Feature | Mr Gay Ireland
Gerard McLoughlin Age: 26 From: Ringsend, Dublin Title: Mr Gay George
What was your experience of coming out? Fortunately for me, it wasn’t as bad as I thought. I started with telling my friends, who were not really surprised, and it encouraged me to tell my family. My mother says to this day that she knew what I was going to say when I came home that night. I went into the kitchen, sat beside the washing machine, and told all my family. It ended up with us all chatting about a guy I was seeing at the time. Who is the biggest support in your life? My mother has been my biggest support in my life. She moulded me into the person I am today. It hasn’t been easy on her, bringing up 5 kids, and she’s an inspiration to me. I don’t know what I’d do without her. You’re representing The George in the Mr Gay Ireland finals; what has the reaction from the locals been like? It’s been pretty positive. I was doubtful about
doing it, but the George, especially Veda, has been so supportive, and gave me so fantastic advice. What have you done/planned to raise money? I have held non-uniform days in work to raise some cash. I will be holding a fundraising night in Ringsend, I’ve organised a ‘Take That’ tribute act to perform, and lots of spot prizes to raffle off. I will be holding a 2nd fundraising night in the George, where myself and a few of my work colleagues will be putting on a hairshow, with an entry fee. I will be doing some performances also at the bingo, where i will do bucket runs straight after. What has the experience been like so far? It has been a little bit stressful to be honest, ha! I want to raise good money and awareness for the New Fill Project. I think when I have all the fundraising done, I will really enjoy the experience
EILE Magazine 49