Last week saw Gay Community News takeover the Science Gallery as our annual Youth Issue was launched. 

On Thursday night the National LGBT Federation (NFX) launched Far From Home: Life as an LGBT+ Migrant in Ireland. The report, which was co-authored by Dr Chris Noone, Dr Brian Keogh and Dr Conor Buggy is an enlightening study of LGBT+ people who have migrated to Ireland, particularly those who came seeking asylum.

A panel moderated by Dr Gillian Wylie (TCD) and with speakers Mariem Chattouh, Evgeny Shtorn, Collette O’Regan and Chris Noone, saw the discussion of the experiences of LGBT+ migrants with a particular emphasis on Direct Provision.

Friday night saw the launch of our Youth Issue – out now! – as GCN, BeLonG To, the Science Gallery, and a host of other collaborators came together for our Intimacy Takeover. DJ Glamo set the tone for the night with an unreal setlist that brought the Science Gallery and its stunning contents to life.

The aim of the evening was to create a safe space for LGBT+ youth to come, meet, share and explore intimacy.

Babs Daly’s photo project – ‘Science of the Kiss’ – was unveiled, the portraits of which feature in GCN’s Youth Issue, so if you missed them on the night, be sure to grab your copy today.

BeLonG To’s Ladybirds provided tea and chats, as well as screenings of their educational videos, and intimacy centred games.

Academic tutor Seamus Quinn from the Gaiety School of Acting was on hand to provide icebreaker workshops centred on the theme of trust, while the Science Gallery team kept things moving with interactive tours throughout the night.

The evening encouraged us all to get a little closer, regardless of our preferences.

Head on over to our Facebook page to check out some of the stunning photos taken by Leandro Hernandez Jimenez.