Sparking Change with Dil

58: #58 | Amy Plant

57: #57 | Paula Leonard & Mark Dunnbier

This week on Sparking Change, Dil talks to Mary Moynihan. Mary is the artistic director for Smashing Times Theatre and Film Company (more info here). Smashing Times Theatre and Film Company is a not-for-profit, human rights based organsiation that uses creative process, theatre and film to promote human rights, gender equality, reconcilliation and social inclusion for all. In 2018, the company established the new Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Human Rights, a hub for creative activity, community engagement and social inclusion for all at local, national, European and international levels. A new Women in an Equal Europe creative documentary was made exploring themes of women, feminism and Europe. The documentary was directed by Mary. It includes interviews with twelve women (including Dil!) from Ireland, Spain, Croatia and Serbia along with a series of nine Vox Pops or statements from women and men exploring women’s lived experiences of life in Europe and the intersection between the arts, feminism and equality. In this episode, Dil and Mary discuss the origins of Smashing Times, how artists can use their work to ask questions of society, the Smashing Times International Centre for Arts and Human Rights, as well as the process of picking the stories for the Women in an Equal Europe Documentary. They also discuss Margaret Skinnider, the mostly-unknown stories of women in the Second World War, as well as what's next for Smashing Times,and how theatre and comedy can be great for learning.

56: #56| Mary Moynihan: Smashing Times

This week on Sparking Change, Dil is joined by an extremely impressive group of women: Grace O'Sullivan, Melanie Lynch, Amy de Bhrún, Donna Gilligan and Eileen O'Sullivan. As it is a hundred years since women gained the right to vote in Ireland, Dil’s guests are at the Waterford Walls Festival to discuss stories of creative women a hundred years ago, who fought for change through creative thinking. Grace O’Sullivan is an elected member of Seanad Éireann. As well as this, she is a mother of three, an ecologist, an environmental education specialist, a former Greenpeace activist, a former Irish surf champion and green entrepreneur. Melanie Lynch is an award-winning creative and social entrepreneur with a passion for justice, equality and storytelling. She is founder of Herstory, whose mission is to tell the multi-faceted, lost, forgotten and untold life stories of Irish women past and present; to capture their individual characters, achievements, and the patriarchal dogma they challenged. Amy De Bhrún is an actress and writer. She moved to London at the age of 19 to pursue her actor training at The Bridge Drama School. As well as her most recent show “Till Death We Part”, she has written 5 other one-woman shows—and performed them throughout Dublin, London, LA and New York. Donna Gilligan is an Irish museum archaeologist & material culture historian, as well as historian of the Irish suffragette movement. She is the Curator of Print, Protest & the Polls: The Irish women’s suffrage campaign & the power of print media. Eileen O’Sullivan is an artist. An NCAD graduate, she also studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium. Her work is concerned with the personal: her subjects include family, the familiar and everyday objects. Together, the ladies discuss the lack of promotion for the hundred-year anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, the importance of documenting the great achievements by women past and present, Melanie discusses some of the projects that Herstory has been conducting and Amy discusses the evolution of the acting industry in its treatment of women.

55: #55 | 100 Years on: Women Creating Change

This week on Sparking Change, Dil brings us another episode from the sunny south-east, at this years’ Waterford Walls street art festival. Waterford Walls is an international street art festival started by The Walls Project that transforms Waterford City into an open-air gallery. Waterford Walls invites over 50 artists again in 2018 to transform the city walls, continuing to make Waterford an essential cultural attraction and International go-to destination for street art. This year’s festival ran from August 17th – 26th, so unfortunately it is now over. But make sure to mark it in your calendar for next year! In this episode, Dil talks to Edel Tobin, Louise Flynn and Joe Caslin. Edel Tobin is the founder and project manager with Waterford Walls Project. In 2014, she founded New Street Gardens, a pop up garden built on a derelict site in the city. In 2017, she launched Patterns of Light: a lighting display along the Quay in Waterford. Dil and Edel discuss the progress the festival has made in just four years, with fifty artists and over two hundred applicants for this year’s festival. Louise Flynn is a visual artist who works in Waterford and Kilkenny. She has curated many mural projects and artwork for festivals and exhibitions. She was recently invited to create a mural for Wynwood Embassy in Miami. It is this experience that drives her passion to see this art form transform Waterford City and capture the imagination of the community, as artists and people work together. Dil and Louise discuss the origins of the festival, the changing perception of street art, as well as street art’s ability to spark change. Check out Louise’s tattoos—she is a tattoo artist—here! Joe Caslin is an illustrator, street artist and teacher. He is also responsible for some of the most talked-about and thought-provoking street art seen throughout the cities of Ireland. He has a piece in this year’s festival called ‘Consent’. Dil and Joe discuss Joe’s piece in the festival: his departure from the theme of mental health amongst men to the very relevant issue of consent, as well as the Save Nonso campaign he is also working with. Check out Joe’s Instagram to see his amazing work.

54: #54 | Waterford Walls Street Art Festival

This week on Sparking Change, Dil takes some time from her holiday to speak to Niamh Darcy, one of the owners of Morriscastle Strand Holiday Park (more info here). Morriscastle Strand Holiday Park is a 4 star Fáilte Ireland recommended tourist Caravan, Camping, Motorhome and private Mobile Home Park located in the Sunny South East of Ireland, Co Wexford. The Holiday Park is owned and operated by brother and sister – Hugh and Niamh Darcy – with this present generation carrying on the family business that was started by their entrepreneurial parents Ed and Ria Darcy in 1969. Their brothers Riain and Eoin both worked in the business at different times over the years lending their expertise to various aspects of Morriscastle. Ria was the financial wizard and it was her backbone, strength and accounting skills that kept the Park going through difficult times supporting Ed’s determination and belief in Morriscastle, bringing the Holiday Park to where it is today. Ed will never retire so they’ll be building and developing the Morriscastle dream for years to come! In this episode Dil and Niamh talk about all sorts, from the mental health benefits of an outdoor-style holiday to Niamh’s advice for beginner campers, as well as the best type of tent to buy. Niamh also discusses the charities that the campsite supports, including the 4,000 euro they have raised the each of the past four years for the local Hope Cancer Support Centre. They also discuss peoples’ reluctance to camp and why everyone should give it a try.

53: #53 | Niamh Darcy: Morriscastle Strand Holiday Park

This week on Sparking Change, Dil records from the VISUAL in Carlow, as she is joined by Joanne Donohoe of the Carlow Community Development partnership, and Hayley Fox Roberts, the consultant and author of the LGBTI voices report. The LGBTI Voices report was a research report into the needs and capacity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex population of Carlow. The study was conducted through online surveys, one-to-one interviews and focus groups. Dil, Joanne and Hayley discuss the findings of the report, including what the needs of the LGBTQI+ community in Carlow are—which were found out by asking members of the LGBTQI+ community within Carlow—as well as how something can be put in place to meet these needs. Dil, Joanne and Hayley also discuss potential problems of the LGBTQI+ community with doctors, and ways that these problems can be fixed, as well as prejudice for minorities within minorities, and internalised inferiority within the LGBTQI+ community.

52: #52 | From The VISUAL in Carlow: LGBTI Voices Report

This week on Sparking Change, Dil joins us from the Gutter Bookshop as she first interviews Sarah Williams, the chairperson of GAZE LGBT film festival (more info here). The Gaze LGBT film festival has striven over the last 25 years to provide a platform for screening the best of LGBT cinema. The Festival is a place for the LGBT community and allies to come together to have fun, be moved, be challenged and become energised. The legacy of GAZE is a vibrant record of a changed Ireland. Dil then interviews Beth Hayden, Ryan McConnell and Pamela Connolly, all of Glitter HOLE. These three drag artists performed GAZE film festival’s inaugural Drag Queen Story Time. Drag Queen Story Time is self-explanatory: drag queens reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and book shops. Drag Queen Story Time captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real. We then hear a recording of the fantastic performances by Glitter HOLE for the kids—such great fun for both kids and adults! Be sure to see more of Glitter HOLE’s performances at the upcoming Dublin Fringe Festival this September, where they perform their new show, ‘Fianna Fellatio Party Launch’!

51: #51 | From the Gutter Bookshop: GAZE LGBT film festival

On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil is joined by photographer Brian Teeling to discuss his latest exhibition, Uncover, which has recently finished in Dublin, and will be at The Lavit Gallery in Cork from the 2nd–9th of August (more info here). Uncover will feature over fifty portraits of subjects drawn from a diverse cross-section of Irish LGBT+ life. The subjects of the exhibition are drawn from all walks of Irish society and include politicians, musicians, artists, activists and unsung heroes. Figures include: Senator Fintan Warfield; theatre director, Garry Hynes; drag artist, Veda Beaux Reeves; and broadcaster and designer, Brendan Courtney. Funds raised through the sale of the prints, will go towards Gay Switchboard Ireland, accompanied by the sale of limited edition Gay Switchboard Ireland merchandise (to be sold in a pop-up shop at Hen’s Teeth Prints). Founded in 1974, Gay Switchboard Ireland is the oldest LGBT+ community service in the Republic of Ireland. The helpline has seen an increase in calls since 2015. Currently, the organisation relies solely on the goodwill of the community it serves to stay in operation. As well as Uncover, Brian and Dil discuss further improvements that can be made for LGBTQI+ rights post the marriage quality referendum, the HIV crisis amongst young gay men in Ireland and how sex education needs to be improved to help combat this, the arrival of the Pope, and Brian’s way of protesting, and Brian’s experience of talking to his mother about the Abortion referendum this year. Dil also advises on renting children! See Brian’s work here and here, and be sure to see Uncovered in the Lavit Gallery, Cork from Thursday the 2nd until Saturday the 11th of August!

50: #50 | Brian Teeling: Uncover

In this episode of Sparking Change, Dil interviews Uche, Mika and Daniel of the Discovery Gospel Choir. We then hear their amazing performance of ‘The Elephant in the Room’ at the Peacock Stage Theatre. Formed in 2004, Discovery Gospel Choir is home to a community of creatives from across the world. With over 30 members, this Dublin-based choir has become renowned for its unique fusion of gospel, folk and world music. Using music as a way to create and connect, audiences delight in hearing its inspirational message: ‘discover beauty in everyone’. From humble beginnings, today the gospel group continues its journey as Ireland’s leading intercultural choir. Dil speaks to Uche, Mika and Daniel about the representation of different cultures on stage, and they discuss the creative process behind ‘Elephant in the Room’ as well as the message behind it. They also discuss Discovery Gospel Choir’s message of integration and the sense of community—and family—that Discovery Gospel Choir provides for people of all cultures and nationalities through the simple joy of song.

49: #49 | Discovery Gospel Choir: The Elephant in the Room

On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil is joined by Senator Fintan Warfield, Paula Fagan, CEO of LGBT Ireland, as well as Dil’s wife, founder and clinical director of Insight Matters, Anne Marie Toole, to discuss the passage of the Children and Family Relationship Amendment Bill, as well as further improvements that need to be made. Yesterday, the Children and Family Relationships (Amendment) Bill 2018 was passed in the Seanad after it passed through the Dáil last week. This will allow same sex female couples, who have a donor conceived child, to apply for a retrospective declaration of parentage. However, LGBT Ireland explains there is still work to be done: the commencement of Part 9 of the Act is necessary to enable both parents to register on their child’s birth certificate and that responsibility lies with the Department of Social protection. LGBT Ireland is committed to working with Minister Doherty to have this part commenced after the Dáil’s summer recess. As well as this, the Children and Family Relationships Act does not include surrogacy. Provisions relating to the regulation of surrogacy are included in Part 6 of the General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2017. There are other parenting pathways that need to be addressed so that all families can be legislated for by the state, so that no children are left without legal protections and recognition of their families.

48: #48 |Children and Family Relationships Amendment Bill

On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil interviews Su-Ming Khoo, and afterwards we hear speeches from the Irish Developmental Education Association (IDEA) Conference. In Dil’s interview with Su, they discuss what developmental education is, how Su thinks of education as the ‘motor for driving change’, and how Irish society has been progressing of late, as well as the encouraging signs of young people in Ireland having a keen interest in politics. Next, we hear Su-Ming and others speak at the IDEA conference itself. This year, the theme is Transformative Education for Global Citizenship – SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) 4.7 in Ireland. SDG 4.7 requires that by 2030, all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others, education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development. (23:25–51:30) Su-Ming Khoo Su-Ming gives the introductory speech, in which she addresses the bigger picture around Transformative Education for Global Citizenship, and discusses the idea of working together towards SDG 4.7 across all sectors. (54:02–01:01:45) Rilli Lappalainen Rilli Lappalainen is the Secretary General of Kehys, the Finnish NGDO platform to the EU. Rilli talks about what SDG 4.7 is, how it came about, as well as what is being done around SDG 4.7 in countries. (01:02:03–01:11:10) Frank Geary Frank Geary is the director of IDEA and Member of Coalition 2030. Frank discusses what the landscape is like for the SDGs in Ireland and SDG 4.7 in particular, as well as the level of awareness for SDG 4.7. (01:11:30–01:23:51) Dermot O’Brien Dermot is a youth work freelance trainer, facilitator and consultant. Dermot tells some of anecdotes about the experience of sharing spaces and working with young people, particularly in relation to SDG 4.7.

47: #47 | Su-Ming Khoo: IDEA Conference 2018

**Louise Shanagher: Lou Lou Rose** On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil speaks to [Louise Shanagher](https://www.louiseshanagher.com/aboutlouiseshanagher). [Lou Lou Rose](https://www.louiseshanagher.com/loulourose) is the creative partnership of Louise, a children's therapist and visual artist, Rose Finerty. Lou Lou Rose aims to nurture and promote positive mental health for children through a series of books, videos and affirmation cards. In this episode, Dil and Louise discuss what mindfulness is, and how teaching it to kids may help to prevent anxiety. They also talk about the pressure that young people feel they are under, and the negative impacts that social media can have, as well as good ways of cultivating mindfulness in children, and the importance of self-compassion.  Lou Lou Rose have a series of books, the ‘Mindfully-Me’ series, which introduce effective and evidence-based techniques that have been proven to promote positive mental health and well-being. Find out more about them [here](https://www.louiseshanagher.com/mindfully-me).

46: #46 | Louise Shanagher: Lou Lou Rose

**Pride Launch 2018** On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil records from the Civic Offices at Dublin County Council, for the launch of Pride 2018. This is the 35th anniversary of Pride, and the theme for this year’s Pride is family. First up, Dil has a chat with Clodagh Leonard, the chairperson for Pride, and we also hear from some of the people involved in organising Pride for this year, with Clodagh as the M.C. (07:55) Lord Mayor Mícheál MacDonncha First to speak at the event is the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mícheál MacDonncha, who acknowledges and pays homage to the people who struggled and fought for LGBTQI+ rights in the past. (12:23) Sarah Phillips Up next is Sarah Phillips, who will be Grand Marshal for this year’s Pride parade, and only the third ever transgender Grand Marshal. Sarah is also the chairperson for TENI. Sarah encourages us to remember past heroes in LGBTQI+ rights. (16:45) Clodagh Leonard Clodagh takes an opportunity to talk about family, and the amazing family that Pride is and will continue to be moving forward. (20:12) Senator Fintan Warfield Fintan draws attention the LGBTQI+ issues that still have to improve, such as same-sex or trans parents, and introducing legislation for hate crimes, which still does not exist in this country. Sadly, Fintan did not have the chance to bring his guitar to serenade us with.  (25:38) Brian Higgins Brian is the CEO of Pieta House. He speaks about how more young people than ever seek help from Pieta House for feeling suicidal because of their sexuality or gender identity. (32:15) Jacob Erickson Jacob is the assistant professor of theological ethics, at Trinity College, Dublin. Jacob shares messages of positivity towards the LGBTQI+ from religious figures around the world, contrary to the religious stereotypes. (39:48) Eddie Mc Guinness Eddie is the Pride manager, and he tells us of the events leading up to Pride. He also talks about the commercial aspect of Pride, and how the partners that help fund Pride are what makes it possible to keep it growing. (52:00) Jed Dowling Finally, is Jed Dowling, the director of Pride. Jed pays tribute to GCN, and also speaks insightfully on the fact that he is a part of the last generation to know life where homosexuality was illegal, while thanking the people who fought for LGBTQI+ rights, but didn’t get to live with the rights that they fought so hard for.

45: #45 | Pride Launch 2018

On this episode of Sparking Change, Dil is joined by Conor Mahon. Conor is the principal investigator in the Anxiety in Sexual Minorities Study, at DCU. In this episode, Conor and Dil cover a broad range of topics, including the correlation between social anxiety and sexual orientation, the discrimination that can go on within the LGBTQI+ community, and the issue of internalised homophobia, as well as safety behaviours in response to social anxiety, and how to cope with such behaviours. Complete the survey for Conor’s study [here](https://dcusnhs.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3lPEs5I7Jp0CvUF), and keep up to date with the study [here](https://www.facebook.com/Anxiety.Sex.Minority.Study/). Go to lgbt.ie for information on peer support groups, or call 1890 929 539 for the LGBTQI+ helpline.

44: #44 | Conor Mahon: Anxiety in Sexual Minorities

Dil Wickremasinghe shines a light on the latest social justice and mental health stories and hopes to inspire positive social change one conversation at time. Follow Dil on Twitter (https://twitter.com/dilw) , Sparking Change with Dil's Twitter (https://twitter.com/sparkingchange1?lang=en) , Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/sparkingchangewithdil/) , the Podcast's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sparkingchangewithdil/) and Dil's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dilwickremasinghe/)

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