, 38, and 42 We feature Gareth Russell’s latest version of his play, The Gate of the Year, with a review by Stephen Donnan, and we also feature cabaret troupe ‘underCURRENT’

Orlando - Pps.54,58, and 60 The Orlando shootings were such a serious occurrence that Lucia Chappelle, Scott De Buitléir and Stephen Donnan have all written about it this month

Dublin Pride Day 2016 - P.28 What a great Dublin Pride Day 2016 it was. M. Butler writes on the happy experience at Merrion Square Park, with lots of photos to prove it!

Music - Pps.6, 10, 12, and 14 US singers Melody Federer and Brielle, UK band Raging Bull, and Irish singer Adrian Connolly are our featured artists this month

Fashion P. 16, Silver Screen P.20 Mark Anthony writes on the unity of London, Paris and Milan, at least on the catwalks, for the various Fashion Weeks, while Lisa Reynolds reviews Colour Me Lavendar

Volume 4, Issue 01 Editor-at-Large: Scott De Buitléir Editor: MKB Contributors: Mark Anthony, M. Butler, Lucia Chappelle, Scott De Buitléir, Stephen Donnan, MKB, Lisa Reynolds, Brian Rochford, Frances Winston Photographers: Daveed Benito, La Famos, Elle McMaster, M. Butler NB: All images in this publication are either under Creative Commons licence, or used with permission. Image credits, where necessary, are printed on the corresponding page(s) or photo(s). Any queries can be made to hello@eile.ie Special Thanks to MKB for all her hard work, dedication and support.

Web: http://eile.ie Contact: hello@eile.ie Twitter: @EILEMagazine Facebook: http://fb.com/eilemagazine Note: All opinions expressed in this

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…plus film reviews, travel, and much more!

issue are the writers’ own.

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EILE Magazine | Editor’s Letter

Contents 6-

Melody Federer

10 -

Brielle

12 -

Raging Bull

14 -

Adrian Connolly

16 -

Mark on Fashion

20 -

Colour Me Lavendar

22 -

Checklist - the US

24 -

Winter Sunshine

28 -

A Happy Pride Day

36 -

underCurrent

38 -

Gate of the Year

42 -

Review of G-O-T-Y

44 -

Health 5-a-day

46 -

Frances on Film

52 -

GAZE Film Fest

54 -

After Orlando

58 -

De Buitléir on Orlando

60 -

Donnan on Orlando

more on Orlando, and World LGBT News, Views,

EILE July Edition!

Welcome to the July edition of EILE Magazine.

These past several weeks have been a cause for celebration, because of Pride 2016, but also a cause for sorrow, as the Orlando massacre shattered our complacency.

We offer our sincere sympathy to the families and friends of all those who were killed or injured in Orlando, and in this issue, some of our writers have written about how the community feels, and how we should react.

July is a packed issue, with singers from the US (Melody Federer and Brielle), the UK (rock band Raging Bull) and Ireland (Adrian Connolly) featured in our music section.

Mark writes on the various Fashion Weeks, Frances reviews some great films, we have theatre news and reviews, and a look at Pride Day in Merrion Square Park, with lots of photos! Our travel section is on Winter sun in Mauritius, and we have a checklist of essentials for travelling to the States. We hope you enjoy it!

We would also like to offer our condolences to one of our writers, Stephen Donnan, whose father passed away only recently, from all the team at EILE Magazine.

Entertainment etc

Scott De Buitléir Founder / Editor-at-Large

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The Fan Man Working on a particularly hot Pride Day, giving out fans for the LGBT Helpline and their campaign #It’s Good To Talk, this kind gentleman obliged us with a fan and a photo (see more photos in our Pride Day article)

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Melody Federer Honesty shines through in the music of indie/folk/alternative singer-songwriter, Melody Federer, whose emotional storybased songs reflect her own journey through life, where she lays bare her feelings and thoughts on loving, losing love, and trying again despite the odds.

Melody’s songs draw on her own experiences, good and bad, and how she finds strength and resolution through coping with the hand life has dealt her.

Her latest single, Standing, is one such song, which is about the last year, and the things she’s gone through. This is a raw and emotional song with soaring vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar, then soulful strings, adding to the atmospheric track.

“It’s a song about love overcoming all the odds life throws at you” she says.

Standing was written, produced and performed by Melody, and marks her first release since her 2015 EP, New Fires, Old Flame, and is well worth a listen.

On the move since her youth, she has already amassed a wealth of experiences and memories that she draws on for inspiration, but her journey has only just begun.

Although she has established herself as a writer for many of music’s top artists, Melody is ready to step back into the spotlight, and share her story with the world.

Melody hails from Dallas originally, and became enthralled with music on account of her father, a pastor, who taught her to sing and play hymns on guitar. However, at the young age of 20, she ran away to Paris, accompanied by a jazz pianist she met at a party in New York. The stuff of dreams and fairytales, you might say. But, reality

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Melody Federer Image: LaFamos EILE Magazine

“...sometimes I feel like life breaks you down so you can find the truth of who you are, and start over from there, without all the ego and fear�

Photo: Daveed Benito

Album Art for the single, Standing

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soon intervened.

After receiving a record deal in Los Angeles, the duo left Paris, but soon found themselves unable to record an album due to insufficient funds. Melody broke from her partner and began busking, before securing a residency, where she soon caught the ear of Grammynominated producer/songwriter Billy Mann (P!nk, Robyn, Sting), who offered her a fulltime publishing deal with his company Green & Bloom, a joint venture with BMG. Since signing, she has written songs for the likes of Kelly Rowland, Hilary Duff, and Jacob Whitesides.

Standing, the first single from her upcoming album, When the Dogwoods Bloom, captures the hearts of listeners, as Melody’s soaring vocals are underpinned by swirling guitar and violin tracks. Taking elements from country, jazz and folk, the gifted artist displays her strength despite adversity, repeating like a mantra “here we are still standing.”

The track begins with a bare guitar line, and then launches into her passionate declaration of love despite complications, with which Melody is all too familiar.

“We’ve been through it all. Getting pregnant unexpectedly after dating only a few months, moving across the country, my fiancé losing a job and the three of us having to start over” she says.

“But sometimes I feel like life breaks you down so you can find the truth of who you are, and start over from there, without all the ego and fear.”

Her new music shows a development away from the pop-driven ballads of her past, and towards a more intimate, down-to-earth sound.

As Melody puts the finishing touches to her new album, she is grateful to begin yet another adventure.

“With this album I felt free to be led by feeling again.”

With such honesty, in her life and her music, Melody is sure to impress all those who hear her, and lead her to a bright future - she deserves it!

-MKB You can follow Melody Federer on Facebook at: Facebook.com/MelodyRiffsMusic or on twitter at: https://twitter.com/melodyfederer or listen to or download her music from iTunes at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/melody-federer/id425546403 EILE Magazine

Brielle Billboard chart-topping Pop/Dance songwriter and recording artist, Brielle, has just released her debut selftitled album, BRIELLE.

Born and raised in upstate New York, and daughter of 10,000 Maniacs’ drummer, Tim Edborg, it’s no wonder that Brielle started singing and dancing at age 2.

America’s newest Pop sensation is beyond excited to finally share her music with the world. The 10-song LP includes the smash songs Love Means, Wasted, Unstoppable, and her official debut single, Ought To Be, just to name a few. BRIELLE the album will also include the colorful and fashion forward fan-favorite, Rock The Catwalk. The hit song is a pop remake and re-wording of the 1980’s smash hit, Rock The Casbah, by the Clash.

“This is a special time in my life as I am finally able to release to the world what I have been working on for so long” says Brielle.

“The time has come for everyone to see the different sides of me and my journey. Simply put, I am just excited!,” she adds.

Entertaining audiences abroad is what Brielle was born to do - from singing the National Anthem at Citi Field for the NY Mets, to 10 EILE Magazine

performing at Madison Square Garden for the NCAA National Basketball Championship, and now ready to tour the world.

The new album includes the catchy lead single, Ought To Be, reminiscent of a perfect time in your mind - where you get lost in a thought of having a great night out and wishing it never ended. Next you have the track, Rock The Catwalk, a remake and rewording of a song originally released by The Clash in 1982, called Rock The Casbah.

You will also find the powerful song, Wasted, where Brielle shares the ups and downs of being in a one-sided relationship, and when, eventually, after trying to work it out over and over, you basically end up devoid of emotion.

Another standout and memorable track is the inspirational, Catch A Star For You. The song, which started out as a poem, tells you not to allow yourself be put into a box, but simply be who are for you and not others. Then you have the patriotic, yet summer-friendly, Rocket, where Brielle pays homage to the National anthem, while reminiscing of a fun summer spent with friends.

Being no stranger to accolades and nominations for her talents (her awards include 2012 Independent Music Awards and 2015 International Song Writing Competition)

Brielle will be playing Arlene’s Grocery in New York on 17th July

she has seen her name on the Billboards charts several times. She landed on the #15 spot and peaked at #8 on Billboards Hot Singles Sales for her song, Rocket. In the summer of 2014, her single Avalanche peaked at #4 on Billboards Hot Singles Sales, and spent 8 consecutive weeks in the Top 10.

The video for her single, Catch A Star For You, directed by the amazing Annette Navarro, has received over half a million views on Youtube, and spent 26 weeks on various video charts, including MTV, Vh-1, Much Music, California Music Channel among others.

AGP Records distributed the 10-song LP, BRIELLE, which was released on Friday, June 17th via iTunes and all other digital retail outlets.

-MKB You can download the album on iTunes at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ brielle/id1122208100

The video was also selected to play nationally at Macy’s, Journey’s and American Eagle.

Brielle is a singer, a songwriter, a dancer, a violinist and if that was not enough, she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is now ready to conquer the world, and would really like to bring you with her.

Album Art for Brielle

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Raging Bull Raging Bull have just released their self-titled debut EP of 3 tracks - The Only One, Second Chance and Until The End, on June 1st.

The London-based blues/rock trio, are a high rev Blues/Rock outfit. They’ve been around since 2013, playing gigs around London and firing up the stage with their gunsa-blazin’ performance.

The band is made up of Vocals and guitar: Quentin Fourmond, Bass guitar: Kostas Cheliotis, Drums: Thomas Mowforth. The EP was recorded and mixed by Francesco Angelini, produced by Raging Bull & Francesco Angelini, and mastered at All4band After meeting online, the trio of Quentin, Kostas and Tom – hailing from Paris, Athens & Hull – formed the band, blending their individual loves of rock in its various guises to create something beat-driven, riff-filled and with croon-along vocals.

Guitar lines fuzz in between distorted vocals, all the while carried along by strong drum beats and thick bass lines, creating anthems that need to be played loud and sung back

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even louder.

Despite an underlying classic rock sound, London-based 3-piece Raging Bull’s story is set in the digital age, having met online. Unlike Tinder meet-ups, however, the band clicked, both musically and personally, bringing together their passion for rock in its various guises to create something heavy yet surprisingly accessible.

Prior to Raging Bull, bass player Kostas played in cover bands in his home city of Athens, before bringing his funk grooves to the UK, while guitarist Quentin (from Paris and providing the blues for the band) was writing songs after splitting with his previous band, Faitful Child. Drummer Tom hails from Hull, and had just finished recording an album with Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats, making his third of the mix a little more doom; The combined output, however, is far from gloom.

Their self-titled EP was released on June 1st. The three tracks offer an insight into how, despite multi-cultural backgrounds and a smattering of influences, rock is a universal, forever-youthful language, and Raging Bull have mastered it.

Thumping beats like Royal Blood, riffs from the rulebook of AC/DC and hints of Jack White’s various projects are thrown into the mix, making Raging Bull the sort of animal that’s rough, ready and difficult to run from.

If you’re in the UK, you can catch the band live when they play The Spice Of Life, Soho, on 30th July.

Album Art for Raging Bull

You can listen to and download the EP on iTunes at https://itunes.apple. com/ie/album/ragingbull-ep/id1104345323?ignmpt=uo%3D4

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One To Watch:

Singer-Songwriter Adrian Connolly Irish acoustic/rock singer-songwriter, Adrian Connolly, hails from Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath, and cites Bruce Springsteen, Dylan, GooGoo Dolls, Neil Young, Matchbox 20 and U2 among his influences.

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Adrian Connoll

ly

Although performing for several years as a covers artist, he tells us he has been concentrating on his own music of late, with quite a few of his own compositions now building up, among which is a great power-ballad called Come Take Me Home.

Having heard him perform live recently at the Bram Stoker in Clontarf, Dublin, and given his poetical lyrics and powerful voice, concentrating on his own music sounds like a great idea to us at EILE Magazine!

- MKB Apart from watching him on Youtube, you can catch Adrian on SoundCloud at: www.soundcloud.com/adrianconnollymusic(SoundCloud) Or follow him on twitter at: www.twitter.com/adrianconnolly2(Twitter) EILE Magazine 15

From London, To Milan, To Paris!

Mark Anthony writes that in spite of Brexit, London Paris and Milan offer a sense of unity!

Last week the news came out of London that the dreaded Brexit vote had actually been successful.

But while the Brexit vote was actually against the unity of diverse nations, the recent fashion weeks around the globe had a thing or two to say about that. London, Milan and Paris men’s fashion weeks offer a sense of unity for weeks on end, every year.

Hundreds and hundreds of fashion professionals gather to follow the shows like groupies, all of them in their like-minded packs, across so many different countries and nations. Fashion week is like a bubble - it insulates you from the outside world.

It is its own diverse nation on its own. However, reality does sometimes intrude.

The American presidential

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campaign has been nothing short of stormy, and then Brexit came, first in theory and then in reality, leading to a numb disbelief in many throughout Britain and beyond. And you could say that this reality has had its impact on society and designers alike, but sun and fun were still evident in these fashion capitals this year.

Travel, art, and heritage were

big themes throughout this year. You could get the sense of nostalgia, with many designers trying to pay respect to their pasts, moving on smoothly, creating something new but traditional at the same time. There seemed to be a duality around that links the more formal approach to dressing with a casual elegance, and a sense of sportswear dominance.

Throughout each of the three countries’ fashion weeks, designers acted like architects of style by creating clothes for today’s generation, all the while referring to their knowledge of discernible taste

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Things were then topped off in Paris - last, but certainly not least - Dior Homme really brought us to the funfair with a playful and optimistic setting, Louis Vuitton brought us on a journey right back to Africa, while taking a time portal all the way to a London that was ruled by punks.

Who knew that that could have worked? However, the fun never ends with just the big names.

and of course, fashion.

In London, Matthew Miller took a step back in time with his collection, while J.W. Anderson had a few very wearable pieces, even if they were in his own weird, surrealist way, while in Milan, things got a little flashy and loud.

Donatella showed us a collection for the Versace man on the go, while Gucci gave us a collection that was beyond any of our dreams.

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Creativity requires time and thinking. Without a doubt though, creativity was not lacking for the coming Spring/Summer ‘17 collections. London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks may have happened at different times, but they certainly came together in celebrating the transformative power that fashion can have, and the joy that it can exude.

Together, they have brought men’s fashion to new heights.

Bally

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Review

The Silver Screen – Color Me Lavender

By Lisa Reynolds The Silver Screen – Color Me Lavender (1997) is an interesting documentary.

Directed by American independent/underground director, Mark Rappaport (From the Journals of Jean Seberg, Rock Hudson’s Home Movies, The Scenic Route), it takes a look at the possible gay undertones in many genres, such as romance, war, western, comedy and musical in the ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood film in the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s.

Hosted and narrated by actor Dan Butler, the piece opens with some clips that go back as far as the beginnings of film, with Méliès and Lumière.

Throughout, Butler gives us an interesting overview over archive footage, with many stars of film history, such as Marlon Brando, Humphrey Bogart, James Dean, Joan Crawford, Judy Garland, Bob Hope, Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, Laurence Olivier, Clifton Webb, Audrey Hepburn, Gene Kelly, Danny Kaye, Lauren Bacall, Jean Marais, Cary Grant, Bette Davis, Lucille Ball and Gary Cooper to name but a few.

There was clearly a lot of research and work put into the making of this documentary. One thing that is missing though is that the titles of most of

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Rock Hudson and Doris Day in Come Back Lover 1961

Randolf Scott and Cary Grant lived together for 11 years

Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story, 1940

the film clips are not featured.

It is interesting to watch, and make up your own mind on whether or not you feel each clip has any hidden message, or whether you feel there is a different hidden message. With some clips, you might think that the overviews were interesting, because you hadn’t looked at them like that before.

At other times, you might think that the clip is being read into too much. It’s quite a subjective watch as a viewer of the documentary, because the clips we think the former or the latter about are probably going to be different.

But don’t worry, it’s not like a heavy critical theory session for two hours. It’s fun, relaxed and fascinating. If you love films and interpreting films, then this is a brilliant watch.

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Essential Checklista For Travel To The US It has never been easier to travel to the United States from Ireland, thanks to more customer-friendly features, great airfare rates and full US pre-clearance!

When preparing for your exciting trip away there are the usual obvious things to remember - do you have your passport, are your travel dates correct, did you turn off the immersion.

However, with travel to the USA there are some specific points to check-off before you go that may not be relevant to other destinations.

American Holidays have compiled a list of American specific points to remember before you head Stateside.

Holiday Insurance Travel Insurance is a necessity. If you are heading to a beachside resort or on an active getaway then make sure you contact your insurance provider before you travel to check your policies to see if you are covered when taking part in outdoor activities, such as water sports.

ESTA All eligible international travellers who wish to travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization beforehand. Applying for your ESTA is a simple process that can be done online at

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www.esta.ie. It is recommended that all Irish applicants apply for ESTA at least 72 hours prior to traveling to the United States.

Passports As of 1st April 2016 all Irish people travelling to the USA are required to have a valid electronic passport. If your passport was issued between 30th March and 16th October of 2006, when the first e-passports were issued, then this is a nonelectronic passport and must be updated before you travel, otherwise you will not be permitted entry into the United States. In addition to this, prior to any trip you should always ensure that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months.

Baggage weight Different airlines have different baggage restrictions so be sure to double check these before packing the kitchen sink! This is especially important if you have a connecting flight or will be continuing to a second destination, as the limit for the second airline may be less than the original.

Car parking Whichever airport you are flying out of, you are guaranteed to have a wealth of parking options at your disposal. To save yourself money and hassle, pre-book your carpark before you travel so you won’t have any last minute stress at the airport. It is also a good idea to take a photo of where your car is parked to refresh your memory when you return a week or two later.

Destination Information Know before you go. You should always do a little bit of research before your trip so you’re starting off on the right foot before you get there. It is also advisable to book some excursions before you leave so you don’t waste any time upon arrival trying to decide between the many options or queuing for hours at the attractions.

Pre-book Park Tickets If you’re heading to a theme park destination, such as Orlando, you can book your park tickets in advance, usually resulting in great savings compared to buying them on site. You can also book Fast Pass tickets, significantly reducing your wait time at each of the rides - something you will be quite happy of when trying to entertain the kids during an hour long wait in the Florida sunshine! This will also help you get around the park quicker and truly make the most of your time there.

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 the expert staff will help you plan your holiday of a lifetime. For more information visit www.americanholidays.com.

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Travel

Luxury Winter Sunshine Getaways Sunshine is not just for the summer! Brighten up your winter with an amazing sunshine escape to look forward to from Travelmood, the worldwide holiday experts.

Take advantage of amazing winter sun deals to the beautiful islands of the Maldives or Mauritius, where you can lounge in luxury listening to the glistening water lap all day long.

Or, if you are looking for a vacation that offers exotic cities, gorgeous beaches, stunning natural attractions and a fascinating history then Sri Lanka is the place for you.

Combine your sunshine escape with the amazing glamour of Dubai. On one hand you have the glitzy, over-the-top hotels, monumental structures, the uber-chic restaurants and unrivalled shopping options, and on the other you have a more relaxed vibe that emphasizes the multicultural nature of the area.

Whichever stunning destination you choose, you’ll be guaranteed amazing affordable luxury from Travelmood.

Mauritius Spend 10 nights at the 4* Preskil Beach Resort on a half-board basis from only €1699pp.

Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, airport transfers on arrival, 10 nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges.

Based on 2 people sharing.

Travel: February 2017 - other dates and durations available Ref No: 1039929 Maldives Spend 7 nights at the 4* Meeru Island Resort & Spa on a full-board basis from only €1939pp.

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Mauritius Images: Travelmood

St Petes

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Price includes: Return accommodation as sta

Travel: December 2016 Ref No: 1047598

Sri Lanka Spend 9 nights at the 4

Price includes: Return accommodation as sta

Travel: March 2017 - o Ref No: 1039936

Dubai Spend 5 nights at the 4

Price includes: Return accommodation as sta

Travel: January 2017 Ref No: 1039924

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n flights ex. Dublin, airport transfers on arrival, 7 nights’ ated, taxes and charges. Based on 2 people sharing.

6 - other dates and durations available

4* Avani Bentota Res & Spa on a B&B basis from only €1649pp.

n flights ex. Dublin, airport transfers on arrival, 9 nights’ ated, taxes and charges. Based on 2 people sharing.

other dates and durations available

4* Hues Boutique Hotel on a B&B basis from only €929pp.

n flights ex. Dublin, airport transfers on arrival, 5 nights’ ated, taxes and charges. Based on 2 people sharing.

- other dates and durations available

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

Image: itaa.ie

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It Was Indeed A Very Happy Pride Day! Dublin Pride Day 2016 was one to go down in the annals of Dublin Pride as the best, happiest, most chilled of all Dublin Pride Days so far. Everyone was in a relaxed, happy mood, which was palpable, enjoying the entertainment at Merrion Square Park, and generally being glad to be there with friends, family and supporters (photos below).

It was different to last year, when, although everyone was in a great mood, the tensions and exhaustion of campaigning for a YES vote in the referendum had taken their toll, and there seemed to be still some nervousness about PDAs and being ‘out’ in public.

Not so this year, where the colourful clothes, make-up and hair of the masses reflected the Pride inside, in the relaxed ambience of Merrion Square Park, and drag-queens were out in abundance to entertain by their very presence. Great performances onstage also, with amazing music from ELM, Paul Ryder and Patrick James among others, hosted by Panti et al. After a Pride parade that saw larger numbers than ever march, led out by Grand Marshal, Max Krzyzanowski of LGBT Noise, the crowd deserved to sit down and chill out.

It was a Very Happy Dublin Pride Day indeed!

-M.Butler

The page opposite and following pages show some photos taken by EILE Magazine’s M. Butler, to remind you of the day!

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EILE Magazine’s favourite LGBT Helpline fan-man at Merrion Square Park, Dublin 2, on Pride Day EILE Magazine 29

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underCURRENT’s Seriously Camp Caba July 15th After their packed to capacity show in The Workman’s in February, and then invited to perform in this year’s Gay Theatre Festival (IDGTF 2016) in May, underCURRENT return to The Workman’s Club, on July 15th with their twelfth full-length show, packed to the brim with cabaret, drag, burlesque, live music, all in their own style of Seriously Camp Cabaret.

were very popular. Our show appeals to audiences from diverse backgrounds and age groups. The troupe is an inclusive community arts project”.

You can see underCurrent and their Seriously Camp Cabaret at the Workman’s Club, 10 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2, on July 15th – Doors 8 pm.

Emma Weafer (DialEmma) co-head of underCURRENT tells us:

underCURRENT are all LGBT performers, and are attracting bigger and bigger audiences with every show, being the only one of its kind in Dublin, featuring solos, duets and larger groups performing.

“We wanted to create a space for multidisciplinary performers that harks back to when variety shows

The show is an exciting mix of cabaret, burlesque, live music and drag, and features selections from:

Julian Mandrews, Alan Woods, Mark Ward, MissFortune, Kiara Gannon, Emma Weafer, Siobhán Killen and Liane McCarthy

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s aret,

Fionn Mata Malam Scott, Siobhán Killen, Laura Weafer, MissFortune, Alan Woods and Emma Weafer.

The Book of Mormon, Hamilton, Saturday Night Live, Matilda, Spamalot, Something Rotten, Grey Gardens, Crazy ExGirlfriend, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Glee, with live music from Lady K & Ruby Noir, Throwing Shade and the Grande Damns.

The underCURRENT Ensemble are: DialEmma Lady K & Ruby Noir

Julian Mandrews MissFortune Fake Plastic Steve Johnny Blue Eyes Elle Le Gent Chartreuse Merlot Lil’ Vixen Tickets are 12 Euro, and can be bought from the Workman’s Club at: https://theworkmansclub. ticketabc.com/events/ undercurrent-present/

For more on underCURRENT, you can visit: uC on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/UnderCURRENT226808430669710/ uC on YouTube: https:// www.youtube.com/user/ underCURRENTdub uC in the Gay Theatre Festival: https:// www.facebook.com/ events/258840194462134/ EILE Magazine 37

Gareth Russell’s Play, The Gate of the Year at The Mac Theatre Belfast The Gate of the the drama to the Year, by Belfast modern-day. playwright Gareth A young republican hungerRussell, played striker (Robert Kane, The again at the MAC Belfast Tempest) threatens Theatre, Belfast, to starve himself to death for his beliefs, while the from 30th June to new liberal Prime 2nd July this year. country’s Minister promises reform to The play tells the halt the riots sweeping the story of the opening country. Meanwhile, France’s beautiful and enigmatic months of the Marie-Antoinette French Revolution, queen, (Rachel Gadd), continues but it updates to suffer under the glare of 38 EILE Magazine

constant media attention. In her own words, she lives ‘a life lit by a camera flash.’

Inspired both by the events of the French Revolution and the events of twentieth-century Northern Ireland, The Gate of the Year dramatizes those unforgettable, and stillrelevant, few weeks when a world collapsed, telling it from the perspective of the rising republicans and the aristocracy, who decide to

Images: Ella McMaster meet the challenge head-on.

The cast includes “The Belfast Tempest’s” Robert Kane as a young republican hunger-striker; Rachel Gadd as the enigmatic Queen Marie-Antoinette; and Lauren Browne returns to her role as the glamorous socialite, Countess Pauline.

‘We are given a terrifying insight into the mind and meat of what a revolution looks like, without a shot being fired on stage.

Gareth Russell’s use of language and subtle references to 20th century events (the JFK assassination, Bloody Sunday, the Corporals Killings in 1988 to name a few) pack a punch that almost feels very close to the bone at some moments. But Rachel Gadd as MarieAntoinette

The Gate of the Year Image:Ella McMaster

EILE Magazine 39

Cast of The Gateof the Year - From left: Cailum Carragher, Lauren Rose Browne, Rob Crawford, Rachel Gadd, Barry Simpson and Ashley Montgomery at Mount Stewart - National Trust.

that’s the beauty of it… The Gate of the Year is arguably one of the best stage productions in Belfast this year. … the hallmark of a masterpiece.’ – Stephen Donnan, Eile Magazine (2014) ‘Gareth Russell bridges time and space in recreating the French Revolution in our own century, making it easier to grasp, with searing pathos, what was at stake and what was lost forever… He also believably places MarieAntoinette in contemporary times. Once again she dazzles, once again she breaks our hearts!’ – Elena Maria Vidal, author of Marie-Antoinette: Daughter of the Caesars.

About the author

The Gate of the Year was written by playwright and author, Gareth Russell. Gareth was educated at Down High School, Downpatrick, and then studied History at St Peter’s College, Oxford. He is the author of the ‘Popular’ series of novels, comedies set in a fictional Malone Road grammar school, first published by Penguin in 2011.

40 EILE Magazine

The last instalment in the Popular series, ‘Say You’ll Remember Me’, was performed as a play at the MAC as a sell-out run in January 2016.

Gareth is also the author of several non-fiction books, including The Emperors: How Europe’s Rulers were Destroyed by the First World War. His next book, Young and Damned and Fair: The Life and Times of Catherine Howard, Fifth Wife of King Henry VIII, will be published by Simon & Schuster in the US, and HarperCollins in the UK and Ireland.

The Gate of the Year

by Gareth Russell played Upstairs at the MAC Theatre, Belfast from Thursday 30th June – Saturday 2nd July 2016 Stephen Donnan’s review follows on page after next -

The Gate of the Year Image: Ella McMaster

The Cast: Royal Family - Rob Crawford, Rachel Gadd, Barry Simpson, Maryann Maguire.

Politicians - Brian Diamond, Michael McGarry.

Aristocrats - Rebecca Lenaghan, Lauren Browne, Cailum Carragher, Stephen McCombe, Ashley Montgomery.

Republicans - Dan Kelly, Sophia Adli, Robert Kane.

News Anchor - Emmette Dillon.

Royal Household- John Hanna, Mairead McConville, Anna Kyle, James Herdman, and Adam Kaleta.

EILE Magazine 41

Theatre Review

The Gate of the Year at the MAC Theatre, Belfast (2016) Stephen Donnan reviews the updated version of Gareth Russell’s play, The Gate of the Year

In this updated and revamped version of Gareth Russell’s Gate of the Year, we are treated to a sparkling and refined insight into the downfall of the French aristocracy, masterfully intertwined with ghosts of the 1981 Hunger Strikes, the assassination of President Kennedy, and the 2011 London Riots.

The performance of the cast burns into the audience, and at points you could hear a pin drop, as we hung on each and every syllable. Not

42 EILE Magazine

a word is wasted or a beat missed, all are used to drive the narrative forward as the building spectre of revolution, and the crumbling façade of a decadent Versailles, cast a palpable dread over the second and third acts.

Once again, Gareth has chosen a cast that accurately captures the spirit of the moment.

Stand-out performances from Daniel Kelly, Rebecca Lenaghan, and Barry Simpson, make up a Holy Trinity of masterful delivery, by becoming living, breathing, embodiments of the characters.

Daniel Kelly’s firebrand young Marat, a Protestant French rebel unwilling to commit murder for the cause, yet unapologetic for its necessity, is a mirror

for young men caught up in the Northern Ireland conflict.

Gareth pulls no punches in shining a light on the inevitability of history repeating itself, whether in 1780s’ France, or 1980s’ Ireland.

Lenaghan portrays the magnificent ‘darling of the right’, the Duchess of Polignac, Gabrielle.

Through her, we are given a harrowing insight into how the upper classes view the people they are trusted to protect and serve, and, as the performance hammers on, Rebecca perfectly depicts the heart-breaking realisation that her world, one way or another, is about to end.

Rebecca commands the stage even when

surrounded by the rest of the cast, her delivery and timing is unparalleled, and is, in my mind, the star of the show in many ways.

The actors bound off each other majestically, comfortable in their own roles, and constantly exploring the space of the stage as an organic platform that moves and breathes with them.

The use of music and sound effects is sparse, but effective. A particular scene stands out in my mind, and will stay with me for a long time I suspect, that of the air raid sirens sounding throughout Versailles and Paris, as news of the Prime Minister’s assassination is broadcast on television.

The terror is real, and it is a tangible beast that Russell unleashes upon his cast, and the audience. An electric atmosphere runs through the performance, and no doubt can be cast on the commitment, energy and dedication the entire production crew has for their craft.

To believe that their world is falling apart without a shot being fired on the stage is nothing short of a masterpiece, and Russell should be immensely proud of his craft and talent.

- Stephen Donnan EILE Magazine 43

,

Health

5-a-Day Fruit And Vegetables!

Brian Rochford writes on the benefits of five portions per day of fruit and vegetables There is evidence to suggest that it is beneficial to your health to eat a good variety of vegetables and fruit on a daily basis. The World Health Organization recommends that you eat a minimum of 400g of vegetables and fruit every day. This can help to lower the risk of health issues, such as stroke, some cancers, and even heart disease.

The five-a-day as part of your healthy routine can go a long way to keeping you healthy and fit for life. Because vegetables and fruit are a very good source of minerals and vitamins, and as they are a rich source of dietary fibre, by eating them regularly you can reduce the risk of bowel cancer.

You can’t imagine a healthy diet without it containing a plentiful supply fruit and vegetables. They are also low in calories and

44 EILE Magazine

fat.

You can get your five-a-day intake of fruit and vegetables by eating a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruit, as well as vegetables that have been cooked in stews and soups.

You can also eat pulses and beans, however, these are a good source of fibre, but they do not contain as many valuable nutrients as fresh vegetables and fruit. You can also eat dried fruit, as well as frozen vegetables and fruit.

If you decide to eat canned fruit or vegetables, be certain to choose the kind that are stored in fruit juice or water. There has been a debate about the value of fruit juice because of the high sugar content, and also the harm that it can inflict on your dental health.

Vegetables like parsnips , swedes and turnips help with your five-a-day intake, also you can include sweet potatoes.

However, potatoes generally don’t count as part of your daily intake, but they are

Image: bbc.com

important as part of your balanced diet, with berries fruits or dried fruits, or a tasty healthy yoghurt, containing your favourite fruit.

Start your day with a breakfast consisting of a healthy smoothie, made up of a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. Then eat a nutritious bowl of porridge.

At lunchtime keep it healthy with a delicious salad sandwich, or if you have time, eat a mouth-watering vegetable stir-fry. For your evening dinner, prepare a fresh small green salad, and have a main meal of cooked vegetables with sweet potatoes. For desert, indulge yourself with a variety of delicious soy deserts, or fruit salad with some soya cream.

There are so many superb, nutritious, vegetable and fruit-based products available for you to enjoy. So what are you waiting for, get started on your five-a-day lifestyle today!.

EILE Magazine 45

Absolutely Fabulous - The Movie

46 EILE Magazine

Frances Winston on Movies Directed by: Mandie Fletcher Starring: Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha, Jane Horrocks, June Whitfield, Kathy Burke, Celia Imrie, Janette Tough, Emma Bunton, Lulu, Kate Moss and a plethora of pop culture and fashion favourites…

It’s four years since we last saw hard-living partyanimals, Edina (Eddie) Monsoon, and Patsy Stone, on the small screen, but a big screen outing has been hinted at for years, and it finally arrives in all its colourful glory to much fanfare, a publicity overdrive, and the kind of hype usually reserved for a big-budget blockbuster.

box office dominated by male leads, so I was probably as excited about this as anybody.

I also wasn’t expecting War and Peace. After all, what made the TV show so brilliant was its knowing silliness.

And this does have silliness – in spades! The whole plot is silliness personified. Eddie inadvertently knocks Kate Moss into the Thames, and becomes the most hated woman in the UK. Broke and facing manslaughter charges, she and Patsy decide to flee to Cannes, so that Patsy can marry a millionaire former love, and keep them both in the style they have always been accustomed to, but could rarely afford. And that’s pretty much it, with slapstick and shtick carrying the rest of the movie.

The beauty about this pair is that they don’t need to overcomplicate the storyline.

The humour is in their There is no doubt that interaction, back and forth this movie is being heavily and physicality. And Lumley promoted, but the fact that and Saunders still have the media screening was a it. They are as hilarious a mere one day before release didn’t bode well. Historically, double-act as they ever were. when a screening is so close to All of their old cronies are here as well, and slip back the release date the movie is into character as if putting on generally below par. a comfortable pair of shoes.

Meanwhile, the cameos Don’t get me wrong – I love the TV show, I’m a huge fan of (which come thick and fast) Jennifer Saunders and Joanna are literally a who’s who of fashion and pop culture.

Lumley, and I love seeing female-centric movies in a

But that is about it. There is nothing here to make this stand out from a featurelength episode other than higher production values.

There are some fantastic moments, but on the whole this is basically a high-budget episode. There’s nothing here they haven’t done before, and the characters haven’t moved on or evolved since we last saw them. That’s not to say it’s a bad thing. After all, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. But it does feel a bit disappointing.

After four years and so much hype, I was expecting a bit more, and I spoke to a couple of other people who saw it in advance and they said the same.

If you don’t take it too seriously and appreciate the return of Eddie and Pats (which I did) this is good fun. However if you are expecting fireworks and big character evolution and a cohesive storyline, you will be disappointed. The pair are still camp icons, and this will definitely satiate anyone’s need for an Ab Fab fix, but it won’t be winning any BAFTAs, and it’s not even the pair’s finest hour.

One for the fans, this is a nice distraction for 90 minutes.

In Cinemas Now!

EILE Magazine 47

Now You See Me 2

48 EILE Magazine

Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: John M. Chu Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Daniel Radcliffe, Lizzy Caplan, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman A sequel to the 2013 hit movie that dazzled audiences with it’s glossy trickery, this is actually set one year after the events of the first film. Don’t worry if you haven’t seen that though as they give a pretty good synopsis of the events of that during the opening few minutes.

As I said it’s one year on.

After garnering worldwide acclaim for their magic spectacles, which brought down crooked businessman, Arthur Tressler (Caine) the Horsemen are now in hiding awaiting their next assignment.

When they are eventually handed the task of hijacking the launch party for new software, which unbeknownst to users steals all their information, it seems straightforward enough. That is, until they themselves find their plan hijacked and their secrets exposed.

Fleeing the scene, they inexplicably find themselves in China, where entrepreneur Walter Mabry (Radcliffe) blackmails them into completing a task for him.

However, the Horsemen are nobody’s fools, and have plenty of tricks up their sleeves to escape his clutches and bring down his organisation– if they can just stop fighting amongst themselves and utilise them in time.

This is even glossier with flashier stunts than the first one. Unfortunately, the stunts don’t feel as fresh or original as they did, since anyone who saw that will go to this with high expectations. The original cast still gel well together, and new addition Caplan seems to fit right in.

Radcliffe is disappointing as Mabry though. He never really feels sinister or threatening, and it is almost as if he is just trying to channel every Bond villain he has ever seen.

Harrellson takes on a duel role (I won’t spoil it for you) but doesn’t manage a huge amount of contrast between the two, which gets confusing.

However, the others give solid enough performances – especially Morgan Freeman, who is at the heart of one of the biggest twists in the tale. And there are twists aplenty here - almost too many. This makes the plot extremely complex and you

do really need to focus or you will get totally lost. This was one of my biggest bugbears.

You expend so much focus on keeping track of who’s who, who is double-crossing whom, who is getting revenge on whom, that it sometimes detracts from the magic. This is a shame as the magic is as big and bold as the last one, and it’s interesting to see how some of the tricks are accomplished.

Ireland’s own Keith Barry was responsible for training the actors for this, and even pops up in a cameo appearance (a literal blink and you’ll miss him moment – now you see him so to speak!)

Overall, this looks incredibly slick, and plot holes and complexity aside, this is very entertaining and will engage you until the end. It just lacks some of the dazzle and surprise element of the previous offering. There is a sense that we’ve pretty much seen all of this before.

Don’t let that put you off though, as it is still a worthwhile watch, and with another sequel having already been announced, you’ll want to keep on top of the story so you know what’s going on in that.

In Cinemas Now!

EILE Magazine 49

50 EILE Magazine

Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Rawson Marshall Thurber - Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Amy Ryan, Aaron Paul, Danielle Nicolet, Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy I’m pretty sure that someone came up with the tagline for this movie before there was even a plot. In case you haven’t seen the posters, it reads: “Saving the World Takes a Little Hart and a Big Johnson” – a reference to the names of the leading men.

I can absolutely see some executive at a Hollywood party talking to the pair of them and coming up with that, while thinking it was the funniest thing ever.

Of course the idea of pairing the towering powerhouse, also known as The Rock, with the considerably less robust Hart, also sounds like comedy gold.

Mismatched partnerships have been the central theme of many a hit comedy movie over the years, so there is a method to the madness. And indeed their pairing does work – they have an amazing rapport, and Johnson shows a willingness to completely rip himself to shreds, which is commendable for a star of his stature.

The pair play former schoolmates, Calvin Joyner

(Hart) and Bob Stone (Johnson). While Joyner was a popular successful jock in high school, Bob (or Robbie Weirdicht as he was known then) was a sensitive overweight loner.

When a cruel prank was played on Bob, Calvin was the only one to step up and help him. Years later when Calvin, now working as an accountant, gets a Facebook friend request from the now buff Bob, they meet for drinks.

Little does he know that when Bob casually asks him to have a look at some of his accounts because of ‘payroll issues’, his world will implode.

It turns out Bob is now in the CIA, and is suspected of not only killing his partner, but of being in possession of some valuable satellite codes, which he is trying to sell. Recruiting Calvin to help him, the pair must try and find out who is behind the plot and clear Bob’s name, before the codes fall into the wrong hands.

True, it’s not the most inspired of plots. The ‘selling codes to the bad guy’ thing has been done to death. And it has a gazillion holes in it – honestly, I counted! What pulls this together is the fact that Johnson and Hart are allowed to riff off each other and play to each others strengths. They prove a formidable double-act, and there are some moments

of sheer hilarity.

Unfortunately there are also some rather turgid moments, and on the one or two occasions where the tone should be more sombre – such as when Bob has flashbacks to being bullied – Johnson’s acting chops simply aren’t up to extracting empathy from the audience. But no matter, as the light-hearted moments more than make up for the slower bits.

This is a nice cheery summer flick. It won’t set the world on fire but it will leave you smiling. No doubt Johnson and Hart will be paired up again – indeed the ending almost makes that seem like a certainty, and in the moments where they are allowed free reign, this will have you chuckling into your popcorn with laughter.

On a negative note, they could have tried to utilise an anti-bullying message a bit more, and given what a hero Johnson is to millions of kids, this feels like a missed opportunity. However, don’t hold that against it if you are just looking for an uncomplicated fun flick that delivers enough laughs to make it viable.

In Cinemas Now!

EILE Magazine 51

GAZE LGBT Film Festival 2016, July 28 - August 1: Programme Announced For the past 24 years, GAZE International LGBT Film Festival has been providing a platform for Irish and International LGBT cinema here in Dublin. The power of our LGBT stories has never been so great as in recent times.

GAZE 2016 marks the 24th year of Dublin’s International LGBT Film Festival, which has gone from strength to strength over the years.

52 EILE Magazine

Taking place annually over the August Bank Holiday weekend in Light House Cinema Dublin, GAZE offers an exciting array of films to suit a wide variety of audiences, with a choice of international titles and homegrown Irish films also being screened.

From insightful and thoughtprovoking documentaries to classics to fun, off-thewall films, GAZE has built an international reputation as one of the top LGBT film festivals in Europe. A staggering 1,000 submissions were received by the festival for the 2016 event.

As is standard practice at GAZE, Irish content stands proudly to the fore, and GAZE is a platform to provide visibility for Irish LGBT films and filmmakers. The 2016 Irish shorts programme builds on the outstanding standard of last year, and is proof of Irish LGBT stories on screen coming to fruition.

The festival this year will also mark the historical significance of the 1916 centenary with the historical thread, YesterGAZE, focusing on Roger Casement, whose sexuality often makes him an unsung hero of the rebellion.

Viva, one of the biggest

Heartland at the GAZE Film Festival on 29 July 4.30 pm

Irish films of the year, will screen at GAZE, as well as the world premiere of A Different Country by Edmund Lynch, which will serve as an important piece for Irish LGBT history in years to come.

Other highlights from the programme include Opening Film, Strike a Pose, featuring the male dancers from Madonna’s iconic Blond Ambition tour who reunite after 25 years to share stories; this will be accompanied by a special screening of Madonna: Truth or Dare.

Kiki, an unofficial sequel to the influential 1990 film, Paris is Burning, will have its first Dublin screening at the festival.

Holding the Man, the film adaptation of the 1995 memoir

by Timothy Conigrave, will screen at the 2016 festival, along with the acclaimed Uncle Howard, Aaron Brookner’s documentary profile of his uncle, a short-lived leader on the independent film scene in New York in the 1980s.

There will also be a panel discussion on the state of

LGBT Film Festivals called GAZE on the Fringe.

On the international front, there are a huge amount of delights crammed into the programme that are representative of the range of LGBT cinema being produced around the world.

A focus on Queer Québécois Cinema at the 2016 festival materialised from a fruitful meeting with the executive and programming directors of IMAGE+NATION LGBT Film Festival Montréal, Charlie Boudreau and Katharine Setzer at BFI Flare in London.

The festival will welcome them to GAZE, and to share Québec’s rich cinematic gems with the audience. Acclaimed filmmaker Xavier Dolan’s Heartbeats will screen as part of this strand. Chosen as the perfect example of Quebecois LGBT cinema, the film is a beautiful ode to Montréal.

Michael Connell, Chairperson of GAZE noted: “GAZE is about LGBT visibility, advocacy, and remembrance. The

programme invites us to look back honestly, to look around us critically, and to look forward with intent. We are passionate about providing a platform for new and Irish LGBT film and filmmaking, and for facilitating access to LGBT film for those of limited means.”

He continued: “Sincere appreciation and thanks also to our grantaiding bodies: Dublin City Council, The Arts Council, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, and the Communities Foundation for Ireland. I also wish to thank our programme sponsors, in-kind supporters and Friends of the Festival, whose investment and support enables the festival to flourish.”

The GAZE film festival runs July 28th – August 1st at the Light House Cinema, Dublin.

For more information, visit: www.gaze.ie EILE Magazine 53

CALIFOR

AFTER ORL

Lucia Chappelle wonders what sort of talents the LGBT community in America can bring to the table in the gun control debate after the violence against the gay community in Orlando Twitter was going crazy when I plopped into a chair on a float in West Hollywood’s Christopher Street West (CSW) Pride Parade.

We had all awakened to the news about the massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, still reeling from the shock, and scrambling to create instant responses to the slaughter in the midst of the glitter and butterflies, scantily-clothed disco dancers and balloons so typical of our annual Stonewall celebrations in Los Angeles.

Then the news started spreading over social media 54 EILE Magazine

that a man with a carload of guns and explosives had been arrested in nearby Santa Monica, telling police that he was headed to the Parade intending to “do harm.”

Odd how things work out sometimes. There had been a major controversy about the nature of the Pride event.

CSW’s Board had opted to promote it as a ‘music festival’ - supposedly to reach more millennials - and to de-emphasize its historical significance. Ticket prices and community organization booth fees skyrocketed, and space for LGBT-owned businesses was limited in favor of corporate sponsors.

Free Friday night events that were the highlights of the weekend for queer youth and transgender people had been abbreviated. Community members launched a #NotOurPride campaign that spread to other cities, where a disconnect with the community’s needs, and the hyper-commercialization of Stonewall commemorations have become concerns. #NotOurPride had won major concessions, avoiding a boycott and other proposed protest actions, and the campaign is mobilizing to restore community control of the planning and administration of CSW’s events. They had

RNIA DISPATCH:

LANDO

stressed the need to get back to the true meaning of Pride in the future. Then Orlando happened, and the true meaning of Pride blasted into the present.

Yes, the dissidents had wanted a Pride Weekend that would give the younger generations of queer people an appreciation of the movement that brought about the accomplishments they were celebrating, but the opportunity to do on-the-spot training on how to keep one’s cool and party-on during a bomb threat, while watching out for strange packages and suspicious people, had not been what they were hoping for.

Although James ‘arsenal guy’ Howell turned out not to have really made a verbal threat when he told police he was going to the Pride Parade, the very idea of him was enough to make many folks realize that a moment of silence for a faraway tragedy wouldn’t keep us from being next on the hit list.

Soon after the Pulse Massacre, political observers and establishment activists started putting forth the notion that the LGBT movement organizations, what with their breath-taking success of the marriage equality agenda, had the expertise to take on the National Rifle Association’s all-powerful pro-gun lobby like nobody else on the scene.

Journalist, Andy Humm, of Gay USA (gayusatv.org) was one of the people who aimed to burst that bubble, pointing out in a Facebook post that ‘We’ hadn’t accomplished much at all when it comes to federal legislation. He noted that despite all of the court-ordered wedded bliss going around, ‘We’ still haven’t been able to get the Equal Rights Act passed after years of trying.

But what other talents can we bring to the campaign against gun violence? Every poll shows overwhelming public support for the kinds of modest gun control measures currently on the table, so our knowledge of winning hearts and minds isn’t necessary. There may be

EILE Magazine 55

things we’ve almost forgotten how to apply to the political discourse that can really make a difference.

Take for example our understanding of the personal/ political, and the stresses of inter-sectional identities.

Interestingly enough, the background of James Howell, the man arrested on his way to West Hollywood on Pride Sunday, is almost as convoluted as that of Omar Mateen, the Orlando mass murderer.

Howell, 20, whose previous run-ins with the law had made it illegal for him to possess firearms, was fleeing his Indiana home because he was about to be charged with molesting a 12-year-old girl, while local press reports cite comments from more than one ‘ex-boyfriend’, one of whom Howell had threatened with a gun.

Meanwhile, the girl says her sexual encounter with Howell was consensual, and that they planned to marry. Both Howell and Mateen, whose alleged ads on gay dating apps, and previous visits to the Pulse are still being investigated,

apparently suffered from pressures that we know can lead to acts of desperation.

Can we draw attention to ‘the ticking time bomb in the closet’ and add a deeper understanding of the elements that go into the making of a terrorist?

Do we remember the art of ‘creative disruption’?

Congressional Democrats came to realize that if a bill to keep suspected terrorists from buying guns couldn’t pass in the aftermath of the Pulse Massacre, the time had come to start defying legislative business as usual. In the countdown to its Independence Day recess, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) staged a historic 15-hour filibuster, essentially holding the Senate hostage in an effort to pull more votes to the gun control side.

When the bills pushed by Murphy still failed to pass, supporters in the House went on a bona fide rampage! Led by the venerable Civil Rights hero, Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia), they staged a dramatic sit-in on the floor. House Speaker, Paul Ryan, adjourned the session, turned off the TV cameras,

Lucia Chappelle is Associate Producer of the Los Angelesbased LGBT radio programme This Way Out 56 EILE Magazine

and ordered that it was against House rules to broadcast via other cameras or internetconnected devices. His command was ignored, and the 20+ hour insurrection was streamed online and picked up by cable news networks.

It looked like something ‘We’ would do!

In this era of unbelievable social and political shifts, an era of Trump and Brexit, literally an era of blood in the streets, can ‘We’ help progressive voices be heard more loudly and profoundly than ever, by recalling our penchant for joyous outrage?

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

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

Comment -

We Cannot Allow the Orlando Shootings to Defeat Equality EILE’s founder & Editor-at-Large, Scott De Buitléir, takes a moment to reflect on the tragedy of the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

As the news broke across social media, and later onto the major news sites – first in the U.S., then quickly across the Atlantic – there was a feeling of disbelief. Surely this couldn’t be real, we thought; yet another lone gunman decides to change people’s lives forever.

As the details become clearer, and that 50 people have now been confirmed dead, the disbelief evaporates and the horror sets in. It is now being said that the shootings at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando 58 EILE Magazine

are the single biggest terrorist shooting in United States history.

But it’s not just the biggest terrorist shooting in U.S. history. It’s the biggest homophobic attack in American history, also. This is an attack of mass homophobia, a term that isn’t being used as widely as ‘terrorism’ among the media, but an act of homophobia nonetheless.

The city of Orlando has rallied around their LGBT and wider community quickly, though.

It has already been reported that thousands of Floridians have queued to donate blood on behalf of the victims of the Pulse shootings, many of whom are critically injured in hospital. Ironically, however, gay men who have had sex within the past twelve months are banned from donating blood.

The shooter, named as Omar

Image: EILE contributor and Londonthat the campaign for LGBT equality i

Mateen, was noted by his father as being angry over the sight of two men kissing. Mir Seddique, Mateen’s father, told NBC News that this has “nothing to do with religion”, a statement which needs to be taken with a pinch of salt; if Mateen was driven by his homophobia to kill so many people, such strong levels of homophobia rarely come from secular sources. [Update: It has since been reported that Mateen pledged allegiance to Islamic State before attacking the Pulse nightclub.]

That being said, however, faith is a source of strength in such tragic times, and religious leaders were quick to come out in support of those targeted

by Mateen in the early hours of Sunday morning. The thousands of people wanting to help, by donating blood, shows the strong levels of solidarity amongst fellow Floridians for their LGBT friends (including, of course, the allies and friends

-based designer, Anthony Zagariko, sums up in one image in the United States is not yet over.

who were also undoubtedly enjoying their time at the nightclub also).

How the mainstream media report this, and how the history books record it, is going to be crucial. This is one of the biggest attacks on the LGBT community, especially in the Western world, for quite a long time. An early contributor to EILE, Anthony Zagariko, wrote yesterday: “Despite the progress of LGBT rights since the Stonewall riots, we still have a long way to go. As long as people are dying across the globe because they are just like us, we cannot stop fighting.”

I echo that. Whether in Orlando, or in Los Angeles – where a man’s attempt to bring firearms and a bomb to the city’s Pride area was foiled yesterday – or anywhere else in the world, such attacks

on our LGBT community proves that despite any political progress, we are not out of danger yet. There are still (frankly, crazy) people who want to hurt us, simply because of who we are.

That does not mean to say that we should be scared of living our lives – we have fought far too hard to go back into hiding – but there is no cost to being vigilant, or to stay safe.

Indeed, we may well presume that homophobia is going to be prevalent in certain places more than others, but Orlando has just proven that nowhere is immune to senseless hatred.

no nation or culture. Only hate”.

6:30 PM - 12 Jun 2016 We cannot, for a second, become complacent in our new-found, fickle, and vulnerable freedoms in the West. We cannot let fear, hatred, and ignorance win against us. We cannot allow others to think they can put us down again. We cannot stop fighting.

-Scott De Buitléir (eile.ie 13 June 2016)

The British journalist, Benjamin Butterworth, summed it up perfectly yesterday on Twitter: “Here I am in Ukraine expecting to find homophobia. But it is in America that 50 are killed. Prejudice knows EILE Magazine 59

Opinion -

The Orlando Shootings Were Homophobic, Whether You Like To Admit That Or Not Stephen Donnan writes that the Orlando shootings were homophobic in nature, and not attacks against the ‘wider community’.

terrorist incident – this wasn’t the random and callous work of fundamentalist lunatics that want to cause carnage and mayhem – this was a deliberate and focused attack on the LGBT+ community, whether you like to admit that or not.

Politicians from across the spectrum were quick to denounce the killings It gives me absolutely no as ‘heartbreaking’ and pleasure to write this article ‘chilling’, and media as 50 people lie in morgues in Orlando, Florida. Most of them outlets began their are like me – openly LGBT+ usual 24-hour rolling and I have to say my blood ran speculation about the a little colder when I read the attack, but one word headline that a gunman had was missing from it massacred revellers at a gay all – ‘Gay’. This wasn’t nightclub in Orlando, colder than it did when I watched the just a terrorist attack events unfold in Belgium or for us – this was Paris. Why? personal.

Because I instantly recognised that this was no ‘ordinary’ 60 EILE Magazine

The attack on the Pulse

nightclub shines a mirror up to the spectrum of LGBThatred that extends from the Republican Party backed antiTransgender Bathroom Bills, right through to the YouTube videos of ISIS throwing homosexual men to their deaths in Syria and Iraq.

It is impossible for people like Mike Huckabee, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz to denounce the attack in Orlando and remain credible. We don’t need and those families don’t need your thoughts and prayers. We don’t want to hear platitudes coming from the mouths of those same politicians and media outlets that brand us as ‘child molesters’, ‘perverts’ and share public platforms with religious zealots that call for us to be put to death.

There is no acceptable level of anti-gay hatred that you can espouse, and expect to be taken seriously when you condemn a

terrorist attack on a nightclub that serves as a safe space for LGBT+ people.

We don’t have the church, we don’t have the army, we don’t have the streets. Some of us don’t even have a family or a home that we can be confident will keep us safe and give us the space to express who we are, and why we are without fear of being murdered for it.

Nightclubs, for many LGBT+ people, are those safe havens.

Our Mecca, our safe houses, they are the Churches that we go to and pray to the Gods of whatever to let us have these four walls that we are in and to keep them from crashing down around us.

It is safety in numbers, but the attack in Orlando has blown a hole in that forever.

The shootings were the work of a homophobe and a lunatic and a terrorist – but to reduce the event to an ‘attack on everyone’ or an ‘attack on freedom of expression’ is reductive, and a slap in the face to those 50 people who were killed because of who they were or because of who someone thought they were.

LGBT+ people and their friends, enjoying a night out in a club in a state that still refuses to protect them in housing or employment.

Owen Jones was absolutely right to walk off Sky News last night when confronted with astounding ignorance from the host, Mark Longhurst, about the point he was making.

Mark was adamant that this

was an attack on freedom of expression and completely missed the issue that Owen was trying to raise – this was an attack on our community.

Had the gunman walked into a Synagogue he would have been anti-Semitic. Had he walked into a Veteran’s Centre he would have been accused of targeting military service personnel. Had he shot up a predominantly black or Korean church he would have rightly been branded a racist.

But he didn’t.

Omar Marteen walked into a gay nightclub and opened fire on the patrons inside there.

His actions, whether you want to admit it or not, are homophobic and anti-LGBT in their scope. If you have a problem with acknowledging that, then maybe you should examine some of the language you use when it comes to LGBT+ people.

If you have ever expressed a desire to see gay couples denied equal rights, or for transgender people to be segregated or even stood idly by whilst anti-LGBT laws were passed in your state or country, then I’m sorry to say you’re on the same spectrum as Omar Marteen.

You don’t have to walk into a night club full of gay people with a machine gun to be accused of being a homophobe. Homophobia and the rainbow-lexicon of phobias that the LGBT+ community faces can be subtle. They can be in the disgusted looks we

get when we hold hands in the street. It can be in the inaction of the school teacher when a kid is called a ‘faggot’. It can be the co-sponsoring of a Bill that allows gay people to be fired from their jobs if they get married, and yes, it extends to lunatics that walk into night clubs with machine guns.

We won’t allow this to be reduced to a terrorist attack against ‘the wider community’ because it wasn’t. Omar Marteen targeted LGBT+ people and the reason so many anti-gay politicians or pundits have either remained silent or omitted any mention of the word ‘gay’ from their mealy-mouthed Tweets is because they understand this act doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

They understand that they have helped to foster, and in some cases actively create an atmosphere in which samesex marriage, gender neutral bathrooms and employment protections for LGBT+ people are seen as the threat to public decency and order and not being able to buy an assault rifle in Walmart.

We don’t want your platitudes or your thoughts and prayers.

We need you at our Pride parades, we need you to fly the flag as high as you can and as often as you can. We need you to speak out for us rather than legislating against us.

-Stephen Donnan (eile.ie 14 June 2016)

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#WeAreOrlando: HRC Turns Building into Memorial to Orlando Victims On Friday last (17th June) the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) unveiled a tribute to those lost in the horrific Orlando shooting.

Before dawn, HRC began installing images of all 49 victims of Sunday’s attack in its front windows, creating an 8-story composite image that carries the message “We Are Orlando.”

HRC has also put together a memorial with a wreath, flowers and a place for passers by to leave their thoughts in front of our building.

The average age of the victims’ was 29.

Almost every one of them was either Black or Latinx. They were someone’s brother, father, sister, daughter, family and friend.

They served in the military, worked at the local coffee shop, and brought joy to children’s lives at theme parks. They were the people HRC fights for every single day.

The HRC stated:

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“What happened in Orlando a week ago [..] has shaken this nation. We continue to grieve for the 49 victims and the more than 50 others who are injured, almost all LGBTQ Latinos. Our hearts are breaking for their families, loved ones and the entire community”.

“As we continue to mourn around the globe, our hearts, thoughts and prayers remain in Orlando. HRC has also created an Online Vigil for the victims and survivors of the tragic Orlando attack.

Here, members of the LGBTQ community and allies can send a message of comfort, solidarity, or heartbreak so we can heal – together”. (eile.ie 20 June 2016)

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GLEN expresses solidarity with LGBT communities in the US Responding to the violent attack on the LGBT community in Orlando, Florida which has claimed the lives of 50 people and injured at least 53 others, Kieran Rose and Margot Slattery, the cochairs of GLEN (Gay and Lesbian Equality Network) issued the following statement: “We offer our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones and friends of the victims and survivors of the brutal attack on LGBT people in Orlando, Florida. We share the sense of shock

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and horror that so many people in Ireland are feeling as the news of the terrible events unfolds”.

“We know that LGBT people in Ireland, their families, and Irish people generally, share the revulsion and horror at this awful attack and will decry hate crimes against LGBT people anywhere in the world.

We offer our solidarity to the grieving LGBT community in Orlando and to LGBT communities all across the US who are reeling in shock at this brutal attack.” (eile.ie 13 June 2016)

Stop the Hate: 49 Celebrities Honor 49 Victims of Orlando Tragedy in Ryan Murphy-Produced Tribute On June 12, forty-nine innocent people -- most of them Latinx -were killed at Pulse nightclub in Orlando simply because of who they were.

In the aftermath of the Orlando tragedy, Ryan Murphy asked how he could help drive awareness about the anti-LGBTQ hate violence that claimed so many lives at Pulse nightclub. The result was this moving tribute, filmed over the course of three days, at FOX Studios in Los Angeles.

Ryan Murphy, Ned Martel and their colleagues at Ryan Murphy Television made this project possible and all of HRC’s friends in the entertainment community supported this project including (in order of appearance) Lady Gaga, Chris Pine, Cuba Gooding Jr.,

Connie Britton, Matt Bomer, Sarah Paulson, Angela Bassett, Lea Michele, Colton Haynes, Sophia Bush, Jane Fonda, Harry Shum Jr., Denis O’Hare, Rob Reiner, Melissa Benoist, Caitlyn Jenner, Édgar Ramírez, Max Greenfield, Chaz Bono, Cheyenne Jackson, Emma Roberts, Kerry Washington, George Lopez, Evan Rachel Wood, Sofia Vergara, Diego Boneta, Nina Jacobson, Demi Lovato, Tyler Oakley, Yeardley Smith, Kid Cudi, Kaitlin Olson, Kevin McHale, Jamie Lee Curtis, Lee Daniels, Chace Crawford, Evan Peters, Gerard Butler, Katey Sagal, John Stamos, Laverne Cox, Jordana Brewster, Wes Bentley, Finn Wittrock, Darren Criss, Kathy Bates, Anna Paquin, Guillermo Díaz and Joe Mantello. http://www.hrc.org/StopTheHate (eile.ie 4 July 2016) EILE Magazine 65

Religious Leaders Respond To Orlando, Embracing LGBTQ Community In the wake of the Orlando shooting, the Human Rights Campaign in the US has pointed out that religious leaders have stood united against hate and in support of the LGBTQ community.

Prominent Christian religious leaders have preached compassion and understanding. The Rev. Al Sharpton wrote in a Huffington Post blog post that he has been “disappointed by people who otherwise consider themselves ministers, activists or social justice seekers express such homophobic views.”

He denounced hatred and bigotry and advocated for faith leaders to espouse more love in the wake of such tragedy.

The Presbyterian Church of the USA released a powerful statement supporting their LGBTQ members: “Facing this evil, we reaffirm the

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commitment of our own General Assembly to oppose all efforts to demean or exclude those in our society and our churches whose sexual orientation has made them targets of abuse and hatred.”

The Alliance of Baptists tweeted their love and support for those affected by the Orlando shooting: “Alliance of Baptists @ alliancebaptist prayers with the people #OrlandoShooting #YouAreBeloved #Pulse http://conta.cc/1tr1B4z 6:25 PM – 15 Jun 2016″ Leaders in the Catholic Church have also expressed their deepest condolences to the victims’ families and advocated for love. According to a statement from the Vatican, the massacre in Orlando evoked the “deepest feelings of horror and condemnation” in Pope Francis.

Archbishop Blase Cupich of Chicago, released a statement of love:

“Our prayers and hearts are with the victims of the mass shooting in Orlando, their families and our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters.”

The Union for Reform Judaism extended their compassion for the families of the victims, and many Rabbis across the country have released statements in support of the LGBTQ community. Rabbis Jeremy Cronig and Kathryn Fleisher, of the North American Federation of Temple Youth reaffirmed their “commitment to battling homophobia and hatred in this nation.”

The Dalai Lama led a silent prayer for the Orlando victims and urged people to work towards a more peaceful and compassionate world.

Over 200 Muslim leaders, clerics and scholars have extended their love and support, including such

Image Source: musingsofernie. files.wordpress.com

organizations as Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity, and Muslim Advocates, and many more.

Following tragic life events, communities of faith serve as an important support mechanism and as an outlet to express grief. HRC applauds these leaders, sects and congregations for promoting love and support for their LGBTQ and allied members during this difficult time.

To learn more about faith and the LGBTQ community visit http://www.hrc.org/resources/faithpositions.

HRC: People look to their faith as a source of guidance and inspiration – and LGBTQ people and our family and friends are no different. The HRC Religion and Faith Program is working to create a world where nobody is forced to choose between who they are, whom they love and what they believe. (eile.ie 16 June 2016)

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Faith and Pride Founder calls on NI leaders to condemn anti-LGBT mass murder in Orlando Reacting to the mass murder of LGBT people in Orlando, Florida, Andrew McFarland Campbell, Founder of Faith and Pride called on the political and religious leaders of Northern Ireland to lead the condemnation of the atrocity. Speaking earlier, Andrew said: “Perhaps more than most, the people of Northern Ireland know how it feels when mass shootings happen.

“I call upon all politicians and religious leaders in Northern Ireland to lead the people of Northern Ireland in the condemnation the anti-LGBT mass murder in Orlando, Florida.

“I call upon all Christians who oppose

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equality for LGBT people, including samesex marriage, to prayerfully consider whether or not your opposition to our freedom helped dehumanize us, and to prayerfully consider whether that dehumanization contributed to the environment that allowed the mass murder in Orlando, Florida to take place.

“And I call upon all Christians to think about the mass murder in Orlando and pray most fervently the words that Jesus taught us: thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Faith and Pride is an organization with one simple point: you can be Christian and Gay. Visit Faith & Pride at: https://faithandpride.org/ (eile.ie 13 June 2016)

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Orlando Tragedy Statement As the world mourns the tragic events that took place at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando this past Sunday, 12 June 2016, the Federation of Gay Games family extends its condolences and support to the victims, their families, friends and associates, and the citizens of Orlando, Florida.

This act of violence directly impacts the global Gay Games family. Four years ago, the City of Orlando was a bid candidate to host Gay Games 10 in 2018. Pulse Nightclub was a local supporter of that effort. In addition, athletes and artists from Orlando have participated at each quadrennial Gay Games since 1982.

Whenever the LGBT community and our allies come under attack, as it was in Orlando and the recent murder of activists in Bangladesh and Honduras, we strengthen our resolve to fight on in honour of those

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lost. The events of 12 June are a reminder to all of us how precious life is, and why we must continue to work together to promote acceptance and inclusion to defeat homophobia, sexism, racism, and other forms of discrimination worldwide.

The Federation of Gay Games will continue to lead this effort through the use of sport and culture to promote our founding principles of Participation, Inclusion, Personal Best™, and encourage our sisters, brothers and allies to join us for Paris 2018 Gay Games 10 with our message of “All Equal”. Together, we are stronger.

On behalf of the FGG Board of Directors, our Assembly, and Honorary Life Members, we remain Yours in sport and solidarity, Joanie Evans and Kurt Dahl Co-Presidents

Design: Anthony Zagariko, exclusively for EILE Magazine

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Galway City Image Ireland. com

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Galway Pride Festival 2016: Interactive Rocky Horror Show Galway Pride Festival, in association with the VHS Club, held a fund-raising interactive showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The long success of The Rocky Horror Picture Show has redefined the term ‘Cult Film� and the showing of this classic at Galway Pride has become a tradition that this year took place on Wednesday June 29th in The Loft at Seven Bridge Street bar.

Everyone was encouraged to dress up as their favourite character and prizes given out for the best dressed.

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sheets were placed around the room so everyone coulld join in and enjoy the fun of the wedding, the storm and the grand finale! Not to forget the iconic Time Warp which always gets everyone up and dancing!

The doors were at 8pm with the first fifty people coming in getting a goody bag! The film started at 9pm and entry was â‚Ź10, which included a strip of raffle tickets as well as the first class entertainment provided on the night by the Pride Committee and the VHS Club Crew!

For more information on the Galway Pride Festival 2016, visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/galwaypridefest

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Charities mark IRISH AIDS DAY with harm reduction campaign for drug users Today, Irish AIDS Day, 15th June 2016, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Críona Ní Dhálaigh, launches a campaign highlighting the increased risk of HIV infection amongst people who inject drugs, particularly ‘snow blow’.

The Ana Liffey Drug Project and HIV Ireland are taking action to address increasing HIV diagnoses amongst people who use snow blow by providing harm reduction and HIV prevention information for people who inject drugs.

Resources created include an information leaflet, posters and a factsheet, which will be distributed widely as well as promoted on social media and via the drugs.ie website.

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Speaking before the launch in the Mansion House, The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Críona Ní Dhálaigh, highlighted Ireland’s upward trend in HIV diagnoses: “New HIV diagnoses in Ireland have increased to their highest level on record in 2015. Provisional data published by the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre shows that a total of 491 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in 2015 – a 30% increase over 2014 figures. Data also shows a significant increase in HIV diagnoses amongst people who inject drugs with a 67% increase in 2015[1], many of whom are people who are homeless in Dublin[2]”.

The Lord Mayor praised the efforts of both partner organisations to address the specific needs of at risk groups: “I want to commend the Ana Liffey Drug Project and HIV Ireland for working together,

sharing their expertise, and providing much needed harm reduction information to people who are more vulnerable to HIV. This targeted initiative is very much in line with Ireland’s Healthy Ireland framework for improved health and wellbeing to address the specific needs of at-risk groups to reduce health inequalities.”

Niall Mulligan, Executive Director of the national charity HIV Ireland added: “We are working in partnership with the Ana Liffey Drug Project to play our part in addressing the increasing HIV diagnoses amongst people who inject drugs; we must reverse this trend in new HIV diagnoses. The Government needs to invest in the prevention of HIV – including more access to free testing in a variety of settings and a sustained national HIV

prevention and awareness campaign – and HIV prevention should be included as a priority action in the next National Drugs Strategy.”

Tony Duffin, Director of the Ana Liffey Drug Project also commented: “Depending on a person’s drug habit, a person who injects heroin may inject about four times a day; however, people who inject snow blow may inject every two hours. More injecting means more blood exposure and this means more risk. This makes someone more vulnerable to HIV; Hep C; death by overdose, abscesses, etc.”

Duffin continued:

“This increase in HIV in Dublin amongst people who inject drugs and who have multiple and complex needs, further highlights the need for Supervised Injecting Facilities.

It is essential that the draft legislation in relation to Supervised Injecting Facilities is debated, finalised and enacted as a matter of urgency – if we are to save lives and taxpayers money.”

The upward trend in HIV diagnoses has continued in 2016 with provisional data showing 231 new HIV diagnoses up to week 22 of 2016, compared to 167 during the same period last year – a 38% increase.[3] Ireland now has an average of 10 people per week being diagnosed with HIV. Official figures are likely to understate the scale of the

crisis as the European Centre for Disease Prevention Control (ECDC)/WHO Regional Office for Europe estimate that 30% of people living with HIV are undiagnosed[4]. It is therefore likely the number of people living with HIV in Ireland is considerably higher than the number of diagnosed cases.

To download the campaign leaflet, posters and factsheet visit drugs.ie/snowblowandHIV. For information about HIV, testing, safer sex, and support, visit hivireland.ie. (eile.ie 15 June 2016)

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On behalf of IDGTF 2016 thank you for your support!

IDGTF 2016 would like to thank everyone who made the 13th International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival a success in May. IDGTF 2016 write to thank all who supported the festival in any way and say: “Please tell us what you though through our online comment sheet – we’d love to get your feedback as we reflect on Festival 2016.

Firstly a big thank you to our audience – local in Dublin, people around Ireland and of course our great supporters who come from around the world to see the Festival.

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a fantastic 30% increase in audience numbers in 2016.

After a challenging 2015 this gives us great encouragement for the future.

Thank you too to our participants and diverse and exciting works they brought to the Festival.

To present live theatre for one week only in a new setting, city or country requires incredible artistic and logistical dedication.

The range of nominations and winners in the Festival Gala Awards Night is a testament to the quality of works on offer. But every production was a winner by putting the diverse stories of LGBT people on stage.

Thank you to our amazing volunteers who are at the heart of the Festival. IDGTF is run on an entirely voluntary not-for-profit basis so

without the tireless work of our volunteers the Festival couldn’t happen.

If you are interested in volunteering as we begin to plan Festival 2017 please contact us at volunteers@ gaytheatre.ie.

Finally a big thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters.

Firstly we acknowledge the invaluable financial support of the Arts Council, Dublin City Council and Fáilte Ireland as well as the very generous support of RTÉ Supporting the Arts.

We would also like to thank Derek and Bryan who generously gave us their premises on Parliament Street for our Pop-up Shop. Watch out for more news as they transform the premises into an exciting new venue.

Thank you too to Flanagan’s

Restaurant on O’Connell St Upper for generously hosting our Festival Box Office and Festival parties.

We were delighted with the proceeds raised by our raffle which will be invested into bringing more new talent to the stage in 2017. This would not have been possible without fantastic prizes donated by Hotel Westport, Galway Bay Hotel and The Gibson Hotel Dublin.

Thank you too to our venues and to our Festival Club venues for their support.

There are so many others who played a role in Festival 2016 and we would like to thank them too.

In Pride Month and in the light of the tragedy in Orlando it is essential that we continue to come together and proudly and fearlessly tell our stories, share our experiences – sad, happy, funny, provocative, triumph and persecution – and present them to the wider community.

LGBTQ Pride on June 25 from 1pm. All are very welcome to join us – details on our Facebook or email info@ gaytheatre.ie for more”. (eile.ie 15 June 2016)

Let’s be proud of what we all achieved together.

Festival 2017 takes place from May 1st to 14th 2017 so save the dates!

We are now accepting applications. Email info@ gaytheatre.ie for more.

We will be marching at Dublin

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US Department of Defense Ends Ban On Transgenders In Military US Secretary of Defense, Ash Carter, yesterday announced that transgender individuals will now be able to openly serve in the U.S. armed forces. There is also a Transgender Implementation Factsheet to guide transgenders or those who may transition while in the army.

The DoD (Department of Defense) policy announced today also establishes a construct by which service members may transition gender while serving, sets standards for medical care, and outlines responsibilities for military services and commanders to develop and implement guidance, training and specific policies in the near and long-term.

“This is the right thing to do for our people and for the force,” Carter said.

“We’re talking about talented Americans

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who are serving with distinction or who want the opportunity to serve.

We can’t allow barriers unrelated to a person’s qualifications prevent us from recruiting and retaining those who can best accomplish the mission.”

The policy will be phased in during a one-year period.

Effective immediately, service members may no longer be involuntarily separated, discharged or denied reenlistment solely on the basis of gender identity.

Service members currently on duty will be able to serve openly.

Not later than October 1, 2016, DoD will create and distribute a commanders’ training handbook, medical protocol and guidance for changing a service member’s gender in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment System (DEERS). At this point, the services will be required to provide medically necessary care and treatment to transgender service members

according to the medical protocol and guidance, and may begin changing gender markers in DEERS. Prior to October 1, 2016, requests for medical treatment will be handled on a case-by-case basis consistent with the spirit of the Directive Type Memorandum and the DoD Instruction issued yesterday.

Over the course of the next year, the Department will finalize force training plans and implementation guidance, revise regulations and forms, and train the force, including commanders, human resources specialists, recruiters and service members. Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Peter Levine will work with the military services to monitor and oversee this effort.

At one year, the services will begin allowing transgender individuals to join the armed forces, assuming they meet accession standards. In addition, an otherwisequalified individual’s gender identity will not be considered

US Secretary of Defense, Ash Carter

a bar to admission to a military service academy, or participation in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps or any other accession program if the individual meets the new criteria.

The full policy must be completely implemented no later than July 1, 2017.

To support service members, medical professionals and commanders during the implementation period, the DoD has set up a central coordination cell which will serve as a central point of contact for technical questions and concerns. The coordination cell is made up of legal experts, policy experts and medical professionals familiar with the issue. (eile.ie 1 July 2016)

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UN Makes History on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity UN human rights body establishes an Independent Expert In a defining vote today, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on “Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation, and gender identity”, to mandate the appointment of an Independent Expert on the subject.

It is a historic victory for the human rights of all persons who are at risk of discrimination and violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, 28 human rights groups said today. This resolution builds upon two previous resolutions, adopted by the Council in 2011 and 2014.

The Core Group of seven Latin American countries – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Uruguay – and 41 additional countries jointly presented the text.

The resolution was adopted by a vote of 23 in favor, 18 against and 6 abstentions.

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said Micah Grzywnowicz from the Swedish Federation for LGBTQ Rights, RFSL. “This is our opportunity to bring international attention to specific violations and challenges faced by transgender and gender non-conforming persons in all regions. It’s time for international community to take responsibility to ensure that persons at risk of violence and discrimination because of gender identity are not left behind.”

”It is important to note that around 70% of the organizations are from the global south,” said Yahia Zaidi of MantiQitna Network. “This is a powerful cross regional message of strength to the United Nations to protect the rights of LGBTI persons. The Independent Expert will be a focal point for all violations based on SOGI and hence help grassroots organizations to better utilize the otherwise complex labyrinth of the UN system.”

“It’s an historic resolution,” added Josefina Valencia from International LGBTI Association for Latin America and the Caribbean, ILGA LAC. “Latin America has played a very important role to build a common course for the advancement of our human rights. We are proud of the international solidarity and the commitment shown by States for equality.”

The Expert will be tasked with assessing implementation of existing international human rights law, identifying best practices and gaps, raising awareness of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, engaging in dialogue and consultation with States and other stakeholders, and facilitating provision of advisory services, technical assistance, capacitybuilding and cooperation to help address violence and discrimination on these grounds.

The positive vote responds to a joint campaign of a record 628 nongovernmental organizations from 151 countries calling on the Council to adopt the resolution and create the SOGI Independent Expert.

“To have an Independent Expert can be a ‘gamechanger’ in counter-acting violence which fuels the HIV

epidemic in key populations and more specifically in LGBT communities,” said Alain Kra of Espace Confiance.

“It will ease the work of all human rights defenders and it is essential for our governments and people to have the knowledge on how to protect LGBT communities from any violence and discrimination they face,” added Joleen Mataele of the Tonga Leiti’s Association.

Although a number of hostile amendments seeking to introduce notions of cultural relativism were adopted into the text by vote, the core of the resolution affirming

the universal nature of international human rights law stood firm.

We hope that this resolution will mark a turning point in the struggle to create a world free from violence and discrimination for all people regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Results of the vote Voting in favor of the resolution Albania, Belgium, Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Georgia, Germany, Latvia, Macedonia, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands,

Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Slovenia, Switzerland, UK, Venezuela, Viet Nam Voting against the resolution Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, China, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Morocco, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Togo, United Arab Emirates Abstaining on the resolution Botswana, Ghana, India, Namibia, Philippines, South Africa (eile.ie 30 June 2016)

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First GEM Fest: Sunday 17th July at the Phoenix Park Bandstand!

The very first Gem Fest is to take place on Sunday July 17 at the Phoenix Park Bandstand, in Dublin.

Little Gem Records present a free concert and celebration, with performances from special guests: Patrick Kelleher Roslyn Steer I Heart The Monster Hero Fuzzy Hell + more Where: Phoenix Park Bandstand (behind tea rooms/close to the zoo) – 5 minute stroll from Heuston station Luas stop When: Sunday July 17th from 2pm – 6pm Gem Fest is a family-friendly, all ages free event, dogs and dancing welcome.

Take along a picnic blanket and your dancing shoes!

Little Gem Records Basement 18 Kildare Street Dublin 2 http://www.littlegem.ie/ 86 EILE Magazine

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Irish Comedy ‘The Young Offenders’ To Be Released In Irish Cinemas 16th September New Irish comedy The Young Offenders hits Irish cinemas from Friday September 16th.

Inspired by Ireland’s biggest cocaine seizure of €440 million off the coast of Cork in 2007, The Young Offenders follows two Cork inner-city teenagers, Conor and Jock, as they embark on a 160km road trip on stolen bikes in the hopes of finding an unrecovered bale of coke.

The film, which will have its world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh next month, is directed by first-time feature writer/director Peter Foott and introduces new talents Alex Murphy and Chris Walley. Well known stand-up comedian PJ Gallagher (Naked Camera) and Hilary Rose (Republic of Telly) also star in the comedy. Gallagher talked with Ryan Tubridy about the upcoming release on The Late Late Show last month with Tubridy describing it as “the best Irish film I’ve seen in years”.

Foott is no stranger to comedy as he is an award-winning writer/director on the ‘Republic of Telly’ who also directed The Rubber Bandits infamous ‘Horse Outside’ video.

The film was shot in some of the most iconic locations around Cork city and along the Wild Atlantic Way last summer.

The Galway Film Fleadh takes place 5th – 10th July.

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Image: M. Butler