Local Faces: Gerry Curran
By Maddie Mueller
GERRY Curran is a person who “can’t not be” involved.
Originally from Dublin City but now living in South Dublin County, Curran is a volunteer for the new South Dublin LGBT+ Network.
He came across the network while researching support groups and other resources in the area and decided to join its hearing committee.
Gerry Curran
A native of the Liberties and a Dublin City resident for over 20 years, Curran proudly calls himself a “true blue Dubliner”.
He is also proud to call himself an openly gay man, and has identified as such since he was a child.
“I like to keep it simple,” said Curran, “I’m not that woke when it comes to language. I’m just gay and that’s it.”
Curran doesn’t let his sexual orientation dictate his character but he doesn’t shy away from it either. He has been involved in activism for much of his life, mainly advocating for general progressive causes in social change and human rights.
When Curran was a young man, he was a social worker and a National Executive of the Labour Party. In the early 90s, he wrote a petition calling on the party to decriminalise homosexuality. They made it part of their party policy and in 1993, homosexuality was decriminalised in Ireland.
Curren worked in television broadcasting for RTE following his time in social work and has now transitioned to more behind the scenes roles. Currently, he works as head of Media Relations for the Court Service, a role he finds very rewarding.
LGBT+ network volunteer Gerry Curran describes himself as a true blue Dubliner and is proud to call himself an openly gay man
“All of life presents itself before the courts,” Curran said, noting that at any given time people might be having their worst or their best day while in court.
Curran, who is a former journalist himself, said he likes to “help journalists get their reports across the line”. His job entails fielding questions from reporters regarding legal processes, staff, access to information, and more.
“I love being able to guide them through the process,” he said.
Curran is always willing to share information. One of his goals with the LGBT+ Network is to expand the web of knowledge among LGBT+ residents of South Dublin.
Gerry Curran is a very busy man and he aims to harness the energy that the LGBT community brings to projects for the South Dublin LGBT+ Network
Curran himself moved to South Dublin because he wanted to take a step away from city living for his personal development and experience. He seems happy with his choice and likes that South Dublin County has “lots going on”.
He is certainly busy enough with the Network, especially now during Pride Month.
Unfortunately, there have been some poor reactions to the Dublin Pride celebrations, including a display of anti-LGBT grafitti that was found in the City Centre. But Curran commends the “great response” by the overall community. He said “the Mayor and council have been wonderful” with their support of the group and condemnation of the graffiti.
Pride flags were raised at Tallaght Stadium on Friday by Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr Ed O’Brien, to mark Pride Month.
“The message about being out and proud in South Dublin will be broadcast all over the country,” said Curran of the display.
The South Dublin LGBT+ network is due to be officially launched in the coming months, and Curran hopes that it will fulfill its purpose of “linking people locally to Pride, places, and services”.
Gerry Curran
Gerry will spend the next few month’s continuing to explore the South Dublin area, where he’s only been living for about 18 months. He’s been busy, recently adding a notable addition to his collection of academic degrees: a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard University.
Curren is clearly a busy man, and he’s part of a busy community. He aims to “harness the energy that the LGBT community brings to projects” for the South Dublin LGBT+ Network.
The group already has more than 300 members ahead of its official launch, with events (primarily virtual) being held throughout Pride Month and beyond.
