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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.
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Honoured
Today, O’Neill received an honourary Proclamation at New York City Hall, and tweeted:
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!”
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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.
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
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.
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
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.
@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!
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.
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
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?
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?
“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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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..
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
What are the chances of Kneecap and other Irish hopefuls winning a Bafta tomorrow night?
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