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Welcome, dear reader, to the Pride edition of GCN! Our biggest issue of the year is brimming with compelling stories, pressing issues and stunning photography.

This is the first issue published under new leadership at GCN, with Stefano Pappalardo taking the reins as Manager, and Alice Linehan assuming the role of Editor. It is an exciting time for the organisation as it takes the next step in its 36-year journey.

Our cover photographed by Hazel Coonagh aims to capture a tiny glimpse of our wonderful rainbow family on the steps of the Department of Justice in Dublin. They stood where a small group of activists gathered 50 years ago on June 27, 1974, commencing Ireland’s first-ever Pride demonstration.

The Irish Gay Rights Movement (IGRM) similarly celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, while Cork’s Gay Project marks its 40th. Without the bravery of those trailblazing activists, we would not be where we are today.

While there is much to celebrate, we must not ignore the work that is left to do, whether it be tackling the far-right, advocating for better trans healthcare or improving accessibility within the queer community. As a member of Belong To’s Pride Youth Committee puts it in one article, “While the base of Pride is obviously the LGBTQ+ community, we’re a human rights march.”

This point is more important than ever, as we witness the ongoing devastation happening in Palestine. As Queers for Palestine (Ireland) states in the parting shot, Palestinian liberation concerns us all.

While Ireland has taken the step to recognise the State of Palestine, this must be accompanied by action, including sanctions on Israel and the introduction of the Occupied Territories Bill. There is No Pride in Genocide, and we echo the global calls for an immediate ceasefire.

We invite you to dive into this bumper issue of GCN, and we thank you, as always, for reading. To all members of our beloved LGBTQ+ community, we wish you a safe, empowered and happy Pride.