LGBTQ+ youth organisation Belong To marked 10 years since the marriage equality referendum with a high profile event at Wood Quay Venue, Dublin 2.
The event brought back together many of the children and youth organisations which campaigned under the Belong To Yes banner for a ‘yes’ result in 2015, including Barnardos, Pavee Point and the Children’s Rights Alliance, with a call to reignite the allyship and solidarity displayed during that campaign to tackle the ongoing issues of homophobia, transphobia and rising hate in Ireland today.
The event, sponsored by McCann FitzGerald, was hosted by Rory O’Neill and included addresses from Moninne Griffith, CEO of Belong To and former director of Marriage Equality; Katherine Zappone, Founder of Marriage Equality and former Minister; and Patrick Dempsey, a Belong To Yes youth campaigner in 2015.
The event also heard from three members of Belong To’s Youth Advisory Panel, Beth Clancy, Lea Hennessey and Ciara Kelly, with their calls for change, echoing Panti Bliss’ viral Noble Call from The Abbey stage in 2014.
“We must prevent the rising hate”
Speaking today at the event, CEO of Belong To Moninne Griffth said: “10 year ago, we told young people it is safe to come out. It’s safe to be themselves and that Ireland was a new, progressive country. Sadly, 10 years on, there is a small but loud minority who are trying to drag us backwards. Today, a decade on from that historic day, we are calling on people across Ireland to stand with us again.
“Last year, the Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland report showed that the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQI+ young people in Ireland has actually declined since 2016. There are a number of factors contributing to this, one of which is a rise in misinformation and online hate, bleeding into everyday life for these young people. We need the whole of Ireland to follow through on the commitment made that day to ensure that these LGBTQ+ young people are made to feel safe, equal and thriving. We need compassionate and wholistic trans healthcare in Ireland and widespread, meaningful efforts to eradicate LGBTQ+phobia in schools, and for services to develop inclusive practices so that all young people feel safe in accessing them. These are changes which require all of us to make a stand and contribute. We need Ireland to stand with the community again.”
Speaking at the event was Katherine Zappone, Founder of Marriage Equality who commented: “Today we are reflecting on that momentous, historic day when Ireland said “yes”. Yes to acceptance, love and equality. It is important that we reflect on this and the positive energy that was driving the country forward. The world has changed in many ways since 2015. But Ireland remains steadfast in those values of inclusion and kindness.
“Now we must be vocal. There is a minority who are becoming loud. They are trying to stoke fear and hate. The majority must find their voice. We must support all communities, and LGBTQ+ young people need us today. To stand with them – in education, in their communities and in their homes. I would call on all allies to show their support visible. Show up in every way you can and demonstrate that Ireland is still that country we were so proud to be 10 years ago.”
Rory O’Neill, artist and host of the event also commented, saying: “Hearing from the young people today fills me with great hope – they are young leaders facing the ongoing challenges for LGBTQ+ young people but calling on all of us to step up and take action. In 2015, allyship won the referendum. All communities coming together – that is what we need again now. And that is what the young people today have done at the event. Motivating us to mobilise again, with our allies to shape the progressive Ireland we all deserve.