Mr Brian Merriman and Mr Gay Ireland 2012 Robbie Obara.
Brian Merriman, the producer of Mr Gay Ireland and Mr Gay Northern Ireland and founder of the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, has been with Mr Gay Europe since the day we stumbled onto the European stage eight years ago in 2005. Merriman, a key supporter of the Mr Gay Europe organization, has written a book celebrating International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival’s 10 year history.
“Wilde Stages in Dublin: A Decade of Gay Theatre,” chronicles Merriman’s life in 1960s Ireland and the evolution of gay rights within the country.
The book’s title refers to gay playwright Oscar Wilde, who was born in Dublin in 1854. In the book Merriman discusses the influences and events leading to him founding the biggest gay theater event in the world. He also discusses religion’s view of gay rights in Irish society.
The book was officially launched 1st May in Dublin, and should soon be available in most bookstores. Merriman has been invited to host a reading from his book during Mr Gay Europe 2013 in Prague.