Latest news with #YesEquality
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- General
- Irish Examiner
Paula Fagan: 'The marriage referendum was healing, being a fair and just society is good for everyone'
I grew up in Drogheda in the 1970s and '80s. I knew I was different from very young. Hearing people talk about getting married, I knew deep down it wasn't going to be me, not that I knew about attraction. By my early teens I had my first crush on a girl — I knew then for sure. But I also knew not to say anything. There was a lot of overt homophobia in those years. I knew who I was, and that it wasn't safe to say it. Later, working on the LGBT helpline, I've seen people hate it in themselves — I didn't. I always accepted it in myself, but was wise enough to know it wasn't safe to say. When I was 12, walking through a Drogheda shopping centre, there was a shop selling tellies. Through the window you could see Wimbledon on, Martina Navratilova playing. Two older women were standing nearby, talking in a very derogatory way — Navratilova had come out by then — sneering comments, about how she looked, her sexuality. I remember thinking, 'oh God! That's what they'd think of me if I said anything'. At 16, I worked in a wholesale electrical company, a lot of male staff, most who came in were tradesmen, electricians. One woman would come in, she was out as lesbian. The slagging after she was in: homophobic jokes, how butch she was. She was the first really out person I'd met in real life… She took her own life – maybe she had other stuff going on. Very chilling when I was 16. That chill factor you absorb when the norms are a certain way. I found it all hard to shake when I wanted to come out. Only when I moved to Dublin, worked in a progressive organisation, did I feel able to come out, start living an authentic life. The passing of the marriage referendum was definitely healing. My partner, Denise, and I had been involved in the Marriage Equality campaign since 2006. We also volunteered with the national Yes Equality campaign and canvassed door-to-door for the referendum. There were ups and downs. I remember knocking on one door, a young couple answering, they saw our badges and before we could say anything: 'It's a yes from us'. And the people in the house all shouting: 'It's a yes from us too'. It was just joy, to feel that support, no hesitation – 'It's a yes from us'. Another lovely moment: an old, frail man. It's our own ageism, but we expected a no. And it was a really strong yes, just very clear — 'I want to vote yes'. A week before the vote, we knocked on a series of doors on a road near our sons' schools – one no after another. The worst: having to walk up that street every day, knowing all these people don't support us. That Thursday was strong nos – there had been a TV debate the night before… we wondered were there more silent nos than we thought. It was very disheartening so close to polling day, really deflated us. The night before the vote, a knock on the door – our babysitter who'd moved to New York, she'd flown home to vote yes. That was a lovely moment. The morning of. 9.15am… on the radio… David Quinn had conceded even before the ballot boxes opened, just from the exit poll. We couldn't believe it. We went to the RDS — such a celebration! Once the boxes opened, it was clear it would be a win. That it was geographical was amazing — for everyone who grew up in a small town, to know your town voted yes was massive, meant so much. Like a big embrace… it was very healing. At the party for the national volunteers, Mary McAleese came in… when she read over one million yes votes, everyone started jumping around. Until that moment, we knew… but we didn't. I got quite emotional — that was the moment: 'We've done it'. For Denise and me, our day-to-day didn't change hugely. We'd been together 13 years, had two children, were lucky to have lots of family support, and our children were in a progressive school. But at an emotional level, everything changed – we felt a security we hadn't before. The anxieties we carried about our family being discriminated against fell away. I felt a weight lift. We were lighter. The enormity of the yes vote said Ireland had changed. That people are kind. They actually do support you. I had felt different, a lot of people do, but that acceptance – 'we love you anyway'. It gave people a lot of dignity. It benefitted everyone – that's what fairness does. Everyone felt better for it. It made Ireland, society, feel more open, not just for same-sex couples. Being a fair and just society is good for everyone. Such a shift now to politics the opposite of that. Using minorities – migrants, refugees, LGBT — to stoke fear. It benefits no one, closes down kindness, fairness, feeling joy. It's driven on fear, on taking things from others. It doesn't make anyone feel safe. The marriage referendum was important for the rights it brought. And because we remember how it felt that we'd grown up as a nation — left repression and judgment behind. And we knew that we are kind. This year, Ireland marked a decade of marriage equality with a call to defend LGBTQI+ rights at home and abroad.
RTÉ News
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Celebrations under way to mark 10 years since 'Yes' marriage equality referendum
Celebrations are under way at Collins Barracks in Dublin, marking 10 years since Ireland voted 'Yes' in the marriage equality referendum. The free day-long event 'What A Difference A Day Made' celebrates 22 May 2015, when Ireland became the first country in the world to grant equal marriage rights to same-sex couples by popular vote. 62% of voters approved the amendment to the Constitution of Ireland that would allow same-sex marriage, 38% voted against the proposal. Since then, 5,956 same-sex couples have married in Ireland, according to figures published by the Central Statistics Office in April. Organised by the team behind the Yes Equality campaign, the event will feature a lineup of performances, music, and talks, including live performances from Tolü Makay, Niamh Bury and Bobbi Arlo, alongside choral performances from Gloria, Choral Confusion, The Belle Harmonics, and Dublin Gay Men's Chorus. Over 20 LGBTQ+ community organisations are also in attendance, allowing visitors to connect with support groups across the country. Speaking ahead of the event, Co-Director of the Yes Equality campaign Brian Sheehan thanked those who contributed to the historic Yes vote 10 years ago. "It's also an opportunity to thank all of our allies and the organisations who worked for that Yes vote – including trade unions, civil society, community and human rights organisations, student unions and most importantly the 70 Yes Equality groups and LGBTIQ+ organisations across the country", Mr Sheehan continued. The community-led event, open to everyone, will reflect on the joy and happiness that flowed from the marriage referendum, he said. "It will explore the challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ communities now, especially in the face of rising hostility and unfinished legal protections in Ireland." he added.
RTÉ News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Challenges for LGBTQ+ community 10 years after referendum
This day 10 years ago, voters were asked whether they were in favour or against legalising same sex marriage in a referendum to change the constitution. 62% of voters approved the amendment to the Constitution of Ireland that would allow same-sex marriage, 38% voted against. It was the first time a state legalised same-sex marriage through a popular vote. Thousands celebrated, including those who had travelled from overseas to vote. Our Social Affairs Correspondent Ailbhe Conneely looks back at the campaign and examines challenges the LGBTQ+ community face. The Upper Square of Dublin Castle has been the backdrop to many historic moments. However, few have been charged with the emotion of that landmark result 10 years ago when the public voted for the legalisation of same sex marriage. There were scenes of joy when the final result was announced. 62% of voters approved the amendment to the Constitution of Ireland that would allow same-sex marriage, 38% voted against it. The anniversary of the referendum has offered campaigners on both sides a chance to reflect. The co-director of the 'Yes Equality' campaign Brian Sheehan said he realised they might just do it when those who had travelled home to vote by boat arrived in Dublin Bay. "The boat to vote people were crossing, sailing into Dublin Bay and somebody got up on the deck and sang 'She moved through the Fair', which has that beautiful line, 'it will not be long love till our wedding day', and I thought, OK, maybe we just can do it. "But the scale of the result was astonishing. Irish people were fair and generous and inclusive and kind." 62% of voters said yes to marriage equality and 38% voted against. The turnout was 61%. Magnanimous in defeat 10 years ago, Independent Senator Rónán Mullen who campaigned for the No side admits that the outcome was clear at the time. In hindsight, he believes there was a sense of understanding and civility from both sides. "I think broadly speaking the yes side were mostly quite understanding of no voters' concerns, particularly at the leadership level. "Now, there were incidents where there was a certain amount of unfair accusations of homophobia towards people and that maybe a certain amount of cultural pressure as well online," he said. Me Mullen added: "I think that was unhelpful, but for the most part, I think the debate took place very civilly between the different sides." Bolstered by their unions through marriage, many gay couples decided to expand their families, but having children hasn't been straight forward for some. While Ranae Von Meding and her wife are legally recognised as the parents of their eldest girls, their 16-month-old son has just one legal parent because of a change in the law in 2020. She has lobbied hard for years to point out that the existing legislation is not fit for purpose and is excluding many children. "I always bring it back to children because as a parent, yes, it's an inconvenience for me and we have to find work arounds and only one parent can sign certain things. But when you come down to it, it's the children who are affected. "My son is being denied such a basic right that other children are given, which is a legal connection to the people who are raising him, and if anything, were to happen to me, he would be orphaned and that is not what people voted for 10 years ago." Efforts to lobby successive governments and health ministers to change legislation has been gruelling. "We are doing this for our children, but we have to remember that for the Government and the people in those positions that were put there, this is their job to engage and to fix this so that the children of Ireland can finally say that they're equal," Ms Von Meding said. In 2015, few could have imagined that hate crimes and discrimination would seep into Irish society over the following decade, but this is a reality for many members of the community, particularly in the last four to five years. LGBT Ireland CEO Paula Fagan believes it's a rollback on what was achieved. "People are back feeling unsafe and not wanting to be out because of fear for their safety. "So that's a real rollback and I think it's that's why it's so important that the government and politicians and society keep pushing for progress," Ms Fagan said. Campaigners have the next 10 years is about reigniting the positivity and hope of 2015. Brian Sheehan believes Ireland's EU Presidency next year could offer an opportunity. "It's an opportunity to demonstrate strong leadership and stand firm for EU LGBT people to show that they're valued and respected and will be treated equally. "The Irish people gave a mandate to the Irish Government to do that," Mr Sheehan said. He added: "We need the courage to stand up for those who are not being treated well in our lives around us at the moment and I think that matters, whether you're LGBT, there's a rollback on women's rights, there's a rollback on rights from minorities for people of colour, and I think that's the kind of space we have to mind. "We have to mind the good bits of Ireland, and therein lies the victory in the referendum. That isn't done yet."
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘So proud to reflect on this defining moment' – New star-studded podcast examines marriage equality vote 10 years on
A COMEDIAN star and well-known guests are set to join forces for a brand-new "powerful" podcast to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of marriage equality in Ireland. Shane Daniel Byrne is set to celebrate 10 years since Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage in a limited documentary podcast series with four episodes. 5 Shane Daniel Byrne is the host of the new podcast series Credit: supplied by Onic 5 The episodes air weekly from this Thursday, May 22, for the next four weeks Credit: supplied by Onic 5 The podcast is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of marriage equality Credit: Alamy The comedian star is well-known for his podcast Hot Young Guys, co-hosted with Tony Cantwell and Killian Sunderman, which quickly became Ireland's number one comedy podcast in 2024. Now he is set to host a brand new podcast series that is dedicated to the ten-year anniversary of when Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise Featuring four powerful episodes, the host will take listeners on an emotional and joyful journey detailing Ireland's historic fight for same-sex marriage and Produced by Onic, the new series will also include his personal reflections and standup live from his sold-out gig at Vicar Street in READ MORE ON LGBT During the podcast, Shane will explore the cultural shifts that eventually made the 2015 referendum possible, where 62 per cent of the Irish electorate voted in favour of supporting same-sex marriage. Almost 30 special guests and unsung heroes of the Yes Equality referendum campaign will appear on the show, including drag queen Well-known RTE and entertainment stars such as Each episode brings together voices from Most read in Celebrity On the launch of the new podcast series, Shane said: "Ireland Said Yes is more than just discussing a referendum — it's about celebrating the decades of LGBT activism decades before, alongside the personal stories from people across the country that helped change how Ireland sees itself. "I'm so proud to reflect on this defining moment and can't wait for people to hear it." 'POWERFUL REMINDER' Sasha Hamrogue, the Head of Digital at Onic, said: "This wonderful new series from Onic Originals captures the courage, resilience, and love that drove the fight for equality in Ireland. "It's a powerful reminder of the progress we've made — and the work still to be done." The comedian star has been teasing fans on Posting the trailer on Instagram, he said: "IRELAND SAID YES episode 1 drops TOMORROW. 'DIFFERENT PROJECT' "A very different 'project' for me and I'm really excited of the work we've done trying to tell the bigger picture of how Ireland Said Yes. "I interviewed a lot of people over the last 6 months and between myself and series producer @ and the team at @ We have 4 lovely episodes about The Marriage Equality Referendum in 2015." The four episodes will air every Thursday for the next four weeks, followed by bonus episodes with interview highlights curated by the host. The first episode is available to stream now on 5 Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage Credit: Alamy 5 Brendan Courtney is one of the many special guests to appear on the new podcast series Credit: supplied by Onic
Irish Times
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
The Irish Times view on marriage equality ten years on: an Irish milestone
The tenth anniversary of the marriage equality referendum, which falls next week, offers an opportunity to reflect on one of the most consequential events in modern Irish social history. Ireland was the first country in the world to put to a popular vote the question of whether to extend the right to marry to same-sex couples. The 62 per cent to 38 per cent vote in favour was the clearest evidence to date that the country had undergone a profound shift towards greater tolerance, respect and equality for all its citizens. The referendum must also be seen against the wider international backdrop of the most successful civil rights movement in modern democratic politics, as LGBTQ people across the world asserted their existence after centuries of repression. The change in Ireland was particularly swift. Within just over two decades, the State went from being a place where certain consensual sexual acts between adults were a criminal offence to one where the rights of all, regardless of sexual orientation, would be vindicated. READ MORE The Yes Equality campaign, with its focus on personal stories and its appeal to empathy and respect for individual dignity, would also provide a template for the successful campaign to repeal the Eighth Amendment three years later. But the origins of the 2015 referendum go back further, to small groups of activists in the 1970s and 1980s who organised the first Pride events, set up resources like the Hirschfeld Centre, and began the long process of lobbying for reform. Lesbians and gay men were no longer prepared to accept institutional discrimination, police harassment and irrational prejudice. Their most high-profile and effective spokesman was David Norris, who became the first openly gay member of the Oireachtas when elected to the Seanad in 1987, but there were many others. The story of the struggle for LGBTQ rights in Ireland is one of persistence and determination in the face of an obdurate and often hostile legal and political establishment. But it is also about a deeper shift in public opinion. Homophobia became socially unacceptable as attitudes changed and gay people felt able to express their true selves. Sadly, that process of change is not complete. Members of the LGBTQ community still feel unsafe or unwanted in some places, including public spaces. That is unacceptable. Ireland is not immune to the reactionary intolerance which is on the rise elsewhere. The passage last year of the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act acknowledges that lesbian, gay and trans people, along with other groups, are particularly vulnerable to criminality and acts of violence motivated by prejudice. It is entirely right that this is now taken into account by the courts in sentencing, in recognition of the LGBTQ community's right to safety and security.
