35 Years of GCN, a documentary produced by Shaun and Maurice and funded by the Coimisiún na Meán Sound and Vision scheme, is a contender for Best Documentary at the IMRO Radio Awards.
The ceremony for these prestigious awards, celebrating the pinnacle of Irish radio broadcasting, will take place on October 4 at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny. Sponsored by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO), which advocates for the rights of Irish broadcast creators, and Coimisiún na Meán, the independent regulator for broadcasting and on-demand services, these awards recognise the best in the industry.
The documentary commemorates the rich legacy of GCN, an essential publication for the Irish LGBTQ+ community since its founding 1988. Through in-depth interviews with pioneering figures like Tonie Walsh and Senator David Norris, the documentary sheds light on GCN’s origins and its profound impact on Irish society.
Conversations with former GCN editors Brian Finnegan and Lisa Connell further illustrate the magazine’s role in documenting the struggles, triumphs, and everyday lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ireland.
GCN was co-founded by Catherine Glendon and Tonie Walsh in the late 1980s, during the height of the AIDS epidemic, a period marked by significant challenges for the LGBTQ+ community. The first issue of GCN was published in February 1988, marking the start of its enduring history.
Since then, GCN has served as a vital platform for the voices of queer people throughout Ireland and beyond, chronicling the community’s journey through times of crisis and celebration.
In 2022, GCN took a significant step in preserving its history by pledging to digitise its entire print catalogue, which includes more than 300 issues. The first decade of this archive is now freely available online, allowing readers worldwide to access and explore this rich history.
35 Years of GCN not only honours the publication’s enduring influence but also highlights the resilience and solidarity of the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland. This powerful documentary is a fitting tribute to GCN’s vital role and makes it a strong candidate for the IMRO Radio Award for Best Documentary.
You can listen to a short clip of 35 Years of GCN here.
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