“ A huge amount of calls that we get are from people who feel trapped because of the perceived need to live up to an ideal of masculinity.
“In our community, the referendum was read as a time where everything was fixed, but we still have huge issues around mental health, sexual health, and our relationship with drink and drugs. Marriage equality was an important mark in the sand, but legacy issues are still there.”
So, says Adam Shanley, who would know better than most. He’s the director of Gay Switchboard Ireland, the country’s longest-running LGBT+ support service, providing an understanding ear to callers in need for over 44 years.
During this year’s Pride celebrations, the charity will launch Uncover, a photographic exhibition by Brian Teeling, featuring portraits of notable figures from a cross-section of Irish LGBT+ life. Subjects include politicians, musicians, artists and activists. GCN’s founder Tonie Walsh appears, as does our current editor Brian Finnegan, as well as people such as Senator Fintan Warfield, theatre director Garry Hynes, drag artist Veda Beaux Reves and broadcaster Brendan Courtney.