- LGBTQ techno night Grace (facebook.com/pg/graceclubdublin) filled a crucial gap in the city’s nightlife when it launched earlier this year. Simultaneously promoting the importance of individuality and community, Grace has delivered its original brand of “queer rave utopian bliss” with a series of unforgettable nights at 39/40 Arran Quay. How great to see them welcoming acclaimed Berlin DJ CEM to Grace’s Pride event at The Sound House.

- Pennylane (2 Great Stand St, facebook.com/pg/Pennylane-Bar-339166293327789) is the sophisticated little sister of the iconic Panti Bar. It opened its doors recently with a unique energy that’s unlike anything else on offer in the city. Named after Panti’s own Jack Russell, Penny, the classy cocktail bar is ideal for a chilled out evening. It’s a perfect refuge from the action at Panti Bar – conveniently located just across the road!

- Trans Pride Dublin (July 6, Garden of Remembrance, facebook.com/transpridedublin) returns this year with the theme ‘Breaking The Binary’. This grassroots, anti-corporate event aims to smash through the oppressive gender roles in society, with a march from the Garden of Remembrance to Merrion Square. The route over the Rose Hackett Bridge will bring the march past the Department of Health – allowing protestors to voice their dissatisfaction at the lack of healthcare for trans people available in this country.

- Spicebag (City of Dublin Working Men’s Club, 33-36 Strand Street Little, facebook.com/pg/spicebagperformancenight), an LGBTQ performance night and dance party, embraces everything from spoken-word to cabaret, in the community-oriented setting of the City of Dublin Working Men’s Club. Founded by partners in crime Stephen Quinn and Sarah Devereux, Spicebag proudly welcomes “succulent misfits, fabulous flamers, dazzling dykes, trans celestial travellers, your granny’s marigold gloves, bisexual bikers, Nadine Coyle” and more. We’re there!

- Since launching its first bona-fide festival in 1993, the GAZE International LGBT Film Festival (August 1-5, Light House Cinema, Smithfield, gaze.ie) has become Ireland’s largest LGBTQ movie event. It returns this year to the Light House Cinema to continue its celebration of LGBT storytelling. Last year’s programme included screenings of The Miseducation of Cameron Post, Disobedience and French drama Reinventing Martin, as well as a selection of Australian LGBT films to celebrate the country’s own historic marriage equality victory.