GCN Magazine

Welcome, dear reader, to the April 2024 issue of GCN.

Our dazzling cover stars are Áine, Alannah and Blezzing, photographed beautifully by Steven Peice. The cover shoot accompanies two incredibly important articles, one charting the history of the disability rights movement in Ireland and the other outlining what more needs to be done to achieve liberation for queer disabled folk.

Summer is just around the corner, bringing with it many events to look forward to. From the 40th anniversary of the Cork Women’s Weekend to I’m Grand Mam’s national tour, from Pillow Queens’ biggest-ever headline gig to the Mother Pride Block Party, we delve deeper into all of these and more across the magazine.

On the note of queer parties, we also travel back in time to some of the most iconic club nights to grace Dublin City: GAG, POWDERBUBBLE and H.A.M. Meanwhile, a separate historical article continues our series spotlighting the founding members of the Sexual Liberation Movement, this time remembering the impact of Gerry McNamara.

We round out the magazine by bidding farewell to Michael Brett, GCN’s departing Group Manager. Michael brought so much to GCN over the past 18 months and we wish him the best of luck in his exciting next venture!

This issue promises a wide variety of voices and captivating reads, but one message remains the same: there is power in unity. Collaboration is the key to success, whether it be in creative endeavours, achieving safe spaces or changing the state of a nation. We must not forget that there is still much to fight for; queer liberation will not be achieved until all minorities are empowered and equal. Listen to those who have been silenced and find a way to fight for a better world for all.

Thank you, as always, for reading; we hope you enjoy!