Aiteach Zine #8
Accessible version beneath the issuu slides
Gaymer
Also bi column, poetry, Star Trek and so much more.
Wexford Pride committee report inside.
Contributors Veronica Victor (she/her), Suzanne Law (she/her), Vic Kelly-Victor (they/them), CC Darlington (they/them), Dorn Simon (she/her), John Cunningham-Ryan (he/him), Mikey Redmond (he/him), Béibhinn Murphy O’Brien (she/her), Rían Browne (he/him).
CONTENTS
New logo reveal! - Willow River
Report - Vic Kelly-Victor
Gaming - Mikey Redmond
Entertainment - John Cunningham-Ryan
Bi Column - Dorn Simon
Body - CC Darlington
Opinion - John Cunningham-Ryan
Book Review - John Cunningham-Ryan
Special Interests - CC Darlington
Colouring Page
Poetry - Dorn Simon & Béibhinn O’Brien
Online Support Calendar
Fortnightly Events
Please send all inquiries to AITEACH.WEXFORD.PRIDE@GMAIL.COM
POSTER FOR PRIDE IN THE PARK
MAY 25 2024 IN MIN RYAN PARK
ALL WELCOME!
WEXFORD PRIDE NEW LOGO
Two spreads featuring the new logo design which consists of multiple triangles arranged to create a “W.”
COMMITTEE REPORT
VIC KELLY-VICTOR
December through March might seem like a quiet time for the committee of a local LGBTQIA+ Pride, but that's been far from the case! We've had a lot of events and meetings, with big plans for the rest of the year.
After the election of the 2024 committee, we got straight to business, updating the Wexford Pride Constitution as discussed at the AGM. Then we had two special December events to organise: our Winter Market, which was a great success, with crafters, artists and bakers able to sell their wonderful goods; and our big meetup between Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, which saw the largest gathering of Wexford Pride members of 2023! That event included a fun regifting moment, where people could pass on a gift – some people brought lovely gifts, some brought cringey or funny ones, but a great laugh was had by everyone.
January and February are two of our busiest months behind the scenes. There are some tight deadlines for applying for funding in the form of various arts and social development grants. We need to start planning, organising and filling out paperwork for Pride in the Park and the Pride After Party. So much paperwork! And we have such big plans – we're very excited for May 25!
At the start of the year, we also have to look at our capacity to support other organisations, protests and events around Ireland through the year. We touched base with Neuro Pride Ireland, Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin, TENI, CATU, Wexford People Helping People, the Rowan Trust, Pavee Point, and the Ireland–Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC). It is essential that Wexford Pride – and indeed all local LGBTQIA+ Pride organisations – are part of a network that includes organisations representing other marginalised groups. We lend our support where we can, including attending protests and celebrations where appropriate.
We were delighted to have a representative of Wexford Pride at Pavee Point in Dublin for the Rowan Trust's inaugural ceremony of The Rowan Award: "a recognition created to spotlight and support leaders who have made significant strides in social justice and community support." The recipient was the absolutely brilliant Rosaleen McDonagh, who is a cultural and disability rights activist, a Traveller and brilliant writer, and truly deserving of the award.
On top of that, this year, we had quite an exchange with RTé and Comisiún na Meán regarding a prejudicial and biased episode of Prime Time that was broadcast in December. The episode made incorrect or inaccurate statements about Trans Healthcare Action, TENI, WPATH and EPATH, and the NGS, and gave a biased and inaccurate view of trans people's healthcare experiences, needs and outcomes. Several members complained as individuals and Wexford Pride complained as an organisation. RTé declined to apologise or offer time to clarify the ways in which the program failed our community, so we've taken the matter further with Comisiún na Meán. We will keep you posted.
We of course had our regular events from December through March:
The in-person LGBTQIA+ Peer Support Group every second Monday at the IFA Centre in Enniscorthy
The online LGBTQIA+ Peer Support Group and online Ace/Aro Peer Support Group, each one Monday per month (contact wexfordpride@gmail.com for information on how to join our online groups)
Board Game Night and Art Club, each one Thursday per month at Mountain Gremlin Games in Castlebridge
Tea on the Quay every second Sunday at the Crown Bar in Wexford town
We also launched two new events – a monthly online peer support group for an underserved group in the community: trans feminine and non-binary people who've had bottom surgery; and our queer chorus, who meet once a month and will be performing at Pride in the Park.
There's more! We had our first clothing swap, a suggestion made by CC (they/them). They first thought of it as a way for trans and non-binary people in our community to expand their wardrobes with clothing that fit their gender expression. It turned out to suit all sorts of people within our community. Veronica was on hand with sewing machines to alter clothing if needed, and John (he/him) and Rían (he/him) helped out with setup. Thanks to Andrei Boyd (he/him) and family for loaning us their shop space (Stoc in Enniscorthy) for the day.
Finally, we have to give a shout out to our brilliant community, who has made such an effort to connect, support each other and share their experiences and interests in person and through our WhatsApp community groups. It's so great to see everyone interacting so much: the questions, responses, memes, cat photos, dog photos, recipes, short videos, and chat all make us so happy! It's a beautiful thing to have such a vibrant, diverse and engaged community. Much love to you all.
Your 2024 committee is John Cunningham-Ryan (he/him), Veronica Victor (she/her), RÃan Browne (he/him), CC Darlington (they/them), and Vic Kelly-Victor (they/them).
– Vic Kelly-Victor
QUEERNESS IN VIDEO GAMES - PART 1
MICHAEL REDMOND
Video games as a medium to explore queerness is a “new” thing in relative time. The first ever recorded instance of a Gay character is in the Interactive Fiction or Text Explorer game Moonmist. Where a woman is arguing with her girlfriend. It wasn’t until 96’ that a character who was playable had LGBTQIA options. The main character of Phantasmagoria 2 is a Bisexual who could end up with men and women. Then in 98, the Original Fallout, a CRPG had gay marriage when that wasn’t even a possibility in the USA. There are spatterings of representation between them and The First Lesbian in Star Wars. In The Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) the player could romance Juhani.
In 2004, the Video Game world began to include more and more LGBTQIA characters and representation. Though it was much more common in the Role Playing Game genre, it had begun to be a commonplace occurrence. There are some very notable gay characters, some in positions of power, such as a historical king in Assassins Creed, or a NightClub mogul in Grand Theft Auto. Though Most of these characters are not playable, nor romanceable, they can be viewed as positive representations.
Then, in Late 2009 a game by the title of Dragon Age: Origins was released. In it, the player character can choose from a plethora of different characters, not limited to Zevran, Alistair, Morrigan and Leliana. Some straight, some gay, some somewhere in between. The same can be applied to Mass Effect, the second and third games specifically have a large cast of romanceable characters. Characters like Garrus, Tali, Jack and Samantha have been allowing folks to explore their own identity, myself included.
I’m more than willing to admit that video games have helped me discover who I am when it comes to my sexual identity, and the represenation that these games. Alistair and Garrus were two of my first man crushes and Tali and Leliana had me wrapped around their fingers.
Representation in video games has only gotten better and better as more and more societal progress has happened. Some folks, myself included, would say that as a way to spread awareness and acceptance. A massive hit of 2023, Baldur's Gate 3, has Queer relationships, some of which can be Polyamourus. The representation of these characters and the inclusion of them in some of the biggest hits of the last fifteen years I believe has helped people come to realizations of who they are, and help other people find a safe space to experience joy.
– Michael Redmond
WHEN DID STAR TREK BECOME SO WOKE? (PART 4)
JOHN CUNNINGHAM-RYAN
Finally, a return to the best Sci-Fi franchise of all time. (Fact). Oh ya, in answer to the question if you've missed the previous parts, that would be always.
Part 4 of this little exploration brings us to Star Trek Voyager aired between 1995 & 2001, we got 172 episodes over 7 seasons with a return to the original concept of a Wild-West style journey in space, aka Wagon Train through the Stars. In the first episode we get catapulted, both literally and figurativly across the galaxy, 70,000 light years away from home (which at full speed would take over 70 years to get home). They crew has to be cobbled together from what remains after the disaster, half from Starfleet and half from a Maquis ship (a rebellious group of misfits).
So from the start we get a diverse and fractious crew that somehow have to figure out how to work together. We see our first female captain, Kathryn Janeway (some would know the actor Kate Mulgrew as Red in Orange is the new Black), her next in command is a Native American character First Officer Chakotay (Robert Beltran). We then go through the rest of the cast with every demographic represented. We get two new aliens Neelix & Kes, Harry Kim (Asian/American) Voyagers version of Sulu, Tom Paris (convicted criminal) B'Elanna Torres (African American) head of Engineering, Tuvok (African American) head of Security and the Doctor an emergency hologram activated when the ships Dr. is killed. Looking back now it might seem like the casting manager was trying to tick all the boxes but back then this wasn't the norm. Or, in other movies or series the representation was quickly snuffed out using the lazy trope of “Burying the Gay/Black person”. In the odd Sci-fi or horror movie where the lead character was female the actress was quite often attractive (and lets not even mention Barbarella) but exploring that theme (Girl Power ... go Spice Girls) is a whole other article.
Being 70,000 light years away from Earth, Voyager has to deal with unique situations never encountered before. Every alien species were new with unique storylines and mysteries to be solved. We got to deal with really important questions including those of opposing faiths, cultures and ironically “humanity”. But this constant questioning of humanity at times does sound a little bit like colonisation.
In Jetrel (S1E14) the crew meets a member of the Haakonians, a race warring with the Talaxians much to the dismay of Neelix, whose family was killed by a weapon of mass destruction this particular individual devised. This episode explores both sides of a devestating war, how both sides view each other and the horrors it leaves behind. If we watched this episode today it would mirror what is happening in Palestine at the moment.
Tuvix (S2E24). In this episode a transporter malfunction lead to two of the main characters Tuvok and Neelix merged into a new person. Whilst the superbrained crew figured out a way to solve the problem it led to our Captain having to make a decision to kill Tuvix to un-merge Tuvok & Neelix. So we have an important re-occuring question, “Does the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or in this case the one”
Scorpion Part 2 (S4E01). To boost ratings we see the addition of a busty young character clad in lycra, Seven of Nine (played by Jeri Ryan). Even though the genesis of this character isn't very Star Trek the ensuing storylines of exploring humanity and extracting Seven from the Borg collective are fascinating. The character of Seven evolved nicely and is a main character in the newest series Picard so something worked out !
Flesh & Blood (S7E09 & 10) is a fascinating culmination of the story of how the holographic Dr. evolves throughout the series. He experiences expanding his programme, becoming more that the sum of his parts and being eventually declared a sentient being. Previously when Voyager encountered a race called the Hirogen who's whole nomadic culture is based on finding and persuing prey, Captain Janeway as part of a truce gives the Hirogen holographic technology. The Hirogen develop the technology but unwittingly allows it to become sentient and think for itself. In this double header episode the questions of the rights of individuals are explored somewhat like the recurring theme in The Next Generation with Data.
And finally in Workforce (S7 E16 & 17) the members of the ship’s crew were kidnapped, and their memories erased, so they would become happy, complacent workers in an energy plant on an alien planet suffering a labor shortage. This is of course a direct commentary on social rights and slavery obvious to anyone.
Now, yes there were some episodes we want to forget but the main ideas were spot on. Putting a woman in command of Voyager in 1995 – at a time when fuller gender integration of the US armed forces was being bitterly fought – was deliberate. The mantra of “if you can see it you can be it” and the tireless work of Nichelle Nichols led to the head of Engineering being female and black. Unfortunately there was no LGBTQIA+ representation in Voyager but later on in Picard we learn that Seven of Nine has affections for another female lead and the actress hints at Seven being Pansexual (but nothing has come of this yet). So really Voyager laid the groundwork for future series. From now on we enter the realm of “Why not” instead of “ohhh .... we can't do that”. The future of Star Trek is bright.
(Note to self, look up fanfiction for Kirk/Spock or Seven/Raffi as we really need an article on shipping and slash fiction.)
– John Cunningham-Ryan
WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN STORE FOR THE SUMMER?
DORN SIMON
Our community has so much to offer, with so many activities to enjoy, here in Wexford the Pride in the Park is under preparation, with additional activity groups having been added this year for a non-stop community, whether arts, choruses, support groups, or you name it, we got it!
None of us ever need to feel we are alone or that we have no options to meet, join or engage with other queers.
Some interesting Bi News earlier this year, as research has discovered bisexual genes, yes, it is closing in on being scientifically proven to be in our genes!
Of course, it is also seemingly linked to risk-taking behaviours…hmmm…not sure I like the connection, but I cannot deny it either, You?
In other Bi news, “A new study has revealed that bisexual women are four times more likely than heterosexual people to have long-term physical and mental health problems.”
2022 saw statistics that 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ people have a disability. As we know, this can range on a spectrum of chronic illness whether in the form of neurological, mental or physical conditions, debilitating neither one more than the other as all are ill-affected in their own right.
It can be as chronic to live with mental health conditions such as Bipolar, as it can be to live with undiagnosed neurodiversity such as ADHD, or Autism; yet physical chronic illnesses are at times more obvious, as they present physically, although not all are visible, there are hundreds of invisible illnesses by which can be labelled as a disability, far too many to mention.
There is then the connection of mind-body, and mental-physical, where the vagus nerve can carry the trauma through to the body, or where the body's pain triggers can affect the mental state, as neural pathways can target or manifest disease in any part of the body.
The studies are showing that for bisexual women, these are quantifiable enough to be acknowledged and recorded statistically.
The article I found further linked it to Biphobia and stress.
On a lighter note, there is a regular club night in Dublin of which a few (perhaps more than a few!) of Wexford Pride are interested in trekking to for a gravedigger, wipe the cobwebs, goth dancefest, as DANCE TO THE UNDERGROUND is a Punk/Goth Queer Night, runs approximately monthly in Fibber Magees.
https://www.facebook.com/dancetotheundergroundparty
Next is a topic, which has personally (note: I said personally, denoting that this may not be a popular opinion) had me ponder my entire life.
“Could we all secretly be bisexual and just too afraid to admit it?”
This article piqued my interest,
I wouldn’t go as far as believing or stating “too afraid to admit it.” However, I have always had a belief that from a Natural World, Animal Kingdom stance, all animals are born bisexual, that it is due to nature, survivalism, species dependency, and, with humans, it is ‘conditioning or societal pressure’ that were the deciding factors to choose or adapt into a hetero or gay orientation, or other.
Of course, there are likely many scientific arguments for and against this thinking, one of note that comes immediately to mind, being the ‘mate for life’ species, who are innately coupled into reproductive unions, and when one of the couple dies, no longer produce or seek coupling.
I have an affinity for those, whether it is the traditionalist in me, or once being a hopeless romantic, I cannot quite say - I just like the thought of a blackbird couple being together for life, or a wolf having the most monogamous relationship when in a pack.
So, now as we are almost a quarter way through 2024, it is a rather chilly and damp start to Spring, one hopes you are cosy and warm, with love, care (including self-care), friends, family and pets.
Our community is branched into so many threads, it is a divine web, one I am happy I walked into.
In the next Summer Aiteach Issue you can look forward to a deeper article entitled “Bi-Curious Cringe”, yep that will be a goodie!
From one bi to all the others,
– Dorn Simon
FINDING JOY IN MOVEMENT (AND REST)
CC DARLINGTON
In a world obsessed with rigid body standards and unrealistic ideals, the act of moving our bodies is often framed as a means to an end – a tool for controlling and shrinking ourselves into conformity.
But what if we flipped the script? What if we ditched that unrealistic ‘summer body’ dream? What if we embraced movement (and rest) as a form of radical defiance and activism against oppressive body norms?
The concept of joyful movement challenges the notion that exercise should be driven by a desire to change our bodies to fit societal ideals. Instead, it celebrates movement for the sheer joy and pleasure it brings, regardless of shape, size or ability. It's about reclaiming our bodies as sites of joy and liberation, rather than battlegrounds for conformity and control.
At its core, joyful movement is an act of resistance – a rejection of the narrow beauty standards that have been imposed upon us. The idealisation of thinness and the demonisation of fatness are steeped in systemic biases and power structures that uphold white, Eurocentric beauty standards at the expense of marginalised bodies. From the colonial era to the present day, Western beauty ideals have been used as a tool of oppression to maintain power and control over fat, queer, black and disabled communities.
In the face of these oppressive forces, joyful movement emerges as an act of resistance and liberation. It's a rejection of the toxic diet culture that profits off our insecurities and a celebration of the inherent joy and pleasure of moving or resting our bodies, on our terms.
So, how might we go about finding joyful movement?
Listen to your body
Tune in to your body's cues and signals. Pay attention to how different types of movement make you feel physically and emotionally. Rest is as much a part of this activism work as movement is. We know that, for many folks, physical movement will never feel joyful in their bodies. Instead, we learn to respect our boundaries and hope to find joy in the fact that our movement (or rest) is a powerful act of resistance!
Fuck the rules
Joyful movement is not about adhering to a strict exercise regimen or pushing ourselves to meet arbitrary fitness goals. It's about listening to our bodies, honouring our limits and finding joy in the simple act of being present in our bodies, whether that means moving or resting in this moment.
Explore new activities
Whether it's dancing, hiking, having a stretch or taking a bath, joyful movement is about finding ways to move that are accessible to your body. Movement doesn’t have to be serious or a chore. Have fun with it! Find activities that bring you joy and fulfilment, free from the constraints of societal expectations and body shame.
Find community
Surround yourself with supportive and like-minded people who share your values. In a world where diet-culture is the norm, this can be easier said than done. Looking for communities that are queer focused or who centre the experiences of other marginalised groups can be a great place to start.
Ditch weight-based measures of success
Instead of focusing on the number on the scales, celebrate changes in your mood, strength, stamina, confidence or simply the fact that you’re using movement as a means of activism!
So, let's reclaim our bodies as sites of joy and liberation. Let's reject the oppressive narratives that seek to control and diminish us. Let's move (and rest) with joy, with freedom and with defiance.
– CC Darlington
SAFE SPACE AND WHY WE NEED IT
JOHN CUNNINGHAM-RYAN
The Oxford Dictionary describes a safe space as a “place or environment in which a person or category of people can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm.” Safe spaces can look different to various people and communities
Recently I've been seeing posts put up by community centres, libraries, businesses, schools, sports clubs etc. that they are safe spaces so it got me thinking ... what exactly is a safe and welcoming space for our community. What makes your place of employment a safe and supportive organisation?
Simply saying "This is a safe space" isn't going to make it so without work and effort.
It reminds me of social events years ago when we had exclusive use of a room in a bar, club or hotel. A space just for us. It was so nice and relaxing to have that outlet (think of the vibe we had at our Christmas Chillout). To have a place where we can be ourselves, try out new names, pronouns, clothing, identity. Be our authentic self. Not be forced to smile and laugh at queer jokes. Being comfortable and safe is as important today with the hate that's aimed at us all the time; as it was years ago when we hid in the backroom of a pub.
Today gay bars are full of straight women because they like coming to a gay bar as it makes them feel safer. HELLO !! We've had to fight for our own spaces and struggled to make them safe and welcoming. The irony that the space is then taken over is crazy. Now, don't get me wrong, I've no problem with people being safe when they socialise but ye need to make your own places better not just take over our space.
In particular, safe spaces are crucial in providing solace and empowerment for us.
But this is not just me having a rant, I've put together some ideas on how to make an establishment more welcoming to LGBTQIA+ staff and visitors.
First, create a statement about non-discrimination. For example: “Our organization is dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion for every staff member, customer or attendee, regardless of age, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or spiritual belief.” Of course it's not enough to have this statement buried in the staff handbook. It needs to be printed out, nice & big and put in a frame in a prominant place. AND then practice what you preach.
Second, establish a zero-tolerance policy for biased or hateful language at your workplace or events. For example: “Please note, any homophobic, racist, sexist, or otherwise biased language will not be tolerated. Any attendee or employee who uses such language will be immediately removed from the event and or face disciplinary procedures.” Publicize your diversity policy on your website, on isocial media pages, and on-site during any event.
Third, Set the right tone for your event/workplace by making sure every person feels included, starting with your forms and written promotional material. Always use gender-inclusive language in your writing, then include a non-discrimination and anti-harassment policy that must be agreed upon when someone is registering for an event.
Ensure the language is welcoming to transgender people, gender fluid people, and anyone else who does not identify with the traditional male or female gender labels.
Finally. Safe spaces bring us together, creating a sense of community and belonging. These spaces facilitate networking opportunities, enabling individuals to connect with like-minded people, share experiences, and build supportive relationships. Such connections can be invaluable for personal growth and empowerment.
So this comes back to us. What else would you add, what would you change. How can you affect change yourself, can you have a meeting with HR and make suggestions, can you make your workplace better. How can you contribute (and it's ok if you're not in a place that you can of course).
It's up to all of us to affect change because things won't change otherwise.
– John Cunningham-Ryan
BOOK REVIEW: HISTORY IS ALL YOU LEFT ME BY ADAM SILVERA
JOHN CUNNINGHAM-RYAN
Following the #TikTok sensation of "The First to Die at the End" by Adam Silvera I thought it interesting to cover another title by this awesome author.
Whilst reading this book I was astonished at the number of beautiful passages and phrases. What strikes me most about this book is that even though it is aimed at young adults it deals with a mature subject in an amazing way, gone are the times that we tip-toe around a subject and disrespect the readership. It is heartfelt, touching and simply amazing. One of the most striking & powerful passages was:
“It’s been a month since the universe lost you. One month since you woke up in the morning. One month since you opened a book. One month since you ate a meal. One month since you keyed a text message. One month since you went for a walk. One month since you held a hand. One month since you kissed your boyfriend. One month since you thought of a future that’s not happening. One month since you dreamed up your own alternative universe.
“It’s been one month since you died.
It’s been one month since you lived.”
The short sticatto sentences are brutal and honest. In one paragraph we learn so much about Theo. The last sentence is just perfect. Sums up the whole book really. It’s been one month since you lived.
So ... the plot ...
This is a book that charts the journey of Griffin who has lost his first love Theo. Thankfully Theo hasn’t died by taking his own life as a lot of YA LGBT books are written about (with good reason of course because it is happening all the time). However, Griffin lost Theo a year before his death as he moved to college and found another boyfriend – Jackson. Griffin spends most of the book talking in his mind to Theo; again, the conversations are real and heartfelt, although of course somewhat one-sided.
One thing you need to do is read the chapter heading each time. Alternate chapters jump between the now and Griffin telling us things that happened in the past, i.e. the history that was left. Just reading one of those two words – TODAY or HISTORY – helps your mind to place the events in chronological order. And, I must say, I like it. The author makes it easier for you to place the events in order so you can concentrate more on the story. A simple but important task that sometimes authors forget whilst they weave their tale.
Griffin and Jackson have a fraught relationship with each other and yet they both help each other get through the worst thing that has ever happened to them. The book deals with the loss in a fantastic way as it celebrates the short life that Theo led. We also briefly travel on the journey with Theo’s parents and sister. What could be a harrowing story is lifted by the magical moments that Griffin remembers between Theo & himself.
Griffin has other problems too, has an OCD with people being on his left so when walking down the street the person has to be to his right and he won’t even sit in the passenger seat of the car as the driver will be to his left. He has an OCD/phobia of odd numbers which coupled with the loss of Theo leads him to breakdown on a few occasions. I think that’s what makes this book so realistic. It’s not canned or stereotypical loss and how one deals with it. To me it’s more realistic because of these unique characteristics. When we all have to deal with loss, different things will make us emotional and close to breaking down. It could be someone wearing the same scent of your loved one, a forgotten memento from a day out found in the bottom of the sock drawer or simply lying in bed alone without them. The author describes perfectly what it's like living with an OCD/phobia that starts ruling your whole life. (In my mind anyway, it's not my personal experience)
Both boys feel responsible for Theo’s death and it’s only when they speak with Theo’s parents that they can reconcile this guilt and blame. Both Griffin and Jackson have difficulty dealing with their emotions and, predictable; end up alienating their best friends who could have helped them through the mess. By the end of the book, these bridges of friendship are being rebuilt, Griffin is building better with Wade (Griffin, Wade & Theo were best friends for years before any relationship blossomed) but I like the fact that these relationships are not rebuilt perfectly. They are a work-in-progress, rather like the whole book. By the end of the book Griffin & Jackson don’t have a happily-ever-after Disney finishing but there is hope.
I have no hesitation giving this book a 10 out of 10. It’s a beautifully written story of grief, rebuilding and hope. A must read.
– John Cunningham-Ryan
THE GREENLAND SHARK
CC DARLINGTON
Hidden beneath the frozen depths of the Arctic Ocean lurks the mysterious, rarely sighted Greenland Shark, known in Inuit as Eqalussuaq - From eqaluk meaning “Arctic char” and -suaq meaning “big”. An Inuit legend tells how the Greenland Shark came into existence as a result of an old Inuit woman washing her hair with urine (a common practice still today). The cloth that the woman used to dry her hair was blown into the ocean and became the first Greenland Shark, Skalugsuak. This creation story explains the high levels of urea found in the flesh of this species. Researchers have found that the presence of urea in its flesh prevents ice crystals from forming within the shark’s blood in the freezing Arctic depths. It also makes them pretty toxic for humans to eat!
At a glance, the Greenland Shark is an intimidating creature, boasting a length ranging anywhere from 2.5 to a whopping 7.3 metres and weights of up to 1000 kg! This heavy-set shark can be recognised by some distinctive features including a rounded nose, tiny eyes and small fins.
These silent, gliding creatures move incredibly slowly, at an average speed of just 1.2 km per hour but, despite their sluggish appearance, Greenland Sharks are far from sluggish predators. These apex predators have been found to actively pursue and attack prey, with seals ranking high on their menu.
One of the most amazing features of the Greenland Shark is just how long a single shark can live. These creatures boast a lifespan that overshadows all other shark species, with some individuals living for up to 500 years! Interestingly, the age of a Greenland Shark is calculated based on their unique eye structure. Similar to counting the rings of a felled tree, scientists count the layers on the lens of these shark’s eyes to determine their age. Incredibly, they don’t reach sexual maturity until a staggering 150 years of age, a fact that isn’t so surprising when you consider how brutal the shark mating process can be. Let’s put that off for as long as possible!
However, their impressive lifespan means that the Greenland Shark faces its own unique conservation challenges. While the flesh of the shark is poisonous to humans when eaten fresh, historically, Greenland Sharks were targeted by commercial fisheries for the oil contained in their livers. This assault on numbers, combined with their slow reproductive rate and late onset of sexual maturity, has left their populations vulnerable to decline.
Usually though, human encounters with the Greenland Shark are rare. These creatures have a very slow metabolism meaning they prefer deep, dark, cold waters, often lurking at depths as low as 2,200 metres. However, in 1859, a (uncorroborated) report emerged of a Greenland Shark caught off the shores of Canada with a human leg found in the contents of its stomach!
Despite their ominous, solitary nature, probably one of the most interesting things about the Greenland Shark is its peculiar relationship with a parasite called Ommatokoita elongata. This parasite takes up residence in the shark’s eyes and renders them effectively blind. While this might seem like a debilitating blow, recent research suggests a symbiotic twist to the relationship. Firstly, because of the darkness of these shark’s preferred depths, they don’t really need to see very well, relying on their keen senses of smell and electromagnetic fields to hunt. Secondly, the parasite itself is bioluminescent, emitting a faint glow in the dark ocean depths. Some scientists speculate that this luminescence may attract prey towards the shark, helping its survival despite the destruction of one of its senses.
Overall, the Greenland Shark remains one of the most mysterious species of the shark world. From its ancient Inuit significance to its symbiotic relationships and astonishing longevity, these slow giants continue to fascinate and intrigue scientists and enthusiasts alike.
– CC Darlington
POETRY
DORN SIMON
Spring is gay
Spring is gay
Filled with joy
Crocuses pop
Daffs deploy
Moods lighten
Days brighten
Bodies stirring
Pussycats purring
Warmth is hinted
Last of the snow
Crystalline droplets
Cover dandelion
Grass renews
Its greener hues
Bees start feeding
Pollen breeding
Fresher air breathed in
Rays a shining
Summer a-coming soon
Vitamin D blooms
Spring is gay
In the old way
Of the word some choose
To live and to groove
– Dorn Simon
©2024
POETRY
BEIGHINN O’BRIEN
Public House
After many a solitary season,
I attempt to venture out,
But speech is now a child’s toy
With incompatible pieces,
Or a maze to wander endlessly.
I fumble over syllables
In oscillating volume.
No matter how much I search,
I cannot find my place.
Brisk inhales in each defeat,
Mouth bobbing like a trapped goldfish.
Sometimes I conquer
Quite brutally,
A victory met
With scornful restrain.
I fixate on each tiny gesture;
The shape of my face,
My barbell legs,
Nomadic hands without a home.
My ears receive nothing
But an onslaught of noise,
Lacerating cackles
That cut down to bone.
I break free and wonder
“Is this my fate forever more?”
Condemned to be lonely
While yearning to be alone.
– Béibhinn O’Brien
RECLAIMED
AN FOCL’OIR AITEACH / THE QUEER DICTIONARY
LGBTQQIPA/LADTACIPE
Lesbian - Leispiach
Gay - Aerach
Bisexual - Déghnéasach
Transgender - Trasinscneach
Queer - Aiteach
Questioning - Ceisteach
Intersex - Idirghnéas
Pansexual - Painghnéasach
Asexual - Gan-ghnéasach
POSITION AVAILABLE
LGBTQIA+ HISTORIAN
We’re looking for a volunteer to help with the special project of creating the first-ever record of the history of the LGBTQIA+ community in County Wexford. Passion for the project is more important than past experiences. Contact wexfordpride@gmail.com
MONTHLY EVENTS
Wexford Pride presents Online Trans Femme Post-Surgery Peer Support Group.
Email wexfordpride@gmail.com for dates and link.
Wexford Pride presents Art Club
Mountain Gremlin Games in Castlebridge.
Wexford Pride presents Board Game Night
Mountain Gremlin Games in Castlebridge.
Wexford Pride Monthly Bookclub
Contact wexfordpride@gmail.com.
Wexford Pride Queer Film Club
Monthly private viewing club. Join now, email wexfordpride@gmail.com.
Wexford Pride Online Ace/Aro Peer Support Group
Countrywide, confidential. Everyone welcome regardless of gender identity, race, ethnicity, nationality, ability, etc. Email wexfordpride@gmail.com for more information.
Wexford Pride Online LGBTQIA+ Peer Support Group
Email wexfordpride@gmail.com for Zoom link.
FORTNIGHTLY EVENTS
County Wexford LGBTQIA+ Community Support Group
Fortnightly Mondays 7pm
July 2, 16, 30
August 13, 27
IFA Centre Enniscorthy
There’s always a place for you here.
A confidential, contracted space for offering and receiving peer support. Facilitated by an in-community student therapist.
Tea on the Quay
at the Trough on Cressent quay
Fortnightly Sundays 2pm
June 4, 18
Funds available for those in need of a cuppa.
GET INVOLVED
CONTACT US
WEXFORDPRIDE@GMAIL.COM
