FREE
EILE
Magazine V4 Issue 03 - September 2016
Whesli
Singer/Songwriter
Indie/Rock band
Son & Thief GMATTHEWS Chasing Happy
Inside:
LGBT FILM REVIEW
DEMI
Travel | Film | Fashion |Health | News
EILE Magazine | Who’s Who
Contributors
Mark Anthony Mark is a UCD English graduate, who writes his own menswear fashion blog. Mark has also produced several fashion shows in the past, all in aid of worthwhile causes M. Butler M. Butler is a writer and editor, with a keen interest in human rights, and has studied philosophy and psychology Lucia Chappelle Lucia Chappelle is Associate Producer of the Los Angeles-based LGBT radio programme This Way Out Scott De Buitléir Scott is founder and Editor-at-Large of EILE Magazine. He is also a writer and broadcaster, originally from Dublin but now based in Nottingham Stephen Donnan Stephen is a writer, LGBT rights and political activist, based in Belfast. He is founder of the all-Ireland equal marriage group, #LoveProudly Lisa Reynolds Originally from Co. Meath, Lisa is a fashion industry student, now living in Bray, Co Wicklow, with a great interest in media and celebrity Brian Rochford Brian has studied health, exercise, and nutrition, with a special interest in controlling pain in rheumatism and arthritis Frances Winston Frances Winston is EILE’s resident film buff, and has contributed to many other publications such as The Irish Independent and Irish Tatler
EILE Magazine
EILE Magazine | Welcome
Highlights September 2016 LGBT Film DEMI - P. 26 Scott De Buitléir reviews the latest film from Caris Rianne about a bisexual romance - DEMI
California Dispatch - P. 48 This month, Lucia Chappelle writes on changing times and the possible legalising of marijuana in California with the upcoming vote on Prop 64
Health - P. 38 Brian Rochford writes about that ubiqitous and hard-to-handle ailment - Back Pain
Music - Pps.6, 10, 14 & 18
Volume 4, Issue 03 Editor-at-Large: Scott De Buitléir Editor: MKB Contributors: Mark Anthony, M. Butler, Lucia Chappelle, Scott De Buitléir, Stephen Donnan, MKB, Lisa Reynolds, Brian Rochford, Frances Winston Photographers: Robert John, Mike Quain, Chelsea Kornse NB: All images in this publication are either under Creative Commons licence, or used with permission. Image credits, where necessary, are printed on the corresponding page(s) or photo(s). Any queries can be made to hello@eile.ie Special Thanks to MKB for all her hard work, dedication and support.
This month, EILE brings you a feast of musicians with GMatthews,Whesli, Son & Thief, Stunt Lover, and some news on Coldplay
Web: http://eile.ie
Fashion P.20 and Literature P.28
Note: All opinions expressed in this issue are the writers’ own.
Mark Anthony tells us about the latest trends from the Catwalk - matching tops to bottoms in colour if not in texture, and Lisa Reynolds reviews a classic novel - A Tale of Two Cities
Contact: hello@eile.ie Twitter: @EILEMagazine Facebook: http://fb.com/eilemagazine
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…plus film reviews, news, travel, and much more! EILE Magazine
EILE Magazine | Editor’s Letter
Contents 6-
GMatthews
10 -
Whesli
14 -
Son & Thief
18 -
Stunt Lover
20 -
Matchy Fashion
26 -
DEMI Bi-film Review
28 -
Classic Book Review
32 -
Drama Review
34 -
Travel - Cruises
38 -
Health - Back Pain
42 -
Frances on Film
48 -
California Dispatch
52 -
Coldplay
54 -
Freenix 2
plus
World LGBT News,
Views, Entertainment etc
EILE September Edition! Welcome to the September edition of EILE Magazine Our September edition sees Lucia Chapelle write on the upcoming vote in California on Prop 64 to legalise Marijuana and other changes in the US, we review a film on Bisexuality from film-maker, Caris Rianne, and we have a travel feature on cruises. Our music features include indie/rock band Son & Thief, GMatthews, Whesli, and trans-fronted band Stunt Lover. Mark Anthony tells us how to match our bottoms to our tops with taste, Lisa Reynolds reviews an old classic, A Tale of Two Cities, and Brian Rochford tells us how to deal with back pain. Frances Winston entertains us with her original take on films, and Stephen Donnan reviews the play Thinking About Thoughts. All this and more in this September edition of EILE Magazine. We hope you like it!
Scott De BuitlĂŠir Founder / Editor-at-Large
EILE Magazine EILE Magazine
See our film reviews by Frances Winston
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EILE Magazine
GMatthews EILE catches up with Indie /pop-rock /alternative singer-songwriter, GMatthews, finds out about her new single, Chasing Happy, and her debut LP of the same name G is a street-smart, Southern California native, who brings together rock and pop in the latest track, Chasing Happy. Her vocal dominates throughout, over pared-back instrumentals, showing determination to get what she wants “You’re mine, I’m chasing happy!” Sound-wise, very reminiscent of 4 Non-Blondes, while being uniquely G. Following on from her edgy and rhythmic debut EP, A Few Quick Words, GMatthews has released Chasing Happy, a single full of raw emotion, from her debut Album of the same name. When she calls herself an independent artist, G means a whole lot more than how her music gets released. You can hear her strength, individuality and unfettered spirit in every song. G always knew in her heart that she was going to be a performer. She finds it funny now to remember how badly she bombed her first audition, but that event made her realize that raw talent needed to be honed, by training and practice. At 19 years of age, G thought dance would fill her need for creativity, so she shifted her attentions and became a backup dancer. She was on stage performing, but she was not following her dream, so, after a few years, G put away her Capezios and explored other avenues of expression. G wanted to return to singing. She found herself mentally replaying one particular evening, the night she saw No Doubt perform live, and watched a woman take charge of a band that wholeheartedly rocked out. When that front woman, Gwen Stefani, sang Trapped in a Box, G felt like those lyrics were describing her own life.
EILE Magazine
She realised that that meant she had to seize the moment, and focus on the dream she’d had from the very beginning. G returned to using her voice, but this time with a maturity that required her to practice, learn, study, and practice some more. Soon she was getting gigs as a back-up vocalist, and exercising control by interpreting other people’s songs. G then went one better than that, and started creating her own original music, so now fans can hear her journey for themselves in songs like Backtrack, Judge Me Not, and now Chasing Happy from her debut LP, Chasing Happy. If you’re living in or visiting Los Angeles, you can hear G in action at various well-known venues, where she brings her inimitable live experience to the likes of the world-famous Whisky a Go Go, The Viper Room, and The Mint. You can also listen to or download G’s music by visiting: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/chasing-happy-single/id1146402738 or follow her on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/GMatthewsMusic
Photographer Credit: Robert John, Mike Quain
Single Art for Chasing
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“...You’re mine I’m Chasing Happy...”
Singer-songwriter GMatthews
g Happy
Photo: GMatthews Fb EILE Magazine
WHESLI
Whesli is a singer/songwriter from LA, currently playing around the SoCal area, at different Colleges, Festivals, and Venues with her boyfriend, pianist and band mate, Daniel 10 EILE Magazine
Whesli
Indie-pop-rock LA singer/songwriter Whesli, has just released a new single, Lost Love, which is also her and boyfriend Daniel’s first video! Whesli Gamble and boyfriend, pianist and band member, Daniel Perback, record, write, perform, and produced this track together. They have recently added a drummer to the duo to make a trio.
Whesli tells EILE that herself and Daniel met a little less than two years ago in LA, after both had just been in the city for a month. They clicked right away, and discovered each other’s musical talents shortly after they started hanging out. Almost immediately, they started to record/write and perform together, with Whesli on vocals and guitar and Daniel on piano. They have since hired a drummer to perform live with them as a trio (Guitar, Vocals, Piano, Drums) and have been accepted to showcase at the NACA West Coast Conference for this coming November (https://www.naca.org/WEST/ Pages/Showcases.aspx ). They have also recently released their first music video for their third single ‘Lost Love’, which we featured on our daily magazine at eile.ie on 22nd August, and really liked it. Lost Love is self-produced, and written by Whesli & Daniel. It is their third single
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Above Whesli Gamble and Daniel Perback
Right and above right Whesli Gamble
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from their upcoming EP, the other two tracks being Divorce, and Mum’s Lullaby. Whesli was fortunate enough to also get to work with 3-Time Grammy-winning Producer/Engineer, David Isaac, for that song. Isaac has worked with artists including Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Prince, and James Brown. He helped finish the track with a mix and master, and Whesli is very excited about the final product. You can follow Wheslie on facebook or Instagram at:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ WhesliMusic/ Instagram - https://www.instagram. com/whesli/ Website - www.Whesli.com and visit on SoundCloud, Bandcamp and Youtube at: https://soundcloud.com/whesli https://whesli.bandcamp.com http://www.youtube.com/c/WhesliMusic
-MKB EILE Magazine 13
Son & Thief US Indie/Rock band, Son & Thief, have just released their latest track, All I Care About. This indie/alternative/rock trio, made up of singer-songwriter, Shane Toriscelli, as lead singer/ guitarist, and drummer Austin Macdowell, soon discovered the unique sound that defines every track. The addition of guitarist, Deane Lawton, completed the trio. They cite among their influences Bon Iver, Wilco, Valley Maker and Beach House, and see themselves as a post-garage, indie-rock outfit. In the years leading up to the group’s formation, singer Shane Toriscelli wrote a number of songs with the sole purpose of chronicling his emotional experiences. On the new single, All I Care About, Toriscelli’s versatile vocal at first blends in with the chilled-out guitar and drum instrumental, then soars way above it, showing the power and range of this singer’s voice. Shane says about the track: “All I Care About has haunted me from the start. I just couldn’t get it right. The emotions that formed the initial vision for the track were so clear, but the right atmosphere to deliver those emotions took almost two years of tinkering to find. Lyrically, this is my most open track to date, so it seemed fitting to make it sonically bold as well”. Hailing from Athens, in the US state of Georgia, the three permanent members of Son & Thief met as students at the University of Georgia, through their mutual love of music. What started as a mid-spring jam session between lead singer and guitarist, Shane Toriscelli, and drummer, Austin Macdowell, quickly became an idea for a band, and, with the addition of guitarist, Deane Lawton, the band’s core team had been established. As the Son & Thief continue to develop their own style, led by Toriscelli’s vocals and songwriting, they still strongly cling to the original purpose of the project; to create a memorable and unique sound that can be experienced with every song and every performance.
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Shane Toriscelli of Son & Thief Photo by Chelsea Kornse
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In February of 2015, Son & Thief released their debut EP, Cardinal, which has since gone on to rack up over sixty thousand plays on Spotify, and was featured on both iTunes’ and Noisetrade’s ‘New and Notable’ pages. Most recently, two of the tracks have been licensed by MTV for various shows. Riding the success of their first release, Son & Thief have played numerous shows in Athens GA, a city they proudly call home, and the surrounding areas. The band is currently working on a second album that should be released sometime later this year. All I Care About is written, performed, and produced by Shane Toriscelli, engineered and produced by Paul Reeves and Tony Terrebone at Domus Sound in Atlanta, GA. Drums are performed by Marlon Patton; Deane Lawton Guitar; Jacob Nesler Cover Art/Writing; Photographer Chelsea Kornse. You can catch up with Son & Thief and listen to All I Care About at: www.facebook.com/sonandthief/ twitter.com/sonandthief www.instagram.com/sonandthief/ Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/4ugyFTnMOwk2fCtbhVaJkB It’s also available to stream and download on iTunes, Soundcloud
Deane Lawton, Shane Toriscelli and Austin Macdowell
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“Lyrically, this is my most open track to date, so it seemed fitting to make it sonically bold as well”
Photos: Chelsea Kornse
Son & Thief’s 2015 debut EP, Cardinal, is also now available via iTunes at: itunes.apple.com/us/album/ cardinal-ep/id969469298
- M. Butler
Cover Art for All I Care About EILE Magazine 17
Stunt Lover Release New Track Apple Cider Vinegar Dublin-based, trans-fronted band, Stunt Lover, have recently released the energetic track, Apple Cider Vinegar The single, Apple Cider Vinegar, by Rock/Garage/Alt band, Stunt Lover, is at first slowpaced, then changes in the last quarter to a fast-paced punk/garage-rock style track (to me remininscent in parts of The Sex Pistols’ God Save The Queen). With pared-back drums and base sounds setting the mood, it then moves uptempo with both saturated base and Kaylee Bear’s vocals reaching a screaming crescendo. Great energy from the band, and a track that stays with you long after you’ve finished listening to it. Members of the band are San Peric, Kaylee Bear, and Gleby Vo, and they cite Violent Femmes, Black Keys, Nick Cave and Band of Skulls among their influences. Stunt Lover have also got through to the finals of the Crystal Skull Sessions in Dublin, next session on September 8th, at Sin E. You can follow Stunt Lover on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/stuntlovermusic and visit Soundcloud for more at: Soundcloud.com/stunt-lover
-MKB
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Cover Art for Apple Cider Vinegar
Kayl
Kaylee Bear of Stunt Lover
lee Bear at the Crystal Skull Sessions
Stunt Lover
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Matchy-Matchy Mark Anthony writes on how to navigate the latest trend of head-to-toe matching
They say good things come in pairs - could be buses (not in Dublin anyway), or even lists of analogies. We are all very much led to believe that life is really all about those matches. So I guess it’s no surprise that all this matching mantra is making its way to our wardrobes.
Gone are the days when you were told to ‘mix it up’...(Guilty!). Now, granted, very few men have the b-ls (excuse the language) or desire to rock a one block ensemble. However, the high street has diluted this fade quite a bit, making it a little more attractive to men. Taking a wander around the rose garden might seem very appealing at the time, but there are many rules that you must follow first. You don’t want to be dressed head-to-toe in hydrangeas, without reading the rules after all. A full look of bright floral can be very costume-like, so be careful. Look for a blocked floral look that isn’t too loud, but just right for you. You don’t have to go full-on greenhouse on us to be seen as wearing florals.
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Massimo Dutti
y
H&M
Going from top to bottom in one set colour can be difficult. Yes it is minimal, but make sure to change up the fabrics. You don’t want to be dressed in all-black in the one fabric. That’s not very innovative now is it? Picking multiple textures adds depth to your look. This is the kind of thing that can elevate a look in seconds.
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Now, too bright a floral can be a trainwreck, but brightly-coloured blocks can make such a statement. Sometimes you need an outfit that could challenge the Pride flag. But only go for something like this if you don’t mind all that extra attention, which is a valid point I think. You have to be comfortable in what you are wearing. That’s half the battle. But whatever you do, just make sure the hues suit your complexion. Emerald green, burnt orange, and cobalt blue are usually a safe bet. FRENN
If you love the idea of coordinating
your outfit, then you will find something that suits. From stripes, geometrics, polka dots, camo, to pansies and primary colours - there is something for everybody. Once you follow these simple rules you will have no problem crafting the perfect look.
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H&M
REISS
Bally
SIMONS
Maybe avoid fabrics like satin though (you don’t want to be mistaken for a sleep-walker after all). Calmer colours are your friend, remember that.
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Gay Polish Couple’s Video to Roxette’s new single: ‘Some Other Summer’! A gay Polish couple, Jacob and David from Warsaw in Poland, with two friends, have put together a really sweet video to the new single Some Other Summer, by ROXETTE (Marie Fredriksson & Per Gessle) the second single taken from Roxette’s brand new album, Good Karma (words and music by Per Gessle of Roxette).
“And also – what’s important – none of us can sing so lip-sync is all we could do :)”
Jacob and David made the video just for fun, they say, but it got more views than they could have imagined, and according to them, Per Gessle himself saw the video and approved!
Some Other Summer: https://lnk.to/ SomeOtherSummer Good Karma: https://lnk.to/GoodKarma Good Karma on vinyl: http://bit.ly/ GoodKarmaVinyl Good Karma on CD: http://bit.ly/ GoodKarmaCD
However, they say it’s a one-off and they have no intention of continuing to make more:
https://www.facebook.com/RealRoxette/ http://www.roxette.se/
“We love our life don’t want to change anything and this video is our first one and for sure - the last one. It’s just one shot only”.
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The track is a happy, upbeat, fast-paced, Summer anthem, with electronic sounds and dance beats. (Some Other Summer by Roxette was already remixed by Sebastien Drums and out before Roxette’s original version). Video by: Jacob, David, Chris and Michael. Jacob and David have been a couple for 7 years, and the video was shot by the Baltic Sea. You can visit Roxette’s website, Facebook and links to their music at:
Roxette recently had to cancel their Summer tour due to Marie Fredriksson’s illness, and they thanked the fans for giving them 30 years of support.
Jacob & David
Roxette Per Gessle of Roxette said: “My God, what a great view we’ve had! The joyride on the road is over now – but we sure had fun, didn’t we?” Roxette performed a grand 557 shows in front of millions and millions of cheering people. 75 million albums sold, 51 singles released, four US Billboard number ones and countless top hits on worldwide charts make Roxette one of the most successful bands in the history of pop and rock. -MKB
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LGBT Film Review:
DEMI Scott De Buitléir travels to Hackney Picturehouse Attic for the London premiere of Caris Rianne’s début LGBT feature film DEMI tells the story of Diana (Qayum) whose boyfriend goes out of town to study at university, leaving her lonely and depressed. She regularly hangs out with her group of girlfriends, and is attending a local creative writing course.
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It’s during her course that she meets Demi (Bury) a friendly and warm girl, who soon strikes up a friendship with Diana. Diana welcomes her new friendship, as it begins to take her mind off her boyfriend, Owen, who is increasingly difficult to contact on Skype or on his phone. Soon, it becomes clear that Demi is bisexual, as she
opens up to Diana about her experience of heartbreak, caused by both guys and girls. When Demi decides to skip their college course for the day, she invites Diana to take the day off with her, and a day-long date between the two follows. Shortly afterwards, Diana finds herself confused; is Demi bringing out the real Diana, or is she looking for a distraction while Owen is away?
A still from DEMI, featuring Hannah Bury as Demi, and Kerenza Qayum as Diana
Demi is the first feature film from British filmmaker, Caris Rianne, who has successfully brought this project to life, thanks to a mixture of crowdfunding and her own funding. The writing is open-hearted, funny, and well-crafted, while the acting by all the cast is natural and engaging. The theme of bisexuality, especially from a young adult’s perspective, is dealt with sharply by the story and the screenwriting; addressing Western society’s issues with biphobia, and making the audience realise (if they don’t know already) that not all is prejudice-free yet for bisexuals today. The only area where this film is let down a little is in the sound editing and mixing. There are certain scenes during the film, where it is
difficult to hear the dialogue over the music. Despite how lovely the soundtrack may be, it sadly distracts from some of the more intimate and special moments of the blossoming relationship between Diana and Demi. Small audio issues aside, Demi is a powerful representation of a new generation of British LGBT film. If this is only her first LGBT feature film, Britain may need to pay more attention for what Caris does next. (88 minutes). 4/5 stars For more information, visit http://riannepictures.com
The LGBT coming of age drama has been selected for the 2016 New Jersey Golden Door Film Festival as part of it’s LGBT strand. This marks the fourth film festival for the independent film and it’s second US film festival selection after reaching Florida Movie Festival earlier this year. With an estimated 12,500 attendees at the event for the past five years, Golden Door is the largest festival that Demi has been accepted into thus far. The festival runs between October 22nd - 25th EILE Magazine 27
Classic Review
A TALE OF TWO CITIES Lisa Reynolds Reviews This Classic From Charles Dickens “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness ...” The famous opening lines of A Tale of Two Cities (1859) by Charles Dickens, sets the entire novel up perfectly. Set in Paris and London prior to and during the French Revolution, the book is only one of two historical fictions which Dickens wrote in his lifetime (the other being Barnaby Rudge) and is the novel Dickens seems to have been most proud of. He called it “The best story I have written”. It is interesting to see that this particular story was one he held in such high esteem over his other pieces, considering he wrote so many works of fiction, which are also deemed Classics, 28 EILE Magazine
such as Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, Bleak House, David Copperfield and Hard Times. Like most of Dickens’ novels, there are many characters to get to know. However, there are less in this than in some of his other works, which helps the reader to get to know the characters. Divided into three books: Book the First: Recalled to Life, Book the Second: The Golden Thread and Book the Third: The Track of a Storm, we as readers are plunged into a world of chaos, where emotions and the lack of emotions are running high.
daughter, Lucie, who had thought that her father was dead. Her governess, Miss Pross, is there when she hears the news, and Lorry brings Lucie to Saint Antoine in Paris to be reunited with her father. Her father is currently staying with his former servant, Ernest Defarge, and his wife, Thérèse, and has developed an obsession with shoe-making, which he learned in prison to stop himself from overthinking. They bring Manette back to England.
The first book begins in 1775, when an employee of Tellson’s Bank in London gives a message to one of the managers of the bank, Jarvis Lorry, in regard to Alexandre Manette, who is a French physician just released from the Bastille after serving 18 years in prison.
The second book begins in 1780, when French emigré, Charles Darnay, is on trial for treason against the British Crown. The key witnesses are two British spies, including John Barsad, whose eyewitness account falls apart after confusing a barrister, Sydney Carton, with the accused. Darnay is subsequently acquitted.
Lorry goes to meet Manette’s
When Darnay returns to
Paris, he meets his uncle, Marquis St. Evrémonde. St. Evrémonde has already caused the death of a child of a peasant, Gaspard, by demanding that his carriage be more reckless and faster. Showing his utter superiority complex, he tosses a coin out of the carriage as a way of compensation. This is very telling of a man possessed by power and status, who believes his life is worth more than those below him in wealth. He also believes that the poor can be paid off with money, even for their child’s life, and that he can behave in whatever manner he wants because he’s rich. But Darnay is completely different to his uncle. Ashamed by his aristocratic family, he has decided to go by an anglicized version of his mother’s maiden name of D’Aulnais. Gaspard stabs and kills St. Evrémonde in his sleep, and is caught a year later and hanged. Darnay is now the new Marquis.
Original Cover illustration by Hablot Browne (Phiz) for monthly instalment of Dickens ‘a Tale of Two Cities’ Source: David Perdue’s Charles Dickens’ Page
This novel is very thought-provoking. It sets up the question, time and time again, of whether or not two wrongs make a right. It also questions issues of class. For instance, if Gaspard hadn’t killed St. Evrémonde, would EILE Magazine 29
St. Evrémonde have been punished for his crime? And if it had been the other way around, would things have been dealt with differently? Darnay goes to England and asks Manette’s permission to marry Lucie. Carton is also in love with her, but knows it is not requited on her side. He shows he really does love her, despite his obvious inner hurt, by not being bitter or cruel to her or Darnay, and tells Lucie that he will “embrace any sacrifice for you and for those dear to you.” Before their honeymoon, Darnay reveals to Manette who he is, and his real name. Manette goes back to his shoe-making after hearing the news, but by the time Darnay and Lucie return from their honeymoon, they have both decided to keep it all a secret from Lucie. Lorry and Pross destroy Manette’s shoe-making bench and tools, which seems to indicate a fresh new start. Soon Darnay and Lucie have a family. Their son dies in childhood, and they have a daughter called after her mother. Meanwhile, over in France, on July 1789, the Defarges have been leaders in the storming of the Bastille, and Monsieur Defarge searches Manette’s former cell. Local officials and representatives of the aristocrary have been killed, and St. Evrémonde’s chateau
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has been burned to cinders. Dickens raises the question again of whether violence is the answer, and whether the acts are of revenge or of desperation for a better, fairer society. And also the question of whether it is for equality and recognition for wrongs done that is being sought, or if it is power. In the midst of this, Darnay sees a letter by Gabelle, a servant of his uncle, who is in prison, and is pleading with the Marquis to help free him. Darnay goes to Paris. Soon he is found out and put into La Force Prison. Manette, Lucie, little Lucie, Cruncher, and Pross go to Paris to meet Lorry. They attempt to free Darnay. A year and three months pass before he is tried. Manette testifies, and Darnay is released. However, later that day Darnay is arrested once more, and a new trial begins under new charges by the Defarges and Manette, whose written account of his imprisonment under Darnay’s father was found in his cell by Monsieur Defarge. This time is third time unlucky for Darnay, who is sent to Conciergerie (a former royal palace turned prison) and sentenced to be guillotined the next day. Carton begins investigating, and goes to the Defarges’ wine shop. He overhears
Madame Defarge speaking about how she wants Lucie and their daughter also condemned, and realises that she is the sister of the peasant family savaged by the Evrémondes. She clearly wants to destroy everyone in their family, like they have in hers. In response, Carton goes to visit Darnay, swaps clothes with him and drugs him so’s he is unconscious. Manette and Lucie bring Darnay back to London, while Carton sacrifices his life to save Darnay’s for Lucie’s sake. Madame Defarge is killed in a struggle with Pross, when she tries to kill Manette and Lucie with a pistol. Carton’s death is very reminiscent of Christ’s death on the cross - the whole one man/one huge sacrifice for others and for the betterment of the world. His humility and acceptance is also very like Christ’s attitude to his death. The way he protects and reassures the seamstress before their deaths, seems to mirror the way Jesus reassured the thief on the cross before their deaths. He assures her that they are both going to a better world. The comparison is very interesting and quite creative. “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.”
Sketch of Dickens in 1842 during American Tour. Sketch of Dickens’s sister Fanny, bottom left EILE Magazine 31
Drama Review:
‘Thinking About Thoughts’ at The Black Box Theatre, Belfast Stephen Donnan reviews the play ‘Thinking About Thoughts’ a new play written by Anna Leckey which recently played at The Black Box Theatre, Belfast. “Why am I here? Why are any of us here?” Those words sum up the essence of the masterpiece performed by Anna Leckey, Edward Richards, and Mathieu Lovelace.
each story on your own, or flick back and forth. No one person in the audience took away the same experience, or the same narrative, and, in that sense, the play is a living, breathing and moving organism that cannot be described or summed up in a byline or a review.
Green – a narcissistic, social-media obsessed hashtagger, who is driven by the need to be validated through her Facebook These three dominated the space of the and Instagram Likes and Retweets, yet is performance, they lived the words that disturbingly wrought by the fact that she whooshed through our minds in the voices doesn’t love herself one bit. of David Paulin, Boyd Rodgers and Anna Leckey – three individual spirits that come Lecky’s graceful and ballerina-esque to a silent retreat for ten days to escape… movements crescendo against the mental the world? Themselves? Or to become rocks of her own paranoia, and she brings something new? the audience with her as the inability to The performance invited the audience to switch between the audio tracks that corresponded to red, green and blue (the names of the characters) and follow
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focus her energy into her phone leads her to tug on her own hair, bite her nails, and spiral into oblivion in front of us. I must admit I was drawn to Lecky’s performance over the others, as I could identify myself
in the character of Green, but that’s a whole different article. Mathieu Lovelace is stunningly reserved yet resplendent in his portrayal of Red – an insecure, unmotivated twentysomething, who lacks selfdiscipline, yet wants to be appreciated for who he is. He and Lecky share the moments that matter most in the play; constantly aware of one another, yet never interacting directly or uttering a word. The actors are left to interpret the spoken words of the writers through eye contact, breathing, and silence alone. Ed Richards is masterful, however, in his delivery and the sheer presence that he brings to the production. Every movement he makes, every look, every head movement or stretch of the arm is wringing with emotion and pain, as his character, Blue, comes to terms with a traumatic breakup that has wracked his heart with guilt. I was captivated by the power and energy in his performance. Stealing shadows and walking along the contours of the light in a way that never overshadowed the other actors, yet allowed him to seamlessly pull the electricity out of the air
and into the beads of sweat on his forehead. It was simply breathtaking to watch – to be both a part of the three flows of consciousness of the characters, yet unable to touch them or bear to see them interact with one another, lest it all come crashing down around them. Anna Leckey has constructed what can only be described as an exquisite aquarium, that invites us to gawk at the three human trainwrecks who explore their turbulent minds before us. I would highly recommend.
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Travel
Cruise Your W
Be transported to a world of rest, relaxation, and invigorating fun, with an amazing cruise from Travelmood, the luxury holiday specialists. With so much to do on-board, you’ll have a hard time fitting everything in! Journey across the open seas to desirable destinations, while enjoying great activities, lots of options for relaxation, out of this world food, and a buzzing nightlife. A cruise is the perfect way to kick-start 2017, whether it’s through the beautiful islands of the Caribbean, exploring the United Arab Emirates, or enjoying the glorious waters of South East Asia. Fort Lauderdale Stay & Western Caribbean Cruise Spend 3 nights at the 4* Hyatt Regency Pier 66, Fort Lauderdale, followed by a 7-night cruise on-board Celebrity Silhouette, from only €1499pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 10 nights’ accommodation, including a 7-night cruise, taxes and charges. Based on two people sharing. Travel: February 2017 Ref No: 1055234
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Cancun
Way Into 2017!
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travel continued....
Singapore Stay with Penang & Phuket Cruise Spend 3 nights at the 5* Marina Mandarin Singapore, followed by a 5night cruise on-board Ovation of The Seas, from only €1370pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 8 nights’ accommodation, including a 5-night cruise, taxes and charges. Based on two people sharing. Travel: March 2017 Ref No: 1054212 Cancun Mexico & Caribbean Cruise Spend 5 nights at the 4* Riu Cancun Hotel, 1 night at the 4* Hyatt Regency Pier 66, Fort Lauderdale, followed by a 7-night cruise on-board Oasis of The Seas, from only €2099pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 13 nights’ accommodation, including a 7-night cruise, taxes and charges. Based on two people sharing. Travel: May 2017 Ref No: 1054879 Dubai Stay & Cruise Spend 3 nights at the 4* Arabian Courtyard Hotel And Spa Hotel, Dubai, followed by a 7-night cruise on-board Vision of The Seas, from only €945pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 10 nights’ accommodation, including a 7-night cruise, taxes and charges. Based on two people sharing. Travel: December 2016 Ref No: 1054316 For more information, or to book, visit www.travelmood. ie, or call their dedicated team on 01 4331063, or visit the Travelmood store on Duke Street, Dublin 2, just off Grafton Street.
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Celebrity Silhouette
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Health
Put Your Back Into It! Brian Rochford on what to do to alleviate or prevent the major health problem of back pain
Inadequate nutrition, bad posture, and not participating in a regular exercise routine, can put your back under unnecessary strain, apart from back pain resulting from injury. It has been suggested millions of working days are forfeited every year in America alone because of back pain, at a cost somewhere in region of between 100 and 200 billion dollars. According to two US national health surveys (aaos.org) close to 30 percent of 38 EILE Magazine
the adult population in the United States reported experiencing low back pain. It is also the most common physical condition for which patients visit their doctor. People of all ages can experience back problems, and the pain experienced can range from mild to severe. To diagnose lower back pain can be problematic, as it is not classified as a disease, rather a array of symptoms. Back pain is more common in and tends to peak around ages 35 and 55. Back pain can develop over time, or can come about suddenly. Three categories of back pain exist, chronic
pain that can be experienced for longer than 7 to 12 weeks, and acute pain, which is pain lasting for less than 12 weeks. Also sub-acute back pain can last somewhere between 6 and 12 weeks. There are a number of factors that can cause back pain, for example, heavy physical work, uncomfortable static postures, incorrect lifting and manual handling, injury, and active or inactive lifestyles. It can be difficult to identify the real reason for your back pain. As a result, identifying the right treatment can become a real problem. It has been suggested that back pain can be more pronounced not just by physical problems but by emotional difficulties.
image: osteopathy.org
If you are not experiencing back pain at present, it may help you to think in terms of prevention being better than cure. So here are some tips that could help keep your back strong and pain-free. A: Stretch carefully before strenuous activity. Daily stretching keeps back muscles strong and flexible. B: Avoid slouching when you are sitting down or when you
are standing. C: If possible sleep on a firm bed. D: Try to avoid smoking as it has been suggested that it can reduce blood supply to the lower spine. E: Make the effort to keep fit, as this can help to lower the risk of stiffness. F: If you need to lift something,
be careful and lift using your legs. G: Keeping excess weight off your body helps to reduce pressure on your spine. H: When carrying something, try to carry it close to your body. I: Start walking on a daily basis, as this will help with your flexibility and overall strength EILE Magazine 39
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Design: Anthony Zagariko, exclusively for EILE Magazine
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WAR DOGS
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Frances Winston on Movies Directed by: Todd Phillips – Starring: Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, Ana de Armas, Bradley Cooper In one of those ‘you couldn’t make it up’ scenarios, War Dogs is a comedy-drama based on the true story of two twenty-something stoners, who became trusted arms dealers to the US Government forces in Afghanistan. Efraim Diveroli (Hill) set up a company, AEY, which scoured the tenders for government arms contracts, looking for what he called the crumbs. Reacquainting with his childhood friend, David Packouz (Teller) he brings him in on the action. Initially, all is good, as they ensure that they stick to small orders that no major arms supplier wants. However, they get more and more ambitious, ignoring import guidelines and taking several chances. When a huge order for a vast quantity of ammunition becomes available, they see dollarsigns, and they determine that they will score it. For a small operation like them though, getting that contract could lead to some nefarious
and less-than-legal dealings. Hill basically lays a variation on his Wolf of Wall Street character, except with less of a conscience. He is brash and slick, and at times holds the movie together. Teller often seems to amble along, taking whatever is thrown at him as Packouz – which according to accounts, is pretty much how he was. The pair are typical flash twentysomethings, who inadvertently make a huge amount of money, and can’t wait to flash it. They are very much about self-preservation, and you get the impression that most of the players here would sell each other out without a second thought if it would save their own skin. The humour here, more often than not, comes from the ridiculous situations they find themselves in. Many established businessmen would find themselves out of their depth doing deals like this, never mind two youngsters who haven’t a degree between them. Interestingly, the US government isn’t really held to account for their purchasing policies, and while we know that Diveroli and Packouz had an agenda, the government that met with
them and did these deals isn’t completely blameless either. This is fast-paced with snappy cinematography, and a catchy and pulsating soundtrack. All the ingredients to keep a viewer engaged. It is also completely bonkers in places, making the fact that these are real events all the more astonishing. Essentially, these are not nice people, and Phillips wants you to root for them, which is hard. Hill’s Diveroli in particular has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. A cross between Three Kings and The Hangover, as a piece of entertainment War Dogs will do the job. However, it misses several opportunities to make a social and moral statement about the events in the movie, which leaves it lacking somewhat in substance. As a piece of farce (based in fact) this will give you the giggles, but won’t make any sort of lasting impression. Just funny enough to get beyond the serious subject matter, War Dogs is ideal if you are looking for something thrilling, but not taxing, from your cinema visit.
In Cinemas Now!
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Frances Winston on Movies continued...
Directed by: Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone – Starring: Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, Akiva Schaffer, Sarah Silverman, Tim Meadows You wait ages for a music mockumetary, and two come along at once. Hot on the heels of David Brent: Life on the Road comes this offering. I say hot on the heels, but this was actually released in the States way back in May, but is only hitting our shores now. Unusually, the films co-directors also star in this, as the former bandmates of Conner4Real (Samberg). Theirs is a story we’ve seen a thousand times, where a boyband – The Style Boyz –become superstars, before one member jumps ship for a solo career. The mockumentary follows Conner as he attempts to be a star in his own right, making his difficult second album, while his bandmates disappear from the public eye. A parody of such ‘real life’ documentaries as Justin Bieber’s Never Say Never, this is completely irreverent when it comes to its subject matter. No boy-band cliché or scenario is too OTT. Conner has a huge entourage, and suitably obsessive fan-base, as well as the cheesy music tie-ins. At one point Conner4Real does a deal to have his music play when people open their fridge doors! Samberg co-wrote this, and clearly has a passion for the project and he really does seem to revel in the role, but it is a completely cliché-driven part, with nothing new to offer to the mix. There are a dazzling array of cameos and a wonderful supporting cast, but so much time is spent focusing on Conner (which is appropriate to the subject matter) that they don’t always get a chance to
shine. Some of the songs are ridiculously infectious and catchy, but also deeply offensive at times. I doubt any of them could be a fullblown hit, but there are a definitely couple of novelty records in there. I am probably somewhat jaded after years of writing showbiz and entertainment copy, but I did find myself wondering “is it over yet?” This wasn’t bad – it’s heart is totally in the right place. It has some funny moments and isn’t a total disaster. But Samberg isn’t ‘hot’ enough to pull off this kind of character, and overall, it is just a rehash of other people’s ideas. Indeed, it borrows heavily from the likes of This is Spinal Tap. Entertaining in a ‘don’t expect too much’ kind of way, this does have laughs, but some of it is a bit to parochial to strike a chord with audiences outside of the US . Also, there was no need for Samberg to be so OTT. These types of character are enormous personalities, and they don’t require any exaggeration! There are moments of brilliance, where he perfectly captures the self-doubt felt by someone who has scaled dizzying heights, and who lets their ego get the run of themselves. And at over 90 minutes, it is short and sweet, so if you are looking for some cheesy fun, this is the movie for you. It veers between tedious and terrific, but will entertain and leave earworms stuck in your head.
Limited cinema release now!
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THE PURGE 46 EILE Magazine
Frances Winston on Movies continued...
Directed by: James DeMonaco – Starring: Frank Grillo, Elizabeth Mitchell, Mykelti Williamson, Betty Gabriel, Terry Serpico, Raymond J. Barry, Edwin Hodge I must confess to really enjoying the original The Purge, but I wasn’t as enamoured with the 2014 follow-up The Purge: Anarchy. This meant I had mixed feelings about this before I even saw it, which isn’t ideal when you are trying to be objective. It opens in 2022, with a young girl, Charlie Roan (played as a grown up by Mitchell) and her family all falling victim to a Purger (I am working on the assumption that everyone knows the basic premise of the movie series at this stage). She is the only remaining survivor, and 18 years later, she is running for President, and one of her main platforms is abolishing The Purge. Purge night falls mid-election campaign, and unlike previous years, the rule protecting government officials is rescinded, making her as much of a potential victim as any other citizen. Relying on her head of security, Leo Barnes (Grillo reprising his role from the last film) to keep her safe, it soon becomes apparent that more nefarious forces may be using the Purge as a way to eliminate her. As Purge night escalates, she finds herself fighting to survive the night and live to see the election.
even they couldn’t have realised how crazy that race would get. To be honest it makes some of the tactics used by candidates here seem pretty tame. Joking aside though, this is a welcome addition to the series. Less claustrophobic than the previous offerings, it gives us more than just a family trying to survive the Purge, and ups the stakes somewhat. As I said, I wasn’t mad about the second offering, but Grillo acquits himself here, and seems more comfortable sharing leading actor duties. Mitchell is an old hand at roles that run her through the gamut, and she is an always reliable choice and doesn’t disappoint here. On the whole, this is more of the same, but with a more interesting narrative. As with previous offerings, there is gore galore, and Purgers come up with increasingly creative ways to expend their anger. If you are looking for quick and nasty thrills (if that’s what you’re into) then this won’t disappoint. As threequels go, this is a solid offering that will appeal to fans of the series (and there are plenty of them) but it is not for the squeamish. Very much in the B movie vein, this is a slasher-horror dressed up as a political statement, but for those who enjoy blood, guts, and paper thin plots, this should prove a winner.
In Cinemas Now!
The fact that it is actually election year in the USA must surely have been on producers’ minds when making this, but
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CALIFOR
TIME AND ‘C
Lucia Chappelle writes on changing times in the US, the upcoming vote on Prop 64, and how some are grasping at straws to maintain the status quo Spending far too much time as I do watching Donald Trump speeches on cable television, it’s easy to get depressed. “What’s this country coming to?” was the question my parents used to ask all the time – but more often than not, they were shaking their heads about me and my friends. If they were around today, they’d find themselves asking the same question about folks their own age. The backlash against ‘The Liberation Generation’ is far more scary than the
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RNIA DISPATCH:
CHIL’EN’
havoc they had imagined would result from the social transformations we were demanding.
an over, regulate sales, and add millions of tax dollars to the coffers of local and state governments. After similar measures have failed twice In the midst of such a backlash, before, passage this time seems it’s easy to get discouraged, but almost certain. we can’t lose sight of the fact that the progress we started The increasing acceptance of really and truly is unstoppable. the idea that cannabis is not Things we never thought we’d only essentially harmless, but see are coming to pass, such as also ubiquitous, is frequently the possibility of a woman as compared to the change in President of the United States consciousness around LGBT (yes, I know, it’s late by other issues. Gone are the days of standards) marriage equality, ‘Refer Madness’ tactics, so and it looks like marijuana will the best the opposition can soon be legalized in California. come up with is the alleged ‘danger’ of prime-time TV ads Proposition 64, on the state’s for weed - a claim that has November ballot, would been discredited by broadcast legalize possession of less than industry executives, who an ounce of pot for people 21 say that regardless of any
California law, they’d rather not challenge federal laws prohibiting such ads. Another old saying from my parents: “How time and chil’en do change!” Still the last kicks of the dying past are with us. At the same time that an estimated 60% of Californians are prepared to take the high road on the marijuana initiative, a loud minority of ‘religious freedom’ proponents are setting their hair on fire about a bill in the state legislature that would require church-affiliated colleges and universities, that receive state funding, to make public any exemptions they claim to discriminate against
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Bob Dylan
LGBT students and employees. Using the most hackneyed homophobia you can imagine, their efforts to block the bill are doomed to failure. But cry out they must. ‘Religious freedom’, ‘Trumpism’, anti-trans violence, the whittling away of reproductive rights – all these, and other serious challenges to the new world we are creating, will need to be confronted with
much more blood and treasure, and we will need to be diligent for years to come. We can know with absolute certainty that however many battles are before us, the war has already been won. The biggest change has already happened, and that’s why the opposition is so hysterical. They’ve run out of rational arguments, run out of ground to stand on. They’re grasping
Lucia Chappelle is Associate Producer of the Los Angelesbased LGBT radio programme This Way Out 50 EILE Magazine
at the last straws of the old order. The times have already changed, and when their own ‘chil’en’ are their age, they will barely remember the status quo they hold so dear.
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 51
Coldplay have just revealed the video for A Head Full Of Dreams Coldplay have just revealed the video for A Head Full Of Dreams, the fourth single to be taken from their hit album of the same name. The video was filmed in Mexico City during the band’s sold out Latin American stadium tour in April. Directed by Marcus Haney and shot predominantly on Super 8mm film, it features the band cycling to their show at the city’s Foro Sol venue (where they set a new attendance record). The video begins with Charlie Chaplin’s speech from The Great Dictator, which also opens the band’s live show. A Head Full Of Dreams is the opening track of Coldplay’s seventh album,
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which reached Number One on iTunes in more than 90 countries and has sold in excess of 4 million copies. The album remains in the UK Top Ten some 38 weeks after its December 2015 release, and has helped Coldplay to maintain their position as the band with most worldwide listeners on Spotify throughout 2016, The U.S. leg of Coldplay’s A Head Full Of Dreams tour resumes this weekend with two nights at LA’s Rose Bowl. The tour has already taken the band across Latin America and Europe, where they played four sold-out nights at London’s Wembley Stadium. More than two million tickets have already been sold for the tour, which has enjoyed rave reviews wherever it’s gone (“A stadium rock band at the top of their game,” as The Guardian put it). Further dates for 2017 are expected to be announced soon.
The videos for the album’s first three singles – Adventure Of A Lifetime, Hymn For The Weekend and Up&Up – have already been viewed a combined 955 million times on YouTube. They have also earned the band three nominations at the upcoming MTV VMAs in New York, for Best Rock Video (Adventure Of A Lifetime) plus Best Direction and Best Visual Effects (Up&Up). To download, visit: iTunes: http://smarturl. it/AHFOD Amazon: http://smarturl. it/AHFODamazon Vinyl: http://smarturl. it/AHFODvinyl Google Play: http:// smarturl.it/AHFODgplay Coldplay Store: http://cldp. ly/AHFODcpstore Tidal: tidal.com/ album/54728054
For more information – and the full list of Coldplay’s upcoming live dates – you can visit Coldplay.com
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Little Gem Records & friends presents Freenix 2! A free afternoon of arts & music in the park Live at the Phoenix Park Bandstand, Sunday September 18 at 2pm, including a potluck picnic & art installations
With Special Guests The grand musical wizardry of Raising Holy Sparks Soft & sublime charms of Yawning Chasm Progressive esoteric psychedelia of AMOON Plus much more! This is a free all ages event Bring along a picnic blanket & some good vibes Please respect Phoenix Park & the your fellow humans, animals and other creatures Where:
Phoenix Park Bandstand When:
Sunday September 18 from 2pm - 6pm https://www.facebook.com/events/325265034473253/ 54 EILE Magazine
Freenix 2!
Little Gem Records Basement 18 Kildare Street Dublin 2 http://www.littlegem.ie/ EILE Magazine 55
Delta Airlines Bans Chris Rock Film After LGBT Complaint A complaint by Grindr worker, Jeremy Foreshew, about a Delta Airline in-flight movie which contains gay slurs, has led to the film of Chris Rock in stand-up (Kill The Messenger) being removed from their entertainment listings. The 2008 film sees Rock speaking about when he seems to think it’s okay to call someone a ‘F****t, and is against Delta’s own policies of what is acceptable to be shown during flights, which includes bans on discrimination, racial and LGBT slurs, explicit content, and extreme violence. Delta senior staff said:
“We apologise to any customers who were offended by the content of our airing of the segment, and we are working as quickly as possible to remove it from our aircraft. Our commitment to inclusion and respect of all customers is rooted in Delta’s values and culture, and we proudly embrace diverse people, thinking and styles”. According to GayTravel.com, Foreshew rang for a flight attendant when he saw the film, and explained the problem. “I told her, ‘I know this isn’t your fault, you don’t select the programming… but you should know what’s on your flight,” he explained.
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Comedian Chris Rock
He said she was sympathetic and agreed with him that the content was inappropriate. She got him information for one of Delta’s Human Resources managers and rang ahead to LAX to arrange for what she referred to as a “red coat” (airline customer service representatives) to meet him at the gate and discuss his complaint. A Delta employee and a manager for LAX took his complaint and told him an executive from Delta would be in touch with him. Earlier in August, comedian Cameron Esposito noticed that a scene with two girls (Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara) kissing had been removed from a Delta inflight film called ‘Carol’, and tweeted about it, leading to the hashtag on twitter #FreeCarol. Delta had explained that it does not have any right to edit films, but is given the choice by distribution companies whether to take an edited version or the full movie, and with explicit films will take the edited version. -MKB
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Netflix Announces Premieres of Original Stand-up Comedy Specials Netflix has announced premiere dates for its upcoming slate of new stand-up comedy specials. Previously announced upcoming titles also include Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy: We’ve Been Thinking… premiering this Friday, August 26 ( trailer here) and Iliza: Confirmed Kills premiering Friday, September 23. All of the following new titles will be available globally upon release: Cedric the Entertainer: Live from the Ville – Premieres Friday, September 16, 2016 Comedy icon Cedric the Entertainer brings the laughs to Nashville, taking hilarious aim at the
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aggressive lyrics of today’s rap artists, raising kids in the Snapchat generation, and Obama’s legacy. The ‘Original King of Comedy’ played to a packed house at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Russell Peters: Almost Famous – Premieres Friday, October 7, 2016 Russell Peters is back and as fearless as ever in his newest comedy special, ‘Almost Famous.’ In front of a sold out audience in Toronto, Canada, Peters makes a triumphant return focusing on his two favorite subjects: family and race. Joe Rogan: Triggered – Premieres Friday, October 21, 2016 Joe Rogan takes to the stage to unleash his inquisitive and intense comedic style at
the historic Fillmore in San Francisco where he explores everything from raising kids and Santa Claus to pot gummies and talking to dolphins. Dana Carvey: Straight White Male, 60 – Premieres Friday, November 4, 2016 Emmy Award-winning comedian and “SNL” star Dana Carvey makes quite the impression with his distinctive brand of comedy in his new, outrageously funny stand-up special filmed at the The Wilbur Theatre in Boston, MA. Colin Quinn: The New York Story- Premieres Friday, November 18, 2016 “SNL” veteran Colin Quinn delivers a taping of his sold out off-Broadway show to Netflix for his second stand-up special. In front
New York. Reggie Watts: Spatial – Premieres Tuesday, December 13, 2016 Comedian/musician Reggie Watts brings viewers along on a one-of-a-kind surrealist experimental comedy adventure. The completely improvised show weaves together sketches, short stories, and dream sequences creating a truly unique experience. Filmed live on a soundstage in Los Angeles, Watts waxes poetic about flight, grits, and guns – and takes the audience on a trip fantastic they will not soon forget. Gabriel lglesias: I’m Sorry For What I Said When I Was Hungry – Premieres Tuesday, December 20, 2016
of a crowd of fellow locals, Quinn presents the history of New York and the different groups who shape the personality of the city. Quinn’s show was filmed at the Schimmel Center in New York City and is directed by Jerry Seinfeld. Michael Che Matters – Premieres Friday, November 25, 2016
One of the most popular comedians in the world with sell out concerts in over 24 countries, this special marks Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias’ Netflix original stand-up comedy debut and sixth comedy special. Watch as Fluffy reflects on his life and more before a sold out house in Chicago, IL.
“SNL” Weekend Update co-anchor and former “Daily Show” correspondent, Michael Che brings down the house with his laid-back style as he tackles society’s most controversial actions through his hilarious prism at the Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse in Brooklyn,
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Narcos Season 2 To Launch Friday 2nd September on Netflix
Who Killed Pablo Escobar?
www.Netflix.com
Narcos chronicles the gripping real-life stories of the infamous drug kingpins of the late 1980s, and the corroborative efforts of law enforcement to meet them head on in brutal, bloody conflict.
Season 1 of Narcos is available for members to stream instantly on Netflix in Ultra HD 4K.
Its gritty storytelling details the many, often-conflicting forces – legal, political, police, military and civilian – that clash in the effort to control cocaine, one of the world’s most valuable commodities.
https://www.facebook.com/NarcosNetflix ,
All ten episodes of Narcos Season Two will launch Friday, 2 September exclusively on Netflix.
For more information on Narcos visit:
If you missed Season 1, catch up now on:
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Follow #Narcos on
https://twitter.com/NarcosNetflix https://instagram.com/narcos
Netflix.com/narcos
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Graham Norton gives The Young Offenders his comedy seal of approval The well-known TV and radio presenter, actor and comedian, Graham Norton, has heaped praise on the new Irish comedy, The Young Offenders, which will hit Irish cinemas in September. Speaking about the film he said:
“A classic movie double act is born! It captures everything that makes Ireland so special – it’s very funny, outrageous, and full of heart. Sell all your cocaine and buy a ticket to see this film!”. Inspired by the true story of Ireland’s biggest cocaine seizure in 2007, The Young Offenders is a comedy road movie about best friends, Conor and Jock, two innercity teenagers from Cork. When a drug-trafficking boat capsizes off the coast of West Cork, and 61 bales of cocaine, each worth €7m, are seized, word gets out that there’s a bale missing. The boys steal two bikes, and go on a road trip to find bale 62, but not everything goes to plan.
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The debut feature from Peter Foott, The Young Offenders stars Cork natives, Chris Walley and Alex Murphy, as well as well-known comedians, PJ Gallagher (Naked Camera) and Hilary Rose (The Republic of Telly). Since its world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh last month, where it picked up the Best Irish Film award, it has been receiving praise from critics and audiences alike. The film will have a Cork premiere on August 24th, and a Dublin premiere on September 8th. The film is set to open across the Republic of Ireland on Friday 16th September, with previews on the 10th and 11th September, and will be the widest release of any Irish film so far this year. (eile.ie 18 August 2016)
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Winter Pride M From 7 - 13 of November 2016 in Gran Canaria, Europe´s favourite gay paradise ProGay presents, in Europe´s largest and most popular gay paradise Gran Canaria, the third edition of Winter Pride Maspalomas, from 7 – 13 of November 2016. One week with 15 high quality and entertaining events where the central messages are respect and acceptance, the keys of life. With 35,000 visitors from all over Europe, it promises to be an exciting week, while enjoying the average temperature of 23 degrees in the daytime. The live shows on the Yumbo Main Stage are free but reserve your tickets for one of the
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Maspalomas! special events in time to guarantee a place! Visit the website of Winter Pride Maspalomas, and check out the programme with some great new events like the Wine & Tapas Night Market, Musicals in Concert, Grand Opening of Ocean Beach Club and much more!
http://www.winterpridemaspalomas.com/
Winter Pride Maspalomas is organised by ProGay and it is their objective to promote Gran Canaria as Europe´s most popular LGTB destination . You can expect high quality events with many live artists, special events, Pride Walk, dinner show and a workshop for people interested in living in Gran Canaria.
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LGBTQ Investigative Journalists And Editors Investigative journalism is a unique branch of journalism in which the journalist reports on a controversial subject by way of an in-depth, research intensive study of the matter. The issue can be local, national, or international in scope. It most often involves crime, corruption, or the accountability of power. The journalist is responsible for extensive factchecking and analysis of public records along with their own sleuthing through the use of state-of-the art tools and techniques. By the very nature of the work, investigative journalism requires tremendous resources and time commitments. This is in
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stark contrast to the growing addiction by the general public, driven by social media, for instantaneous news and entertainment. The two often conflict, with rapid-fire social media stories being proven groundless or exaggerated, once an in-depth analysis of the issue is undertaken. The success of this group of reporters and editors shows that the individual can still make a difference in today’s political world. Many of the LGBTQ investigative journalists and editors have received high praise and profile for their work. These include Glen Greenwald, who is responsible for detailing government surveillance programs, based on classified documents disclosed by Edward Snowden. Similarly, CNN’s Anderson Cooper and NPR’s Ari Shapiro are known to many around the world. Several individuals have been recognized for their work by receiving the Pulitzer
Prize, the Livingston Award, or an Emmy Award. There are organizations which support the work of LGBTQ investigative journalists and editors. These include the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA), and Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE). This logistical support is very important, because investigating controversial subject matter, while being openly LGBTQ, often puts the individual into situations of even greater risk. Queerbio.com have been able to identify LGBTQ investigative journalists from Russia, Great Britain, the United States, France, and the Philippines. To see the list and read their fascinating biographies, go to Queerbio.com
Investigative Journalist Glen Greenwald
NPR’s Ari Shapiro
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The Community Of LGBTQ Astronomers, Astrophysicists And Cosmologists Whereas astronomy is the study of the existence and motion of planetary objects, cosmology examines the properties of these objects (e.g.origin and composition), while astrophysics uses the laws of physics and chemistry to understand their nature. There are many LGBTQ scientists studying these subjects, and they are part of a wider community of students, faculty, staff, and librarians. To ensure that their work be undertaken without any degree of personal bias, harassment, or discrimination, they have organized themselves into a group called The Outlist of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, and Ally Astronomers. LGBTQ scientists tend to be absent when high profile lists of prominent LGBTQ individuals are compiled. One of the reasons is that, by the nature of scientific research itself, one’s sexual orientation is rarely conveyed in the output. This lack of visibility of participation and success raises concerns that it deters young people from choosing science as a career in the first place. In a 2014 survey by the Royal Astronomical Society, of those who responded, 3% identified as bisexual, 4% as gay men, and 0.2% as lesbian (of the 77.5% male respondents and 21.3% female). Another survey in the United States (2015) showed a lack of protection for LGBTQ scientists from harassment. There was a noted sense of isolation and marginalization amongst the respondents. Social norms have encouraged LGBTQ scientists to stay in the closet. Indeed, over one-third of LGBTQ scientists considered leaving their department or workplace in the past year, based on a bad experience.
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This shows that there is a need for change and improvement. The fact that a lesbian, Nergis Mavalvala, was a prominent member of the group of scientists, who recently proved Einstein’s theory of the existence of gravitational waves, is a big step forward. Queerbio has compiled a list of LGBTQ astrophysicists, and cosmologists, that they have been able to identify. They hail from Canada, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Great Britain, the United States, and Australia. For more LGBTQ biographies, go to: www.queerbio.com (eile.ie 18 August 2016)
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Arosa Gay Ski Week 2017! The Arosa (Switzerland) Gay Ski Week team wish you a wonderful and sunny summer! You can find them at the Circuit Festival in Barcelona, on the beaches of Sitges, or at the Elysium Hotel in Mykonos.
PACKAGES for 7 nights PACKAGES for 5 nights PACKAGES for 3 nights Visit: https://web4.deskline.net/ arosaskiweek/en/package/list
They are now actively preparing their 13th Annual Ski Week, which will take place from Saturday 21st to Saturday 28th of January, 2017.
If you book from their website or call them at +41 81 378 70 20, you will get the best rate from their partners. If you find a better price, they’ll match it. That’s their Best Price Guarantee, and it’s just one of the ways to help you find the perfect hotel for their ski week. NEW HOTEL PARTNER – Provisorium 13
They will start Saturday, and end the week with farewells at the ‘Avalanche‘ party, Friday night at the Kursaal.
HOTEL PROVISORIUM13 central, across the ice-rink: the host hotel during the ski week with affordable rooms:
Below are their exclusive, all-inclusive packages: Hotel + event pass + ski pass at great rates and take advantage of -10% by booking before August 30!
7 nights + breakfast + event pass gold + 6 days ski pass Triple room: CHF 700.- per person (650€ / 720$) Double room: CHF 840.- per person (780€ / 860$)
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Single room: CHF 940.- per person (870€ / 960$) You can book for this event by visiting: https://web4.deskline.net/arosaskiweek/ en/package/list Some of the items you can book in advance: Fondue evening & night sledging - 26th January 2017 60.00 Event Pass GOLD - from 21-27 January 2017 150.00 Event Pass SILVER - valid 23 - 27 January 2017 90.00 Event Pass BRONZE - valid 21 - 23 January 2017 70.00 7-day ski pass 332.00 6-day ski pass 299.00 5-day ski pass 263.00 4 PACKAGES AVAILABLE Package ACCOMMODATION + EVENTS Accommodation (hotel or holiday apartment) Event Pass Gold, Silver or Bronze! from 400.00 per package
DETAILS Show possible arrival dates | Travel period from 21/01/2017 Package ACCOMMODATION + SKI Accommodation (hotel or holiday apartment) Ski pass Arosa Lenzerheide from 550.00 per package DETAILS Show possible arrival dates | Travel period from 21/01/2017 Package ACCOMMODATION + SKI + EVENTS Accommodation (hotel or holiday apartment) Ski pass Arosa Lenzerheide Event Pass Gold, Silver or Bronze! from 700.00 per package DETAILS Show possible arrival dates | Travel period from 21/01/2017 Sunstar Wellness Plus from 750.00 per package DETAILS Travel period from 21/01/2017
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UK: The Bisexual – New Series Commissioned By Channel 4 The Bisexual is a painfully hilarious look at the difference between dating men and women from the perspective of a person who finds herself doing both. It’s an honest look at the last taboo, bisexuality, and what it means to refuse to compromise on what you want.
hanging out with heterosexuals – their worlds collide in deeply awkward and revealing ways as he becomes her unlikely wingman and helps her to navigate her new life dating men.
New Yorker Leila (Desiree Akhavan) is feeling lost in London. Recently part of an uber-cool power couple, she’s now split from girlfriend, Sadie, and is struggling to adjust.
Leila is part brave, part reckless, 100% shameless and is embarking on a romantic Choose Your Own Adventure, trudging through the hell of dating – gay and straight.
Moving in with a ‘stranger off the internet’ she soon discovers she’s swapped her luxe old life (think: high quality condiments, plus a girlfriend who sorted all of the Life Admin) for a houseshare with Gabe, a British guy who’s only ever other female ‘flat-mate’ was his mum.
The Bisexual was commissioned for Channel 4 by Nerys Evans, Deputy Head of Comedy, who said:
Gabe doesn’t know any lesbians and Leila’s not got too much experience of
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Offering an outsider’s view of Britain, The Bisexual is brimming with weird and wonky slices of urban life only apparent to those living on a temporary work visa, struggling to keep up with the discrepancy between what the English say versus how they actually feel.
“We are thrilled to be working with Desiree on her series The Bisexual. She has such a brilliantly unique viewpoint on finding love in your 30s. We love her candid observations, both on being an outsider in a strange city as well as
Desiree Akhavan
the sexual politics encountered when you are neither straight nor gay. She’s honest, authentic and brilliantly funny in her delivery.” Desiree Akhavan is delighted with the new series. She said: ”Getting to play in the sandbox with such intelligent collaborators at Sister Pictures and Channel 4 is an absolute dream come true. They’re the perfect partners in crime for a taboo sex comedy.” Naomi de Pear, Executive Producer, commented:
voice as a writer and director that’s rare in its honesty and hilarity. The Bisexual will be a shamelessly raw and questioning look at how people are exposed through their sex and relationships and the new rules, pitfalls and prejudices around that.” The Bisexual is written by Desiree Akhavan and Cecilia Frugiuele (Appropriate Behaviour) and is being made by Naomi de Pear (Flowers) within Sister Pictures. It was commissioned by Nerys Evans, Deputy Head of Comedy and Phil Clarke, Acting Head of Drama & Head of Comedy for Channel 4.
“Desiree has got the kind of sureness of
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Homophobic Remarks: UK Burnley Player Andre Gray Apologises
A UK Premier League player has apologised for homophobic remarks which he made four years ago, saying he is not the same person now, is not in the least bit homophobic, and has asked for forgiveness for the remarks on twitter. Andre Gray, a Burnley player, said he wanted to offer a “sincere and unreserved apology” for the tweets, which were posted four years ago, when “…I was a completely different person to the man I am now”. He says he was at a very different point in his life back then, one that he has worked hard to move on from. However, although some have praised Gray’s turnaround: “Bessie @BessieMcfc Aug 21 @AndreGray7 fair play lad I judged you and I read your story you can only apologise and you have done xx” others on twitter have tweeted that they do not believe the apology is sincere, and believe it is a PR re-write: “Sibs @SibsMUFC Aug 20 @AndreGray7 You’re only sorry you got caught. I bet Burnley’s media team wrote that statement for you.” -MKB (eile.ie 22 August 2016)
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PrEP Finally Approved By European Commission For All 28 States The European Commission announced the approval of Truvada as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) in all 28 EU member states, last week (Monday 22nd). Experts believe that it will be available on the pharmaceutical market within the next 6 months. Already now PrEP plays an important role, along with other measures, in HIV prevention. PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. PrEP is a way for people who don’t have HIV but who are at very high risk of getting it to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day. The pill contains two medicines that are also used to treat HIV. At the International AIDS Conference 2016 in Durban, where AIDS Action Europe also participated, first successes in the use of PrEP were reported. In particular, after its introduction, the incidence rate decreased among MSM in San Francisco (USA) and in New South Wales (Australia). PrEP has a relatively high price, and therefore, without health insurance reimbursement, is affordable to very few people. It is hoped that in the future more options for PrEP will be available, and generic products will also enter the market that would dramatically reduce the costs of this highly effective HIV-prevention method. (eile.ie 30 August 2016)
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Rio: Gay Couple Gold Medal Winners In Women’s Field Hockey – Kate Confirms Retirement The first gay married couple to compete in the Olympics now have a couple of other firsts to add to their names, being the first gay married couple who are medalists, and the first gay married couple who are gold medalists (They had also won bronze as an unmarried couple on the same team in 2012 at the London Olympics).
making it 2-0 for Britain after a 3-3 draw. Goalie Maddie Hinch saved 3 shots from the Netherlands team in the shootout. gbwomenshockeygold
Last Friday night (19th August) Helen and Kate Richardson-Walsh, from Maidenhead in the UK, both on the women’s field hockey team for Great Britain, won gold. Their team were playing The Netherlands, and after a tie, 3-3, there had to be a shootout, which Great Britain won. Kate (the most capped player with 368 intnl caps and the most-capped female player) captained the team, and has been captain since 2003.
Having won bronze in the 2012 Olympics in London, where Kate had also captained, and Helen played, the team felt that they wouldn’t be happy now with bronze or silver, and had gone into the Rio Games with one thought in their heads, to win the gold. Christa Cullen had said:
She has just yesterday (Saturday 20th August) confirmed her retirement from international hockey, having made her international debut in 1999, and 375 appearances for her country.
It seems the team, led by Kate, and with goal-scoring from wife, Helen, have managed to live up to their high expectations.
In the shootout with The Netherlands, Kate’s wife Helen scored, and then Hollie Webb brought it home with another strike,
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Olympic Gold Medal Winners for Women’s Field Hockey in Rio – Great Britain The team had trained hard for this event, coached by Danny Kerr, and in the semifinal against New Zealand, two of their members, Crista Cullen and Georgie Twigg had been injured around the face and head.
“To fight for a gold medal, that’s what our expectations are”.
– M. Butler (eile.ie 21 August 2016)
Helen (Left) and Kate (Right) Richardson-Walsh
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WE ARE REAL: New report on the growing intersex movement The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice has recently launched the report We Are Real: The Growing Movement Advancing the Human Rights of Intersex People. The report includes terminology, common questions, human rights/ legal issues, and demands of the intersex movement. It also highlights strategies for change and presents recommendations to funders.
differs from other social and political movements. We are Real contains a wealth of material that can be shared with stakeholders on who intersex people are, what challenges they face, and how we can support them in their difficult struggle to defend the human rights of intersex people worldwide,” states Aleksandr Berezkin, founder of Intersex Fund grantee partner ARSI.
Available in English, Spanish, Russian, and forthcoming in Chinese, We Are Real seeks to share and promote relevant knowledge and understanding of intersex issues and activism to people across the world -particularly funders and other actors committed to human rights.
Little known, often misunderstood, and frequently conflated with questions of sexual orientation and gender identity, the concerns and rights of intersex people are gaining new ground thanks to the work of intersexled organizations around the globe—most of whom operate with little to no funding.
“This report helps more accurately understand the basic principles, concepts, strategies, teamwork, and specifics of intersex existence and activism and how it often
“As a feminist, social justice, and LGBTQI funder, Astraea is thrilled to release this report, thus furthering our core commitment to justice and liberation for all people. We call upon all donors to consider how you can support intersex human rights within your mandate. Whether your funding addresses
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Intersexioni members convening, Italy. Photo credit: Intersexioni
LGBT rights or disability rights, civil rights or women’s rights, health rights or children’s rights, intersex issues are relevant to your work. Join us in reading, learning and expanding support for this incredible human rights movement,” states J. Bob Alotta, Astraea’s Executive Director. Read the report online and join the conversation on social media with the hashtag #WeAreReal. The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice is a philanthropic organization working to advance LGBTQI human rights and justice around the world. (eile.ie 20 August 2016)
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UK - Judge Praises Gay Men In Luton Blackmail Case
Luton Crown Court
A UK judge at Luton Crown Court has praised the bravery of 3 gay men (only referred to in court as A,B and C) who came forward to expose a 22 year-old blackmailer, who used Grindr to extort money from his victims. Liam Hull, unemployed, from Luton, who pleaded guilty to three counts of blackmail, had been using the gay dating site to target gay men who were not out, some with wives and children, and in one case, the gay man had to confess to his wife after 20 years of marriage. Judge Richard Foster sentenced Hull to two and a half years, and quoted Lord Lane that blackmail was one of the most ugly and vicious of criminal offences, and it involved “the attempted murder of the soul”. The court heard that Hull would target
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married men, and once having initial contact details, would then use social media to find out more about his victims. In A’s case, Hull was able to find A’s full name and information about his wife. Victim A then paid Hull £1,000 when supplied with bank details. Victim B suffered a minor stroke, and victim C said he was bisexual, and had been using Grindr since 2015, having been married for twenty years, with grown-up children. Victim C had decided to tell his wife about his bisexuality, and then checked the number he had for Hull, which he found was an escort agency for gay men in London. He gave the information to the Bedfordshire police, and Hull was arrested. -MKB (eile.ie 25 August 2016)
UK - C of E Bishop Chamberlain Admits Gay Relationship
Rev Dr Nicholas Chamberlain Bishop of Grantham
Nicholas Chamberlain, the Church of England bishop of Grantham, has admitted that he is in a gay relationship, but says it is a celibate one, in line with Church rules. The bishop says he obeys the Church rules which say he must be celibate, but that his relationship is long-term and committed. Justin Welby, who is the current Archbishop of Canterbury, has said that he knew about Chamberlain’s gay status when consecrating him bishop last year. Welby has said: “His appointment as bishop of Grantham was made on the basis of his skills and calling to serve the Church in the Diocese of Lincoln. He lives within the bishops’ guidelines and his sexuality is completely irrelevant to his office”. It appears that Bishop Chamberlain gave
an interview to the Guardian newspaper, because an exposé on himself and his relationship was about to be printed by another newspaper. Chamberlain says he did not intend to make a big thing about coming out, and told the Guardian: “People know I’m gay, but it’s not the first thing I’d say to anyone. Sexuality is part of who I am, but it’s my ministry that I want to focus on”. He said of his long-term relationship: “It is faithful, loving, we are like-minded, we enjoy each other’s company and we share each other’s life”. He added that he hoped to be judged by his actions as a parish priest, a bishop and “by the Lord ultimately”. -MKB (eile.ie 3 September 2016) EILE Magazine 81
US: HRC Releases Trans Guide To Sexual Health Yesterday (23rd August) the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of a large American LGBTQ civil rights organization, and WhitmanWalker Health, a community health centre with special expertise in LGBTQ and HIV-related care, released Safer Sex for Trans Bodies, a comprehensive sexual health guide for transgender people and their partners. “Transgender people are too often denied crucial and relevant guidance around sexual health that everyone needs to live healthy, safe and whole lives” said HRC Communications Director, Jay Brown. “Transgender health issues, especially those related to sexual health, are all too often stigmatized or completely ignored.
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Safer Sex for Trans Bodies provides essential information that will help minimize health risks that can develop because of a lack of knowledge.” This first-of-its kind resource was drafted by HRC and Whitman-Walker Health in consultation with Casa Ruby, Trans United Fund, and TransLatin@ Coalition. It was made possible with support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with HRC in creating this important resource for the community,” said Josh Riley, Director of Community Commitment at Whitman-Walker Health. “Too often in healthcare settings, if there is a focus on sexual health at all, it is only explored through the lens of pathology or dysfunction. [….] This new guide emphasizes sexual health, wellness, and exploration, in addition to risk reduction, and will be a valuable tool for transidentified individuals across the spectrum, as well as their healthcare providers and other allies.” The guide is written by and for members
of the transgender community and offers them a resource on potentially life-saving and affirming practices, from respectful terminology and definitions to helpful practices for sexual health following transition-related care. It will be available online and at WhitmanWalker Health’s locations in Washington, D.C. HRC and Whitman-Walker Health will also host a Facebook Live conversation about transgender health today, August 24th at 1 pm Eastern on the HRC Facebook page. Ruby Corado of Casa Ruby, a bilingual, multicultural organization providing life-saving services and programs to LGBT people in the DC-area, offered her support of the guide saying: “This publication is critical to support informed decision-making in trans communities that lack access to many resources. Through this guide, providers will have ready access to culturally competent guidance”. For more visit http://www.hrc.org/transgender. (eile.ie 24 August 2016)
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Australia - Greens To Vote Against Plebiscite On Marriage Equality The Australian Greens have resolved to vote against any legislation enabling a plebiscite on marriage equality. “No matter what the enabling legislation for a plebiscite looks like, the Greens will vote against it. We should never put questions of human rights to an opinion poll” said Greens Leader Richard Di Natale. “The easiest, simplest, quickest, most effective, least costly and least harmful way of ensuring equality in marriage is through a vote in the parliament, and we can do that next week should the Prime Minister decide to show some leadership”. “The Greens won’t support this waste of money that is designed to delay equality and give a megaphone to hate and homophobia. The Greens will vote for marriage equality
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– every MP, every vote, every time – so we call on Labor and the other crossbenchers to reject the Liberals’ plebiscite and demand a free vote in the Parliament.” Richard De Natale has worked in Aboriginal health in the Northern Territory, and on HIV prevention in India. Greens spokesperson on LGBTIQ, Senator Janet Rice, a climate scientist, environmentalist, and a founding member of the Greens in Victoria said: “Australia has fallen behind the rest of the world on marriage equality. We’ve listened to the LGBTIQ community, 85% of whom are opposed to a damaging and unnecessary plebiscite because of the harm that it would do. John Howard didn’t need a plebiscite to deny marriage equality and we don’t need one now embrace it. The Prime Minister needs to have the courage to stand up to the extreme wing of his party, who are doing everything they can
“No matter what the enabling legislation for a plebiscite looks like, the Greens will vote against it. We should never put questions of human rights to an opinion poll” to delay the inevitable”.
and the Amnesty International Parliamentary Group.
“We need a free vote in the Parliament as soon as possible. We could have legislation -MKB passed next week and wedding bells ringing this spring”. (eile.ie 29 August 2016) Janet is the co-convenor of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for LGBTIQ Australians
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Belize Supreme Court Overturns Anti-gay Law In a greatly anticipated Supreme Court oral decision delivered on Wednesday, August 10, the Honorable Chief Justice of Belize, Kenneth Benjamin, ruled that section 53 of the Criminal Code, which outlaws homosexual relations, is inconsistent with the Constitution of Belize. His decision, which has been applauded by the LGBT and human rights community in Belize in court and outside, came in the constitutional case brought by Caleb Orozco in July 2010. Orozco, a gay man, is the Executive Director of the United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM), a policy and advocacy human rights NGO working to advance rights, protection, and enforcement for LGBT persons, which is also an interested party in the case. After court, Orozco said that it “is a proud day with a historymaking judgment for Belize, the country which I am proud to call home. Our courts are there to protect us all. In striking down Section 53, we have reaffirmed ourselves— consistent with the Belize Constitution—as a society built 88 EILE Magazine
on dignity and respect for all.” Orozco and UNIBAM argued that section 53 of the Criminal Code violates his constitutional rights, and that of many other Belizeans, to human dignity, privacy and equality before the law because it criminalizes sexual intimacy between consenting adults, even in private. Section 53 makes “carnal intercourse against the order of nature’, which includes anal sex, a crime punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment. In a groundbreaking decision, the Chief Justice ruled that Orozco has legal standing to bring his claim and did not need to show that he was being actually prosecuted under S. 53 to bring a claim, and that the very existence of the law made him an “un-apprehended felon”. The Court also stated that it could not shirk its responsibility in interpreting whether any law is consistent or not with the Constitution and therefore could not simply abdicate its power to the legislature. Orozco prevailed on all points of his claim. The Chief Justice decided that section 53 is inconsistent with the Constitution of Belize because it violates the right to human
dignity, privacy, freedom of expression and nondiscrimination and equality before the law and equal protection of the law. The Court then ‘read down’ S. 53 of the Criminal Code to exclude consensual sexual acts between adults in private.” The Chief Justice also ruled that the definition of “sex” in S. 16 (3) of the Constitution of Belize includes ‘sexual orientation’, which is consistent with Belize’s international obligations. After court, President of UNIBAM Simone Hill stated that “this case is an important part of the march forward in Belize and the Caribbean towards dignity and respect for the human rights of all. Decisions throughout Caribbean history that have had advanced human rights have not been decisions arrived at easily or quickly.” Laura Tucker-Longsworth, chairperson of National AIDS Commission of Belize, says that “section 53 as a national issue because it has implications for HIV prevention and care. Education is key for creating meaningful change in our society.” Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, the
Special Envoy for Women and Children said “It’s a great day for Belize, it’s a great day for human rights; one step closer to dignity and the respect we all deserve.
his or her choice of religious belief, his or her ethnicity, or his or her sexual orientation. It is our duty to give effect to and reinforce the highest law of Belize – the CONSTITUTION.”
Belizean indigenous leader and environmentalist Cristina Coc of Maya Leaders Alliance, and awardee of the prestigious Equator prize in December 2015, welcomes the decision today. She commented “We are equally responsible to ensure STATE Accountability to protect the human rights of ALL and not SOME! Therefore, all laws, policies and actions must be consistent with the CONSTITUTION. The Issue of non-discrimination must not be overlooked. No one person, group or community should be discriminated against because of the color of his or her skin,
Westmin James, one of the lawyers and member of the Faculty of Law UWI Rights Advocacy Project (U-RAP), which helped to launch the case said: “This decision is a brave step in the recognition of the human rights of all persons in Belize and will go a long way in promoting the human rights and equality of all LGBT persons in the Caribbean.” “We salute Caleb Orozco’s bold claim to be recognized as equally Belizean. We also want to praise the University of the West Indies Faculty of Law Rights Advocacy Project (U-
RAP) and the several pro bono lawyers in the case,” added Dane Lewis, Chair, CariFLAGS, in the UNIBAM/U-RAP release. However, some were not pleased by the ruling. The President of the National Evangelical Association of Belize, Pastor Lance Lewis, said Christians must resist the coming changes to the society. Jamaican gay rights advocate and lawyer, Maurice Tomlinson who is leading the challenge against the Jamaican Law hailed the decision as, “a victory for the Caribbean”. (eile.ie 15 August 2016)
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ILGA Annual Conference 2016, Registration Extended And Brand New Feature Given the holidays season and high interest in their conference they have decided to postpone the registration deadline until Sunday 11 September. This way they hope to give everybody who wants to attend the opportunity to join them in Cyprus. The Hilton Cyprus Hotel has also decided to extend their booking deadline until Sunday 11 September. The discounted conference fees are valid until then, or as long as rooms are available. ILGA were informed that the hotel may soon be fully booked, so don’t delay in making your reservation. Updates ILGA are excited to announce that the conference opening session on Wednesday evening 19 October is to take place in the Presidential Palace of Cyprus. The closing Gala this year will take place in the historic Famagusta gates. During the conference there will be other opportunities to get to learn more about the northern and southern parts of Cyprus capital Nicosia. Local hosts are working hard to put together a wonderful social programme. This year offers over 50 different sessions, including spaces to relax; talk about intersectionality; exercise ones’ faith; and of course dance. The preliminary programme and provisional list of participants will be made available late September. New this year – short presentations
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The aim of this activity is to provide a space where participants can present and hear about research, publications or projects regarding LGBTI issues. The idea is that participants get a flavour about your work. If people want to learn more, then they can approach you directly during the conference. Therefore there is a very strict format for presentations. Be aware that presentations should not exceed 10 minutes, and must give a brief idea of the research/project conducted. The conference will be chaired by a facilitator, who will strictly keep to this timing. Please find a non-exhaustive list of elements that you might consider including in your presentation below. Keep in mind that the content of the research space will be announced in the conference’s programme. In case you would like to make use of this opportunity, ILGA need you to provide the details of your presentation before 15 September (23:59 CET). Be sure to include the following information: Title Presenter Type (research, project, publication) Short description (keep in mind that this information will be included at the delegate pack and should not be longer than 100 words) Who is it for (who could be interested in hearing about it) Technical needs (in case you are using power point presentation or similar) Second conference mailing
The second conference mailing was disseminated earlier this month, and informed members and participants about the following: Preliminary Agenda of the Annual General Meeting Elections Selection of future Conference Hosts Policy and Constitutional Debates (Proposals) Report on ILGA-Europe’s finances for 2015 Please, find all of the documents under the ‘pre-conference mailing’ and ‘first mailing’ sections at the ILGA-Europe’s 20th Annual Conference section on the webpage. The third and last conference mailing is scheduled for 29 September. Find more information on how to register for the conference and how to book your hotel at: http://ilga-europe.org/conference/nicosia-2016/registration-travel-and-accommo dation#Accomodation
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