EILE Magazine - June 2015 (Vol.3, Issue 1)

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EILE

Magazine V3 Issue 1 – June 2015

Dublin Pride

The Future Is Equal

GrĂĄinne, Kieran, Mark & Maria tell us how the mar ref result made them feel personally

Inside:

Karmin

Amy and Nick talk about their music

Dublin Bear Pride 2015

Fashion | Film | Music |News | Interviews

EILE Magazine | Who’s Who

Contributors Mark Anthony Mark is a UCD English graduate who writes his own menswear fashion blog. He has also produced several fashion shows in the past, all in aid of worthwhile causes. More of his work can be found on markmystyle.com Nick Bassett Originally from Bournemouth, England, but now based in Auckland, New Zealand, Nick is EILE’s resident music reviewer and creator of the brilliant daily music blog, Chart Shaker.

Jenny Butler Jenny is a writer and broadcaster, based in Dublin. She has worked on several radio stations and podcasts in Ireland, and has had work featured on This Way Out in the U.S. M. Butler M. Butler is a writer and editor, with a keen interest in human rights, and has studied philosophy and psychology.

Andy Cast Andy is an executive coach, mediator and bereavement counsellor. He lives in Southampton with his partner Paul and their two cats, Daisy and Spike.

Scott De Buitléir Scott is founder and Editor-in-Chief of EILE Magazine. He is also a writer and broadcaster, based between Dublin and Nottingham.

Jason Flynn Jason is Chairperson of Dublin Pride, which takes place June 19-28.

Tobias Larsson Tobias is a Swedish freelance journalist, based in Helsinki, Finland. He writes on a number of topics, from politics to Eurovision, in both Swedish and English.

Deirdre O’Byrne Deirdre is a radio broadcaster, writer, social commentator and trans rights activist, based in County Longford.

Lisa Reynolds Originally from County Meath, Lisa is a fashion industry student living in Bray, County Wicklow.

Frances Winston Frances Winston is EILE’s resident film buff, and has contributed to many publications such as The Irish Independent and Irish Tatler. ...including special contributions from Gráinne Healy, Mark Kelly, Maria Keogh and Kieran Rose.

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EILE Magazine | Welcome

Highlights June 2015 Karmin – P.6

Volume 3, Issue 1

The talented duo talk about their unique musical style

Editor-in-Chief: Scott De Buitléir Features Editor: MKB

Dublin Pride 2015 – P.30 Jason Flynn on the past year, the journey to equality, and the amazing upcoming pride festival

Gráinne Healy, Mark Kelly, Maria Keogh, Kieran Rose: P.16 How they feel personally about the marriage referendum result, and their gratitude to the Irish public

Contributors: Mark Anthony, Nick Bassett, MKB, Andy Cast, Scott De Buitléir, Jason Flynn, Tobias Larsson, Deirdre O’Byrne, Lisa Reynolds, Frances Winston Photographers: Louise Hannon, Stewart Yost, Taj Stansberry NB: All images in this publication are either under Creative Commons licence, or used with permission. Image credits, where necessary, are printed on the correspinding page(s). Any queries can be made to hello@eile.ie Special Thanks to MKB for all her hard work, dedication and support.

Transgender Issues – P.44

Web: http://eile.ie

Deirdre O’Byrne on the upcoming Gender Recognition Bill

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

Fashion – Pgs. 12 & 50 Mark Anthony tells us what to wear on Pride Day, while Lisa Reynolds gives us a run-down on the various punk styles!

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

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…plus film and music reviews and much more!

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EILE Magazine | Editor’s Letter

Contents 6-

Karmin

12 -

Menswear

16 -

Reflections

30 -

Dublin Pride 2015

44 -

A Transgender

Perspective

50 -

Punk Fashion

62 -

#MarRef From Afar

64 -

Opinion: Jenny Butler

66 -

Interview: Christer

Björkman

70 -

Opinion: Andy Cast

76 -

Film Reviews

80 - Music Reviews 90 - Sport

The Happiest Day in Ireland Waking up to an Ireland of equals is something I’m not sure I could ever forget, even with my bad memory. My flatmate already had the news on the television when I got to the living room, to see that the first of the ballot boxes opened were already showing an incredible amount of support for marriage equality. That sentiment continued throughout the day, as constituency after constituency said Yes to love.

To make sure I can’t be accused of embarrassing them in print, all I can say is the loved ones I spoke to on the afternoon of Saturday, May 23, had shed tears of joy with the good news. They weren’t the only ones, but the smiles never left our faces that weekend. They couldn’t. The vast majority of our country said Yes, and we couldn’t be prouder or more grateful.

This issue of EILE Magazine looks back on that wonderful moment from different angles, as well as the news before and after the Marriage Referendum. We also, of course, have our usual mix of music, fashion, column writing, politics and much more.

We hope you enjoy this special edition of EILE Magazine, and that you smile as much as we have.

Scott De Buitléir Founder / Editor-in-Chief EILE Magazine

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“We wanted to find out what made us unique without too many people talking in our ear” - Amy EILE Magazine

Karmin This musical duo, made up of Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan, are original and eclectic. If you don’t already know them, you’re in for a treat!

The journey for Karmin’s Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan has been a wild one.

After the duo signed to Epic Records and scored the double-platinum hit “Brokenhearted” from their 2012 EP Hello, they appeared on Saturday Night Live.

Amy’s stunning appearance also graced the cover of Rolling Stone.

Along the way they have earned esteemed accolades from hiphop heavy hitters ranging from The Roots’ Questlove, Diplo, Jermaine Dupri, and The Game. The duo has performed more than 600 live shows and has racked up over a billion collective views of their eye-popping videos

(fueled by the devotion of millions of loyal fans around the world, who call themselves “Karminites”).

With triumphs too long to list, the duo have not forgotten their roots as two Berklee College of Music graduates that have been on a crazy journey since being pulled from their basement apartment in Boston and set on the tumultuous path to music stardom.

They are recipients of the American Music Award and have appeared on SNL, Dancing With the Stars, Good Morning America, and The Ellen Show, just to name a few.

“We were kind of in a honeymoon phase for a while, like, ‘Holy shit, that actually happened?’” Amy says of the events of the last few years.

After surviving the hype of a major label deal, the band parted ways with Epic Records in order to pursue a distinct creative vision that is represented on their upcoming album,

Leo Rising, due out later this year. Despite the struggles they’ve endured, Karmin have emerged with a stylistically wideranging and truly artistic statement-making album that finds them presenting the most authentic version of who they are to date.

All this thanks to cleareyed, honest storytelling, sonic boundary-pushing, and expanded creative control with Amy and Nick serving as executive producers and Nick stepping up as both a lead vocalist and producer.

“We were ready to make a new sound where you’re like, ‘Nothing else sounds like this,’” Amy says. “I think Lorde, Macklemore, and Goyte have proven that artsy, original music can be accepted by the mainstream and millions of people can love you for being unique. We wanted to find out what made us unique without too many people talking in our ear.”

Their first major single, “Along the Road”, from

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their upcoming release, depicts feelings of birth, renewal and new transitions, exquisitely describing the bittersweet feeling of friends and loved ones traveling in and out of life.

It serves as a departure piece for the cutting edge duo. The real-life couple also released a music video filmed at YouTube Space in Los Angeles, CA and can be seen on Karmin’s YouTube channel. Earlier this year, Karmin released a taste of their new sound with songs, “Sugar” and “Yesterday.”

Leo Rising will be released later this year, alongside a short film and a traveling art exhibit.

“Our live show is of the utmost importance to us because we feel so confident going out and performing the

music,” Amy says.

“Live, we’re more of a rock band,” Nick says. “It’s great to have a pop hit, but it immediately puts you in a super pop box and we’re not that at all. It’s much deeper than that.”

With their new found freedom and creative control back in their hands, Karminites will be thrilled to know the band will be hitting the road again later this year. “We are so proud of the show,” Amy adds. “It’s an emotional and energetic roller coaster, like the album is. It’s not choreography and confetti, but raw energy and musicianship.”

“Along The Road,” which was recorded in one take, is now available on iTunes.

Karmin’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ karminbook

Album art for Karmin’s single, Along The Road, from the album, Leo Rising

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“Live, we’re more of a rock band. It’s great to have a pop hit, but it immediately puts you in a super pop box and we’re not that at all. It’s much deeper than that” - Nick

Photos: Stewart Yost, Taj Stansberry

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The Lobster Wins the Jury Prize at Cannes Film Festival The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, has this evening (Sunday 24th May) congratulated Irish producers Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe, and actor Colin Farrell, after the film, The Lobster, scooped the Jury Prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. The film received funding from the Irish Film Board.

The film stars Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz.

Speaking from Cannes, Element Pictures Producer Ed Guiney commented:

“It’s a complete dream to get into the main competition at Cannes but then to win this amazing award is a huge and brilliant accolade for the film, for Yorgos and for our brilliant cast and crew.”

Minister Humphreys stated: “This is yet another boost for the Irish film industry, and I would like to congratulate all of those who were involved in the making of the Lobster.

Shot in Ireland, the film is a great example of what can be achieved through international co-production.

“This is the biggest achievement for an Irish film at Cannes in a number of years, and it will undoubtedly create a lot of interest in this thought provoking production, ahead of its release later in the year.

“The Irish film sector is continuing to go from strength to strength. The Government is committed to maintaining Section 481, the film tax incentive, which plays a vital role in supporting the domestic sector and attracting international productions to Ireland.”

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Featuring an all-star cast including Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Léa Seydoux, John C Reilly, Ben Whishaw, Olivia Colman and Michael Smiley, THE LOBSTER is a blackly funny love story set in a near future where finding love is a matter of life or death.

Irish Audiences will have the chance to see THE LOBSTER when it goes on release in the Autumn through Element Pictures Distribution.

Producers Ed Guiney & Andrew Lowe said: “These awards are a wonderful testament to all the brilliant film makers, cast and crew we have worked with over the last year or so. We are very proud and feel very lucky to have had the chance to collaborate with them all.”

Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz

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Wear Your Pride!

Mark Anthony gives us some good advice on what to wear on Pride Day Pride is suddenly upon us and I’m sure you’ve already got your outfit all laid out. Right? Well, I hope so.

The best way to plan your outfit for Pride is to start with your absolute favourite look. Nothing too dressy; something that is casual but totally cute - the outfit you might wear to see your ex, because you know you look particularly hot in it. Don’t consider season/weather, just really pick the outfit you look absolutely your best in. You’re going to want to wear your hottest look because, well, I know you, and you’re probably going to see a cute guy or girl you want to kiss. If you have a significant other, this is a great time to ask them what their favourite thing is that you wear. Even if you’re not out cruising, looking hot at Pride is a

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source of…well… pride.

Once you have your alltime favourite outfit picked, out it’s time to tweak it to be Pride-ready for all sorts of events.

You need to assess for weather, longevity, and gayness.

Check the weather report religiously leading up the parade. If there is a chance of rain, you should add in a raincoat, and swap out whatever shoes you were planning on wearing for either rain boots or other boots you don’t mind getting wet. Plan on bringing as few items as possible, maybe just some cash, your phone, ID and your debit card. Carrying around a wet bag will just get grosser and grosser as the day progresses.

If the weather is going to be hot, make sure you eliminate any jackets or sweatshirts from your look.

Carrying around you hoodie under your arm all day is not cute or fun. In complete contrast to a rainy day, for a super hot day you’ll want to equip yourself with some sort of backpack/shoulder bag - something large enough to carry a bottle of “water” for you (and maybe one for your sweetheart) but small enough to not be bulky/heavy. You’ll be a real Pride superstar if you throw an extra white ribbed tank top in your bag to inevitably lend to a less properlyEILE Magazine 13

dressed friend.

Next, assess your outfit for longevity, if you plan on going straight from the parade to a club/party. Generally, you’ll want to aim for close-toed shoes, and leaving home any valuables you can’t shove in a corner. You probably should have on an outfit that neatly fits a flask. Just sayin’.

Alternatively, if you have the opportunity to go home before going out at night, you might want to plan one outfit optimized for the parade (weather, rainbowness) and one optimized for partying (bringing your hotness). I’m gonna go

ahead and say having a flask on hand in this case is also preferable.

Finally, you’re going to want to get your gay on.

Normally, I’m not a fan of rainbow stuff or pride slogans, but obviously Pride is your chance to let go of notions like “tacky” and just go with it. Do you have a rainbow bow-tie? Rainbow suspenders? Rainbow kicks? If you do run in to inclement weather, you can absolutely rock rainbow wellies, or a big old rainbow umbrella that says “Lesbians Do it Wetter.”

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Alternatively if it’s hot, you can take this opportunity to wear rainbow sandals.

While Pride is the one time you don’t need to worry about being mistaken for a straight chick, it’s still a fun opportunity to flag as you can. That being said, if you are able to go home in between the parade and party, you might want to ditch your gay-gear in lieu of an “oh, is it Pride again? I look this good all the time” type outfit. The choice is yours and yours alone.

There’s more than one way to make a splash at Pride.

Adding one or two of the accompanying statement-making pieces to your outfit will get you noticed – for all the right reasons – in no time. However, the most important thing you can wear, though, is your pride! It comes but once a year, so take the time to cherish how great our community is, and how proud we have reason to be!

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Reflections: Grรกinne Healy of Yes Equality and Marriage Equality, Mark Kelly of Yes Equality and the ICCL, Maria Keogh of Gay Switchboard Ireland, and Kieran Rose of Yes Equality and GLEN, share some personal thoughts on the Irish Marriage Referendum Results

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Over the next several pages, we have some personal reactions to, and feelings about, the Irish Marriage Referendum, from some of those who were closely involved in the campaign for a Yes vote, and who have also been LGBT activists for many years up to this point.

We know this is just a selection of the many, many people, both gay and straight, who have worked tirelessly on this campaign, and those who have helped loved ones in the LGBT community.

However, we also know that they echo many of the feelings that we have all had from the moment that the marriage referendum result was announced, from the heartfelt thanks of GrĂĄinne Healy, the “early days of a better nationâ€? of Mark Kelly, to the beautiful poetry of Maria Keogh, and the typical unselfishness of Kieran Rose, who makes sure that another colleague is not forgotten.

The following are some of the lovely sentiments conveyed to EILE by these inspiring people, and we would like to thank them for their time, patience and openness: EILE Magazine 17

Gráinne Healy

Gráinne Healy of Yes Equality and Marriage Equality: “On May 22 2015, Ireland got the opportunity to show the best of itself. A Yes vote was a vote for love, for dignity, for inclusion, for diversity, and a vote for equality for LGBT people.

It was a privilege for me to co-direct the YesEquality campaign with Brian Sheehan, and to be chairwoman of Marriage Equality, as the marriage movement made its way towards its goal.

I am so proud to have played a part in a campaign which allowed many organisations to be their best - including the inspiring staff of Marriage Equality, Glen and ICCL. But overall, I am grateful to the thousands of activists, the canvassers who had conversations in every family and townland - because it was these conversations which won the referendum - it has truly been the experience of a lifetime - thank you Ireland.

Thanks, Gráinne”

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Kieran Rose

Kieran Rose, GrĂĄinne Healy and Mark

Kieran Rose of Yes Equality and GLEN: “I began campaigning for the rights of lesbians and gay men in Cork in the early 1980s, when we were almost completely marginalised, and faced overwhelming opposition. Since then we made such fantastic progress, with gay law reform in 1993, Equality legislation in 1998, Civil Partnerships in 2010, and now Civil Marriage and full Constitutional equality.

There are so many people to thank, but I would like to highlight Eoin Collins. He was critically involved in the great progress we have achieved; in particular as a member of the Colley group, persuading them to recommend civil marriage as the full equality outcome.

This has been a great and liberating journey for all of us in Ireland, gay or straight. Even in those very difficult earlier times, I always believed that there were strong and positive traditional values in Ireland based on the struggle against colonialism, and for civil and religious liberties that we could appeal to. It was so great to see these progressive traditions shining through in the strong Yes vote throughout the country.

The Yes vote also sends out a powerful signal of hope to all those throughout the world who are as marginalised and powerless as we were in the 1970s and 80s.�

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Maria Keogh of Gay Switchboard Ireland expressed her thoughts in this beautiful poem

From Wanting To Be, To Truly Being Me I walked in, nervous, as always, but couldn’t show it.

Hiding who I am in solitude. Keep it hidden, it’s wrong I think.

No one knows what my heart desires, Or do they? Surrounded - yet alone, Telling my heart, my head is right.

Keeping scorned tales and pleasure to light.

Never letting go, or telling of lost loves.

No one knows what my heart desires or strives for, For I must seclude those thoughts from my mind.

You cannot be more than a fantasy to me, A stolen glance, a smile, a mumbled something, a warm kiss.

That warmth is stored in a memory in my mind, To think of in darker nights when I must want to be another.

I then awoke to love, to life, to happiness, Met the final piece of my life puzzle on a beautiful summer’s night.

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My desire truly here, in front of me, accessible like never before.

Ireland 2006, to me, the point in time to turn, to love back publicly, Never to hide my heart, my thoughts and dreams, my soul.

But to share them with another, and let the world see my peace.

I’ve found my solace, my true soul and reason to be clear.

Not hiding from what I want to be, and truly being me What the 22nd of May 2015 meant to me, will never have enough respect in history.

My whole being, my existence, not questioned, but accepted.

To be able to not shun my soul, no more, satisfied, now, being just me.

Maria Keogh

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Mark Kelly

Mark Kelly of Yes Equality and ICCL: “I have always admired the suggestion of the Scottish novelist Alasdair Gray that we should try to “work as if we live in the early days of a better nation”. Now that the marriage equality referendum has passed, I really feel that we can.

Full civil marriage equality for same sex couples is the outcome of decades of hard graft by pioneering LGBT activists and, in more recent years, by groups such as the ICCL, GLEN, Marriage Equality and BeLongTo. We may have entered what Katherine Zappone calls a “Republic of Equals”, but there is so much more to do.”

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Brian Sheehan, Grรกinne Healy and Mark Kelly

Grรกinne Healy speaking at the launch of the Yes Equality Campaign

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Yes Equality: “Truly A Nation Of Equals” “Today, we are more truly a nation of equals” – Yes Equality The people of Ireland have exercised their Constitutional right and by direct vote they have said an emphatic ‘Yes’ to Equality. We now join twenty other countries where same-sex marriage has been made possible.

We are the first country in the world to do so by a vote of the people.

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This referendum was all about belonging – Irish lesbian and gay citizens had to ask the Irish people if they too can belong to Ireland and belong in Ireland. In their deep generosity the Irish people have said ‘Yes’– Yes, we belong. Yesterday’s result means that having been ‘branded and isolated’ for decades, each lesbian and gay person knows now that they too belong in Ireland, as full, equal citizens.

It means more. It means that lesbian and gay couples belong to each other in a rich, new, and profound way.

That lesbian and gay parents belong anew to their children, and their children to them. And that mothers and fathers can now rest assured that their lesbian and gay children belong in the same way as all their children.

It means that all of us – lesbian, gay, straight, family members, friends,

colleagues, allies, voters – belong equally to the Irish national family.

To the Irish people, to those who voted ‘Yes’, you have done something that should make you forever proud. Do not forget this moment, this moment when you were your best self, when you chose to make your mark for an Ireland that could be a better and fairer place.

And to those who did not yet vote with us, we hope that, as lesbian and gay couples marry, you will see that we seek only to add to the happiness and the security of the diverse Irish national family.

We should remember too and honour those who took the first brave and lonely steps that led us to this day: those who pointed up the discrimination, the inequality, the segregation; those who refused – often at great personal cost – to be silenced or intimidated by the voices of intolerance; those who fought for equality, inclusion and recognition. They laid the foundations for today’s transformative and historic change.

And there can be no doubt that this campaign for marriage equality has indeed been transformative. It has While it is now time for given LGBT people in celebration, it is only right Ireland permission to that we should remember love ourselves and come those who over the years out more comfortably were deprived of the and completely, some for opportunity that this ‘Yes’ the first time ever. It has brings, those who were generated a discussion deprived of a fundamental and awareness among human right.

Irish people about equality and diversity and We should remember fairness – a discussion the many lives blighted and awareness that will by shame, lives lived now flourish and grow. in loneliness and isolation, lives lost to While we know much hostility and fear. No remains to be done, today longer should men and has been a turning point, women have to hide a one that should allow all part of themselves from lesbian and gay people in others and even from Ireland to fulfil their true themselves, deprived of potential – in family, in the opportunity to love love, in life. and be loved.

Now, we can all begin to

work together to change the lived experience of being LGBT. We can work together towards a day when any two people who love one another can feel fully safe expressing that love; when two people can, unremarked, walk down the street hand in hand. We can work together to ensure that young LGBT people in Ireland discover their identity in an atmosphere of support, affirmation and belonging.

This touching – this uplifting – outcome belongs to the Irish people. When the once-ina-generation opportunity to make this landmark change was put before us, we grasped that opportunity with a resounding ‘Yes’.

This result belongs to you.

Be forever proud of what you have done.

Yesterday’s result belongs to the many thousands of volunteers who spent days and weeks standing on streets, knocking on doors, engaging their communities and neighbours in countless conversations about equality and belonging and love.

It belongs to the people who shared their personal stories, laying bare the heartbreak, the

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loneliness, and the lost potential; touching hearts and minds; making it all but impossible for others to ignore the personal anguish and unnecessary pain inflicted by innate inequality on our gay citizens, and its impact on so many lives. The Irish people have now swept that world away.

Yesterday’s result belongs to the people who ran marathons, the people who baked cakes, the people who sold badges and t-shirts in every village and town to raise much-needed funds so that we could run a positive and constructive information campaign.

It belongs to all of us – and together we can now move forward with our lives enriched and rejoice in the fact that we are on the right side of history, in a new nation of equals.

We will now add to our Constitution these seventeen words:

‘Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.’

With these words, we make it possible for our gay citizens to marry the person they love.

As our former President, 26 EILE Magazine

Uachtarán Mary McAleese said last week, our gay children will now be able to know the joy and peace and comfort of being part of a loving married couple fully recognised at the highest level our country can offer.

The Irish people have shown their compassion.

They have shown profound and touching generosity, humanity, and wisdom. They have made a historic change. The majority said one simple word; for a minority, that word means everything.

This movement saw a group of ordinary citizens undertake an extraordinary venture.

With their might and grace, these people have given their hearts and souls to make marriage inclusive for all citizens.

We are so proud of these people and of what they have helped to achieve.

Their achievement is no less than this: that now, we are true to the words of our Proclamation: ‘The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens … cherishing all of the children of the nation equally.’

Buíochas ó chroí.

‘The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens … cherishing all of the children of the nation equally’

Design: Anthony Zagariko, exclusively for EILE Magazine EILE Magazine 27

Photo: Louise Hannon

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Dublin Pride: The Future Is Equal !

Jason Flynn, Chairperson of Dublin Pride, on how the Pride Parade has evolved from a protest to a celebration, and this year’s theme and Grand Marshals A year has passed, and what a year it’s been. Since we gathered for Dublin Pride 2014, our country has undergone something unprecedented, in a way I don’t think any of us could have hoped possible.

We have taken a huge step forward in terms of the equality of our citizens with the overwhelming majority vote in the Marriage Referendum, and the effects are being felt around the world.

The will of the people has prevailed, and life for the LGBTQ community, and its future generations, has changed forever.

The Dublin LGBTQ Pride festival has always offered a platform for 30 EILE Magazine

the community, and the issues that affect us. From the peaceful protests of the Irish Gay Rights Movement in 1974, to the first Gay Pride week in 1980, to the anger and frustration following the ruling in the Declan Flynn case in 1983, the will of small, but vocal and tireless groups and individuals eventually led to the decriminalisation of homosexual acts in 1993.

Since then, the festival has grown, become more inclusive and representative, and slowly evolved from a protest to a colourful celebration of our gains. Twenty-two years on, we have more to celebrate than ever before.

With the eyes of the world upon us, we plan to make this festival the biggest, boldest, most colourful Pride the country has ever seen.

We also hope to make it the most inclusive Pride festival yet. Dublin Pride

has always striven to represent, not just the entire LGBTQ community, in Dublin and beyond, but our straight allies too.

This year in particular, it is even more appropriate that we include our heterosexual counterparts in our celebrations.

They supported us and got behind us in the debate surrounding the referendum and, crucially, went out on the day in their droves and voted Yes for fairness and equality for all of Ireland’s citizens.

This referendum does not just affect the LGBTQ community; it is a vote of confidence for our entire country, a message that we value all of our citizens equally. Therefore, it is only right that the entire nation celebrates with us. We can also make a gesture of thanks to every single Yes voter, for refusing to be swayed by extraneous arguments, and expressing their belief in us.

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Each year, we choose a theme and Parade Grand Marshal, which guides the overall spirit of the festival. With the referendum taking place on the 22nd May, and essential decisions to be made, we needed a theme that would reflect the overshadowing importance of marriage equality, while acknowledging the other issues that continue to impact on LGBTQ people.

Meanwhile, we wanted our Grand Marshal to represent a focal point for the massive efforts of so many people in attempting to secure a Yes vote, bearing in mind that we couldn’t predict the outcome and our choices needed resonance irrespective of the outcome.

Therefore, our theme this year is: “The Future is Equal”, and, in a break with tradition, we will have three Grand Marshals. Grainne Healy, Chairperson of MarriagEquality, Brian Sheehan, Director of GLEN, and Mark Kelly, Director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, who will lead our parade on 27th June. Collectively, they and their respective organisations formed the YesEquality coalition, and the parade will be led out by a contingent of YesEquality campaigners from all over Ireland.

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Our festival grows every year, and it is, in part, thanks to the good relationship we have with our city partners that this is possible. In particular, Dublin City Council, and An Garda Siochana have shown time and again that they understand what Pride is about, and have supported and assisted us immeasurably over the past few years.

This year, we have been able to add more attractions throughout the festival, and in particular, to our parade, Main Stage and Pride Village celebrations at Merrion Square – look out for our festival programme, and regular updates via social media and our website.

Our event showcases our wonderful capital city, but it is essential that safety take precedence in all of our planning. A huge amount of time and effort from everyone involved goes into putting the whole festival together, and my fellow directors and I would like to thank everyone who makes it possible. In particular, to the team of amazing volunteers who devote so much to Pride: thank you.

We hope you all have a great Pride 2015, and remember: THE FUTURE IS EQUAL! Jason Flynn, Chairperson;

Dublin LGBTQ Pride

The Dublin LGBTQ Pride festival takes place from 19th to 28th June, with the parade assembling at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square at 12pm on Saturday, 27th June; departing at 1.30pm and culminating at Pride Village at Merrion Square.

See www.dublinpride.ie and Facebook and Twitter for more details.

Photography: Louise Hannon

Jason Flynn Chairperson Dublin Pride

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Dublin Pride 2015 Launch – #The Future Is Equal – Parade Route Confirmed!

The Dublin Pride Parade route has been confirmed!

The Dublin Pride Festival kicked off in elegant and musical style recently at Dublin City Hall, as the capital’s lesbian & gay choir, Glória, opened the Pride Launch event with great panache!

After Dublin Pride Chairperson, Jason Flynn, officially welcomed the crowd to the event, Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar TD, was the first guest speaker, adding that it would be the “first ever pride” event that he would be attending.

Brian Sheehan of GLEN & YesEquality, who is one of three Grand Marshalls for this year’s parade, alongside Gráinne Healy and Mark Kelly, also spoke at the launch, adding how special this year’s Pride celebrations would be because of the Marriage Referendum’s result.

This year’s festivities will kick off on Friday 19th June with a launch party at The George, open to everyone on the night.

This will be followed by a

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week of fun-filled events for every age group, from dog shows to burlesque shows; choir performances to club nights, and sports events to comedy gigs – there is something for everyone.

The festival then culminates with #TheFutureisEqual themed Pride Parade, taking place from 12 noon on Saturday, 27th June. The parade leads to the fabulous Pride Village in Merrion Square, where there will be lots of celebrity-spotting and plenty of goodie giveaways throughout the day. The Pride Village will be bursting with food stalls, activities and games, and we will have a whole host of performers and special guests to celebrate Dublin Pride 2015.

For more information on the Dublin Pride programme, please see http:// www.dublinpride.ie/events or http:// www.facebook.com/DublinPride Any parade inquiries should be directed to parade@dublinpride.ie and there’s more info on the website. http:// dublinpride.ie/the-parade

EILE Magazine 35

Lady GaGa takes over in Oscars from about 8pm on Saturday night.

36 EILE Magazine

EILE

Magazine

Thursday 25th to Saturday 27th June Kicking off with El Styra’s Welcome Night in Bridie’s Bar, The George, on Thurs 25th from 9.30pm.

Then Friday night is our Kylie Tribute in Oscars, Christchurch, with DJ AGGIE on 26th Bear Bus on Saturday afternoon 27th, followed by our party in Nealons, Capel Street, Dublin Lady GaGa takes over in Oscars, Christchurch from about 8pm on Saturday night

Late bars and all totally FREE!!!

Raffle on Friday night to contribute to the Bear Bus EILE Magazine 37

Left: Tom Ford Right: Avva

38 EILE Magazine

Dublin Bear Pride 2015 -

Happy Pride from DJ Aggie As part of Dublin Bear Pride 2015, Friday night 26th, there is a Kylie Tribute in Oscars, Christchurch, Dublin, with DJ AGGIE

EILE Magazine 39

Marriage Bill 2015 To Be Enacted By The End Of July – Minister Frances Fitzgerald The Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, yesterday (25th May) announced her intention to have the Marriage Bill 2015 enacted by the end of July.

The Minister stated: “The Irish people have chosen decisively to extend the right to marry to same-sex couples. I am particularly proud that the right to marriage equality will now be enshrined in our Constitution as a result of a popular vote. I would like to compliment all of those who voted and who campaigned on both sides for what was a passionate and yet civilised referendum campaign.”

The Minister continued: “I am very conscious that 40 EILE Magazine

many couples will want to get married as soon as possible. I am working to make that happen.

“The Marriage Bill, which is currently being drafted, will enable same-sex couples to get married in the same way as oppositesex couples. My intention is to seek Government approval for the Marriage Bill 2015 in June with the aim of introducing the Bill into the Oireachtas immediately thereafter so that the legislation can be enacted before the summer recess.”

The Minister confirmed that the Marriage Bill 2015 will include a provision to enable couples to convert a notification of intention to enter a civil partnership into a notification of intention to enter a marriage.

The Minister added: “This means that couples who have already

registered their intention to enter a civil partnership will be instead able to get married once the law is enacted on the basis of the same registration of intent.”

The Marriage Bill 2015 will set out the provisions which will give effect to the right to be inserted into the Constitution as the 34th amendment, which will enable two persons to marry in accordance with law without distinction as to their sex. (eile.ie 26 May 2015)

Minister for Justice & Equality, Frances Fitzgerald

Jacques Mitchell plays Michael

“This means that couples who have already registered their intention to enter a civil partnership will be instead able to get married once the law is enacted on the basis of the same registration of intent.�

EILE Magazine 41

Bittersweet – A Series of Six Short Plays By Women Writers After the great success of last year’s production Women don’t Bite Born to Burn Productions Presents

Bittersweet A series of six short plays by women writers World Premiere 14th June, The Teachers Club, Dublin 1 Running 14th June – 20th inclusive Tickets on sale now online, 10 euro only http://www.borntoburnproductions.com/bittersweet/ticket-sales Provocative, entertaining, moving, each play in the compilation Bittersweet is unique in creative vision. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience new drama.

Dans La Film by Irene Christie The Arrow by Sarah Meehan O’Callaghan Generations by Liz Lynch Particular to you by Kate Doyle Tangle by Lucia Errity After the Revolution by Josephine Costello For information on the programme and our previous events and to purchase tickets, visit the official website www. borntoburnproductions.com 42 EILE Magazine

Born to Burn Productions presents

BitterSweet A series of short plays by Irish women writers 14th - 20th June 2015 at 7.30pm Teachers’ Club Theatre Parnell Square Tickets €10 www.borntoburnproductions.com

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The referendum – a transgender perspective Deirdre O’Byrne looks at what the recent marriage referendum in Ireland means to the Transgender community, and comments on the changes to the Gender Recognition Bill I think every LGBTQ person is struggling to find the right words to describe what just happened.

The tallies are done, the votes are counted, the result is in, the legislation is being drafted, the commemorative papers have been printed, and much of the commentary has been done, but yet we cannot describe what we’ve just seen.

I am a bisexual transgender woman who has never been in a relationship. On the face of it, the only people this result means less to are straight people. And I can understand the great pride much of the straight community have in our green land.

We as an LGBT community can rightly use words like acceptance, love, 44 EILE Magazine

marriage, equality, joy, the dreadful “no” posters being taken down for the last time, the defeat of those Panti mentioned on the Saturday Night Show so long ago, and the vindication.

within me a courage, a strength, and a healthy selfishness to counter the forces of those who didn’t want me to transition. But I was also excited, and terrified,

But that’s not what happened. Oh no – it was much, much bigger than that.

It was a social revolution.

People who were illegal 22 years ago took the law that made them illegal and turned it upsidedown and shook it inside-out.

But it was even bigger than that.

We said “the people are more important than the law”, and we were heard.

This was a revolutionary victory for democracy.

Discovering I’m transgender was one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever found out. I knew I would have to find

that I would have to find a subversive and radical element to help me challenge the gender binary in such a public way.

In the past short while, I’ve made another terrifying discovery. That element of subversion and radical action, which I share with LGBTQ people, has changed the legal, political and social landscape of the country I love. All changed – changed utterly – a terrible beauty is born.

never have to deal with the difficulties we deal with daily, know better than us, and are saving us from ourselves.

What’s next? Our Government introducing a mandatory ban on all Irish LGBT people travelling to Russia – for our own safety?

Thriftworks Friday, May 22nd

You are cordially invited to kick people’s proverbial asses to get all that fixed. And if that’s not your cup of tea, then there are issues around water, around poverty, and around other injustices and other oppressions, which need your unique fierce love and capacity for action.

Mr. Bugsly Presents & Something Different bring you a night of forward Up for another round?

I hope so – thinking music and art! because that first round was sure fun!

Or is it? Time will tell.

Re-engaging that selfishness I wrote about earlier, the gender recognition bill is going to be passed by the Government, probably this year.

It will create a regime for gender recognition which, for instance, will not be available to anyone under 16 years of age, in spite of the fact that the average age at which a person becomes fully aware of their transgender status is 7. But the onerous requirements the legislation will place on a 16 year old – ostensibly to protect them from themselves – before they can get their gender recognised, means that they may be 18 years old by the time they fulfil all those requirements. And 18 is the age at which those requirements become no longer necessary in the eyes of our protectors.

Thriftworks

w/ Flamingosis, Housing Corp & Nick AM @ CAMEO GALLERY 93 North 6th Street Brooklyn, NY 11211

And our gender recognition legislation won’t even recognise the existence of the largest cohort of transgender people – namely those who don’t fit the gender binary.

One LGBT politician, with whom I raised that issue, essentially told me that it was to protect such transgender people from the difficulties it would create for them in areas such as international travel.

Once again our protectors, who will

21+ // 11 PM EILE Magazine 45

Caitlyn Jenner in Donna Karan Dress

Source: Voice of America

Almost 40 years ago, Bruce Jenner’s Olympic success came as a result of strengthening both his mind and body leading to his status as one of the world’s greatest athletes, but the decision to publicly come out as a transgender woman took a different kind of courage and acceptance of one’s self.

To celebrate that 46 EILE Magazine

Caitlyn Jenner to be Honored with Arthur Ashe Courage Award at The 2015 ESPYS

bravery, ESPN today announced that Jenner will be presented with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at The 2015 ESPYS Presented by Capital One. Presented annually to individuals whose contributions transcend sports, the Arthur Ashe Courage Award is the pinnacle of the sports celebration, which will be televised Wednesday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC from Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE. Jenner’s unyielding resolve and hard work enabled him to win a gold medal in the 1976 Olympics and break world records. He then parlayed that success into a variety of roles across different areas including television, film, auto racing and business. Although Jenner first captured the attention of the nation

for his athletic prowess and determination, the same strength of character shone through this past April when he sat down with ABC’s Diane Sawyer to come out as a transgender woman.

“In the past few months, the overwhelming outpouring of support from all over the world for my journey has been incredible,” said Jenner. “However, being honored with this award, which is named after one of my heroes, is truly special. For the first time this July, I will be able to stand as my true self in front of my peers.”

Added executive producer Maura Mandt: “Bruce has received many accolades over the years for being one of the greatest Olympians of our time but The

ESPYS are honored to celebrate Bruce becoming Caitlyn. She has shown the courage to embrace a truth that had been hidden for years, and to embark on a journey that may not only give comfort to those facing similar circumstances, but can also help to educate people on the challenges that the transgender community faces.�

The Arthur Ashe Courage Award The Arthur Ashe Courage Award is presented each year to individuals whose contributions transcend sports. Past honorees include: Jim Valvano (1993); Steve Palermo (1994); Howard Cosell (1995); Loretta Claiborne (1996); Muhammad Ali (1997); Dean Smith (1998); Billie Jean King (1999); Dave Sanders (2000); Olympian Cathy Freeman (2001); Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham, Tom Burnett and Jeremy Glick, four passengers who lost their lives September 11 on United Flight 93 (2002); Pat and Kevin Tillman (2003); Liberian-born soccer legend George Weah (2004); disabled athletes Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah and Jim MacLaren (2005); Afghan female athletes (2006); and Trevor Ringland and Dave Cullen for their work with PeacePlayers (2007); U.S. Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos

Caitlyn Jenner on cover of Vanity Fair, shot by Annie Leibovitz

(2008); former president Nelson Mandela (2009); the Thomas family of Parkersburg, IA (2010); boxer Dewey Bozella (2011); women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt (2012); Robin Roberts (2013) and Michael Sam (2014).

EILE Magazine 47

Ireland Agrees to SelfDeclaration for Gender Recognition Bill Yesterday, the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, T.D. announced that, following the agreement of Cabinet, the application process under the Gender Recognition Bill will, for people aged 18 years or more, be based on the person’s selfdeclaration by way of a statutory declaration. The Bill will also no longer contain the controversial ‘forced divorce’ clause.

“TENI applauds the Government for this hugely significant 48 EILE Magazine

move. Ireland has now taken its place as an international leader in this human rights area,” said TENI Chief Executive Broden Giambrone.

“The Government has shown great vision and conviction in ensuring the rights of trans people.

This legislation will significantly improve the lived realities of trans people in Ireland.”

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, the Tánaiste said: “Throughout the drafting of this Bill, I have listened carefully to the views of individual citizens, representative groups and public representatives.

It is essential that this important legislation is in line with international best practice. That is why we are moving to a

self-declaration model for people aged 18 and over. This approach will have no impact on the treatment pathway which is completely separate from the civil registration process.”

TENI Chair Sara R. Phillips spoke after the announcement: “This is a momentous moment.

To be given the respect to self-determine our gender is true equality.

For once I can believe our community are seen as full equal citizens. Today I am so proud of our country.”

In April, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a comprehensive resolution on trans human rights. In relation to legal gender recognition, the Assembly

called upon Member States to “develop quick, transparent and accessible procedures, based on selfdetermination.”

Ireland’s move to adopt legislation based on self-determination means that Ireland will join Malta, Argentina and Denmark as trailblazers in the area of trans rights. “Self-determination is critical to trans people. We must be able to affirm our own identities and have our rights vindicated,” Giambrone said.

The removal of the single criteria follows the passage of the Marriage Equality Referendum in Ireland.

“The removal of ‘forced divorce’ criteria is very welcomed. Married trans people will no longer be forced to choose between their families and their right to be legally recognised.

I know this will ease the minds of families who were in this position,” Giambrone said.

There will be no change in relation to the provisions for applicants aged 16-17 years. A Court process is required involving supporting medical statements before an application for a gender recognition certificate can be made. “Trans young people are still vulnerable and we will work closely with the Government to ensure that they are protected,” Giambrone concluded.

The necessary changes to the Bill will be done by way of Committee Stage amendments in the Dáil. The legislation is scheduled to go to Committee Stage on 17th June.

“Throughout the drafting of this Bill, I have listened carefully to the views of individual citizens, representative groups and public representatives.

It is essential that this important legislation is in line with international best practice. That is why we are moving to a self-declaration model for people aged 18 and over.

This approach will have no impact on the treatment pathway which is completely separate from the civil registration process”

EILE Magazine 49

Fashion Spotlight On....

Punk Fashion Lisa Reynolds looks at the vast array of styles that make up Punk Fashion Adorned in ripped clothing held together by safety pins, and with Mohawk hairstyles drenched in various colours including blue, green and pink, punks walked down the streets of the mid1970s in defiance of materialism, inventing a new form of individuality.

Olivia Newton John 50 EILE Magazine

Indeed, punk fashion has been around for over forty years now. It was created by young teenagers who followed the new ‘punk’ music at the time, termed by the media ‘Punk Rock’.

The fashion side of this subculture contrasted with the long hair of the hippies, and the glossy, shiny outfits of the disco style.

Against the excess and pretension of both mainstream music and culture, the punks had their own individual

homemade style, which included elements such as Liberty spikes, black leather jackets, customised blazers, studded leather wrist bands, badges, band patches, tartan, anarchy symbols, tight jeans, tight leather mini-skirts, tshirts with uncensored writing or printed images, fishnet stockings, and safety pins, which were worn as jewelry and as decorations on clothing.

Razor-blades, studs and chains were also worn as jewelry, while tattoos

and body piercings were also prominent features.

Clothing was ripped on purpose, and dyed, before it was decorated with chains and safety pins. Dark make-up was worn, and water, sugar, soap, wallpaper paste, Brylcreem and gel were used to make hair stand up in the legendary Mohawk style.

Punk fashion footwear included Dr. Martens boots (Doc Martens or Docs), motorcycle boots, Puma Clydes (suede), Chuck Taylor All-Stars, and brothel-creepers.

Mostly embraced by students, it consisted of fashion treasures found in many thrift stores of the day, and was considered at

the time to be aggressive and shocking.

Inspired by both glamrock (which was very popular in the 1970s) and gothic fashion, the style also included bin-liners made into dresses, skirts and shirts, as well as pieces made from rubber or vinyl. Many female punks rebelled against stereotypical women’s fashion by putting together clothing thought of as masculine with feminine clothing, such as a ballet tutu with huge, clunky boots.

In London, designer Vivienne Westwood, and her partner in both life and business at the time, music manager

Malcolm McLaren, were instrumental in the punk fashion movement. Both were unimpressed by the hippie movement of the 1960s, and sold readymade clothing and accessories for punks. Westwood and McLaren were fascinated by rebellion, and in particular the clothing, music and memorabilia of the 1950s.

Westwood began making Teddy-boy clothes for her boyfriend, and in 1971, they opened a shop together called Let It Rock, at 430 Kings Road. By the time 1972 had rolled around, Westwood had developed an interest in biker clothing, leather and zips. They rebranded EILE Magazine 51

their shop with a skull and crossbones, and called it Too Fast To Live, Too Young To Die. From this time, they started to create t-shirts which had provocative messages. This led to their prosecution under the obscenity law.

The couple rebranded their shop once again, calling it Sex, and in rebellion created even more hard core images.

The DESTROY t-shirt was sold during the shop’s Sex incarnation. It was a t-shirt with an inverted crucifix and Nazi swastika.

With the slogan ‘rubber for the office’, the shop was described as ‘unlike anything else going in England at the time.’

By 1976, McLaren’s most famous band, The Sex Pistols, had released God Save The Queen, which went to No.1 in the UK charts. The shop reopened as Seditionaires, and they created fashion with a DIY mind-set, transforming the zips and straps of obscure sexual fetishism into fashion pieces. Punk influenced many of Westwood’s fashion collections, as she ascended into high realms of fashion with creations similar to pirate’s style and romantic, feminine modern creations, which inspired countless other designers who followed in her footsteps. Meanwhile, McLaren’s inventions 52 EILE Magazine

included inverted cross t-shirts, swastikas, and piped clothing.

Meanwhile in Australia, Melbourne designer, Jenny Bannister, was creating her own input into the punk fashion revolution, using leather, denim, plastics, and chains in her club and bridal wear, and selling clothes in her Melbourne and Sydney boutiques.

In the US, the American punks were finding old evening wear in op-shops, and making it more punk.

Underwear was worn as outerwear and negligees were popular as day wear.

The punk scene revolved around the music club, CBGB in New York, which often hosted such acts as the Patti Smith Group, The Ramones and Talking Heads.

As time progressed, the punk style became more what it is today.

In contrast to the wild, rebellious and wonderfully eccentric style of punk in the 1970s, today’s style of punk fashion is more minimalist, although elements such as skinny jeans, band tshirts, anarchy symbols, piercings, tattoos, and unique hair colours remain still part of the punk ethos. Punk music has branched off into many different musical genres, such as metal and hardcore, and has less of an emphasis on the

fashion side than it used to.

Over the years, therefore, it is not surprising that there have been many forms of punk style.

Anarcho-punk is one style, which is an allblack militaristic style of clothing, where the wearer often has vegan principles, and therefore wears imitation leather or fabrics which look like leather.Bands such as Crass are known for this type of punk look.

Celtic punk is another punk style, and it incorporates traditional Irish or Scottish style.

Peacoats, football shirts, and hats such as Tam O’Shanter caps, flat caps, and Trilby hats are popular in this style, while Dropkick Murphys are a band who have embraced this style.

Cowpunk incorporates vintage western-wear such as checked shirts, acid wash jeans, Perfecto motorcycle jackets, and cowboy boots into their style. Inspired by the United States poor boys, this punk style has a variety of hairstyles. There is crew cut, long, and the psychobilly-style mohawk.

Facial hair is also allowed for men.

Dark cabaret and gypsy punk takes its inspiration from the past: 1920s music halls, and sideshow and

burlesque performers. The Dresden Dolls’ Amanda Palmer puts fetish wear like garter belts, fishnet stockings or corsets, with fancy dress clothing, such as a top hat and tailcoat, while popular pieces for men have been vintage Bowler hats, battered fedoras and tweed cloth, combined with drainpipe trousers. Make-up is influenced by French mime artists, and the Emcee from the musical, Cabaret, as seen through Martyn Jacques from Tiger Lillies.

Another interesting

punk style is crust punk.

This look has its origins in Bristol, when in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Bristol bands like Disorder, and Chaos UK, would wear this look. It was a break from the usual punk fashion. The look is a disheveled, DIY look, coming from squatting and poverty. Elements of the look include black or camouflage trousers or shorts, vests, tight black jeans, and torn band tshirts or hoodies. Clothing is covered in patches and/ or metal studs. Patches often have a political message. They sew pieces

of clothing with materials such as dental floss, while jewelry is made from hemp, found objects or bum flaps, and pants are held up by hemp, string, or vegan imitation leather.

Dance punk include dayglo colours, phat pants, leather studded jackets, and glow-sticks. Spiky hair is bleached-blonde, or there is short mohawk or synthetic dreadlocks.

1970s Garage punk bands, such as Iggy and the Stooges, and the Ramones, wore secondhand clothing from the mid-late 1960s.

Punks HITS Festival Morecambe 2003 photo by Rainer Theuer (de:Benutzer: Calzinide)

EILE Magazine 53

This style included black leather jackets, velvet jackets, winklepickers, and drainpipe jeans.

Popular hairstyles are long, crew-cut, or Caesar cuts.

After the 1980s garage rock revival, the style of garage punk bands changed to a more casual look. There were less 1960s pieces, but the original image remained strong with British indie rock groups in the mid and late part of the 2000s.

Glam punk was worn by

garage bands in the early 1970s, and was pioneered by the New York Dolls.

Elements of the look include androgynous make-up, brightly dyed hair, glitter, drainpipe jeans, leopard-print costumes and spandex.

incorporated cartoon print hoodies, Converse shoes, and skinny jeans, with hair in styles like long fringes or bangs.

Over time, hair got even shorter, and plain hoodies and skinny-leg jeans have become popular.

Pop punk often included black or tartan baggy pants, band hoodies, wristbands, blazers, ties, and scarves, with hair being in a spiky style, or in a fohawk [shorter version of mohawk, usually with longer side-hair] . More recently, the look has

A punk style, which has several styles, is the hardcore punk style, but also includes other elements. Popular elements include muted colours, understated adornment, baggy jeans or work pants, Dr. Martens, band t-shirts,

The Clash, 1980 Photo: Helge Ă˜verĂĽs 54 EILE Magazine

cargo or military shorts.

Apart from Dr. Martens, other footwear which is popular includes: Adidas Originals, Nike, and Vans.

into a mohawk - motifs influenced by classic American horror films or art styles influenced by Ed “Big Daddy� Roth.

Horror punk and Deathrock are interesting punk styles. They are quite similar to the goth style, so a lot of occult and horror imagery is often seen on t-shirts, buttons, jewelry, and patches, and black is a predominant colour of clothing, footwear and accessories.

Other elements include fishnet stockings, corsets, and elaborate make-up.

There are also names of bands painted onto or bleached into clothing, while buttons or patches of cities are also popular.

Hair is in the death-hawk style, an angled bangs hairstyle, or a devilock style.

Ska punk combines typical ska or 2-Tonerelated styles with punk styles such as street punk, pop punk, skate punk or hardcore punk.

Popular elements of this style include braces, Harrington jackets with Royal Stewart tartan lining, thin ties, Dr. Martens, mohair suits, tank tops and hoodies.

Hair is cropped very short. Skate punk includes pieces such as t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, pants or jeans, Dickies work pants, and coloured bandanas. Hair is long and messy, but can often be short, and is often shaved into a buzz-cut.

Jewelry is rarely worn in this style.

Then there is the punk style called Psychobilly, a style which mixes elements of punk with 1950s Greaser, and British Teddy-Boy styles.

Elements also include brothel creepers, leather jackets, gas-station shirts, black or white retro t-shirts, and vintage motorcycle or work boots.

Popular hairstyles include quiffs, pompadour or psychobilly wedges, mostly with sides shaved

Street punk includes fabrics like denim and leather, while other elements include metal spikes or studs, chains and military-style boots.

Other popular pieces include kutten vests, bondage trousers which are often plaid, and torn clothes. There is a lot of clothing created in a DIY way, with trousers or shirts ripped, or

stitched together. Jackets and vests have patches or painted logos, with musical favourites, or political viewpoints on them. Hair is spiked and/ or dyed in bright colours, and arranged into a mohawk, or liberty spikes.

Sometimes it is cut short or shaved.

Oi! Skinhead style, meanwhile, consists of braces, Dr. Martens, tight rolled-up jeans which are sometimes splattered with bleach, t-shirts with band names or political views, and denim jackets.

Our final punk style is droog, as worn by the band, The Adicts. It includes bowler hats, white shirts and trousers and braces. Black combat boots, inspired by Alex De Lange from the film A Clockwork Orange, are also a popular feature of this style. Other popular elements include fishtail coats, black leather biker jackets, and Crombie coats.

All in all, punk has had so many off-shooting styles, that it has never really quite gone out of fashion!

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Holi Festival Of Colours 2015 On the 27th of June the much anticipated Holi Festival of Colours is coming to Dublin for the first time! The ticket sale is open already.. Those who don’t want to miss it should hurry, as the tickets are very sought-after and sold out rapidly.

The colourful open-air party will take place at the Iveagh Grounds: the green grass is perfect for dancing barefoot and the hourly countdowns will turn this location into a sea of colour. Top acts from the electronic music scene create a relaxed atmosphere. Esquire, Mr. Belt & Wezol, Al Gibbs and many more are just a few of the acts we have on stage. MC Sola Plexus will be the host for the show.

This year the tour has a new motto: “Feel Your Colour”. Apart from the familiar countdowns, guests can expect a wide variety of new elements. A newly designed stage, an exciting show and extensive decoration will guarantee a unique festival experience.

Those who want to be a part of this can still get the few remaining tickets at www. holifestival.com. Ticket prices start at 34,99 Euro and a ticket with 5 bags of coloured powder costs 42,99 Euro. Those that want to have the official fan shirt as well can do this for 47,99 Euro.

1st time in Dublin on the 27th of June 2015 at the Iveagh Grounds! Get your tickets at: www.holifestival.com/ie/en EILE Magazine 57

Taoiseach And Tánaiste Welcome Passing Of Marriage Referendum Speaking at a press conference from Dublin Castle at the end of the Marriage Equality referendum, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: “Today Ireland made history.

With today’s Yes vote we have disclosed who we are – a generous,

58 EILE Magazine

compassionate, bold and joyful people.

deeply personal hopes be realised?

Yes to inclusion.

Would a majority of people, in this our Republic, stand with them and stand up for them so that they can live in our shelter and no longer in our shadow?

Yes to generosity.

Yes to love, and Yes to equal marriage.

I know that for tens of thousands of couples and their families, the past 24 hours were almost a vigil at the end of a long journey.

Would their fragile and

That having come out to us we could now come out for them – and do it with a single word, a solitary syllable – Yes – marked with an X.

From Left: Aodhán Ó Riordáin, Frances Fitzgerald, Senator Ivana Bacik [Tánaiste] Joan Burton, Leo Varadkar, and [Taoiseach] Enda Kenny

“Today they have their answer.

The people have answered the call of families and friends, of neighbours and new acquaintances”

Today they have their answer. The people have answered the call of families and friends, of neighbours and new acquaintances”.

certainly not be the last”.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny concluded: “The people went to the polls.

Tánaiste Joan Burton continued: “Together, the people of Ireland have struck a massive blow against discrimination as we extend the right of marriage to all our citizens.

We’ve done something incredible and proven that a compassionate, well-informed electorate can and will extend civil rights when asked in a popular ballot.

Now I hope that spirit, that torch, is carried abroad.

We’re the latest country to pass marriage equality into law – but we will

The answer is Yes. Yes to their future.

Yes to their love.

Yes to their equal marriage.

That yes is heard loudly across the living world as a sound of pioneering leadership of our people and hopefully across the generations of gay men and women born as we say, before their time.

The people have spoken.

Harvey Milk

They have said yes.

Ireland – thank you”.

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

thiswayout.org | Twitter: @TWORadio Overnight Productions (Inc.)/”This Way Out” Post Office Box 1065 Los Angeles, CA 90078 U.S.A. EILE Magazine 61

Opinion: #MarRef – A View From Afar Scott De Buitléir writes while in Nottingham about what everyone is talking about back in Ireland On a sunny Saturday afternoon, my boyfriend and I take a relaxed walk around West Bridgford, an upmarket southern suburb of Nottingham city. The town is full of people; both the streets and the cafés are packed, trying to make the most of the warm-but-windy May sunshine.

Festival (this was not in support of marriage equality, as some may have thought) and the flags will soon fly along the capital’s river again because of Dublin Pride, which isn’t too far away by now. The atmosphere and theme of that festival will undoubtedly rely on the result of Ireland’s most debated referendum in years – the Marriage Equality Referendum on May 22.

Turning a street corner, I notice the Rainbow flag flying beside Rushcliffe Borough Council’s community centre, in honour of IDAHOT. A smile appears on my face, knowing that the local government is fully on board with LGBT rights.

The debate surrounding this referendum has been draining, inspiring, aggravating, motivating, and infuriating.

To be fair to our hometown, Dublin City Council are more than supportive of the LGBT community. Recently, we’ve seen the Pride flag flying along the banks of the Liffey because of the 12th International Dublin Gay Theatre 62 EILE Magazine

Even some 400 kilometres from Ireland, reading the various #MarRef tweets in Nottingham makes me wonder why I – and thousands of others – am being subjected to a public vote on my right to marry the person I love, when here in Britain, both Westminister and Holyrood had the decency to vote marriage equality into law without the hassle of a public vote.

My memory is hilariously bad, but I wonder if I’ll ever forget seeing a ‘Vote No’ leaflet put through the door of my parent’s house – the first time in over 27 years that I’ve ever seen a visible sign of homophobia in my family home, albeit not from my parents. The claims that the mental health of the LGBT community – and indeed, its supporters – has been damaged by this debate is not a melodramatic statement, because I know myself that once again I felt the same insecurities as a 27 year-old as I did as a 12 year old; aware of the public and obvious homophobia in that leaflet, worried about what the wider Irish public thought of me as a gay Irish man.

Here in Nottingham, part of the wider East Midlands district, I’ve noticed advertisements by the local councils, looking for gay couples to foster and adopt children.

The Rainbow flag flies proudly outside Rushcliffe Community Centre in West Bridgford, in south Nottingham.

“The debate surrounding this referendum has been draining, inspiring, aggravating, motivating, and infuriating” Despite not being too close to the larger English (and famously gay-friendly) cities like London or Manchester, Nottingham seems to be almost wholly inclusive of its LGBT community, with its gay bars not looking too different from the typical English pub.

Although different in size, Nottingham is not too different from Dublin in regard to how its LGBT community is treated, yet what the Irish ‘Yes’ voters hope to achieve is already in common practice across England.

Gay & lesbian couples can marry. They can adopt children; whether biological, or otherwise.

They can raise families, and be considered as normal as others on their street or housing estate.

In short, LGBT people are – generally speaking – considered as normal as anyone else.

As I write this column, I consider myself lucky to have found someone I love, and yet I nervously anticipate what is taking place in the country we both love. I want to be able to marry my partner

– should I so wish – in our own country, but if Ireland votes no, England may become a new home for me, because I couldn’t imagine living in a country which has denied me such a simple right as to say “I do” to the person I love.

Hopefully, however, it won’t come to that, and the Irish people will vote Yes on May 22.

For what it’s worth, both my boyfriend and I will be in Dublin that day to have our voices heard. I hope yours will be heard, too.

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Opinion: The Negative Effects Of The No Campaign On Several Family Types Jenny Butler writes on how the ‘no campaign’ had the effect of making her feel less because she was adopted Growing up, I always knew that I was adopted. My parents never hid that fact from me, and they were very open about their journey to parenthood and how difficult that had been for them, but how happy they were to have adopted me when I was nine months old, and made me part of their family.

I have never, ever felt unwanted, unloved, or that my family was less than any other family, but the ‘No’ campaign are trying to make me feel that way by unleashing a torrent of ignorant, misinformed tripe, and attempting to section off all types of family units that do not consist of a mammy and a daddy who are married, and

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have their own biological children themselves. I think it’s disgusting that the ‘No’ campaign posters are permitted for public display, when they very blatantly attack several family types.

I knew from a relatively young age that I was gay, and I am truly thankful that I have had so many constant sources of support from friends, family and organisations like BelongTo; I have really never had any seriously negative issues with self-esteem or bullying because of my sexuality, and any namecalling at school was more for being overweight than for being gay.

My heart goes out to people who didn’t have the resources that I had, but there are support systems in place now for people of all ages to avail of. Perhaps that might

be part of the reason why I find it difficult to comprehend the reasoning for the actions of people like Keith Mills, who stood at a podium on the Late Late Show Marriage Equality debate on May 1st, and fawned over every point that the other ‘No’ campaigner, Petra Conroy, made with an obsequiously sycophantic enthusiasm.

Quite frankly, I found his behaviour to be utterly bizarre; at one point he clapped like a deranged sealion, seemingly unaware that, despite his willingness to publicly alienate himself from most of the LGBTQ+ community, most of the ‘No’ campaigners would probably happily see him in prison, or worse, for being gay. Sadly, I’m not exaggerating that point.

When he spoke, he came across to me as a man who is vying for acceptance

from factions of society that will never support him, and I found it very sad to listen to him trying to justify that fact by protesting against equal marriage.

I think everyone wonders at some point about what their life would be like if they were straight and had an opposite-sex partner, but I know who I am, and thanks to my friends, family and BelongTo, I’m strong and confident. I don’t want to dwell on the flawed and misguided ethos of the ‘No’ campaign, so I’ll finish with these few words:

we can all wake up in the comfort of knowing that future generations of LGBTQ+ people in Ireland will never have to face the humiliation of their lives and their love for their partners being reduced to words on a ballot paper; I hope we make history for the good of the future.

On May 23rd, 2015, the day after the referendum takes place, I hope

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Eurovision: Interview with Christer Björkman - By Tobias Larsson EILE’s Tobias Larsson chats with Christer Björkman, supervisor of Sweden’s Melodifestivalen, and Show Producer for the Eurovision Song Contest when it took place in Malmö in 2013.

It has only been two years since Sweden hosted the Eurovision Song Contest but this powerhouse nation certainly would not mind winning again.

Christer Björkman – a singer in his own right, representing Sweden the year Linda Martin won – has been in charge of the Swedish national final since 2002, and certainly knows what it takes to get top points from all corners of the continent.

“Luck. You need luck.

You can enter the best ballad in the world, but if there are twenty other ballads in the running you won’t stand out and then

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you lose”.

that is very important”.

Christer Björkman’s own attempt at winning with a ballad ended with a now famous second last place back in 1992. These days, Björkman says his biggest moment in the contest was winning with Loreen’s ‘Euphoria’ – an entry where all the pieces fell into place.

“Then your timing is crucial. Some years ago, our entries were out of sync with what the European audiences wanted, and we kept getting modest results year after year. Since 2011, we’ve been very lucky and managed to keep our finger on the pulse and send in the right thing at the right time. We’ve been very successful lately but you can never know in advance what is going to work or not”.

“You need the full package. A song that works in its own right, without trying to copy something else or be something that it’s not.

Then you need the right singer that can make this good song understandable and accessible, plus a performance that looks good and feels logical for this particular song”.

“In television we often talk about the “money shot” – that one image that people will remember forever. We always try to find that image. If the viewers would see just a short snippet, they should instantly recognise the song in question. I think

Sweden has indeed been successful, scoring third place in 2011 and 2014 as well as winning in 2012.

They have also been very popular on home ground where the national final Melodifestivalen is the television event of the year, with its four semi finals going on tour across the country.

“The ESC final is usually the third most watched show on Swedish television throughout the year, while the national

Christer Björkman

final comes in second place. Then we have this traditional Donald Duck show on Christmas Eve that is unbeatable, otherwise we have the best ratings, Björkman says with a smile”.

“We always stuck to the same formula in our national final, so the audience knows very well what they will get. There is a strong sense of togetherness surrounding Eurovision in Sweden. You gather your family and friends

“Luck. You need luck. You can enter the best ballad in the world, but if there are twenty other ballads in the running you won’t stand out and then you lose”

and you watch it together”.

“Lately we managed to establish a very positive chain of events. Our national final is a good window for the music business to appear in, it is very good for the radio as it produces many new songs for them to play, and it is good for the participating artists who can launch successful careers or even revive dormant careers”.

“In order to make a good

national final, you need to take things seriously and gather the best people in various fields.

You need good camera work, good lights, good scripts – you need to go all in and make a real effort at every level in order to convince the audience that you deserve their attention”.

“You can’t do it unless the audience is with you. They are the ones who buy records, listen to the radio and go to concerts. If you can’t

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connect to them or deliver something that will make them invest themselves and engage in watching or voting for, then it’s very hard to be successful”.

Perhaps it is easier to enthuse an audience when your national final is held in a huge arena in front of a live audience of 35,000 people, compared to the more humble Irish selection staged as a part of The Late Late Show, but Christer Björkman insists that size doesn’t matter.

“You can absolutely make a successful national final in a small final. Five performers will do as long as they are good and engage the audience”.

“However, it’s much harder to find that perfect package if you only have five entries. We have 28 songs, which means I have 28 chances of getting it right. And you will certainly get it wrong a few times every year”.

Who got it right this year?

Who is our winner in Vienna?

“That’s a very good question. You want me to say just one? I can’t do that. Can I say five?

It’s between three male acts: Australia, Italy and Sweden. But then there are two dark horses in shape of the Estonian 68 EILE Magazine

duet and the Slovenian pop song”.

“Slovenia has the advantage of being the only female singer with that kind of distinct uptempo song this year. She also has a memorable look, wearing headphones on stage. Regardless if you find that cool or ridiculous, you will remember that. Maybe that’s the final detail that could prove decisive. She has the look, she has a cool song and she’s the only female in that field this year, that makes her dangerous”.

“Historically women have won more often than male singers too but we haven’t had a male solo singer winning since 2009. Maybe it’s time again”.

Ireland hasn’t done particularly well lately.

What does Ireland do wrong?

“Let me start by saying that Jedward were very good. They were charming, they were easily accessible and their whole act was very distinct. Being distinct is perhaps the most important single factor if you want to do well at Eurovision”.

“But just singing a nice song in a nice way won’t do. You need personality

and character and temper. Your performer must be believable and credible and carry whatever message your song has”.

“And your song really should have a message or some sort of story to tell. These days when many countries sing in English, you still have the advantage of English being your mother tongue, but I feel the storytelling is often absent in the Irish entries”.

“Johnny Logan was a magnificent storyteller, both when writing songs and performing them.

His songs still stand out in people’s minds because he always had something to say and did it beautifully”.

“If I had one piece of advice to give to Ireland for the future, it would be to find more distinct entries with stronger messages.

That is always bound to go down well”.

Tobias Larsson is a Swedish freelance journalist, based in Helsinki. You can contact him via Twitter at @ TobsonHelsinki (eile.ie 18th May 2015)

Information and support for women who need someone to talk to

DLL – Phone: (01) 872 9911 (Callback facility available) EILE Magazine 69

Shout Sing And Dance Around....

Andy Cast on how to react to the amazing world events over the last few weeks including Ireland’s Referendum What an amazing few weeks it’s been for LGBT equality!

Just a few days ago Greenland’s parliament unanimously voted in favour of extending marriage and adoption rights to LGBT couples, becoming the 21st country to accept we are no different than straight people, and deserve the same rights and privileges, at least when it comes to expressing our love. Of course, this followed the historic public referendum in Ireland, where people left their homes to visit the polling stations to record their vote for marriage equality.

This monumental happening in Ireland was watched around the world, as its outcome would have powerful ramifications on the campaign for equal rights. This was the first 70 EILE Magazine

time a nation of people, rather than an elected government, have been asked to personally decide whether we should be recognised as equal and no less of a human being. A ‘no’ vote would have sent a lasting tremor around the globe, with those believing that homosexuality is a choice, rather than something which is part of us, as much as the colour of our skin, feeling vindicated in their thinking.

Watching the lead-up to the referendum, from over the water, was an emotional rollercoaster, so heaven knows what it must have been like in Ireland itself. I read heartfelt stories of Yes Vote canvassers feeling demoralised and defeated as they encountered so many doorstep refusals of support, the feeling being one so personal and deep-seated. It’s not like they were canvassing for a political party, or an MP, whose policies and beliefs were being judged.

This referendum would make a public judgment on each and every gay

person in the country, and beyond, with every no vote sending a clear message that someone regards us as a lesser human being - a person unentitled to share the same rights that the voter themselves have - a judgment on who we are and who we love, a judgment which tells us we aren’t equal in their eyes, and a total lack of understanding or tolerance for their fellow man. Some of the accounts reduced me to tears, as these canvassers shared their feelings, and the effects the judgment was having on them, emotionally and psychologically.

Society has given many of us a lot of baggage as it is. It sends a chill down my spine when I consider that homosexuality was classed as a mental health condition by the World Health Organisation until 1990. That means for the first 18 years of my life, my fellow man considered me to be mentally ill for being gay - it’s no wonder I hid in the closet in complete denial, married a woman at 19, and didn’t come out ‘til I was 34.

As I’ve said before, even the fight for LGBT equality itself will have had a negative impact on many gay people. We shouldn’t have to fight for human rights which should be given freely. If we aren’t given them, then society is telling us we are less than human. But back to Ireland…

Some people were worried that apathy and complacency would go against the yes vote. It makes sense, the novoters often have more passion fuelled by hate, and will go out of their way, whereas it would be easy for those not really affected by the decision to not feel all that bothered about the outcome - which is why the Yes result was

so wonderful. On the day of the referendum we saw pictures of Irish citizens travelling home from wherever they were in the world to make their stand in support of equality.

It proves that the majority of people (in Ireland at least) are accepting of diversity and will go out of their way to support it.

What an amazing thing to have been demonstrated.

My friend Chas wrote an editorial just before the referendum and objected to something he considered a human right being voted for in a referendum - it felt wrong to him that our fate was being determined by our peers, and, in his words “what the referendum is really asking is whether the Irish public agree that

our love is valid”.

He was sceptical that the general public could be trusted with such an important decision, and hoped he was wrong.

Thankfully he was. The Irish public came through for us all, showing how enlightened and advanced they are, and it really is a wonderful feeling to know the men and women “on the street” see us as equal.

I wonder what the result would have been if the UK public had been given the chance to vote, rather than the decision being made by our government - but we’ll never know.

As the Campaign Director for Holding Hands 4 Equality, I often question myself as to whether I’m fighting on the right side EILE Magazine 71

of the battle for human rights. It’s a foolish man who follows his heart without challenging if he is right to do so - a sense check if you like. But I know I’m on the right side, because how could anything else be considered right? All we are fighting for is to be treated equally, no better and no worse than any other human being. I just can’t get my head around how that could be wrong? It’s a demand which can only result in a positive outcome. It’s not like we want better privileges or something straight people don’t already have.

We just want to be recognised as equal - that we aren’t seen as second class citizens, unworthy of equality. The other side of the argument, the denial of rights, can only have a negative impact, resulting in people treated as less than human, a lower caste. While our side preaches love and acceptance, the other side preaches hate and intolerance. Sometimes, when you want to be heard above the drone of negativity, you need to shout, sing, and dance around, to be noticed - it’s why we celebrate Gay Pride with marches and festivals. Bullies succeed with an environment of support, but fail when they become a singular voice in a crowd.

Here at HH4E we want to quieten the homophobic voices of negativity, by inviting everyone to shout, dance around, and hold hands for equality, to show the world that love is stronger than hate, in a demonstration that we are proud to be who and what we are.

The act of holding hands is one of human connection. It’s a gesture of support, companionship and love. And, to slightly misquote Ghandi, if you are holding hands, you can’t make a fist.

One thing is for sure, Dublin Pride is going to be an amazing celebration of equality this year!

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NI: Belfast Rally For Marriage Equality 13th June The Rainbow Project, Northern Ireland’s largest support organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and/ or transgender people and their families welcomed the ‘Yes’ vote in the Republic’s marriage equality referendum.

rights to your LGBT family, friends and neighbours and this will go down in history as another example of the decency and fairness of the Irish people.

‘However, for us, this sweet victory is tinged with sadness. Northern Ireland is now the only region in western Europe where marriage equality is not a reality.

This is a shameful injustice which cannot be allowed to continue.

‘To highlight this injustice, The Rainbow Project and our partners in Amnesty International and the ‘We are all simply elated at this stunning, Irish Congress of Trade Unions have announced a march and rally landslide victory for our sisters and brothers in the Republic. They have for marriage equality to be held brought Ireland on a journey of in Belfast on Saturday 13th June, acceptance and they have done so with assembling at Writers’ Square for grace, compassion and good humour.

2.30pm.

Speaking on the result, John O’Doherty, Director of The Rainbow Project said:

‘The Rainbow Project extend our heartfelt congratulations to our partners and friends in Yes Equality, GLEN, Belong To, Amnesty International and all of the groups and individuals who have worked tirelessly to secure this important victory.

‘To the people of Ireland, we offer our thanks. You have done what no other country in the world has done. You have chosen, as a nation, to extend marriage 74 EILE Magazine

‘We will continue our fight to ensure that Equality becomes a reality for all the peoples of these islands’ The Belfast Rally for Marriage Equality will be held on Saturday 13th June, meeting at Writers’ Square at 2.30pm.

Information regarding the Belfast rally for marriage equality please follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1625581727699989/ (eile.ie 28th May 2015)

The Belfast Rally for Marriage Equality will be held on Saturday 13th June, meeting at Writers’ Square at 2.30pm.

Information regarding the Belfast rally for marriage equality please follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1625581727699989/

EILE Magazine 75

Tomorrowland

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Frances Winston on Movies

Directed by: Brad Bird – Starring: George Clooney, Hugh Laurie, Britt Robertson, Raffey Cassidy, Tim McGraw, Kathryn Hahn, KeeganMichael Key, Judy Greer Based on the Disney adventure featured in all their theme parks, this film sees George Clooney step out of the handsome leading man role, and instead he plays Frank Walker, a grizzled inventor with a chip on his shoulder.

As a young boy, he found himself transported to a magical land known as Tomorrowland, when he encounters a strange girl, called Athena, at the World’s Fair. Years later, a young girl called Casey (Robertson) is transported to the same world, and after meeting Athena, she heads to meet Frank to

get some answers.

theme parks.

However, Frank has no interest in going back, having been exiled.

Unfortunately, others have discovered that Athena (Cassidy) has been sending people to their world, and they are not happy. Frank is forced to bring Casey and Athena back to the futuristic land in order to save themselves and the planet.

It borrows heavily from films such as Men In Black, and even Terminator, and it never really feels original. Rather it is as if you are watching an entertaining rehash.

Pirates of the Caribbean had a similar genesis, but it felt original and fresh at the time.

This is more like an infomercial.

This is as sumptuous as you would expect.

I was surprised that it was’t made in 3D, as it really lends itself to the medium. The cinematography is wonderful and it looks truly enchanting. This is merely a distraction though, to cover for the fact that the story is really rather weak and full of holes. Clooney and Robertson do their best with the material, and indeed Clooney lends it a gravitas that elevates it above what it is. However, this is essentially a two-hour commercial for the

In terms of escapism, this is a pleasant enough couple of hours, but it is all style and no substance. It is a shameless marketing push for the theme parks! I think even children will recognise that this film is designed to sell the real Tomorrowland, rather than to purely entertain them. It’s plot is complex and scattered, but if you can keep up, you should enjoy this visually if nothing else.

In Cinemas Now!

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San Andreas

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Directed by: Brad Peyton Starring Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario, Ioan Gruffudd, Paul Giamatti, Kylie Minogue It wouldn’t be summer blockbuster season without an epic disaster movie, and it has finally arrived in the form of this 3D extravaganza. Dwayne Johnson continues to morph into a modernday Sylvester Stallone, as he takes on the role of Ray Gaines, a rescue-pilot with the Los Angeles Fire Department.

On the brink of divorce from his wife (Gugino) and with his daughter Blake (Daddario) just about to start college, Ray is reassessing his life, when a devastating earthquake strikes across the San Andreas fault. His daughter is trapped in an underground car park in San Francisco, having been abandoned by her mother’s new boyfriend, Daniel (Gruffudd) so Ray and his estranged wife race against time to get across the

state to rescue her.

However, cities are literally collapsing around them, and with everyone trying to flee the affected areas, no communication, and an imminent Tsunami, even Ray’s training may not be enough to save them.

point here.

As you would expect, the script is cliché-driven - it’s a prerequisite of the disaster movie - but the cast mostly have great acting credentials, and all play it completely straight. Kylie Minogue has a big Hollywood There is a formula for moment - literally a disaster-movies, and moment. Blink and this definitely doesn’t you will miss her, break the mould. while Ioan Gruffadd From 70s examples is somewhat wasted, such as The Towering as he spends most of Inferno, to more the movie just running recent offerings such to get away from the as Daylight, there is disaster. On the whole always a rugged hero though, everyone does going through personal a decent job. emotional turmoil, and Johnson doesn’t try to This is a thrilling evolve this character. roller-coaster ride of With his pearly-white a movie. Although you smile and cheesy can often see things soundbites (i.e. “Just coming, they are doin’ my job m’am”) executed so well that he is the epitome you will still gasp when of the action-hero. they happen. It doesn’t Despite this, even he is try to be anything overshadowed by the it’s not. It ticks all phenomenal specialthe boxes you would effects. want in a disaster movie, and it runs at There isn’t a huge breakneck speed right amount of time wasted to the finish. on the build-up, and we are thrust right A pure popcorn into the disastermovie that will thrill zone pretty quickly. and entertain, this No expense has been will surely cement spared on the effects, Johnson’s status as and they really are this generation’s go-to breathtaking. The action man. visuals are always the real stars of these kind In Cinemas Now! of films, and they are definitely the focal- Frances Winston EILE Magazine 79

Nick’s Picks

Music Reviews by Nick Bassett Shipped directly from New Zealand, EILE’s music reviewer Nick Bassett (also of ChartShaker) has got the latest high-quality music from artists you should be listening to – right now. Click on any of the art work to take you straight to the sound!

Scavenger Hunt – Wildfire Wildfire is our first introduction to LA pop outfit Scavenger Hunt but, by gosh, what an introduction it is.

The synth-hungry behemoth serves as the title track from the band’s upcoming second EP which will be released to iTunes on 23 June, and it’s a popperfect exercise in unrelenting, feel good audio optimism, propelled by wave after wave of cresting 80s-electronics and lead singer Jill Lamoureux’s unbridled, crystal-clear vocals.

At three and a half minutes long, the joyous Wildfire feels like it’s over far too soon but it is pop gems exactly like this that repeat buttons were made for.

Prides – Messiah Prides are set to launch their debut studio album The Way Back Up on 10 July, and the Scottish band will rerelease their 2014 single Messiah as its lead cut on 5 July.

This paves the way then for a brand new video from the Glaswegian trio, whose high profile live slot during the closing ceremony for last year’s Commonwealth Games in their home city catapulted them in to the international arena.

The newly premiered clip for the electrifying number tracks a young woman bursting into spontaneous choreography as she makes her way through a city’s streets after an encounter with lead singer Stewart Brock, and passing on the uncontrollable urge to dance to anyone she makes contact with on her route. An all-out street rally ensues, which is interspersed with clips of the band performing their equally as infectious, stadium-ready rock number, beneath electric blue lights.

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Jarryd James - Give Me Something With just one single under his belt, Brisbane-raised singer-songwriter Jarryd James has already marked himself as one of the hottest new talents to come out of the Southern Hemisphere in 2015.

Today James premiered his second single Give Me Something – the follow up to his pulsing, debut offering Do You Remember which reached #2 on Australia’s ARIA chart, and has since climbed to #7 on the New Zealand countdown. That one was produced by Joel Little, best known for his work with Lorde and Broods, who is handily signed to the same Auckland-based management company as James (Page 1), and so it’s no surprise then that the pair have reunited for this scintillating electronic R&B tale of unrequited love.

Although Little is helping James “get a little bit of structure” to his upcoming debut full lengther, the rising talent has also been working with Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange producer Malay in Los Angeles, whilst he puts the finishing touches to the album which is penciled in for an August release. “I’ve got a pretty good bunch of songs that make up the album and I’m always trying to outdo myself, so I’m going to try and write something better” says James who will be hitting the road in his homeland in July, with gigs lined up in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Grace feat. G-Eazy - You Don’t Own Me Australian breakthrough singer Grace Sewell’s G-Eazyassisted reworking of Lesley Gore’s You Don’t Own Me is so good it even earned the support and input of original producer Quincy Jones, and went on to top Australia’s ARIA singles chart last month.

The most notable update on the Brisbane native’s take on the 1963 classic emerges early on with G-Eazy trading verses for raps, Grace crooning amidst some yelping choral backing vocals whilst scaled back, atmospheric electronics bubble under the surface.

But, by building the chorus up to a sea of sweeping strings and with Grace delivering the chorus’ key notes with the defiant flair of the track’s most famous singers, You Don’t Own Me 2015 successfully brings together the old elements with the new for a soulful electro hip-hop experience.

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Little Gem Records Release Fierce Mild EP: ‘Yes n Yes n Yes’ Little Gem are delighted to announce the release of the Fierce Mild debut EP “Yes n Yes n Yes”.

sung through layered harmonies and vocal yells, and sustained by a groove that will unleash your tribal dance.

Having enjoyed stage invasions and a fierce following, Fierce Mild are feeling the love since they formed last year and are now giving back by releasing their first EP.

The EP release was celebrated with a launch gig in The Grand Social on May 15th. Support on the night came from garage punk feminists Sissy, electronic funk pop floorfillers Lamont /Bailey /Wall, and multi-instrumentalist, atmospheric genius Ewa Gigon.

“Yes n Yes n Yes” is a fine representation of how this all-woman trio, and their post-punk, up-tempo funk songs can easily combine politics and fun, and still sound authentic. The fivetrack release presents a fresh take on feminism, and everyday situations,

“Yes n Yes n Yes” is available on CD, digital download & special edition Little Gem Player. Little Gem Player is a releasespecific, high-quality audio player, which requires no downloads or computer connections, only a set of headphones or a stereo.

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Little Gem Records 5, Cavendish Row, at the top of O’Connell Street, Dublin, is open 7 days a week.

Specialising in independent artists and labels, the shop stocks the best in independent releases on vinyl, cassette, compact disc, little gem players, tangible and intangible goods.

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Concrete Soup, Dublin’s Only Improvised Music Residency Now Nocturnal From Saturday 6th June Concrete Soup, Dublin’s only Improvised Music Residency, has gone nocturnal upstairs at Arthur’s Pub, 28 Thomas Street, Dublin 8.

The new residency venture at Arthur’s kicked off with a baptismal performance by the legendary, and seminal, Dublin improvisers, European Sensoria Band (E+S=B) on Saturday, 6th June.

Doors 7:30pm, Admission €5.

Concrete Soup Music Improv Afternoons has been bringing together international, national, and local avantgarde musicians, of all colours and stripes, since February 2014. From Saturday 6th June, the doors are now at 7.30pm.

More information: https:// www.facebook.com/ events/1603268549912259/

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https://www.facebook.com/notwhatuno Hosted/curated by spontaneous composers ¡NO!, Concrete Soup features a monthly guest, and fuels itself on pylon guitars, space jazz bass, brainstrain keys, stair-collapse drums, nuclear-winter clarinet, high-wire sax, and generally mutant noise. It’s often washed down with projected foundimage visuals, and references myriad styles, including those of Brian Eno, Pere Ubu, Captain Beefheart, Sun Ra, Albert Ayler, early Sonic Youth, Steve Reich, and much more.

EUROPEAN SENSORIA BAND (E+S=B for short) are well known improvisers from Ringsend, who formed between 2002 and 2003, after some sessions between Fergus Cullen (clarinet, sax and lead guitar), Anthony Carroll (Bass) and David Carroll (drums).

Since then, taking more and more inspiration from the American free jazz scene of the 60s, E+S=B (as they are also known) have now scaled down to a three-piece line-up, with a tendency towards a distinct mélange of avant-

rock/free-jazz. ยกNO! is Fergus Cullen (guitar, sax, clarinet, woodwinds), LRC (bass), Jamie Davis (drums), and Graham Montgomery (guitar, Roland Handsonic, keyboards).

Specializing in free-form improvisational music, various members have collaborated with personalities from underground, and not-so-underground, acts such as Can, Theoretical Girls/Sonic Youth, and the Tom Tom Club.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1603268549912259/ https://www.facebook.com/notwhatuno

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Ban Ki-moon : Ireland Is A Strong Proponent Of Human Rights, Seen In Marriage Referendum Results United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke about Ireland’s Marriage Equality Referendum yesterday (Sunday 24th) as he received the Tipperary International Peace Award, at the Ballykisteen Hotel & Golf Resort.

Opening his speech, where he also used the ‘cúpla focal’, the Secretary-General said: “Your Excellency Mr. Charles Flanagan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Martin Quinn, Honorary Secretary of the Tipperary Peace Convention, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dia dhaoibh [Hello] Tá an-áthas orm a bheith anseo anocht [I am delighted to be here

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tonight] “It is an honour to be given the Tipperary International Peace Award. I know I join a list of distinguished women and men who have received this recognition.

I know as well that you are paying tribute not just to me but to the work of the United Nations — and especially the brave and dedicated staff who bring our Charter to life every day, including many sons and daughters of Ireland.

Thank you.

“As a dynamic member of the Human Rights Council, Ireland is also a strong proponent of human rights.

We saw this commitment yet again with Friday’s referendum. This is a truly historic moment: Ireland has become the first country in the world to approve marriage equality in a nationwide referendum. The result sends an important

message to the world: All people are entitled to enjoy their human rights no matter who they are or whom they love”.

The Secretary-General also praised Ireland on its 60th year as a member of the United Nations: “[..] in this year in which the United Nations marks its 70th anniversary, I would like to congratulate Ireland on its 60 years of membership in the world Organization”.

He also acknowledged the role of civil society organisations in the marriage referendum: “Civil society organizations were also central in the referendum on marital rights. Civil society must remain a key partner – in implementing the new development goals, building democracy, countering extremism and pointing the way towards a world of dignity

“This is a truly historic moment: Ireland has become the first country in the world to approve marriage equality in a nationwide referendum.

The result sends an important message to the world: All people are entitled to enjoy their human rights no matter who they are or whom they love” United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

for all”.

He said he looked forward to: “[..]working with the people of Tipperary – and people across Ireland – to arrive at that more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world we know can be ours.

Go raibh maith agaibh. [Thank you] Thank you”.

The 70 year-old from South Korea, who succeeded Kofi Annan as SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations in 2007, is married with three children, and travelled with his wife, Yoo Soon-taek, to be at the awards ceremony in Tipperary on Sunday last, 24th May. – MKB (eile.ie 25 May 2015)

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Brian Sheehan of GLEN spoke to Marian Finucane about the referendum results as they were happening Brian Sheehan of GLEN, the Gay & Lesbian Equality Network, was giving a very good account of himself on the Marian Finucane Show this morning (23 May). He was speaking about the journey to marriage equality, as it was becoming obvious now that the Yes vote had the majority as the counting continued.

Brian spoke about how, in his own case as in many other cases of gay people in Ireland, before the referendum he had

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reached out to aunts and uncles etc., saying: “I am asking you to vote for me”.

Brian felt that most of these people were very generous in their attitude to his request, and that it seems: “They have been terribly generous today”.

He felt that people in Ireland began to realise that: “When lesbian and gay people marry, all they want to do is marry” Brian also spoke about the campaign for Civil Partnership, and how CP filled a need at the time, but fell far short of marriage.

He also said that when

relatives got dressed up in the Sunday suit and borrowed hat to go to a Civil Partnership ceremony, not knowing what to expect of two men or two women committing to each other, they realised that what they were at was a wedding.

Alan Shatter, former Minister for Justice & Equality, came on by phone and said: “the sun is shining on what now is a more tolerant country” and that “it’s a historic day and a good day for the country”.

– M. Butler (eile.ie 23 May 2015)

Brian Sheehan of GLEN and long-time LGBT activist

“When lesbian and gay people marry, all they want to do is marry”

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International Rugby Stars Say ‘Sport Must Change’ And Call For An End To Homophobia Stars condemn homophobia after landmark study found widespread discrimination in international sport In what is believed to be a world first for any sport, top international rugby stars from three countries are joining together in publicly condemning homophobia in sport.

English star James Haskell and Welsh star Alex Cuthbert as well as Australian Rugby Legend John Eales have all backed a statement specifically calling for an end to

James Haskell

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homophobic language, the most common form of discrimination.

They join other sport stars speaking out about discrimination, including Gareth Thomas and David Pocock as well as openly gay rugby referee Nigel Owens who says homophobia has been tolerated for “too long.”

This all comes after the first international study found widespread homophobia in sport throughout the English speaking world.

In Ireland, rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll and

current players Cian Healy and Peter O’Mahony also back an end to discrimination against gay people. All three have urged people to vote ‘yes’ in their country’s upcoming same-sex marriage referendum.

[1 in 4 (26%) Irish LGBT people said they did not take part in youth team sports, with 32% of those saying it was because of negative experiences in PE at school].

80% of the 9500 people who took part in the study said they had ‘witnessed or experienced’ homophobia around sport.

Alex Cuthbert

Brian O’Driscoll, one of the Irish sportspeople to back an end to homophobia

For full results see: www. outonthefields.com In [response] to the alarming findings from the “Out on the Fields” study, World Rugby (formerly IRB), reaffirmed its recent, historic commitment to ‘eliminate’ discrimination from the game. World Rugby is the equivalent to FIFA. It is the first ‘world sport’ to make such a bold pledge and stands in sharp contrast to other sports, such as the NFL, NBA and the International Cricket Council.

On top of support from the leadership of Rugby, high profile players James

Haskell, Alex Cuthbert and John Eales – have all backed a formal statement that says: “Everyone should be able to play and enjoy sport without fear of discrimination.

Homophobic language can be harmful to those struggling with their sexuality and it makes people feel unwelcome to play sport. We want to send a strong message to everyone involved in sport that homophobic language and behaviour is not acceptable.”

extent of discrimination discovered in the UK and other countries. “I feel bad for anyone who struggles to be true to who they are and feels the need to live a lie because they are worried about being rejected. I think homophobic language is still too common in sport. Even if the jokes and banter you sometimes hear are not meant to be harmful I think it creates an environment where gay people don’t feel very welcome,” said Haskell.

Haskell’s views on the effects of discrimination England’s James Haskell, reflect the experience of 30, said he decided to back openly gay Welsh rugby the statement because legend Gareth Thomas. He he was alarmed by the says he kept his sexuality

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secret and nearly committed suicide because language created a hostile environment.

“I am one of those who hid my sexuality for years because this kind of language created an environment where it seemed impossible to be accepted as a gay man.

The good news is I don’t believe most people making these jokes and using these slurs are being intentionally homophobic.

After I came out of the closet, many of my greatest supporters were teammates who, in the past, had made the most jokes about gay people,” wrote Thomas, in a foreword for the “Out on the Fields” study.

Welsh rugby star Alex Cuthbert, 25, says Thomas has helped people understand why this issue is important, “I think Gareth Thomas’s story has helped us all become more aware of the effects of homophobic language and banter. Society has changed and I don’t think this kind of language has any place in sport or anywhere else anymore.”

Support from other Rugby Players It is not only the three players speaking out about discrimination. Australian

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Wallabies super star David Pocock has called the extent of homophobia discovered by the Out on the Fields study “awful” and wants “more education through all levels of the game.”

Pocock recently complained to a referee about homophobic slurs during a rugby match, leading to a player being fined $20,000 by the Australian Rugby Union.

International Rugby Legend, John Eales praised the stance taken by World Rugby Rugby legend John Eales, the most successful captain in Australian history, is proud so many rugby players around the world are taking such a strong stance on discrimination against gay people. He also praised the commitment by World Rugby to tackle homophobia from the game: “I think we were all surprised by the extent of homophobia that was found by the study but I am glad rugby is leading internationally on this issue. I think World Rugby’s commitment to eliminate homophobia from the game is very powerful. It will help end the problem because it sends a strong message to everyone involved in sport that homophobic language or any behaviour that makes people feel unwelcome is no longer acceptable,” said Eales.

Jeff Wilson, the London based Chairman of International Gay Rugby, signed the recent agreement with World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset to “work together to educate and eliminate homophobia in rugby.”

“Unfortunately there are still alarming rates of discrimination in sport and I think we have a lot more work to do than we expected. However, despite its tough and macho image, I think rugby is very well placed to become the most inclusive and tolerant sport in the world. We are very grateful to have such strong support at all levels of the game, from the players up to the international leaders. I’m hopeful that rugby’s success will inspire other sports to also rid their games of discrimination,” said Jeff Wilson.

Gareth Thomas

World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said, “Inclusivity is fundamental for any sport and World Rugby is committed to working in partnership with our friends at International Gay Rugby to promote inclusivity, equality and friendship on the field, in stadia and in life as rugby continues to reach out, engage and inspire more men, women and children than ever before.”

“One of the principles of our agreement with International Gay Rugby is the right of any player, official and spectator to be involved with rugby without discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or identification and it is great to see the global rugby family and some of the biggest names in the sport, uniting to support and live this principle” said Lapasset, who oversees rugby globally.

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Statement from the United Nations in Thailand on the 2015 International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) In 2011, Thailand voted for a UN Resolution on combating all forms of discrimination and violence against individuals because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Recent policy developments, such as the Gender Equality Bill and the 2012 Social Welfare Act, have also given broader attention in Thailand to equality and sexual diversity, particularly for transgender people. These positive developments recognise and affirm that LGBTI persons in Thailand can fully participate in all aspects of public life, and are entitled to claim their human rights, which is especially important for young people.

Thailand is now debating

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the declaration and recognition of people of sexual diversity in its constitution, and has the opportunity to become a leader in Asia in advancing marriage equality for LGBTI persons. Still, many LGBTI people in Thailand face stigma in society.

They are overlooked when seeking employment, and discriminated in schools, health services, communities and families. These challenges constrain the lives of these individuals, and reduce the prospects for sustainable development in Thailand.

It is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. On this day, and always, the United Nations stands with the people of Thailand in their efforts to fight against violence due to discrimination of any kind, and ensure the human rights and dignity for all, regardless of one’s gender identity or sexual orientation.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya

Democracy Monument, Bangkok

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Ukraine: Clashes At Gay Pride March Lead To Injuries And Arrests A peaceful gay pride march yesterday (6th June) was disrupted by rightwing activists, members of the Pravy Sektor (Right Sector) a group which had been active in demonstrations to unseat the Ukranian President last year.

The group’s aim was to disrupt the protest and ‘defend conservative values’. Numbering about 12, and wearing Right Sector insignias, they had jumped off a bus and attempted to attack the marchers.

As scuffles broke out, 10 people were injured and 25 arrests were made, as police tried to defend the gay pride activists.

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The police arrested those who had tried to upset the march (who were dressed in balaclavas) and they were taken in for questioning.The police at Kiev said that, as well as one police woman suffering a neck injury, eight of their officers and one rightwing activist were slightly injured.

The march, entitled The March of Equality, and supported by the Ukrainian president, was scheduled to last only ten minutes, because of security fears. It was held on the outskirts of the capital, at a scenic part of the Dniepr river, where appromimately 100 LGBT activists had gathered, having been informed of the location by the organisers only a few hours before.

Speaking the day before the march, the President of Ukraine, Poro Poroshenko, said the gay pride parade had his support, as it was the

“constitutional right of every Ukrainian citizen”.

He also said that he was viewing it from the point of view of a Christian and as a pro-European president, and felt that these two ideas were compatible.

Amnesty International have criticised the Ukrainian authorities for not doing more to stop attacks against gay pride marchers, but said: “The fact that the march went ahead as planned means that Ukraine passed an important step”.

– MKB

Gay Pride March in Ukraine : Photo -Twitter

“The fact that the march went ahead as planned means that Ukraine passed an important step�

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‘BeLonGTo’ Event - Former President McAleese: ‘Why my family will be voting YES’ This morning (May 19th)Former President McAleese delivered an address entitled ‘Why my family will be voting YES’ to a BeLonG To hosted event, calling on all families across Ireland to vote YES on Friday May 22nd.

class citizenship. This referendum is about them and them alone.

The only children affected by this referendum will be Ireland’s gay children.

It is their future which is at stake. It is in our hands. They are too few in number to win this referendum on their own. We, The address was the majority, have to incredibly powerful, and make it happen for visibly moved audience them and for all the members comprising LGBT young people, unborn gay children their parents, as well as who are relying on us coalition members of the to end the branding, BeLonG To YES coalition. end the isolation, Mrs McAleese spoke of her end the inequality, literally once and hopes and fears for her own gay son, Justin, who for all. A yes vote was born into a society costs the rest of us where gay citizens are nothing. A no vote denied full citizenship costs our gay children under the current Irish everything.”

Constitution: “We who are parents, brothers and sisters, colleagues and friends of Ireland’s gay citizens know how they have suffered because of second98 EILE Magazine

Michael Barron, Founding Director of BeLonG To, said:

“We are delighted to have Mrs McAleese address the BeLonG To YES coalition today and

to offer her support to LGBT young people, their families and the youth and children’s organisations that have joined us, shoulder to shoulder, in support of the YES vote on May 22nd. Mrs McAleese’s presence here today, accompanied by her husband Dr Martin McAleese, should remind us all that LGBT young people are equal citizens deserving of equal treatment. This referendum is about securing equality for this generation and for future generations of young people. We have, I believe, the power to rid society of institutionalised homophobia and change forever what it means to grow up gay in Ireland. Our young people deserve this from us.”

This was an incredibly historic event for BeLonG To and it now is about getting to the polling station, voting and also bringing our families with

us on this journey. If we can all play our part in these final days, having those all important chats with your parents, grandparents and friends on why a YES vote means so much to us on May 22nd, then we will have the result that young people need and deserve. Let’s bring our families with us to vote YES and change forever what it means to grow up LGBT in Ireland.

Former President of the Republic of Ireland, Mary McAleese

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Australian Opposition Leader Bill Shorten

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Australia: Opposition Leader Bill Shorten Will Introduce Marriage Equality Bill Australian Marriage Equality has welcomed the announcement of the Leader of Opposition, Bill Shorten, that he will introduce a marriage equality bill to federal parliament.

Ivan Hinton-Teoh, Deputy National Director of Australian Marriage Equality, said:

“We thank Bill Shorten for being the first leader of a major political party to introduce a marriage equality bill.”

“We hope this bill provides the circuit breaker needed for the Coalition party room to deal with the issue and decide on a free vote.”

in this historic reform.”

“Now is the time for reform, and an ever increasing majority of Australians want marriage equality delivered urgently.” (eile.ie 27 May 2015)

“The ball is now firmly in the Prime Minister’s court to allow the many members of the Coalition who support marriage equality to be able to vote for it, and play their part

“Now is the time for reform, and an ever increasing majority of Australians want marriage equality delivered urgently.”

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Australia: Advocates Applaud Proposed Cross-Party Bill (Liberals & Labour) As CircuitBreaker In Australia, where corporations who support marriage equality have just taken out a full-page ad, marriage equality advocates have welcomed what is being called a circuit-breaker in a proposed cross-party marriage equality bill.

Liberal MP, Warren Entsch, and Labor MP, Graham Perrett, have revealed they will co-sponsor a new marriage equality bill and seek support from members in other parties and from independents.

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said, “We applaud Warren Entsch and Graham Perrett for their initiative because cross-party co-operation will give marriage equality the best chance of success.”

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“We will meet Mr Entsch and Mr Perrett next week to discuss details of their cosponsored bill, as well as a timetable for reform.”

Mr Croome said Opposition Leader, Bill Shorten’s, announcement earlier in the week that he will introduce a Labor bill “put marriage equality firmly on the parliamentary agenda”, but he added that Prime Minister, Tony Abbott’s, green light yesterday to cross-party cooperation opened up new possibilities for moving forward.

Tony Abbott’s gay sister, Christine Forster, a Liberal, has also stated that equal marriage will be legal in Australia by the end of the year. http://video.news.com.au/v/348491/ Entsch-Perrett-would-support-samesexbill#ooid=5haDdkdToypTlJQgKvZa_6_ 40rmrvWX(eile.ie 29th May 2015)

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Australia:

Prime Minister’s Sister, Christine Forster, Says Only Bi-partisan Approach Will Succeed With Marriage Equality Bill In Australia today, opposition leader Bill Shorten (Labour) is to introduce a bill which would see marriage defined as “between two people” rather than between “a man and a woman”, and so, if passed, would legalise gay marriage.

In an ABC news report, Prime Minister Tony Abbot’s gay sister, Christine Forster, has called for a bipartisan approach to the bill in parliament, as otherwise Shorten’s bill may not even be debated.

Ms Forster stated: “Labor’s insisting on 104 EILE Magazine

putting up a private members’ bill but that private members’ bill will not give them ownership of this issue because it will not go anywhere”.

Ms Forster feels that without bipartisan support, the bill won’t be debated or voted upon, it will “just lapse”.

However, she felt that the result of the Marriage Equality Referendum in Ireland was a “wonderful result” and something of a watershed, that it sent out a message that the tide had turned, and that Australia would soon follow Ireland’s lead.

Ms Foster feels that equal marriage is inevitable for Australia, and will be accepted sooner rather than later.

She was one of the keynote speakers at a rally for equal marriage in Sydney

yesterday (Sunday 31st) afternoon, where the deputy opposition leader, Tanya Plibersek also spoke.

Ms Plibersek said this was the last piece of unfinished business towards full equality for gays and lesbians, and quoted a former prime minister, Gough Whitlam: “As one of our great prime minister’s [Gough Whitlam] said: ‘men and women of Australia – it’s time.’” (eile.ie 1st June 2015)

Canon Charles Kenny (left) and Dr Richard O’Leary (centre) at Belfast City Hall at the Rally for Marriage Equality

Northern Ireland: Rally in Belfast for Marriage Equality The group Faith in Marriage Equality (FiME) has welcomed the latest public calls for samesex civil marriage in Northern Ireland.

FiME spokesperson, Dr Richard O’Leary said: “There is a growing demand that Northern Ireland follow both the rest of the UK and the rest of Ireland and extend civil marriage to same-sex couples. This is expressed in the public rally for marriage equality this afternoon [30th] at Belfast city hall which Faith in Marriage Equality attended, and the major march and rally scheduled for 13th June”.

Dr O’Leary added “We hope that our politicians and our Catholic and Protestant church leaders will recognise that more and more ordinary people of faith support marriage equality, and would like their leaders to make a compassionate and generous response” FiME supporter, Canon Charles Kenny of the Anglican Church of Ireland, welcomed the comments by the latest clergy person to declare support for same sex civil marriage, the Revd Christina Bradley, Presbyterian Minister in Portadown, Co Armagh.

Equality welcomes that a Presbyterian Minister in Northern Ireland has spoken up for equality for same-sex couples.

Many Christians support marriage equality because their Christian faith guides them that this is the loving and Christian thing to do” Faith in Marriage Equality (FiME) is supported by a range of faith organisations including the Catholic groups ‘We are Church Ireland’ and ‘Gay Catholic Voice Ireland’ and the Anglican Church of Ireland group ‘Changing Attitude Ireland’.

Canon Kenny commented:

You can visit FiME at http://www.fime.ie

“Faith in Marriage

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Faith Group Welcomes Yes Vote As the results emerged from the referendum, Faith in Marriage Equality (FiME) welcomed the Yes vote for same sex civil marriage.

Dr Richard O’Leary of Faith in Marriage Equality (FiME) said:

“As people of faith we are delighted that so many other people of faith have voted Yes to embrace their gay and lesbian fellow citizens. We would like to thank those prominent lay people of faith, the individual priests and nuns, and the two Church of

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Ireland bishops who declared publicly for Yes and so encouraged others to do likewise”.

Faith in Marriage Equality would also like to again reassure those people of faith who voted No that this vote for Yes will not impact negatively on their lives and we hope that they will eventually be reconciled to this positive social change.

Dr Richard O’Leary remarked “I am not claiming that our eve of poll Faith for Yes event in Dublin, a Yesvena, swung it, but I do believe that this vote represents an outpouring of love and generosity by the people of Ireland”.

Dr Richard O’Leary added “We hope that

the Catholic Bishops and Protestant church leaders in Northern Ireland will notice how so many ordinary people of faith in the Republic of Ireland have voted Yes and that they too might be encouraged to support the extension of civil marriage equality to same sex couples in Northern Ireland” Faith in Marriage Equality (FiME) is supported by a range of faith organisations including the Catholic groups ‘We are Church Ireland’ and ‘Gay Catholic Voice Ireland’ and the Church of Ireland group ‘Changing Attitude Ireland’.

You can visit the FiME website at http://www. fime.ie

NI: Ashers Bakery To Appeal Court Ruling On ‘Gay Cake’ Case

Ashers, the Belfast bakery which had been found guilty of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation last Tuesday, have now said they will appeal the judgment. They are being funded by the Christian Institute.

Gay man Gareth Lee had asked that a cake be baked with a picture of Bert & Ernie on it, two Sesame Street characters who have come to symbolise a gay couple, together with a written a pro-LGBT slogan.

However, Ashers refused to bake the cake on the grounds of the owners’ religious views.

The Northern Ireland Equality Commission subsequently backed Mr Lee in taking a discrimination case against the bakery at a cost of £39,000. The

court found in Mr Lee’s favour, and ordered the bakery to pay £500, saying it was a business, and therefore subject to antidiscrimination legislation.

Parliament subsequently questioned the Institute’s charitable status in light of their overt political campaigning.

The owners of the bakery, the McArthur family, are being supported by The Christian Institute, who are also funding their legal costs.

The McArthurs have now said that they intend to appeal the court decision:

The Christian Institute are a UK evangelical fundamentalist Christian pressure group, run by Colin Hart, who are known for their campaigns against the LGBT community, including opposing the Civil Partnership Act. They also funded a case in 2008, taken by a registrar in the UK (Lillian Ladele) against her employer, the Islington London Borough Council, when she refused to handle Civil Partnership paperwork on religious grounds.The case was unsuccessful. Members of

“After much careful and prayerful consideration given to legal advice, we have decided to appeal the judg[e]ment handed down last Tuesday.

We continue to insist that we have done nothing wrong as we have discriminated against no individual, but rather acted according to what the Bible teaches regarding marriage.”

The district court judge, Isobel Brownlie, however, said that while she accepted that Ashers’ owners had deeply held religious beliefs, the business is not above the law.

-M. Butler (eile.ie 28th May 2015) EILE Magazine 107

Eve of poll “Faith Witness for Yes” (Yesvena) to marriage equality The Revd Chris Hudson Less than 48 MBE, a minister in hours before the the Unitarian Church referendum on and well known peace marriage equality, campaigner said: a Faith for Yes “Form over event was held in Dublin city centre. substance is not the only way to Called the “Faith measure a loving Witness for Yes” it was union. Form is affectionately described only the biological as the “Yesvena” (in contrast to the Novena make up and is, of prayer events being course, essential held for the No side). for procreation.

At the event six persons of faith gave “witness” However statements of why they substance is are voting yes. Among them were the Revd Chris commitment, love, Hudson and Senator patience, tolerance David Norris. and loyalty, that is the essence of a The service also included relationship, gay readings from scripture or straight”. on love, and prayers for justice and equality, and was attended by persons from a variety of faith backgrounds including Catholic, Anglican/ Church of Ireland, Methodist, Quaker and Unitarian.

He added: “I believe the Irish People will show compassion, inclusiveness and fairness and will deliver a Yes vote “ Mr Pat Carey, the former

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government minister for equality, said he knew many other practicing Catholics who would in good conscience be voting yes on Friday. He said as a gay man he was inviting voters “to extend the hand of generosity to us” Senator David Norris explained that as a committed Christian he thought “Jesus Christ would be in the Yes camp” on marriage equality.

Ms Phil Hogan, coconvenor of the Catholic group “We are Church Ireland” said: “I pray on Friday my gay brothers and sisters will be embraced by Yes” The lunchtime event was held on the premises of the trade union ICTU. According to Dr Richard O’Leary of Faith in Marriage Equality (FiME) which organised the faith event: “We deliberately held our faith for yes event

at a non-religious venue to emphasise that this referendum is about civil not religious marriage”

Sen David Norris, Revd Chris Hudson, Pat Carey and Ms Phil Hogan were among those who spoke at the Faith Witness for Yes to Marriage Equality (Yesvena)

Faith in Marriage Equality (FiME) is supported by a range of faith organisations including the Catholic groups ‘We are Church Ireland’ and ‘Gay Catholic Voice Ireland’ and the Church of Ireland group ‘Changing Attitude Ireland’.

You can visit the Faith in Marriage Equality website at www.fime.ie (eile.ie 20th May 2015)

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Faith Groups Deliver Letter To Archbishop Criticising Referendum Campaigning In Church Three Irish faith groups for Yes to marriage equality have delivered a letter (full text below) to Dr Eamon Martin, the Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, about the conduct of the campaign in the referendum.

the Church and that Catholics after careful reflection may in good conscience decide to vote Yes.

Hanover Court

Dr Richard O’Leary, of Faith in Marriage Equality, who has completed a week’s long “pilgrimage for yes” through dioceses on the Atlantic seaboard claimed today that:

8th May 2015

The letter, prepared by Faith in Marriage Equality and signed by all three groups [Faith In Marriage Equality, We Are Church Ireland, and Gay Catholic Voice Ireland] says that they have observed literature inside churches from ‘Vote No’ campaign groups which is insensitive to gay people. It asks the Archbishop to request that the priests in his diocese (which includes Co.Louth) stock inside their churches only official Church literature on the referendum and that he recommend to his fellow bishops to do likewise.

“At the mass I attended at St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney, at 6.15pm on Tuesday 5th May, the priest used the ‘prayers of the faithful’ to lead the congregation to pray for a No vote”.

They also suggest that the Archbishop might make a statement to acknowledge that a range of views are held within

Full text of letter below:

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He added:

“We request that the Archbishop of Armagh advise priests not to use prayers in this way during the mass since directing people to the Bishops’ statements should be sufficient for campaigning”.

“c/o Faith in Marriage Equality info@fime.ie

Francis Street Dublin 8

Dear Dr Martin We are writing to you as members of the Catholic Church and other Christians about the conduct of the campaign in the marriage equality referendum. We are responding to the following two issues you raised in your statement last weekend.

We are encouraged when you state that “The Church emphasises that gay people ought always to be treated with respect and sensitivity”. However, we have observed literature inside churches from ‘Vote No’ campaign groups which is insensitive to gay people. For example, on the front page of the May edition of the unofficial free newspaper, ALIVE, the word “gay” is presented in inverted commas. Could you advise the priests in your diocese that they stock inside their churches only official

Church literature on the referendum and recommend to your fellow bishops to do likewise?

we raise above.

We note your concern that people can raise issues in the debate without fear of being condemned as homophobic.

We assure you that we understand that not all opponents are homophobic.

However, feedback we have received from some church-goers is that they fear being condemned by the bishops as ‘un-Christian’ for trying to have a debate within the Church. Therefore, it would be helpful if in your next statement you could state that you acknowledge that a range of views are held within the Church and that Catholics after careful reflection may in good conscience decide to vote Yes.

Mr Brendan Butler, We are Church Ireland

We would like you to hear the experiences and views of gay persons and their families, including Catholics.

We are enclosing a complimentary copy of “To have and to Hold”: stories and reflections of LGBT people their families and friends”. The book was published this week and is edited by Patricia Devlin and Brian Glennon.

We would like to meet with you before May 22nd to discuss our mutual concerns, if you are available to do so. In the meantime we would appreciate it if you could respond to these two concerns

Outside St Patrick’s cathedral, Armagh delivering the letter to the Archbishop of Armagh are from right, Mr Brendan Butler (We are Church Ireland), Dr Richard O’Leary (Faith in Marriage Equality) and Mr Jim O’Crowley (Gay Catholic Voice Ireland)

Yours Sincerely

Mr Jim O’Crowley. Gay Catholic Voice Ireland Dr Richard O’Leary, Faith in Marriage Equality [To] Dr Eamon Martin Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland Ara Coeli, Cathedral Road Armagh, BT61 7QY Faith in Marriage Equality (FiME) is composed of the Catholic groups ‘We are Church Ireland’ and’Gay Catholic Voice Ireland’ and the Church of Ireland group ‘Changing Attitude Ireland’.”

For more information on Faith In Marriage Equality, visit http://www.fime.ie/ (eile.ie 16th May 2015)

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EILE Magazine Photo: Louise Hannon

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