Month: May 2021

Presenter Ed Roache has created a radio documentary series for SPIN 1038 and SPIN South West to mark the month of PRIDE.
Ed ‘came out’ two years ago and now he’s talking out his experience in ‘Ed Roche – Our Unique Tales’ – coming out once again to a whole new audience.
Speaking on the title of the series Ed Roche said “the reason I chose the name ‘Our Unique Tales’ is because everyone’s story is so unique.
“There is no one way of coming out.
“I also like the word ‘our’ – it’s very inclusive – just like this series. Also, the first letter of every word spells the words OUT. I thought it was a subtle way of including a word that means so much to me and many other LGBTQIA+ people.”
Ed also gives us a little glimpse of what people can expect about the series: ‘Our Unique Tales’ is a series about LGBTQIA+ people in this country, it’s a story on their lives, from the difficulties they faced growing up in this country, to where they are today. A lot of tears were shed when making this series, I just really hope it connects with people no matter what your sexuality is. People shouldn’t assume this is just for the gay community, it’s probably the opposite honestly”.
The series will feature some incredible LGBTQIA+ figures, they are; Strongman Chris McNaghten who was Irelands first openly gay strongman. Rebecca Tallon De Havilland – she was the first person in Ireland to undergo gender reassignment surgery. Nikki Symmons – a former Irish international hockey player. And Philp Keogh who many people will know by his stage name Victoria Secret.
There is a special episode which will broadcast on Saturday May 22nd to celebrate six years since Ireland voted Yes in the Same-sex marriage referendum. The episode features Rory O’Neill aka. Queen of Ireland Panti Bliss. Rory was a massive campaigner in securing a yes vote for Ireland back in 2015. Has much changed since then? This series investigates.
The series is not necessarily about Eds own coming out experience, “I’ve never actually said I’m gay on the radio, I guess this series is a whole new coming out story for me. I’ve no doubt that some of my family, friends and listeners will only figure this out about me for the first time when they tune in! I am nervous about the reaction it will get! I just hope people are accepting to it, to me and to the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Ed Roche – Our Unique Tales first airs at 9am on Saturday morning – May 22nd on SPIN 1038 and SPIN South West.
There will then be a further 4 episode for PRIDE Month in June, every Saturday morning at 9am. […]

GoLoud has announced the release of its new and original podcast series, Invisible Threads.
The eight-part series was the winner of the inaugural GoLoud Podship, a bursary worth €20,000 which invited submissions for an original podcast series.
The successful GoLoud Podship recipient received a €5,000 cash prize, as well as access to in-house studio facilities, production support and a heavyweight launch marketing campaign.
James O’Hagan from LGBT Ireland was awarded the GoLoud Podship after his podcast pitch for ‘Invisible Threads’ was selected by an expert judging panel. The GoLoud Podship attracted hundreds of applicants.
Of the winning series, the GoLoud judging panel said: “We knew from the outset that this had the potential to be a great podcast. James’ passion and determination to give a generation of people a voice was evident and what he has delivered is audio storytelling at its very best – raw, honest, heartfelt personal accounts that give us all cause for reflection on a very important part of our history”.
Invisible Threads, hosted by James O’Hagan tells the powerful stories of eight older members of the LGBTQ+ community as they open up about their experience living as a queer person in Ireland, with contributions from psychologist Dr Paul D’Alton.
From coming out prior to the decriminalisation of homosexuality, gender dysphoria and conversion therapy, Invisible Threads features raw, honest conversations with members of the community, including Mrs. Brown’s Boys star Eilish O’Carroll.
James O’Hagan donated the €5,000 prize money to LGBT Ireland to help further the charity’s work in support of older members of the community. The launch of ‘Invisible Threads’ coincides with International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. This month also marks the 6th anniversary of the Marriage Equality Referendum.
Kiela Brodigan, GoLoud Director said: “The annual GoLoud Podship was developed to identify and provide a platform for original podcast content – stories and conversations that may not otherwise be heard. We’ve been blown away by the response, the talent and creativity that’s out there is something to behold.
“Our GoLoud Podship winner ‘Invisible Threads’ is a story that needs to be told and listeners to the GoLoud app will connect immediately with the empathy and passion that James has woven through this series. This is just the beginning of GoLoud’s ambition when it comes to creating and supporting original podcast content for the GoLoud app”.
Commenting on the series, Darren Cleary, GoLoud Managing Editor said: “The launch of ‘Invisible Threads’ marks the beginning of an exciting new journey for us. Over the coming months we’ll be developing a suite of new digital programmes and podcasts across a number of genres under the GoLoud Originals banner. These series’ will underpin our clear commitment to producing genre defining, habit forming, innovative digital properties and podcasts.”
GoLoud Podship recipient and host of ‘Invisible Threads’, James O’Hagan said: “GoLoud’s enthusiasm for the concept and commitment to both me and the series was clear from the very beginning. The support and guidance I received throughout the process has helped me produce something truly remarkable. I can’t begin to express how proud I am of Invisible Thread and of the 8 amazing people who were brave enough to share their stories with me.”
Applications for the GoLoud Podship 2021 will open on 31st May.
Invisible Threads, a GoLoud Original Podcast launches today, May 17th and is available now on the GoLoud app and on goloudnow.com. […]