Meet Brian

Here is Brian's bio...

Brian Finnegan has been the editor of Ireland’s gay magazine, Gay Community News (GCN) since March 2003. His remit of as editor of GCN is to educate and inform the magazine’s readers about political issues, to entertain them, speak about gay culture, and give them access to a greater sense of community.

Brian began his career in London, working for the listings magazine City Limits in the early 1990s, before moving to Ireland to work for GCN in its original formation. In 1994 he edited a book of short stories for Attic Press called Quare Fellas, and in 1995 published a non-fiction comedy book called Camp as Knickers (Marino Books, Ireland).

From there he went on to become the ‘Gay Editor’ at In Dublin magazine, and then to create and edit GI magazine, an Irish fashion and lifestyle magazine for gay men.

Since 1997 he has been a regular contributor to many of Ireland’s newspapers, magazines, radio and TV channels, writing and broadcasting on gay politics and culture.

He has just finished ghostwriting the autobiography of a major Irish celebrity, which will be published in October and is putting the finishing touches on a musical he’s written with partner in crime, Orla Howard.

...and here is a Q&A that he did for a travel magazine.

• What's your favourite Dublin restaurant?
  Il Primo on Montague Street, Dublin 2. Risotto to die for, and so much more.
  
  
• What is the ultimate Dublin Must-Do?
  Dublin Pride, of course. Thousands of gorgeous Irish queers take over the city the second last weekend of every June.
  
  
• What is the best thing about living in Dublin?
  It’s getting more and more cosmopolitan and busy by the day, but you can still bump into a friend every time you walk down the main streets.
  
  
• What is the worst thing about living in Dublin?
  It needs a big clean up and strict anti-litter enforcement.
  
  
• What is your favourite Dublin Cultural Experience?
  GAZE: The Dublin Lesbian & Gay Film Festival the first weekend of every August. It’s the best social and cultural five days on the city’s gay calendar.
  
  
• What is your favourite daytrip?
  A little known beach on the shores of Lough Dan in Wicklow. With it’s snow white sand and eucalyptus-like trees, on a hot summer’s day it’s like being on a Greek island.
  
  
• What is the one reason you'd never leave Dublin?
  I have always felt at home in Dublin. It’s a warm, friendly city.
  
  
• What is your best city memory?
  My most recent highlight was belting one out at the big Dublin Lesbian & Gay Film Festival musical singalong.
  
  
• Where is the best place to drink with the locals?
  Grogan’s on South William Street, Dublin 2. Quintessentially bohemian, Dublin style.
  
  
• Where is the best view?
  Back to Lough Dan. Looking over its vista is, in a word, heavenly.
  

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Yesterday I heard about GCN through Twitter. Last night I contacted them through their website, and when I woke up this morning I had a message from Brian, the Editor, in my Inbox. Thanks Brian!