Welcome, dear reader, to 'Haus Rules' the August/September issue of GCN!

The stunning cover is photographed by @lazytowntechie for Haus of Schiaparelli. The trailblazing group, responsible for organising Ireland’s first Black-led queer ball, is highlighted as we explore the origins of ballroom culture and its significance for LGBTQ+ people of colour.

Joining the Haus of Schiaparelli in these pages are the artists of Dublin Fringe, and we are also privileged to feature more international queer talent: Norwegian indie-pop sensation girl in red and American drag performance artist CHRISTEENE.

Inspirational Irish figures are featured throughout, a prime example of which is Paralympian Richael Timothy. Separately, we hear from some of the country’s most prominent student activists, who detail their experiences of leading pro-Palestine encampments in universities across Dublin.

With September marking Bisexual Visibility Month, we celebrate by looking at the roots of bi activism in Ireland. In another historical feature, we conclude our series of spotlighting founding members of the Sexual Liberation Movement.

Elsewhere, Mr Dublin Leather and Puppy Ireland share tips on navigating consent in BDSM, one writer outlines the problem of self-policing within the trans community and Irish Gay Dads remind us that LGBTQ+ parents are still not equal. We also hear from a brave Afghan woman who opens up about leaving her home country to find safety overseas.

At the core of each of these features is heart and resilience. Today, as we face increasingly hostile political climates and a constant stream of negative news, the pulsing muscle in our chest drives us to persist. Time and time again we have seen the success that comes out the other side of struggle, and we hope this issue ignites a fire, encouraging you, dear reader, to embrace your queerness as a powerful force for progress.

With that, we invite you to delve deeper into these fascinating stories, and thank you, as always for reading.