GROWING UP, AND GLOWING UP An interview with a gay makeup artist from Dublin might seem like an odd choice for Tabler magazine. However, Table is about individuals coming together to share experiences, support each other and our communities, says Adam Baggs
Glen McGuiness’s story is certainly one to inspire - growing up in one of Dublin’s less affluent districts, with little support from parents; coming out as gay, searching for a career that would allow his artistic talents to flourish - then most recently going on to win Glow Up Ireland. His is a story that is rooted in the community where he grew up and the family that have been there throughout. Before we start – a couple of quick notes… • The Liberties: the area of Dublin that almost all Tablers will know as the
home of Guinness. • Glow Up Ireland: The Irish version of the hit make up competition - think Bake Off with lipstick rather than flour We start by discussing Glen’s background and local community: “To be honest its very simple, it was a story I tried to tell on Glow Up but was largely edited out. My father simply wasn’t around – to this day he knows my address and always has done but is just not there. My mother on the other hand was an addict who was unable to raise her own children. Looking back, I know now it was neglect and abuse. However, my grandmother saved my life, little-by-little, day-by-day she took over bringing me
up. It went from visiting after school to sleep overs and then one day I realised I was never going back. Alongside Annie (grandmother) I had this wealth of other positive and supportive women, particularly my Aunty Ann, collectively they stepped in to fill the breach and raise me, my brother and sister.” “The Liberties, where I grew up, is the strangest place in the world. On the one hand it’s like a country town, full of people who all know each other and everyone’s business; on the other there is the rough atmosphere of gangs, drugs and homophobia. It’s changing dramatically through a combination of investment and new blood – it really is a strange melting pot of negative and positive.” You would think coming out as gay in
TABLER MAGAZINE * WINTER 2021
When I relaunched Tabler, I wanted inspirational stories from inspirational individuals – whether they are Tablers or not - to be the core element around which we build the rest of the magazine.
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