Pride season is just around the corner, but before all the fun of Pride events starts, there are a few things you should keep an eye on.
Here are some incredible queer art exhibits, drag performances, cabaret evenings and other fantastic events happening in Dublin in the second half of this month!
International Literature Festival Dublin
Merrion Square Park, May 19-28
The International Literature Festival returns to Dublin this upcoming weekend with plenty of queer events on the lineup! Since 1998, this festival has brought the world’s finest writers together, and this 2023 festival features incredible authors from South America, North America, Ireland, and the UK.
Glórtha Aiteacha \ Queer Voices: In collaboration with ShoutOut, this session will celebrate queer resilience, joy and community in a publication that brings LGBTQ+ writers and artists together to share the stories, reflections and connections that they needed growing up.
M4M: Seeking Queer Connection with Jack Parlett & Marcus McCann: Marcus McCann, a lawyer who has been involved in a number of high-profile legal projects in the areas of sexuality and LGBTQ+ rights, joins Jack Parlett to explore the history of queer spaces.
Bad Gays LIVE with Ben Miller & Maurice Casey: Writer and researcher, Ben Miller, co-host of the acclaimed Bad Gays podcast, explores the fascinating history of the queer community in Ireland with historian Maurice Casey during this live podcast recording.
New Nurturing: FELISPEAKS: Celebrating the contributions of women to Irish society, FELISPEAKS, Farah Elle, Anna Mullarkey, and Tobi Bello will share an evening of enchanting performances.
Risking it All: Douglas Stuart: Booker Prize winner Douglas Stuart will explore the bounds of heteronormative masculinity and the dangers of loving too much, as he does in his successful novel Young Mungo.
Bodies of Work: Giovanna Rivero, Kirsty Logan & Sheila Armstrong: These three masters of the uncanny share their unsettling tales in stories that “cut to the bone” of our deepest fears.
Fire and Freedom: Kirsty Logan & Anya Bergman: Two powerful witchlit authors will dig into the painful realities of life in the shadow of the witch trials.
Ursula K. Le Guin: Sowing Worlds: “[Le Guin’s work is a] confluence of right language and right thinking: not in a rigidly moralistic sense, but at the fulcrum of magic, poetry and justice” – So Mayer & Sarah Shin.
UnShrinking Violets
Outhouse, May 17-26
Curated by Han Tiernan and Cara Holmes, this exhibition includes photographs drawn from private, donated collections that explore the archival and social history of lesbian activism. There will be a panel discussion on lesbian and queer activism led by key figures from the last five decades, followed by an interactive audience long-table.
Spots are free but limited, reserve yours here.
Liv.e concert
The Workman’s Club, May 24
Liv.e is a Dallas-based R&B artist. Their debut album, Couldn’t Wait To Tell You, describes the artist’s transformation after a range of unsound relationships in her early twenties. Liv.e says: “I’m getting back my sense of strength and trust within myself.”
Catch the musician performing songs from the record in Workman’s Dublin. Tickets are available from €20.
King
Opium, May 26
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King is a new monthly night for queer women and their friends that will celebrate female queer energy in a safe, trans-inclusive space. The whole evening is “about fun, flirting and vibes for days.” The amazing DJ Claire Beck will be playing the finest tunes with diverse and playful sets. Everyone can look forward to an incredible evening unapologetically centring the queer female experience.
The Curtis Cabaret: A Night at the Movies
The Sugar Club, May 26
This cabaret evening at the Sugar Club features songs from a range of beloved films, including The Sound of Music, Grease and The Greatest Showman. This feel-good night is sure to be one of the most memorable queer events in Dublin – expect to see everyone in the audience dancing and singing along to “risqué stories, sing-along medleys and absolute belters.”
Tickets are available from €27.79.
NSFW
The Grand Social, May 27
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Get your leather gear ready, because NSFW will be back with a bang this month with another stunning queer fetish party. Headlining the night at Grand Social in Dublin will be Aiden Francis, one of the most renowned names in the Manchester scene who is sure to have the crowd dance for a night to remember. And if you’re looking for some extra fun, the Dark Room will be up a running as always. Grab your tickets here!
Emerald Warriors Ball
Guinness Storehouse, May 26
The Emerald Warriors RFC are celebrating 20 years of inclusive rugby by hosting a ball! The evening begins in the Guinness Storehouse at 7:30pm and will be followed by an afterparty in Gravity Bar until 2:00am.
Tickets include a welcome reception, tour of the Guinness Storehouse, a three-course seated meal, one drink token, and entrance into the exclusive Gravity Bar afterparty. The dress code is queer formal wear, so wear whatever makes you comfortable!
Tickets are available now, €55 for members and €75 for non-members.
Dragfest Ireland
National Stadium Dublin, May 27
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Drag Fest Ireland is returning in 2023 with a lineup of incredible acts featuring all your favourite kings and queens. Tickets for Drag Fest Ireland 2023 are on sale now, and for a limited time, you can avail of a 30% discount with the code MAYDAY30.
Small Trans Library Special DIAxDEM Takeover Party
Wigwam, May 26
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An exciting club night fundraiser is on the horizon in Dublin, as the Small Trans Library prepares for part three of their Big Queer Dance series. With a takeover by five of the DIAxDEM collective, it’s sure to be a night to remember. And if it wasn’t enough, the event will raise crucial funds for the Small Trans Library’s project, which offers practical and financial support to trans people all over the island. What are you waiting for? Tickets are on sale here!
That concludes our round-up! These are just some of the fantastic queer events happening in Dublin this month. If you have something to add to the list, please get in touch at [email protected].
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