As we await the SCOTUS ruling with regard to nationwide marriage equality here in the states, things are getting intense prior to the marriage equality referendum in Ireland. It reminds me somewhat of the days just prior to the election in 2008 in California and the Proposition Eight campaigns. As a result, it bothers me a great deal when people vote on the rights of others. It just doesn't seem right. Nevertheless, that is how the Irish have decided to deal with the issue. The marriage equality referendum will be voted on next Friday in Ireland. If the "yes" vote wins, the constitution of Ireland will reflect that same-sex couples have the right to civil marriage in Ireland.
In response to that referendum, an Irish journalist has come out to her family and to the public at large. She has written a very heart-wrenching opinion piece in the Irish Times. I will reproduce just a portion of that op-ed here, however the entire piece is excellent and worth reading in full.
From Box Turtle Bulletin:
One week from today, the people of Ireland will vote on whether to change their constitution so as to allow same sex couples to marry. The move has the backing of the Government and, though opposed by the Church, is polling favorably.
It is also starting conversations where they might not have otherwise arisen. One such discussion is the one that Ursula Halligan is having with the Irish people.
Halligan is the political editor of Ireland’s main independent television station, TV3. Ireland knows her well. But today Ireland knows her better.
And, from
Towleroad:
In an opinion piece published today, Halligan - who came out to her family in the last few days - writes about her experience growing up as a gay woman in Ireland.
She quotes from her diary, written as a 17-year-old in 1977:
“These past few months must have been the darkest and gloomiest I have ever experienced in my entire life. There have been times when I have even thought about death, of escaping from this world, of sleeping untouched by no-one forever. I have been so depressed, so sad and so confused.”
She goes on to describe a sense of loss because she hasn’t experienced the same social approval as her siblings:
“For me, there was no first kiss; no engagement party; no wedding. And up until a short time ago no hope of any of these things. Now, at the age of 54, in a (hopefully) different Ireland, I wish I had broken out of my prison cell a long time ago. I feel a sense of loss and sadness for precious time spent wasted in fear and isolation.”
She concludes:
“If Ireland votes Yes, it will be about much more than marriage. It will end institutional homophobia. It will say to gay people that they belong, that it’s safe to surface and live fully human, loving lives. If it’s true that 10 per cent of any population are gay, then there could be 400,000 gay people out there; many of them still living in emotional prisons. Any of them could be your son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, father or best friend. Set them free. Allow them live full lives.”
Many LGBT folks can relate to her emotions and feelings of loneliness, isolation, and despair. Her words in the op-ed illuminate those emotions quite well.
1:04 PM PT: I have changed the editorial references to op-ed or opinion piece as that is what her opinion piece actually is.