Gay Health Network (GHN) is marking its 30th anniversary with a new visual art exhibition. Out of The Strong, Came Forth Sweetness – GHN30 will comprise historical and contemporary works that capture the LGBTQ+ experience and address HIV-related stigma from the past to the present.

GHN was established in 1994 as a network of organisations and individuals in Ireland to promote awareness of HIV and sexual health among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). Since then, with no paid staff and little funding, it has continually provided peer-led and peer-engaged activities and actions to address the needs of gbMSM in Ireland. It has produced much of the promotional material aimed at the community and has initiated and led key research in sexual health while also addressing and challenging HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

Curated by artist Brian Teeling, the anniversary exhibition will run from Monday, May 12, to Sunday, May 25, in the Naughton Institute in Trinity College Dublin. Among an extensive list of more than 25 LGBTQ+ contributors, works from some of the most exciting emerging talent like Bill Harris, Day Magee, and Jack Scollard will be shown alongside established practitioners like Caroline Campbell, Austin Hearne and Niall Sweeney, as well as individuals like the late Christopher Robson, a prolific photographer of queer life throughout the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s.

Together, the pieces reflect on the grief, joy, resilience, urgency and expanse of the LGBTQ+ experience in Ireland across time and space. The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of talks in the Paccar Theatre, with further details to be announced soon. 

Speaking ahead of the exhibition, Teeling said: “It’s such an honour to be chosen to celebrate Gay Health Network’s 30th anniversary and work with so many talented artists and an incredibly supportive team. This show is personal as we reflect on our community’s strength, resilience, and enduring legacy. I feel privileged to shine a light on the beauty and sweetness that has emerged from our continued struggles, activism, and archives.” 

Chairperson of GHN, Alan Coyne, added: “Since its founding, GHN has made incredible strides, especially in its partnership with the HSE in delivering man2man.ie, research and the annual Gay Health Forum (GHF), but the work remains as vital as ever. HIV is still with us, and new challenges to sexual health and well-being continue to emerge. This GHN 30 art exhibition, made possible with a grant from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, is a celebration of how far we’ve come, a tribute to the resilience of our community, and a reminder that our work is far from over.”

Founder member of GHN Mick Quinlan, said: “A year after decriminalisation of homosexuality and the legal availability of condoms, those of us involved in HIV/AIDS and queer activism realised the importance of continuing the work and the visibility of the needs of gay and bisexual men relating to HIV and AIDS and sexual health. To this end, after a meeting with groups and individuals from around Ireland, we formed the Gay Health Network (GHN) to share resources and coordinate responses and representation.”

Don’t miss Out of The Strong, Came Forth Sweetness – GHN30, running from Monday, May 12, to Sunday, May 25, in the Naughton Institute in Trinity College Dublin. For more information, visit gayhealthnetwork.ie.