LGBTQ+ Reading List

Thinking of reading more LGBTQ+ books in 2021? Here’s some of our favourites to add to your To-Read list!

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In Amateur, author Thomas Page McBee tackles masculinity and violence through the lens of his own experience taking up boxing as a transgender man. An important read for all genders to better understand what it means to be a man.

his memoir is about a trans woman from the Philippines and her journey to womanhood. The author has Albinism and is often perceived as white, leading this book to explore the intersectionality between race and gender.

Redefining Realness is a memoir by Janet Mock, an American writer and transgender activist. This book became a New York Times Bestseller. Mock went on to work as a writer and producer. She writes, directs and produces Pose, a television series about the lives of five trans women in the New York Ballroom scene in the 80s.

In the Dream House is a memoir about a relationship between two women that includes toxic and abusive layers which are underrepresented in stories about queer relationships. The fragmented writing style allows the reader to experience the unease of this dynamic.

Alok Vaid-Menon is a non binary activist and author. In their book they discuss non binary identities and gender diversity. This book is published by Penguin Teens and is great for young adults, but adults will also find it illuminating.

This novel by noted queer writer Baldwin covers the tumultuous relationship between two men, an Italian and an American who are living in Paris in the 1950s. Regularly thought to be one of the most groundbreaking queer novels.

This is our first choice for an introduction to queer history. An activist and a cartoonist come together to illuminate the histories of queer thought and LGBTQ+ action in this groundbreaking book.

This book follows the stories of 12 people, and explores intersections of identity. From black lesbian playwrights to non-binary social media influencers. It won the Booker Prize in 2019

This nonfiction book details the fight for LGBTQ+ rights around the world and how a new global conversation about sexuality and gender is compelling us to think differently about love, family, rights, and the human condition.

This touching memoir tells the story of Kimberly, a mom and lawyer who finds out at 41 that she is intersex, and her journey to activism.

This is a collection of speeches, essays and poems by Audre Lorde from the height of her work in the 1970s. Her work looks at the struggle of women, Black people and LGBTQ+ people and how for her, a Black lesbian feminist, these all intersect.

Alison Bechdel is the cartoonist who founded the Bechdel Test: the media metric that looks at the representation of women by suggesting that, at a minimum, a piece of media should have two named female characters who should have a conversation together not about a male character. This is a graphic memoir about Bechdel’s home life, growing up with a closeted gay father and coming out herself.

Am I Blue? features a collection of short stories from a group of LGBTQ+ authors for young adults. This 1995 classic is a must-read for anyone seeking community, regardless of age.

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Don’t forget that many books can be found as eBooks and audiobooks from your local library, all done online!

When buying books, try to go to independent booksellers. You can find some of the best independent bookshops in Ireland here.

Happy Reading!

The Yogyakarta Principles

The 10th of December is Human Rights Day. On this day we reflect on human rights, how far we have come and far we have yet to go. It’s on the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in 1948.

LGBTQ+ people intersect with rights on many different fronts. Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights pertaining to privacy has be implemented in furthering the rights for LGBTQ+ people. For example, it has been argued that criminalizing homosexual is a violation of the right to privacy.

“Article 12.

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.”

— The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

In the field of Human Rights, there are many documents and declarations. The Yogyakarta Principles is a document about human rights in the areas of sexual orientation and gender identity. It was published in 2006 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

The document addresses many issues pertaining to the human rights of LGBTQ+ folks. For example, Principles 22 and 23 states that a person has the right to seek asylum from persecution based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

29 leaders in Human Rights signed the document, including our own Mary Robinson.

The Yogyakarta Principles were updated in 2017 and are now known as The Yogyakarta Principles plus 10 or YP+10. This document recognises the distinct and intersectional grounds of gender expression and sex characteristics. YP+10 also includes principles specific to intersex people.

Many laws around the world protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC for short), however, the UN has never accepted YP+10 and the attempt to make gender identity and sexual orientation new categories of non-discrimination have been rejected by the General Assembly.

Despite this, the YP+10 remains a powerful set of goals in terms of international LGBTQ+ human rights and is used by International Organisations as the gold standard. As well as this, when laws are changed in favour of LGBTQ+ rights they often mirror the language of YP+10, therefore it gives the framework for human-rights-based legalisation.

Find out about more about how the UN impacts an organisation like ShoutOut by clicking the photo

Human Rights pertaining specifically to LGBTQ+ people is an ongoing piece of work. The UN Human Rights Council created a mandate for an Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This position is currently held by Victor Madrigal-Borloz.

He has done extensive work on LGBTQ+ human rights including examing “conversion therapy” and the impact of COVID 19 on the human rights of LGBTQ+ people.

We have come so far, and we have a long way still to go!

LGBTQ+ Films & TV for all ages!

We can’t really overstate how meaningful cultural representation is for young LGBTQ+ people. Here are some inclusive films suitable for the whole family. Check these out, and have a browse through LGBTQ+ sections on sites like Netflix, MUBI, Film4 and Volta for even more. We’re delighted to say that this list gets longer every year!

PG:

ParaNorman

Funny, spooky stop-motion romp from the makers of Coraline with a central queer character. Perfect for family Halloween viewing, we promise everyone will love this one, regardless of age.

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Kapaemahu

A short animated film exploring the history of Māhū in Native Hawaiian and Tahitian cultures - dual male and female spirits who brought their healing and caring powers to Hawaii. Find it on YouTube for a better understanding of third genders in indigenous cultures.

Onward (Disney+)

One you might have missed in cinemas before lockdown, Pixar’s latest was released in early March this year. Features out lesbian actor and advocate Lena Waithe in a small role as a gay character in a sweet story about brotherly adventures. 

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In a Heartbeat (YouTube, short)

This crowd-funded animated short has racked up over 43 million views on YouTube for its simple depiction of a youngster’s first crush. You’ll soon see why - though you might wish for an extended sequel.

Out (Disney+, short)

A young man rehearses a nerve-wracking conversation with his parents before they visit. This short from Pixar features Disney’s first ever main LGBTQ+ character.

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Steven Universe (Netflix) and Adventure Time

These two are TV shows, but they’re way ahead of the curve. Adventure Time gave us one of the best queer relationships in animation with the totally-besotted Marceline and Princess Bubblegum, a goth-fairy dynamic for the ages. Meanwhile, the Steven Universe crew features queer couples and genderqueer characters, presented joyfully and without fanfare. Two funny, original, endearing shows for the whole family to enjoy.

12A:

Love, Simon

Love, Simon is groundbreaking in its normality. In many ways it’s your standard teen movie with high school drama, clean-cut actors, and a chart-friendly soundtrack. It’s hard to believe that this was the first film from a major Hollywood studio to focus on a queer teen romance as its central storyline. In 2018! But here we are, and we’re glad it’s a total delight. 

A Secret Love (Netflix)

A poignant Netflix documentary which spans seven decades of a couple’s love, hidden from those around them their whole lives. This gentle, captivating film shines a light on the untold stories of older LGBTQ+ folks and their fight for acceptance. An educational watch.

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The Way He Looks

This tender Brazilian release teases out a love story between two classmates in an unassuming, heartwarming fashion. We love this one for its inclusive representation beyond LGBTQ+ visibility - more of that please. 

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15A

Tales of the City (Netflix)

A Netflix show based on a classic set of books by gay author Armistead Maupin, this San Francisco-set drama features a diverse cast of queer and trans actors. A representative writers’ room which included trans journalist and author Thomas Page McBee ensured that the story would be true to LGBTQ+ experiences.

Pride

A fun and joyful look at solidarity between London-based LGBTQ+ activists and Welsh miners at the height of the miners’ strike in the 1980s, this gorgeous film with a stellar cast shows how two very different communities can support each other in the face of oppression. An important lesson in unity and allyship.

Dating Amber (Amazon Prime)

This recent Irish release tells the story of two queer teens who fake a relationship in a bid to stem the bullying they face at school. A light-hearted coming-of-age tale laced with nostalgia and a very sweet friendship at its heart.

Moonlight

This 2017 Best Picture winner is an essential and timeless piece of art. Visually stunning and devastating, the tender film depicts black queer love and masculinity in the US in all its beauty and complexity.

Disclosure (Netflix)

The relentless, harmful transphobia faced by trans communities worldwide is hugely influenced by stigmatising media representations of their identity. This groundbreaking documentary draws important lines to show that ignorant screen portrayals of trans characters have had indelible effects on the lives of real trans people.

The 34th

Ireland is a changed country since we voted to approve marriage equality in 2015, but how did we get to that point? This documentary tells the personal stories of those who fought for this crucial progress and the hurdles they faced along the way.

Trans/Tras (TG4 player)

This recent TG4 documentary tells the story of a trans couple living in Cavan - their daily lives, their hopes for the future, and the reality of being a young trans person in Ireland today, as Gaeilge.

A Fantastic Woman

A beautiful Chilean film and Oscar-winner, this poignant character study follows a young transgender woman, Marina, as she tries to rebuild her life in the wake of her partner’s death.

Pose (Netflix)

This groundbreaking series, with a wealth of trans talent on- and off-screen, looks into the lives of trans women and queers of colour on the NYC ballroom scene in the 80s and 90s. The series covers the birth of drag, as well as addressing racism, transphobia, and the peak of the AIDS crisis.

A Date for Mad Mary

Another very welcome addition to the small but starry canon of Irish LGBTQ+ film, this is a classic Irish black comedy with a big heart at its centre. Seána Kerslake gives a ferocious performance as the eponymous Mad Mary.

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What are your favourite queer films?

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"Queer" as folk

By Domhnaill Harkin and Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh

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Queer, adj/n, a nuanced word which can refer to one's gender identity &/or sexual orientation. Often an umbrella term for the LGBTQ+ community. A term previously used to target the community, it was reclaimed as our differences are to be celebrated, not shamed.

Introduction – the reclaiming of Queer 

Queer. 

Even hearing the word makes some people flinch, even now. Queer was a word used to insult, segregate and target the LGBTQ+ community for a long time. More recently, however, the term has been reclaimed as a positive and inclusive word to describe anyone who identifies with a letter or letters of the LGBTQIAP+ acronym. It can be used as an umbrella term for the community as a whole e.g. John is bisexual and Sam is nonbinary, John and Sam are queer – that is if both John and Sam identify with the word queer and are happy for it to be used in referring to them. It can also be used in situations where people would prefer not to specify their identity, allowing them to use a more open and general term of queer rather than giving specific details about their sexual orientation, sexual characteristics or gender identity. We also see the word being used more and more widely in the community, for example, Queer theory and Queer Studies are taught in many third-level institutions. There are many definitions of the word queer – the above is ours, what we share in our workshops and with those we encounter. We feel it covers much of what the word means today but also appreciates that this definition may itself become outdated and be renewed or added to with time.

Origins of the word

The origins of the word queer can be found in the 16th century when it was used to describe something as “strange, eccentric or peculiar”. Most of us will know, from reading books from certain periods, that the word queer is often found, but with different connotations to how we use the word today. In Bram Stoker’s, Dracula we find, “He was in such a queer mood that morning”. 

The use of the word to describe men and women suspected of engaging in same-sex relationships, and those who exhibited non-normative gender expression, only began in the late 19th and early 20th century. It was a pejorative term and conveyed the word’s earlier meaning of strange or peculiar behaviour. One of the earliest records of the word queer been used in connection to same-sex relationships was in a letter in 1894 by John Sholto Douglas, the 9th Marquess of Queensbury. He used the term in a letter to his son Alfred, blaming the death of his other son, Francis, on “Snob Queers like Rosebery.” His use of “Queers” referred to Archibald Primrose, who had allegedly been romantically involved with Francis before his death. Subsequently, his surviving son Alfred was in a relationship with Oscar Wilde and the following legal trial instigated by the enraged Marquess led to Wilde’s homosexual relationships becoming public knowledge and his exile from society.

From the 1900s onwards this new definition of the word queer came to be associated more so with men who engaged in same-sex relations. There was some use of the word queer as a self-identifying term by homosexual men but by the 1950s, describing oneself as gay became the more common term. Queer became a slur and it was not until the 1980s in the USA that the term was reclaimed. In 1990, Organisation Queer Nation was formed with the hope of a complete change of how the term was viewed, they wished it to be used as a more inclusive and encompassing term for all members of the LGBTQIA community.

Queer Nation activists march, NYC 1990

Some Personal Reflections

Domhnall: “From my own experience in an Irish context, the word queer was very much an insult until relatively recently. Growing up in rural Donegal in the late 2000s, queer was an insult often throw at me in the school corridors. This was years before I even came out and for me, queer was always a word of hurt and discrimination. When I first came out and became involved in LGBTQIA activism, I could not understand this desire to reclaim the word. I could only see the pain and isolation it had caused me, which contributed to me denying my sexuality until I was 23. Though now and it being three years since I came out, I can understand why this reclamation has happened and still is happening in some respects. The best way to take all the hurt of a word is to claim it yourself and use it positively. Using the LGBTQIA acronym can be slightly stiff at times, whereas Queer as a term is simple, easily understood and a perfect umbrella term. I still would say I am gay, but I’m a proud member of the Queer community.”

Lisa: “As an Irish speaker and a ShoutOut exec team member, people often ask me for the Irish forms of queer terms – how do I identify trí Ghaeilge? This makes me happy on many levels – because the queer and the Irish language communities (and indeed their intersection, see for example An Queercal Comhrá) are two I have found a home in and have a great love for, so I delight in seeing them come together. Equally, it brings me so much joy that Irish (like the word queer!) is being reclaimed and revived in its own way for queer people in Ireland, and indeed around the world, to identify through our beautiful native language. The Irish word for queer is ‘aiteach’ and incidentally, the best source for queer terminology in Irish is the USI’s An Foclóir Aiteach (‘The Queer Dictionary’ – well worth a read!). We also recently ran a social media campaign to share some of our definitions for queer terms, and their Irish language counterparts called #ShoutOutFocalaDay. You can find the pronunciation of aiteach, should you wish to identify as such, and many other queer terms in Irish in a video we shared at the end of the campaign. Is duine aiteach mé means I’m a queer person/ I’m queer.

“I love the freedom that the word queer offers us now. It saves the unfortunate but sometimes inevitable interrogations and debates us bisexual folk are sometimes drawn into by simply naming our sexuality. Sometimes I’m queer, sometimes I’m bisexual. I identify with both terms and like having the option to use the two words interchangeably. I love that many of us refer to LGBTQ+ bars and spaces as ‘queer bars’ instead of the traditional ‘gay bars’. These spaces are generally now for all under the rainbow rather than just those who identify as gay, and so queer, I feel is more inclusive and indeed, welcoming word for them. I’ve met young people who said they ‘chose the word queer while they figure out what kind of queer they are’ – which I think is great. We hear of many who identified as gay or lesbian in the earlier stages of their coming out process only to find all of the other wonderful letters of the acronym later, and find something more suited to their exact identity then and having to come out once again with this new identity. Perhaps queer can be a ‘starting point’ of sorts for young people now, to allow them time to grow into their identity and reflect before needing to come out with one specific identity. Where the word queer once, and admittedly still sometimes does, hurt our community, it now also offers freedom, inclusivity as an umbrella term and perhaps even brings us a bit closer together”.

Pronouns

What are pronouns?

Simply put, pronouns are a way of referring to someone in the third person. They are generally connected with a person’s gender, often a signifier of that crucial part of a person’s identity;

Example: he is my friend, she is nice, they are fun.

If we’re being technical, pronouns are a subcategory of nouns, which are used as substitutes for nouns where the noun is known due to the context.

Example: My sister Sarah is going to college. She will study music.

Here, the noun is Sarah, and the pronoun is “She”.

Why do you have your pronouns in your email signature?

It’s an easy way to make people aware of how to refer to me in the third person.

Example: I got an email from Ruadhán, he will call on Friday. Bella contacted us and said her schedule is free.

Isn’t it obvious what pronouns you use?

Nope. It’s not obvious.

People can have any pronouns, no matter how they present themselves. While you might be able to make a good guess, it’s better to just take the guess-work out of it by including your pronouns in your email signature, social profiles, or internal directory. Also, around the world, different names may sound feminine or masculine. If you have an Irish name someone from another country may not know if that is typically a male or female name, and vice versa!

Having your pronouns visible in your email signature is a way to show that you’re aware that people may use different pronouns such as they/them, and in sharing that awareness, you’re helping your students or colleagues to pause before they assume a person’s gender or pronouns. It’s a small, remarkably simple way to demonstrate that you care about inclusion.

Hold on, “they” is plural!

We’ve been using the singular They since the 14th century in English. We use it all the time when we don’t know someone’s gender.

Example: Somebody left their umbrella! I hope they don’t get wet.

Some, but not all, non-binary people, use they/them pronouns. This means you refer to them in the third person using they and them.

Example: Max is joining us for paintball on Saturday. They’ll be driving if you want a lift with them.

Some non-binary people may use “they/she” or “they/he” pronouns - indicating that they are comfortable with you referring to them using either of those sets of pronouns. Others may use neopronouns.

What are neopronouns?

Neopronouns are singular third-person pronouns that are usually new and created with the intent of being gender-neutral. They/them are the most widely used neutral pronoun set but some people prefer to use neopronouns. An example of a neopronoun set is Xe/Xem.

Example: Sam is buying snacks. Xe went to the store and I gave xem a tote bag to use.

Should I add pronouns to my email signature?

Yeah!

What else can I do to be inclusive?

• Add your pronouns to your Zoom name, social media profiles, or internal directories/communications like Slack.

• Introduce yourself with your pronouns when meeting new people.

• Add your pronouns to your lanyard, name badge, or desk area.

• Talk to your friends, students, and colleagues about the importance of pronouns and encourage them to add theirs where possible.

• Avoid assuming someone’s pronouns until you know what they are.

ShoutOut 2020 Annual Report!

We are delighted to publish our 2020 Annual Report.

The past 12 months have been unpredictable for ShoutOut, as it has been for everyone due to the pandemic. However, with the kind help of individuals and organisations, we were able to continue to provide LGBTQ+ acceptance training.

You can also read our 2019, 2018 and 2017 annual reports.

LGBTQCOVID-19: How the pandemic is affecting our community

IMAGE COURTESY OF LGBT IRELAND

COVID-19 is affecting us all. Our mental and physical health is suffering from the effects of isolation and anxiety induced by the pandemic. Many of us are grieving for loved ones or concerned about family and friends on the frontline. For those in marginalised or disadvantaged groups, the effects of the crisis are particularly severe. In this blog, we take a look at some of the ways LGBTQ+ people are affected by what’s happening.

It’s important to note that many of the worst affected members of our community will be those living in Direct Provision, those experiencing homelessness, those in residential care facilities, and those in prison. LGBTQ+ members of the Traveller community face worse health outcomes than the general population, as well as stigma in accessing healthcare and inadequate housing provision.

Quarantining with unaccepting families

Young people are being forced to quarantine in homes where they may not be able to come out, or may have been rejected on the basis of their identity. For many young people, this means re-entering the closet or postponing a decision to come out. The effect this has on a young person’s mental health can be disastrous. UK Charity the Albert Kennedy Trust recommended that young people hold off on coming out while in quarantine settings, for fear of rejection and potential homelessness. Those under the age of 18 with limited financial and legal independence are at particular risk, but many LGBTQ+ adults have also been forced to return home from jobs or study to their families, disrupting what may have been a more open life away from home. Their safety and identity are at risk from families who may be openly rejecting of their identity, or may police their expression.

Isolation from chosen families and community

For many LGBTQ+ people, the crisis has taken them away from their supportive friends, or chosen family, - whether it’s close schoolmates, friends from a youth group, or a broader social circle, young LGBTQ+ people in particular often depend on friends for kinship and acceptance. Even where a young person may be accepted at home, the lack of shared experience and identity furthers isolation as they struggle to relate to those around them. Online connections, where possible, can serve as some solace, but many still miss the physical community and space. Why is this important in the LGBTQ+ context? LGBTQ+ people experience higher levels of adverse mental health and substance misuse than their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts, both of which can be accentuated by loneliness and isolation. For older people, the challenges are particularly significant - they too may be with unaccepting family, cocooning alone, or in residential care where their needs may not be fully met. ALONE are doing great work in supporting older people across the wider community.

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is on the rise in isolation (by approximately 30% in some locations), and LGBTQ+ people are already at higher risk from domestic abuse by partners and family members. While charities and service providers in the sector do remarkable work, Ireland lacks a dedicated LGBTQ+ domestic abuse support service and many are reluctant to contact a more general service for fear their problems will be misunderstood.  

Trans healthcare

COVID-19 has added complications to an already difficult-to-navigate healthcare system for trans people in Ireland. The National Gender Service is continuing to fill prescriptions and offer virtual clinics, but many trans folk are now obliged to self-administer hormones, often for the first time. Our wonderful friends TENI have advice on the safest ways to do this, but it’s important to note that this process is particularly difficult, again, for those at home with unsupportive family who may be unwilling to help them safely administer their hormones.

Sexual health

Sexual health drop-ins like the GMHS are currently closed due to coronavirus - leaving it difficult for LGBTQ+ people to access crucial services including testing, counselling, and PrEP monitoring. PEP is still available via emergency departments and PrEP prescriptions still being issued - advice is to contact your provider for details. HIV Ireland continues to offer remote supports for people living with HIV and are providing updates for all sexual health services here. The MPOWER team have detailed advice for gay and bisexual men.

Income and employment insecurity

HRC report that LGBTQ+ people are overrepresented in some of the industries worst affected by COVID-19 closures, including the arts and hospitality. These industries have been decimated by measures, and while some employees can avail of Revenue schemes for financial support, it’s a particularly difficult time for freelancers and artists. Consider donating to one of the artist relief funds, buying merch or prints from an artist you love, or vouchers and takeout from your favourite queer-owned/staffed business to ensure they can reopen when the time comes.

The global community

As COVID dominates the headlines, some pretty awful things happening to the LGBTQ+ community around the world have gone under-reported. Some authorities are even using the crisis as an excuse to target marginalised groups. For example, Hungary has brought in a bill that would make it impossible for people to get legal gender recognition. In Uganda, police arrested 23 LGBT people who were sheltering together on charges of spreading COVID-19. These people were homeless.

In fact, in some places, COVID-19 is being blamed on marriage equality! And the contract tracing in some countries require all past sexual partners, thereby outing those in countries where it is not safe. We hope for safety for our brothers, sisters and siblings around the world. We may experience a form of survivor guilt because of the prosecution of our community across the globe.

LGBTQ+ charities and community groups are rising to the challenges presented by lockdown to support the most vulnerable in our community. Here’s how:

• TENI continue to offer virtual peer support groups and regular updates on changes to trans healthcare services happening because of COVID-19

• Cara-Friend are working with HereNI to protect vulnerable women and girls from domestic abuse

• BeLonGTo have moved many of their youth groups and supports with Pieta House online

• LGBT Ireland volunteers continue to operate their dedicated phone lines for LGBTQ+ folks

• The INTO LGBT+ group are running their Different Families, Same Love competition - see how you can enter here

• Outhouse are offering a weekly check in for older LGBTQ+ people and those who live alone

• Dublin Pride are working to organise a Digital Pride as the parade has been cancelled - so this way we can still come together while keeping our community safe

• Dublin Lesbian Line are bringing us together with quizzes, discussions and a brilliant new podcast, WOMEN STAR

• Amach LGBT, LINC and Cork Gay Project are running virtual drop-ins and support networks

• TransgenderNI are working on hate crime legislation in Northern Ireland and maintaining communication with the community about updates to healthcare during the pandemic

• The legends at GCN are keeping us informed and entertained with #stayathomo, #GaylyPicks, and their excellent #InAndOut video series.

The Chronicles of Queerantine

How are you getting on with the new normal? We talk to the rest of the fabulous ShoutOut Board of Directors. You can read Volume One here.

Introducing Conor, Declan, and Maria!

How are you though?

Conor: Doing good, thanks for asking!

Declan: I feel very lucky to be able to stay safe and to be able to work from home. I think everyone has good days and bad during this strange time, particularly exacerbated by the fact that we can't see or embrace our closed friends and family. That said I am trying to focus on the positives - for example having a lot more time to spend in my garden, which I love.

Maria: I’m grand-ish. Beautiful weather in Donegal is helping, but house arrest is still house arrest!

Where are you quarantining?

Conor: My own house

Declan: I am very lucky to be quarantined in my own house in Donegal with my husband, Pauge.

Maria: In my mother’s house in east Donegal.

Do you have a non-human friend with you?

Conor: No, but the plants are starting to feel like friends at this stage.

Declan: We have our beautiful cocker spaniel, Fionnuala, who keeps us company, as well as entertained. She's a very good dog.

Maria: Some very very tweety birds outside my window keep me company.

Fionnuala through the years!

Favourite series to binge during the quarantine?

Conor: Ozark.

Declan: I've been re-binging Looking from HBO. It's a great piece of TV!

Maria: I really haven’t had time or headspace for much Netflix, but I have enjoyed the slow pace of Trigonometry on bbc2 Sunday nights, and I’ve come back to my tv comfort food which is beautifully shot historical documentaries on bbc4

What is your quarantine snack of choice?

Conor: Anything with chocolate in it/on it

Declan: The good old staple of cheese and toast!

Maria: Tough one - toss-up between HunkyDorys Sour Cream and nordie Tayto C&O

Share with us a positive thing that has happened to you during the quarantine?

Conor: An unexpected hamper arrived of food and goodies from a very kind friend.

Declan: I've had more time to spend thinking about, planning and planting up my garden. We are in our new home for just over a year so there's a lot to be done and the garden has been receiving most of the attention with all the great weather! It's come a long way in the past six weeks of isolation!

Maria: I’ve had more online connection and catching up with friends outside of Dublin than I would normally have this time of year, that’s been great!

Because not everything is rainbows, what sucks about the quarantine?

Conor: Not seeing my family, especially my little nephews.

Declan: I hate not being able to see my friends in person, and not being able to enjoy this great weather we've been having with them - at the beach, hiking or in a beer garden.

Maria: Missing my nieces and nephews; Big ??? over women's camp this summer; and lack of haircut! (in reverse order of priority!)

When at home, are you barefoot, socks, slippers or full-on wearing shoes?

Conor: Mainly barefoot!

Declan: Flip-flops are my footwear of choice. It will be hard to get back out of them when I have to return to the office

Maria: I normally work from home anyway, so Ive continued with my day work clothes (shirts, but comfy ones) and I change into trackies in the evening.

Any quarantine tunes to recommend?

Conor: This is John Denver

Declan: Apart from the obvious 'Blinding Lights'?! Taylor Swift cheers me up no end.

Maria: Nina Simone remixes still working for me!

Who is your current Queero?

Conor: The fabulous ShoutOut Team who have shown great resilience and creativity in this crisis.

Declan: Ailbhe Smyth, forever and for always.

Maria: LGBTQ+ community and business leaders have been awesome. LGBTQ+ women business leaders in Street 66 and Tapas de Lola have shown great strength in closing down when necessary and working hard to still have a business and community space to open up again. And the meet-up leaders and hosts in Running Amach, Wanted etc have been awesome in making spaces online to keep us connected and nourished.

The Chronicles of Queerantine

As we all adjust to the new normal we wanted to check in to see how everyone was getting on, in a new series we call The Chronicles of Queerantine. Today, we chat with some of the fabulous ShoutOut Board of Directors.

Here we have Anna, Eoin, Clare and Paul!

How are you though?

Anna: Up and down!

Eoin: Calm.

Clare: A bit gloomy it has to be said, but healthy and safe.

Paul: I'm good. I'm getting used to the new normal and work is busy, which helps.

Where are you quarantining?

Anna: Our little one-bed apartment with my partner.

Eoin: Apartment in London.

Clare: I live in Bethnal Green in East London with three lovely friends.

Paul: My boyfriend and I are in our apartment in London

Do have a non-human friend with you? Dog? Cat? Spider?

Anna: I wish!

Eoin: Do plants count? We've registered to become foster parents for a dog/cat so let's see.

Clare: I wish!

Paul: Alas, no non-human friends

Favourite series to binge during the quarantine?

Anna: Atypical on Netflix

Eoin: Ozark.

Clare: Riverdale, it’s so fun.

Paul: I'm watching old sitcoms like Dinnerladies on Netflix (which is an absolute scream)

Riverdale

What is your quarantine snack of choice?

Anna: Tea and scones with raspberry jam. I got a premix pack in Tesco for less than a euro so it feels like I’ve done some baking and I get the baking smell but all I’ve done is mix up the batter with milk.

Eoin: Banana bread and wine.

Clare: Cubes of assorted fancy cheese.

Paul: I've gotten really into kiwis and bourbon creams.

Share with us a positive thing that has happened to you during the quarantine?

Anna: I’m 18 weeks pregnant and I’m starting to feel my baby move!

Eoin: Rediscovered stillness and an appreciation for the small things.

Clare: I've definitely gotten to know my local area a lot better from all the daily walks. Even though I live in a built-up city, there are so many interesting little pockets of green that I now have the time to discover. My favourite is definitely taking a spooky stroll through Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park. It's a beautiful old cemetery filled with flowers and ancient trees.

Paul: I've called my family so much more and focussed more on talking to the wonderful people in my life. I'm also reading more and cooking more elaborately.

Because not everything is rainbows, what sucks about the quarantine?

Anna: I’m getting bigger every day and I can’t go clothes shopping. Even my comfy clothes are uncomfortable.

Eoin: Not hugging friends.

Clare: Not to be hetero on main but I miss seeing my boyfriend!

Paul: Definitely being separated from my family. I haven't been home since Christmas and I don't know when I will get to next. Some of them have been unwell and it's hard not to worry but everyone's okay and that's all that really matters.

When at home, are you bear foot, socks, slippers or full-on wearing shoes?

Anna: Fluffy sloth slippers all-day

Eoin: Slippers all day every day

Clare: I'm an unashamed advocate of Birkenstocks and socks.

Paul: I got new slippers for this specifically, and they are a dream.

Any quarantine tunes to recommend?

Anna: Dua Lipa Don’t Start Now.

Eoin: Heroes by David Bowie.

Clare: Dolly Parton's Light of a Clear Blue Morning never fails to cheer me up and remind me of all the good times to come.

Paul: I saw a wonderful drag queen called Kate Butch just before this all kicked off and I've had Babooshka in my head ever since. Honourable mentions to Heart to Break by Kim Petra and Missing You by Robyn.

Who is your current Queero? The LGBTQ+ person you love and look up to.

Anna: Every single beautiful queer that I have met during my time with Shoutout. I love you all xoxo

Eoin: Currently have a fascination with playwright/composer Noel Coward. He was unapologetically his fabulous self

Clare: Jacqueline Wilson for sure. I was always so impressed by her ability to take children's lives and experiences seriously and never patronise her readers. I'm very excited to read her new book about a same-sex relationship even though I am 26. I know it will mean a lot to a lot of people. Honourable mention to PJ and Kevin from the I'm Grand Mam podcast, who consistently provide me with my best laugh of the week. But also speak so honestly and openly about growing up gay and learning to feel comfortable in their own skin. A reminder of why ShoutOut is so important!

Paul: Aifric and Bella, our wonderful ShoutOut staff, have been doing an amazing job leading ShoutOut through all of this so they're definitely my Queeros of the moment!

We will march again

ShoutOut to our LGBTQ+ Role Models: Intersex Folks

This is the last post in our series where we ShoutOut to our LGBTQ+ role models. You can read ShoutOuts to Lesbian and Queer Woman, Gay and Queer Men, Bi folks, Trans folks, Pan people, and Ace people! This blog is a ShoutOut to the incredible Intersex heroes who enrich our lives.

Written by a Intersex ShoutOut volunteer and amazing human who will be anonymous for this post. Here are their icons:

ShoutOut marching in Dublin Pride 2019 with Intersex Pride Flags

As an intersex person, it can be difficult to meet others  - never mind find intersex icons to admire. Hopefully after you’ve read this though, you’ll realise that intersex people a pretty awesome group! There are many incredible intersex people to admire, here are only a few.

Hanne Gaby Odiele

Hanne Gaby Odiele is a Belgian model who publically came out as intersex in 2017. Since then, she’s been a vocal advocate for the intersex community - partnering with InterAct, and raising awareness through interviews with major publications like Teen Vogue and The Times (U.K.). In these interviews, she’s raised crucial points

It’s also just pretty cool to have an intersex person be such a beauty icon! Odiele has appeared on the cover of Vogue and Revue de Modes and booked some of the industry's most lucrative campaigns, including those for Balenciaga, Vera Wang, and DKNY Jeans.

Caster Semenya

Semenya is a double Olympic gold medalist and three-time world champion runner over 800m. However, since her rise to world champion in 2009, her gender, and possible advantages in her biology due to an intersex variation, have been under the microscope. The International Association of Athletics Federations proposed a rule to restrict the level of testosterone permitted in female runners in events between 400m and a mile - a proposal Semenya unsuccessfully challenged.

Arguably the most important part of the case? Sport has traditionally been divided into male and female categories, but Semenya’s case highlights that because of elite intersex athletes, it may be an artificially binary distinction.

Emily Quinn

Emily describes herself as a ‘ballsy intersex activist who uses humor and storytelling to create a more welcoming world for people who don’t fit in a box.’ Ballsy indeed, given she rose to prominence when she came out on MTV! She uses her YouTube channel and any other platform she can get (such as her Ted Talk to raise awareness of intersex issues and to generally show people that it’s okay to be different.

Pidgeon Pagonis

Pidgeon is an activist on behalf of not just intersex people, but also marginalised communities more generally. They are a youth advocate with InterAct, a YouTuber and even sell intersex - positive merch. Possibly most notable, they’re known for railing against normalising surgeries being carried out on intersex infants in their native Chicago. Pagonis was even one of nine LGBT artists honoured as an Obama White House Champion of Change in 2015.

Kimberly Zieleman

Kimberly is the Executive Directly of InterACT, an organisation which advocates for children born with intersex traits. She is a fearless leader to the world of Intersex human rights, especially for young people. As an intersex woman, Kimberly has written a memoir called XOXY which we have preordered and can’t wait to read!

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Intersex Ireland is a new organisation advocating for intersex people in Ireland! You can contact them intersex.ie@gmail.com and follow them on twitter!

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Honourable mentions go to Kitty Anderson, Hida Viloria, Miriam van der Have, and the list goes on and on. Check out some here!

Beyond this, nowadays there are tons of intersex activists telling their stories online such as Irene and Audrey which you can see here.

Who are your intersex icons?