A circle from the Prism logo, GCN's LGBT+ digital exhibition.
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digital

GCN strives to educate, engage, connect, give a voice to, represent, entertain and uplift the LGBT+ community.

In recent years, GCN has expanded its voice and presence from print to digital through its website - launched with a brand new design in June 2017 and updated daily with news, interviews, reviews, entertainment pieces, digital initiatives and events, video content and across its ever-growing social media channels.

GCN.ie

GCN's first foray into the world wide web was in 2000 with the launch of the gcn.ie website as both an online resource for the Irish LGBT+ community and a way to expand the reach of the magazine.

GCN digital platforms: Macintosh displaying the original version of GCN's website in the early 2000s.

TheOutmost.com

The GCN website was relaunched in January 2014 under the new name TheOutmost.com. It featured constantly updated news and entertainment stories, scene and community listings, video, podcast and other downloadable content.

GCN digital platforms: laptop displaying The Outmost website launched in 2014.

GCN.ie ...again

On June 16 2017, following a major redesign and rebrand of the print magazine, both it and the current iteration of the GCN site were launched with an event in Pantibar.

GCN digital platforms: Mac displaying GCN's new website relaunched in June 2017.

Appsolutely!

GCN's first foray into the world wide web was in 2000 with the launch of the gcn.ie website as both an online resource for the Irish LGBT+ community and a way to expand the reach of the magazine.

iPad displaying GCN's app showcasing previous digital issues of GCN and their covers. The top cover is issue 363, called "Out Of The Shadows" featuring a portrait of Evgeny Shtorn.

Magazine.GCN.ie

As Ireland’s national LGBT+ press, GCN felt that a robust and user friendly archive of the magazine being available online was a must.

Laptop displaying an article from the digital edition of GCN with text and editorial photos. The headline reads "PROTEST".

fundraising

From live events celebrating Eurovision, team-ups with HIV Ireland for World AIDS day, to our much-loved Big Fat Gay Pub Quiz, GCN has found fun and exciting methods of much-needed fundraising.

Q Card

In a new initiative to mark its 30th birthday, GCN partnered with several brands and business across Ireland and, in March 2018, introduced its first-ever subscribers’ membership card - the Q Card. The Q Card is packed with exclusive discounts and offers for GCN’s subscribers in shops, restaurants, clubs and more.

A series of Q cards stacked on a desk, the Q card is one of GCN's fundraising initiatives.

Eurovision Douze Points Party

In 2011, GCN launches a very special Eurovision Party. The Douze Points Party hosted by Julian Mandrews (and Tallulah Boom-Boom) is a further foray into hosting community events that double as fundraisers for GCN. GCN hosted a sell-out Eurovision party every year since then, except in 2019 when the contest was held in Israel and GCN observed a boycott.

A number of people cheering while waving Irish flags at the "Eurovision Douze Points Party", one of GCN's fundraising initiatives.

My Big Fat Gay Pub Quiz

My Big Fat Gay Pub Quiz arrived into the world in 2012 and has happened annually since then. It quickly became one of GCN’s most popular live events, boasting a range of fabulous drag hosts across the years. Shirley Temple Bar, Victoria Secret, Bunny and Shazwanda to name but a few.

People sitting in a pub at "My Big Fat Gay Pub Quiz", one of GCN's fundraising initiatives. Some people have their hands raised while drag queen Victoria Secret wearing a neon yellow bodysuit is talking on the microphone.

Fund It

In April 2018, GCN launched an ambitious Fund It campaign to finance its historic exhibition, “Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News”. Spanning across all social media, the campaign ran for six weeks and GCN raised €11,920 thanks to the help of 194 fantastic funders.

The GCN 30: Proof exhibition wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of:
Adrian and Shane
Thomas Bailey
Kevin Baker
Cath Barker
Brian Barnes
Dublin Bears
Sarah Comiskey
Suzie Bennett
Mark Bowyer
Colin Boylan
Mel Brady
Conor Buggy
Dermot Burke
Kevin Byrne
Suzy Byrne
Brendan Byrne
Michael Byrne
Declan Cahalane
Jamie Cahillane
Zoe Carrell
Tara Carton
Jane Casey
Cormac Cashman
Conor Clear
Philip Cohen
Susan Collins
Barry Comerford
Mick Connell
Declan Coogan
Sarah Corbett
Nick Costello
Lisa Cox
Helen Crawford Walsh
Colette Cullen
Barry Cullen
Jen Darcy
Alex De Paula
Sean Denyer
Denis Dermody
Marco Dias
Tara Dignam
Amanda Dilworth
Gloria DLGC
Vincent Donnelly
Ann Donohoe
Adrian Doyle
Ian Doyle
Kelly Earley
Liam Falvey
Maurice FitzGerald
Diarmmuid Fitzgerald
Deirdre Flaherty
Maria Francesca
Sarah Francis
Glamo Frowney
Kit Fryatt
Breda Gahan
Tony Galvin
Cecelia Gavigan
Terry Gill
Ruth Gilligan
Sarah Gilligan
Moninne Griffith
Brian Hale
Dominic Hannigan
Leanne Harte
Mark Hauge
Mark Healy
Grainne Healy
Ronan Healy
Jordan Hearns
Sean Hegarty
Padraig Heneghan
Coman Hennelly
Andrew Hetherington
Ross Higgins
Etain Hobson
Robert Holfeld
Daniel Holfeld
Damien Howard
Orla Howard
Derek Hughes
Bill Hughes
Andrew Hyland
Sandra Irwin Gowran
Stephen Jacques
Niall Jordan
Jason Kennedy
Rob Kenny
Caroline Kinsella
Elizabeth Kirwan
Will Knott
Gerard M Lawler
Tom Lawlor
Maurice Leahy
Aisling & Trish Leonard-Curtin
Ruchard Lucey
Martin Lynch
Orla Lyons
Anna MacCarthy
Aine Macken
Oilbhe Madden
Ed Madden
Alan McArthur
Peter McBride
Ciaran McDermott
Michael McDermott
Collette Mcentee
Olivia McEvoy
Olivia McGovern
Emma McGrattan
Claire McHugh
Ciaran McKinney
Noel McLaughlin
Gerard Meehan
Colin Monaghan
Margaret Moran
Conor Moyne
Thomas Mulvihill
Chris Noone
Traolach O Buachalla
Conall O Duibhir
Buzz O Neill
Cian O’Brien
Katherine O’Donnell
Ciaran O’Melia
Louise O’Reilly
Niall O’Sullivan
Peter O’Brien
Eoin Obrien
Peter O Reilly
Stefano P
Mattia Pelizzari
Damian Penco
Victor Popa
Peter Prunty
Karen Pugh
Aidan Quigley
James Raftery
Andrea Rocca
Avril Ryan
Adam Shanley
Brian Sheehan
Ailbhe Smyth
Will St Leger
Maria Tecce
Shirley Temple Bar
Stephen Thomas
David Turpin
Michael Twomey
Bego Urain
Neil Ward
Fintan Warfield
Willie White
Conor Wilson
Przem Shrem Zajac

be part of it...

Text To Donate

In March 2020, GCN took the difficult but appropriate decision to pause the print magazine in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To help raise much-needed funds for Ireland’s free independent LGBT+ press, GCN set up a text-to-donate system. You can support GCN by texting “GCN” to 50300 to donate €4*.

*GCN will receive a minimum of €3.25 per text. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline: 076 6805278.

GCN
Thank you!
The logo for the Proof Exhibition which reads "Proof: 30 years of Gay Community News. 1988 - 2018".

In June, 2018, GCN launched its exhibition, ‘Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News’ in the Gallery of Photography. The event celebrated and commemorated a momentous 30 years as Ireland’s national LGBT+ press.

Senator David Norris looking at some historic covers of GCN displayed on a wall during the launch of 'Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News'
Close-up of activist and co-founder of GCN Tonie Walsh smiling at the camera during the launch of 'Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News'
Four women posing while holding copies of GCN magazine during the launch of 'Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News'

Tonie Walsh

GCN Co-Founder
Activist and co-founder of GCN Tonie Walsh wearing a white shirt and pants smiling during the launch of 'Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News'. Behind him some historic covers of GCN displayed on a wall.
Activist and co-founder of GCN Tonie Walsh showing some of the photographs displayed on a wall to a visitor during the launch of 'Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News'
Pull quotes that are reminiscent of the Prism logo, GCN's LGBT+ digital exhibition.

When mainstream society ignore our stories and civil society and government have attempted to expunge any evidence of our lives and the tools we use to communicate with each other, we look to publications like GCN and others before it to be a witness to our struggle. GCN puts value on our struggle as a Rainbow Society. It fills our need to know and understand the journey we took, the heartache of leaving friends and lovers behind. And, if it’s doing its job properly, it cautions us about unfinished business.

Brian Finnegan

Former GCN Editor
Pull quotes that are reminiscent of the Prism logo, GCN's LGBT+ digital exhibition.

It’s overwhelming looking at the last 15 years of my career editing GCN. What a privilege and honour it is.

Group of people including GCN's Managing Editor Lisa Connell and previous Editor Brian Finnegan gathered for a speech during the launch of 'Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News'. Behind them, some of GCN's historic covers displayed on a wall.
GCN's previous Editor Brian Finnegan smiling during the launch of 'Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News'. Behind him, a crowd of people.

Highlights

Sign that reads 'Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News 1988-2019 GCN30
Close-up of current GCN Editor Peter Dunne smiling during the launch of 'Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News'.
GCN's designer Dave Darcy smiling among the crowd during the launch of 'Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News'.
GCN Managing Editor Lisa Connell wearing a black dress  during the launch of 'Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News'. In the background, historic covers of GCN are displayed on a wall.
Crowd looking at some of GCN's historic covers displayed at 'Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News'.
David Norris and Katherine Zappone posing with members of the community for a group shot  at the launch of 'Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News'.
Woman with white short hair and glasses looking at some of the GCN covers displayed on a wall during 'Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News'
Senator David Norris sitting down laughing during the launch of 'Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News'. Behind him a crowd of people can be seen clapping.
Woman reading a speech during the launch of 'Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News'.
A round mirror reflecting some of the photos displayed at 'Proof: 30 Years Of Gay Community News'.
Pull quotes that are reminiscent of the Prism logo, GCN's LGBT+ digital exhibition.

Working with GCN has been an amazing opportunity. Everyone is so careful to foster a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere. It’s great to work somewhere where you not only feel like your writing will improve, but all the critique you receive comes from a good place.

Brendan Fernando Kelly Palenque

GCN.ie Writer

community
engagement

As Ireland's national LGBT+ press, one of GCN's core values is engaging with the community through a series of unique initiatives across all platforms.

#mygcn

In the lead-up to GCN's full rebranding in 2017, GCN launched the #myGCN campaign asking its readers to share what being a part of the Irish LGBT+ community meant to them.

Polaroid-style photo of woman taking a selfie for #mygcn campaign. Under the photo the caption reads "Sabrina Malone".
Pull quotes that are reminiscent of the Prism logo, GCN's LGBT+ digital exhibition.

For me, being part of the LGBT community, anywhere not just in Ireland, is like finding people that know the lyrics to the song you’ve been trying to sing your whole life. They get it! They understand and they know!
A true sense of belonging.

Polaroid-style photo of bearded man with headphones taking a selfie for #mygcn campaign. Under the photo the caption reads "Jonathan Hayes".
Pull quotes that are reminiscent of the Prism logo, GCN's LGBT+ digital exhibition.

Travelling and being half way around the world I miss my LGBT friends a lot, but the longer I’m away the more I realise it’s not just my friends I miss, but the Irish LGBT community. For me, being a part of the Irish LGBT community means being a part of something amazing and unique, and it’s something I appreciate and miss every day.

Polaroid-style photo of bearded man wearing a blue cap and yellow scarf, taking a selfie for #mygcn campaign. Under the photo the caption reads "Brian Caffin".
Pull quotes that are reminiscent of the Prism logo, GCN's LGBT+ digital exhibition.

It means being a part of a community that fought for the rights we have today and the ability to walk hand in hand on the street, or call my partner ‘babe’ in a shop without thinking twice about it. It means continuing to work on the legacy that many fought for in the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s. It means living for those that perished for being who they were and aspired to be.

Polaroid-style photo of blonde woman with short hair taking a selfie for #mygcn campaign. Under the photo the caption reads "Kate Brennan Harding".
Pull quotes that are reminiscent of the Prism logo, GCN's LGBT+ digital exhibition.p

Being a part of the Irish lesbian queer community is the core part of my identity. I say queer because that is the word I have found that fits my world best. Mainly I revel in being different, finding all my family in the margins. GCN was my first foray into this World when at 17 I found a copy in George’s St Arcade, and through that found myself.

#queerstory

In January 2018, GCN launched Queerstory, a new daily segment shared across our social media platforms. #Queerstory is a look back at all the momentous happenings that took place every day in LGBT+ history both in Ireland and worldwide.

iPhone screen displaying a post from GCN's Instagram account. The post is a picture of African-american novelist Alice Walker. The #queerstory logo is running across the photo.iPhone screen displaying a post from GCN's Instagram account. The post is a still from "Brokeback Mountain" of actors Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger hugging. The #queerstory logo is running across the photo.iPhone screen displaying a post from GCN's Instagram account. The post is a photo of a crowd of people waving rainbow flags and a balloon that reads "yes". The #queerstory logo is running across the photo.iPhone screen displaying a post from GCN's Instagram account. The post is a photo of a young girl with short purple hair about to kiss a girl. The #queerstory logo is running across the photo.iPhone screen displaying a post from GCN's Instagram account. The post is a photo of Joe Caslin Marriage Equality mural art of two men hugging each other. The #queerstory logo is running across the photo.iPhone screen displaying a post from GCN's Instagram account. The post is a black and white photo of trans model Andreja Pejic. The #queerstory logo is running across the photo.iPhone screen displaying a post from GCN's Instagram account. The post is a photo of  two men kissing in a crowd surrounded by rainbow flags. The #queerstory logo is running across the photo.

#queerstory

In January 2018, GCN launched Queerstory, a new daily segment shared across our social media platforms. #Queerstory is a look back at all the momentous happenings that took place every day in LGBT+ history both in Ireland and worldwide.

#rainbowicons

To mark Pride month in June 2019, GCN celebrated the Irish queer people who helped shape our country and community with #RainbowIcons - a series of beautiful illustrations by Neave Alouf.

Colorful illustration of Irish activist Ailbhe Smyth. The #rainbowicons logo is running across the lower part of the illustration.

Ailbhe Smyth

Feminist and lesbian activist, co-director of Together For Yes, Convener for the Coalition to Repeal the 8th and one of Time’s 100 for 2019, Ailbhe Smyth is an inspiration. #RainbowIcons

Colorful illustration of Senator David Norris. The #rainbowicons logo is running across the lower part of the illustration.

David Norris

Serving in the Seanad since 1987, Senator David Norris' battles for LGBT+ rights would lead to homosexuality being decriminalised in 1993. #RainbowIcons

Colorful illustration of artist Thom McGinty, also known as The Diceman. The #rainbowicons logo is running across the lower part of the illustration.

The Diceman

Born in Scotland, unforgettable avant-garde artist Thom McGinty, knonw as The Diceman, was a legendary street performer and honorary Dubliner as well as a HIV and gay rights activist. #RainbowIcons

Colorful illustration of journalist Lyra McKee. The #rainbowicons logo is running across the lower part of the illustration.

Lyra McKee

Journalist, feminist and activist, the fearless Lyra McKee will long be remembered and celebrated. Rest in power, Lyra. #RainbowIcons

Colorful illustration of trans activist Aoife Martin. The #rainbowicons logo is running across the lower part of the illustration.

Aoife Martin

A passionate trans rights advocate, Aoife Martin is a board member of TENI. She has given numerous talks and interviews about being transgender in Ireland today. #RainbowIcons

Covid-19

In March 2020, as a response to COVID-19 lockdown, GCN launched a series of brand new digital initiatives to help keep our community connected, entertained and uplifted while at the same time platforming and celebrating LGBT+ voices.

#inandout

GCN’s award-winning In And Out Digital Festival of LGBTQ+ Creativity was the leading part of these initiatives. GCN acted as the hub for creatives, organisations and community members to share their content, skills and talents and keep our community entertained, informed and positive. From its first week, In And Out hosted a huge variety of talks, workshops, workouts, live shows and performances, all live-streamed through GCN’s social media channels. GCN was awarded with funding from Rethink Ireland’s Innovate Together Fund for In & Out.

Irish Queer Archive Uncovered with Tonie Walsh & Mary McAuliffe

In Conversation with Sarah R Phillips

Standing Proud In Irish Sport: My Life As An Elite LGBT+ Athlete

#stayathomo

To help the community feel connected during the COVID-19 lockdown, GCN asked readers to share their experiences with social distancing, self-isolation and working from home. For this campaign, many LGBT+ folks in Ireland and abroad shared pictures, videos, stories,  and words of wisdom and encouragement with the hashtag #StayAtHomo.

#gaylypicks

As our community spent long periods of time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GCN launched a new segment shared daily on our social media called Gaylypicks - a curated selection of LGBT+ themed recommendations ranging from films to TV series, books, games, documentaries and more, that people could discover and enjoy.