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NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio with Panti at the St Pat's Day for All parade John Kenny via Vine

"No biggie": Rory O'Neill honoured at New York ceremony

Earlier, his alter-ego Panti made an appearance at the St Pat’s For All parade in Queens.

RORY O’NEILL, whose alter-ego is drag queen Panti, was honoured at a ceremony in New York today.

Panti tweeted – with tongue firmly in cheek – that the event was “no biggie”, but O’Neill was clearly delighted with the honour.

The ceremony took place after Panti made an appearance at the inclusive St Pat’s For All parade in Queens, a celebration of St Patrick’s Day that’s open to all members of the community in NYC.

Among those attending was New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, who declined to attend the NYC Saint Patrick’s Day parade on 17 March last year due to a ban on LGBT groups.

The New York Times reported on 4 February that de Blasio won’t be attending this year because of the continuing ban.

Also attending the St Pat’s For All parade were the members of the New York City council who are boycotting the larger St Patrick’s Day parade.

Honoured

Today, O’Neill received an honourary Proclamation at New York City Hall, and tweeted:

image

Rory O’Neill and Panti have become worldwide names after Panti made a stirring speech on the Abbey stage during the ‘noble call’ in the show The Risen People.

This followed controversy over O’Neill’s comments about homophobia in Ireland while on RTÉ’s the Saturday Night Show.

The comments led to a payout by RTÉ to members of the Iona Institute.

In turn, this led to a larger debate about homophobia in Ireland, with members of the Dáil, TDs John Lyons and Jerry Buttimer speaking to the house about their own experiences of homophobic abuse.

During his trip to NYC, O’Neill also met actor Alan Cumming, who described the Mayo native as “a legend!”

image

Read: Watch Panti’s powerful speech about oppression of gay people>

Read: Panti: I’m expecting an apology from RTE>

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99 Comments
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    Mute Mekere
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:11 PM

    Well done Rory/Panti!

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    Mute Dave Gorman
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:16 PM

    Shouldn’t we be thanking Iona for giving Panti this publicity too? In the spirit of balance and all that?

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    Mute Rand McNally
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:44 PM

    If Panti feels the need to thank them then surely a thank you will be forthcoming. That, however, is ludicrously unlikely and is simply a preposterous suggestion.

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    Mute Steve Herron
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 8:37 PM

    At the risk of being accused of invoking Godwins Law, should Jews also be thanking the Nazi’s, Dave?

    63
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    Mute Jesco White
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:28 PM

    Ironic that the gay parade is in “Queens”.

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    Mute scaldbag
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:43 PM

    The agenda is back..

    65
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    Mute finbarr ocormac
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:09 PM

    Im sick of listening about him at this stage….Any chance the Journal would put up an Intresting story for a change…Bought the Echo today here in Cork and Gerry Buttimer in moaning as well…..Give us a break will ye

    172
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    Mute Dave Gorman
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:11 PM

    Nobody forced you to read this. It’s hardly like the headline was in anyway misleading about what the content was.

    219
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    Mute finbarr ocormac
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:13 PM

    same ole Liberal clap trap….You will be telling me next that i am a member of the Iona Institute

    109
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    Mute Dave Gorman
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:15 PM

    Well maybe exercise some self constraint? Next time you see an article about “de gays” on The Journal maybe skip it and read something else if you really are sick of it.

    199
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    Mute Mr L.Jay
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:17 PM

    Finbarr
    Yes it’s terrible all those horrible horrible gays, being out and proud.
    Next they will be looking for equality.

    God be with the days when there were no gays in Ireland at all.
    Now look.
    It’s high time Finbarr these gays were put in their place.

    161
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    Mute finbarr ocormac
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:21 PM

    It took all of 3 minutes before someone responded to me in way that would imply that i am against gays….I support their quest and drive for rights but for Gods sake there are other more interesting debates about equality that could be taking place

    87
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    Mute Sam Aritan
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:22 PM

    Why can’t Finbarr say he’s sick of it? In case people have forgotten the journal is specifically designed for people to leave their opinions. His opinion is just as valid as anyone elses. He’s far from alone in his annoyance at the number of LGBT articles.

    101
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    Mute Brian Madden
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:25 PM

    @finbarr, I mentioned this to you before: you seem to be drawn to stories about gay equality and on each and every story you complain that inequality is bring highlighted. Scroll down to the next story if the topic doesn’t suit and quit your moaning!

    122
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    Mute Paul Fahey
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:26 PM

    Sam – nobody forced him to read it, it is simple, he should not read it. He can go and read about his Twitter avatar Padre Pio instead. Simples.

    88
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    Mute Seán Gallagher
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:29 PM

    I’m allowed, you’re allowed, Finbarr is allowed.

    And because I’m allowed to express my opinion, I’m allowed to ask:

    Why have you read a headline, clicked into the article, read the article and then taken the time to compose several responses? That is of course your right, but I don’t see why you’d bother to be perfectly honest.

    I haven’t really seen many LGBT articles on the site in the last week, that’s pretty much because… nothing happened.

    Today something happened, so they reported on it. That’s kinda their job.

    107
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    Mute Mr L.Jay
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:38 PM

    Finbarr
    We know you’re not against the gays, sure you probably have some gays friends as well
    It’s just, well, its terrible these gays being all over the media of late when really they should be locked up hidden away , like the good old days

    77
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    Mute Jeff Kennedy
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:51 PM

    You have equality ,but it’s looking like supremacy is the aim

    47
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    Mute Mr L.Jay
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:55 PM

    Jeff
    What equality would that be?

    54
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    Mute Ailbhe O'Nolan
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 6:47 PM

    What ‘supremacy’ are LGBT people looking for? I want equal marriage, equal employment and equal adoption, surrogacy and parenting rifts for ALL. How is that supremacy?

    57
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    Mute Ailbhe O'Nolan
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 7:00 PM

    Hi Dunbar, if you don’t mind me asking what is it exactly that causes offense with you? Is it the headlin, the content, the topic or simply the existance of the article?

    40
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    Mute Jesco White
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 7:15 PM

    Sean “something happened”, a cross dresser goes to New York is not newsworthy.

    25
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    Mute Ailbhe O'Nolan
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 7:25 PM

    To you Jesco.

    34
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    Mute eye-c-u
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 7:34 PM

    A cross dresser who is high profile doing high profile things

    We love you panti

    But truth be told im more of g string person

    42
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    Mute Patrick Gormley
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    Mar 4th 2014, 9:39 AM

    Good job they didn’t give him / her the freedom of the city , otherwise they would have been rampant.

    1
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    Mute Alan R
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    Mar 4th 2014, 10:58 AM

    “Sean “something happened”, a cross dresser goes to New York is not newsworthy.”
    …and yet here you are reading the article and going to the trouble of commenting on it.

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    Mute Massimo Osti
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:24 PM

    This comment will probably receive a negative feedback but I couldn’t care less as it is my opinion.
    I support gay marriage and adoption full stop. My best mate is gay and has suffered homophobia on many occasions, thankfully never a physical attack. I watched the panti speech quite a few times and took exception to one of the main points that panti delivered. That “you are all homophobic and I hate you for it” ( probably not panti’s exact wording but you get my drift). While panti did certainly highlight the plight of many gay people in ireland and across the world, which I don’t deny, but to brand all heterosexual people as homophobic is ridiculous. I noticed a certain self loathing from panti that she wants to let everyone know about. I found the while speech a bit much because panti made it about panti and no one else. Others may view this differently but that’s how I take it. Panti is oppressed panti is the victim here. Blah blah and it just won’t go away! Que the PC brigade telling me I’m a homophobe etc etc.

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    Mute AJ Powderly
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:33 PM

    I think you missed some of the nuances of the speech when Panti said that “we’re all a bit homophobic”.

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    Mute Seán Gallagher
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:43 PM

    Hey Massimo,

    Green thumb from me for that comment, only thing I’d say is that the comment Panti made might have been a little extreme to some, but I think the general concept that some/most/all of us hold some vaguely prejudicial views, etc. isn’t a bad one.

    And if after watching that it gave you a chance to sit back analyse your views and you’re satisfied that they aren’t then I think that line did its job. It allows people to self check and see if it rings true for them and if it does, question whether or not their views (after some soul searching) make them a little uncomfortable.

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    Mute Massimo Osti
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:51 PM

    That is a good point, sean.

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    Mute Gary Walsh
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 11:53 PM

    Massimo, he said “you are all homophobic” and then he said that he realised that he himself is “homophobic too”
    He was making the point that we need to recognise this in ourselves and deal with it. Gay people deserve to be treated equally to straight people, even when some people feel uncomfortable with this idea!
    That’s what I took from the speech anyway- which I thought was brilliant by the way!

    36
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    Mute Tracy O'R
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:35 PM

    When there is equality for all then we wont need lgbt issues highlighted. Until then, all of you that are sick of it, just don’t read the stories. Simple!

    165
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    Mute Sam Aritan
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:20 PM

    Ukraine and Russia is explosive today. Biggest news in years. No update from the journal?

    Panti goes to NY.

    118
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    Mute vv7k7Z3c
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:22 PM

    We’ve had three stories on the Ukraine today as it is – and we will be updating it as the day progresses.
    http://www.thejournal.ie/search/ukraine/
    It’s a good idea to search the site before assuming we’re not covering a story.

    260
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    Mute Sam Aritan
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:24 PM

    I read the stories. Yet nothing on the ultimatum given at least 2 hours ago by the Russians?

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    Mute vv7k7Z3c
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:25 PM

    That will be up very soon – we’re working on a range of stories at the moment.

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    Mute Glen
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:27 PM

    Sam
    What Ultimatum ?

    37
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    Mute Sam Aritan
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:32 PM

    The Russians gave the Ukranians til 5am tomorrow morning to surrender or they’ll attack in Crimea.

    61
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    Mute Glen
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:33 PM

    Just read up on it
    I will leave it to the Journal to put out their story on it
    Go Panti

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    Mute White Fang
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:34 PM

    Glen, Russia has given Ukrainian forces in Crimea until 3AM GMT to surrender, or face military assault. Dark times ahead…

    54
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    Mute Glen
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:37 PM

    Cheers lads
    Dark times indeed !

    30
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    Mute Taxi Bill
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:47 PM

    now THAT is a story!!! some TV going to NY aint!

    57
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    Mute nialls
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 6:01 PM

    Russia have denied they gave an ultimatum

    36
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    Mute Sam Aritan
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 6:05 PM

    yeah, they did in the last few mins. yet, Putin was filmed today overseeing military exercises in Russia as part of the orchestrated propaganda machine.

    22
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    Mute Tommy C
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 6:40 PM

    I dont live in the Ukraine or Russia and Rory O’Neill is Irish so my loyalties and interest lies with him and what is happening in my country.

    41
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    Mute Chris Williams
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 7:30 PM

    I’d prefer to distance myself from anything that looks that weird (first picture).

    33
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    Mute Paul Darby
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 7:37 PM

    Panti p!ss would be better off over in Russia helping out Pussy Riot and the truly gay oppressed over there.

    32
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    Mute Cpm
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 8:26 PM

    “I’d prefer to distance myself from anything that looks that weird (first picture).”

    The makeup gun was set to ‘Mental’

    26
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    Mute Chris Williams
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 8:48 PM

    Lol

    9
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    Mute Willie Penwright
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 9:04 PM

    No ultimatum. Just another made-up story.
    Panti is very glamorous but Rory is also a finer.

    22
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    Mute Peter McGlynn
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 9:47 PM

    Thanks Sam I knew if I went to the comments section of an entertainment article I’d find news of Eastern European current affairs.

    25
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    Mute Cpm
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:19 PM

    The Journal needs to add a fourth section – The Edge, Business Etc, The Score, and Teh Ghey

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    Mute joe soap
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 7:37 PM

    these stories about gays suffering name calling, nearly being assaulted and even being assaulted are riveting and should be told over and over. but if the journal are interested in equality they should do stories about people being victimised for being ginger, baldy, fat, four eyed, small or tall. maybe even people who have been assaulted for no reason. DRAMA QUEENS.

    37
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    Mute Peter McGlynn
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 9:55 PM

    Joe if you’re a small fat bald ginger with glasses and you feel you don’t have equal rights – perhaps it’s time to make a stand. I’d march with u.

    48
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    Mute Shanti
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 11:32 PM

    I support equal rights for Ginger people, I’m small myself so obviously I support equality for myself, fat people – well, thats a tough one – for some people their weight is what causes them the inequality (eg, reduced life expectancy, difficulty taking part in certain activities – the only people who can change that are them themselves), people with glasses – well, that covers a lot of my friends so I support them too..

    I’m just not sure whether the state is enforcing inequality on any of these groups via legislation. Maybe I am ignorant to these inequalities – I welcome learning more..

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    Mute joe soap
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    Mar 4th 2014, 7:30 AM

    didn’t know this was an article about government legislation. but lets be realistic people have been before the courts charged with discrimination towards peoples sexuality, nobody has ever been before the courts discriminating against gingers. so if all these articles are about gays getting married why not say that.

    2
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    Mute Cormac Ryan
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:22 PM

    It must be an election year in NY

    28
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    Mute Seán Gallagher
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:32 PM

    Actually, NYC Council elections were last year and the Mayor is pretty much at the start of his term.

    He took office on 01/01/14

    Sooooo…. nope.

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    Mute johngahan
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 6:40 PM

    Given his support for St Patrick’s Day, he should really have called himself Ms Knickers or Ms Undies if he was proper Irish.

    Panti is too “American”.

    23
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    Mute Katy Star
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 7:21 PM

    Aoife, I wonder would it be useful if you re to do an article about the pain of parents who want to support their child who is gay, and do so openly, but experience trauma and struggle inside. We are all reared to a set of norms and that set is changing but it will not be without pain for all the people involved, the gay youngsters and their parents, and all who hurt and are hurt on the way.
    A couple I know died feeling they had failed their daughter because she turned out gay. They felt a sense of guilt and inadequacy.
    The sooner gays have full rights and blend into mainstream society the better for all.
    Before there was divorce, that was the family trauma, now it is almost ok to be divorced, tough not quite in all circumstances, especially difficult with children involved. Even if the stats say that kids a better off with divorced parents than fighting ones, kids will struggle and worry to keep their parents together.
    Parents of gay people are a silent suffering community who need support and empathy so they don’t have to suffer.

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    Mute Mr L.Jay
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 7:55 PM

    Katy
    What a lovely well put eloquent patronising piece.

    MOST parents of gay people support and love their children no matter what.

    I would suggest the parents ” you know” have these ” concerns” because of people like you who make patronising comments about gay people, and think they should “integrate”.
    You make out that gay people are somewhat lower and less than you. I’ve news for you they’re not.

    There are thousands of parents who have gay children who are proud of them and love them not because they are gay but because they are their children.

    Katy stop with your usual ” God isn’t it awful for those poor gays” and get on with your life

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    Mute Ailbhe O'Nolan
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 8:01 PM

    Parents of gay children ‘suffering’? Really?

    25
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    Mute Katy Star
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 8:30 PM

    Ailbhe, yes. Died before they could understand.

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    Mute Katy Star
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 8:31 PM

    Mr l Jay, I find your comment offensive.
    I speak the truth from personal experience.
    If you don’t like it, nothing I can do.
    But I have witnessed the heartache.
    More empathy please.
    It’s not all about you.

    16
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    Mute Ailbhe O'Nolan
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 8:49 PM

    Support and empathy in the face of discrimination yes. You imply however it is gay people unwillingness to ‘blend in’ that is the issue. It people’s inability to accept it and move on in my opinion. I blend in in all respects. Until, as with all other people, my relationship comes up in conversation and I use female rather than male pronouns. Then things can get awkward, because people fixate on it.

    23
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    Mute Katy Star
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 8:50 PM

    I see some thumbs down. Well, what can I say?
    Some people need to grow up perhaps.
    So when you rear your child and something happens in your life, you always say what might have I done to make life better for my child.
    It’s normal.
    Most parents b definition are hetero. Or are living hetero lives.
    So, guess what, it’s a surprise then a child is gay. Unexpected. A tough life to live. And many parents might think, what could I have done to prevent my child suffering this hurt.
    If you find that a patronising statement, l jay, sorry.
    I think it’s maternal.
    Keep your toys in your pram.

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    Mute Katy Star
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 9:01 PM

    By the way l.jay, it is possible to love your child and fear for them. The two go hand in hand in parenting.
    Are you a parent by the way?
    When you are, see if you think I am patronising.
    As a parent I suppose I am, either paternal or maternal.
    We seek to protect our children from hurt.
    And we imagine, from when they are born, how life might be for them.
    We see them first after hours of pain and rejoice in their existence and beauty.
    We see their vulnerability and never look back or out ourselves first ever, ever again.
    We stay up with them when they cry as babies,
    We take them into our beds when they have nightmares.
    We stand with them during those awful times they are bullied or they bully at school.
    We want to have their acne for them and give them clear skin and confidence in tier teens.
    We hate the kids who ridicule them.
    We imagine health, happiness, love, stable relationship, children.
    I imagine three fine sons in law for my three beautiful intelligent daughters.
    I don’t have sons.i would like sons. To care for my daughters.
    And maybe out up a shelf or two or cut my grass when I am old.
    I imagine grandchildren and happy family gatherings.
    If one or all my daughters is gay, I hope that they have a tolerant partner.
    Who might realise that it might be difficult for me.
    To give my daughter to another woman.
    How I might feel replaced.
    Substituted.
    That’s all.

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    Mute Mr L.Jay
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 9:13 PM

    Katy
    You’re assuming someone who is gay is going to have a tough life.

    Perhaps you need to change your assumption views and stop pitying those poor gays and “sure God love their parents,who are lovely decent people what did they do to deserve having a gay child”.
    In this article and in others you come across as extremely patronising,lacking any sort of reality and belittling.
    Gay people are just like you, go to work, socialise, have families , partners.
    Perhaps you need to change your views of gay people

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    Mute Ailbhe O'Nolan
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 9:22 PM

    If you view heterosexuality as the ideal and the alternative as imperfect, if your child does turn out to be gay, how would that make them feel? They may feel like they disappointed you, or worse. I know its not easy, but if you alter your perspective Katy, you and others can make life so much easier for their children, and other people. Including me. Just a thought.

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    Mute Katy Star
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    Mar 3rd 2014, 9:23 PM

    Ailbhe, hard as it may be, that may be the only way to get things changed.
    Life is tough and presents many challenges to many people.
    I like your comments here because I see you as one of the reasonable people who will help get things changed.
    It’s hard to be a leader of change.
    I have little experience except maybe things like being a woman in a male working world, putting off getting pregnant til I got a promotion, leaving my sick child in the care of someone I did not entirely trust, because to not turn up at that meeting with those men would have damned my career, etc. I know that it will always be assumed that my husband is the breadwinner even though he is not, that my husbands surname is mine, when it is not, that as a working mum I am neglecting my kids, which I probably am, etc etc.
    I can work, put food on the table, educate my kids, whic is more than most.
    Keep up the good fight.

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 9:26 PM

    L jay
    Dare I say
    Your view is a little
    One sided.

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 9:32 PM

    Ailbhe

    You are you and I am me.

    If you want the constitution changed it is not me you need to convince.

    All I can say is that before I had children I had not a clue, I was still a child.

    Unfortunately although we are equal and deserve equal rights, you are in the minority and you will need to reach out to change the minds of the many who will stay with the status quo rather than vote to change the constitution.

    C’est la vie.

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 9:43 PM

    Katy you talk in a manner that you feel wronged by society, understandably, but also as though you are accepting, if not defeatist.
    Change won’t come unless people’s eyes are opened. A minority, as in my case, can only become equal with the support of the majority. I have some friends that are more vocal than I am, historically at least (lately I’m more vocal) on matters of LGBT equality. They are not gay themselves. It’s people like that, that can really cause change.

    Perspective is great. Mine had been changed. Change is gradual but we will get there. I have faith that people will look back and wonder what the hell our generation was at!

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 10:03 PM

    Ailbhe maybe you are right. I am approaching 60 now Which i suspect is older than you.

    I may be accepting or tired, i don’t know.

    I do feel passionate about some things.

    I know a lot of people who would be miles to the right of me in terms of equality. Many will take a lot of convincing to change the current constitution.

    Give a little and you may get a lot is what I have learned.

    I have tried here, but the red thumbs tell me not to bother.

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 10:15 PM

    Katy I disagree, do bother. I have seen you comment before, asking questions, genuinely seeking answers. You may be asking questions that others want to know the answer to also.
    You may get red thumbs because people disagree with you, or maybe because they do not understand your perspective, who knows. Ignore the thumbs. All credit to you for being genuine, you’re a rare breed on here.

    While I don’t share your perspective either, I can’t help but like your willingness to engage, share your opinion and not insult or offend for the sake of it like many others!

    Fair play to you Katy.

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 10:21 PM

    Katy
    If your your comments were said in a kind of “lack of knowledge of gay people and their lives”, in other words, a slight case of naivety on your part rather than patronising , well then please accept my apologies

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 10:44 PM

    Thanks l jay.

    30 years ago I was th rebel in our family because I had gay friends, supported abortion and divorce, supported the rebels in Nicaragua, opposed the right wing Reagan and thatcher governments, voted left etc etc. I was a right pain actually but heart in the right place.

    When my cousin came out and I saw the confusion and hurt it caused, and the pretence as everyone tried to understand and “support” I began to realise this is not so simple.

    When I had kids my self I began to understand my pants for possibly the first time.

    Please, everyone, a bit of courage and empathy?

    Live and let live.

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 10:45 PM

    Pants, jeez predictive text again, parents!freudian…

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 10:50 PM

    You have our support and our empathy, but understand our desire to break down barriers and want a world where support and empathy are not needed.

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 11:03 PM

    Absolutely and am trying to do that too!

    You said I sound defeated, yes, maybe tonight as I red that awful account of those little girls in Athlone.
    Everyone ele pales into insignificance.

    You know, people here might not believe this, but I am an advocate of equal rights to the point of boring my work colleagues and friends… Along whom there are a lot of bigots and closed minds.

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 11:13 PM

    I believe it Katy, and thank you. Sincerely!

    And without a shadow of a doubt, everything does pale in comparison, horrific.

    Not enough good news stories around. Don’t dwell on the bad stuff, there are great stories too, they just don’t sell ad space ; )

    Night Katy, thanks again.

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 11:26 PM

    I would imagine the pain of “not understanding” pales in significance to the rejection that lack of understanding would create for the child.
    While someone cannot change who they are – the decision to try and understand is just that – a decision. You either try or you don’t.
    If your child is gay then the only real difference is that they will bring home a partner of the same sex. They’re still them, still the son or daughter that was raised and loved by those parents. Perhaps they made too big a deal of it in their own minds rather than genuinely seeking understanding. If they have now passed on, I guess there is no way to know.

    None of us “straight” people (I don’t like that term) will ever really know what it’s like to be gay, at best we can try to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes – but really, if we want to truly understand we should ask. Just as you have done Katy.

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 11:27 PM

    Night ailbhe, be safe and loved.

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    Mar 4th 2014, 1:04 AM

    “Died before they could understand”

    Well, I am glad you have such an understanding of that dilema. It seems quite possible you might suffer the same fate.

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    Mar 5th 2014, 12:36 AM

    Thanks Shanti.

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    Mar 5th 2014, 12:41 AM

    The couple I knew genuinely thought that they had done something wrong and failed their daughter.
    As a mum I understand that.
    They never stopped loving her.
    But the mother in particular struggled and wore the rest of the family out, frankly, constantly preoccupied with this matter and eliminating all the other things that were affecting other family members.
    Siblings needed help too with their own troubles but the mother was preoccupied.
    And stressed.
    Then she died.
    Leaving a huge love vacuum and much unsaid.

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    Mar 5th 2014, 12:16 PM

    See – that there – the fact that they felt that they had somehow “failed” their daughter. *That* is the fault of homophobia. I’m not saying that they were, or if they were they were aware that’s what it was, which is why the discussion we’ve been having recently is so important.

    They couldn’t have failed their daughter – she is gay because that is who she is, end of. The notion that being gay is somehow “abnormal” or “wrong” is what causes all the confusion and misunderstanding, and it’s pushed forward by people who either don’t realise how bigoted and vile their opinions are, or know full well and don’t care.

    Ultimately it’s not the fault of gay people, it’s not the fault of their parents, it’s the fault of those who take issue with homosexuality. THEY are the ones who are at fault, they are the ones who have something wrong with them. Which is what the term “homophobia” is supposed to imply.

    Sadly, there are those out there who either cannot or will not understand this very simple concept. And they contribute to heartache and suicide. Their unwillingness to accept responsibility for their actions speaks volumes about them.

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 8:05 PM

    Im all in favour of gay rights, but mrs pants is really milking the publicity cow. It was all a big stunt if u ask me

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 5:20 PM

    Fidiot.

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 10:03 PM

    Would he ever piss off

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 11:35 PM

    You first.

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 11:28 PM

    Lads, if you are on here to just have a go, then ok have a go.

    But in the interest of building bridges, try and exercise a little courage?

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 9:09 PM

    Can the people that drink in his pub get a coke now that the games are over his bank account is going up ever day well done to the gays of Ireland

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    Mar 3rd 2014, 10:47 PM

    Boring.

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    Mar 4th 2014, 4:33 AM

    Why is it acceptable that one group hijack a “celebration of being Irish” to push their own socio-political agenda? I’m tired of lgbt aggressive labelling. I’m tired of being handed my opinion instead of being asked it. Today’s Ireland is hugely inclusive, why must we be seen worldwide as redneck haters? The first thing to tackle is that word “homophobia”..it’s loaded and unfairly used against the majority in society learning to move away from the offensive stereotyping that was common as they grew up, promoted even by gay comedians? I have gay friends and they must accept part of the blame – you can’t have a conversation with some that isn’t all about gay sex, innuendo, and we’re all gay really…and they are not joking. That’s heterophobia. Nobody should be discriminated against, and Panti is doing a great job vilifying those who want to back his cause.

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    Mar 4th 2014, 7:41 AM

    …great to get all the current news here at this hour of the morning, I usually listen to RTE but my tranny needs new batteries (no pun intended)

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    Mar 4th 2014, 6:04 AM

    Rory O’Neill has won the lgbt a Phyricc victory, but alienated the hearts and minds of so many. Win them back with deferential debate, or stagnate for another decade?

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