Latest news with #marriageequality
Irish Times
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Deep House: The Gayest Love Story Ever Told by Jeremy Atherton Lin – How bigotry was moved off the statute books
Deep House: The Gayest Love Story Ever Told Author : Jeremy Atherton Lin ISBN-13 : 9780241629789 Publisher : Allen Lane Guideline Price : £25 Ten years ago, the Marriage Equality Act, giving same-sex couples the right to marry, was approved by a majority of Irish voters. The relative ease with which the referendum passed lies in stark contrast to Jeremy Atherton Lin's experience in the US during the mid 1990s, when president Bill Clinton signed the Defence of Marriage Act under cover of night, banning federal recognition of same-sex marriage. (It was repealed by Joe Biden in 2022.) The evolution of gay rights in the US is interspersed with the story of his own early love affair. As a young man visiting London, he encounters a local boy and, despite having planned on spending his twenties 'f**king his way around Europe', he's smitten. Geography, however, gets in the way, when he returns home and visa issues keep his boyfriend in England. Atherton Lin won the National Book Critics Circle award for Gay Bar: Why We Went Out and there's more than enough here to show his skill as a writer. Describing a transatlantic phone call with his lover, he recalls the line being 'somehow damp and dark, as if you were phoning from a Mike Leigh film', and he draws cautious parallels between the rights of same-sex couples to marry in America with the struggle for interracial marriage in the landmark case of Loving v. Virginia (1967), saying that 'it's worth noting that marriage has never been something available to everybody except gays'. Closer to home, there are interesting political references too, such as an account of Margaret Thatcher's 1987 Conservative Party Conference speech, where she stated that children who were being taught that it was all right to be gay were being 'cheated of a sound start in life'. What makes Deep House so engaging, however, is how its author avoids outrage while recounting past injustices. Instead, knowing that the argument has already been won, both morally and legally, he seems baffled that anyone ever cared who married whom in the first place. When future generations look back and wonder what all the fuss was about, books such as this will illuminate their understanding of a time when bigotry was not only encouraged, but on the statute books.
Irish Times
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
‘Happiness shines through': Thousands join Dublin Pride Parade
'I'm here because I'm gay and I love Pride and I have pride,' said Sean Conroy (23) from Wicklow, one of the thousands of people who turned out for the Dublin Pride Parade on Saturday. Over 12,500 people have marched in Dublin's Pride parade including members of the LBGTQ+ community, their families and friends. Video: Bryan O'Brien The annual march, which also marked the 10th anniversary of the marriage equality referendum being carried, made its way from O'Connell Street to Merrion Square, a process that took some three hours. 'I love them,' Conroy said of the parades. 'It is just so beautiful to see so many people out, lots of colours, dressing up and being happy. I think the happiness really shines through, and I think that's really important.' Sean Conroy and his mother Colette at the Dublin Pride Parade on Saturday Conroy was joined by his mother, Colette. READ MORE 'I've been here with Sean before,' she said. 'I love it. It's a very positive, happy day. A good day to be in Dublin.' There were Pride flags, Palestinian flags, Ukrainian flags, Brazilian flags and banners for gay rights groups, political parties, community groups, charities, public sector bodies, trade unions and the Garda Representative Association. There were GAA teams, soccer teams, a pink hockey group, the Out and About gay hiking group, trans groups, Scouts, samba dancers, and the Dublin Gay Men's Chorus (singing One Day Like This, by Elbow, as they arrived at Merrion Square). Marchers taking part in the Pride Parade in Dublin city centre on Saturday. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien The corporate sector was represented by, among others, AIB, Ryanair, EirGrid, Aer Lingus, PSTB, EY, Grant Thornton, Accenture, Bank of America, Volkswagen and Sky, while Garda, National Ambulance Service, fire brigade and Dublin City Council vehicles sported special Pride liveries. 'It's a lot of fun,' said Jemma Kennedy (21) from Ballyfermot, Dublin, who was there with her mother, Sharon. Jemma Kennedy at the Dublin Pride Parade on Saturday 'It's great to celebrate with other people and see how far we've come,' she said. 'It's upbeat, but you still have to remember that the origins aren't that. The first Prides were violent, and it was about getting our rights. This is to celebrate how far we've come.' 'I think it's great,' said Sharon. 'It's lovely to see it, the support, because there is a lot of hatred out there.' Sean Feerick, from Westport, Co Mayo, who was there with his husband, Paul O'Connell, said he had been coming to Pride events in Dublin since the 1980s. Paul O Connell (left) and Sean Feerick at the Dublin Pride Parade on Saturday He noted the presence, at the front of the parade, of the long time gay rights campaigner David Norris and Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Feerick said Norris 'must have a lot to think about watching Pride now, which is so much a part of the fabric of the city'. He said it made him proud to see the Taoiseach Micheál Martin walking at the front of the parade given the situation in Budapest, where the Pride march went ahead on Saturday in spite of measures introduced by prime minister Viktor Orban's right-wing government seeking to halt it. 'We are so lucky, in this country, even though so many people still suffer from homophobia in various places, but there is a great commitment to try and make the country an inclusive country,' Feerick said. Anita Hero on The George float taking part in the Pride Parade in Dublin City centre. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien Just a few decades ago, he said, homosexuality was a secretive thing and people were afraid to be outed 'and now you see these kids in their 20s and they haven't ever known any of that'. In Merrion Square, he added, a type of garden party was taking place. 'It is a family day. People are there with their kids. It is making all of this normal. I mean, who you love is a personal matter, and love, basically, is better than hate, and I think, certainly, we are in a much different place that we were 20 years ago or 25 years ago.' Jaster Dekay, from Florida, wearing a black leather outfit that included black headgear and straps across his face, was in Dublin to walk with the Leathermen of Ireland. Jaster Dekay, from Miami, Florida, walking with the Irish Leathermen in the Pride Parade in Dublin City centre. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien Globally, he said, Pride parades are essentially the same though certain places had more energy than others because those places were more liberal. It was important, he said, that locations that had greater liberty held Pride parades to support those places that don't. 'It's a global effort.'
BreakingNews.ie
28-06-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Dublin awash with colour as tens of thousands take part in Pride parade
Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets of Dublin to mark this year's Pride parade. Organisers said there were more than 12,000 people marching in the annual parade. Advertisement Labour leader Ivana Bacik (third right) takes part in the Dublin Pride parade (Damien Eagers/PA) This year's event also celebrated a milestone 10 years of marriage equality. The capital's streets were filled with an array of colour, music and dance as the parade made its way to Merrion Square's Pride Village for speeches and entertainment. Among those taking part was Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, Labour leader Ivana Bacik, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers. Thousands took part in the parade (Damien Eagers/PA) Citing the previous work of the Government to address gay rights and equality, Mr Martin told the crowd at Merrion Square that he is aware 'our work is far from done'. Advertisement Mr Martin was forced to raise his voice as a small number of protesters shouted for better trans rights and health care access during his speech. The Fianna Fáil leader said: 'LGBTIQ+ people in Ireland today still face a myriad of challenges, and the Government is committed to bolstering our efforts to address these challenges and delivering for our LGBTIQ+ citizens. 'There are global trends of increased harassment and persecution of LGBTIQ+ people across the world, which make many of our LGBTIQ+ citizens feel deeply concerned and unsafe. 'This is not the vision for Ireland that we are striving to build.' Advertisement Taoiseach Micheál Martin waves at members of the public during the Dublin Pride parade through the city centre (Damien Eagers/PA) Mr Martin continued: 'Our goal is to build a society in which LGBTIQ+ people can live safe, inclusive, healthy and fulfilling lives in an accepting and compassionate Ireland. 'The new LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy will promote and respect the right of LGBTIQ+ people to live their lives safely, free of harassment and violence. 'It will advance health and wellbeing outcomes through improved investment and access to a range of health services. 'It will build on initiatives already undertaken within the business community and by employers so that LGBTIQ+ people are enabled to participate fully within the workplace. Advertisement 'This new strategy will seek to deliver a fairer and more inclusive Ireland, and Government departments and state agencies are determined to work together to that end.' People take part in the Dublin Pride parade through the city centre (Damien Eagers/PA) The grand marshal of Dublin Pride, Ruadhan O Criodain, who has long advocated for LGBT+ rights, told the crowd in Merrion Square: 'We all want better futures for the next generation of queer people, but without education or health care, trans people can't see those futures for ourselves. 'I know you won't let our community die for the want of a future. I know that each of you will stand with trans people, I know that you will stand up and fight back. 'I know that you won't give in to the transphobe you've seen take hold in the UK, because we are stronger than that. Advertisement 'The far right and the TERF (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminism) movement want to divide the LGBT community.' (Damien Eagers/PA) 'They want to isolate your trans siblings, because then it'll be easier to tear us all apart. 'If they come for us first, they will come for all of you next. But I won't let that happen to my community, and I know you'll promise me the same. 'There is no LGBT without the T.' (Damien Eagers/PA) Dublin Mayor Emma Blaine said: 'Today, we march through the heart of our capital, a city that celebrates diversity, embraces inclusion and champions equality. 'Pride is more than a parade. It's a powerful statement of love, of visibility and of resilience. 'It's a celebration of how far we have come and a reminder of the work still ahead. 'Dublin has a proud history of standing up for the rights of its citizens. 'We remember today, the trailblazers, the activists and the everyday people who fought and continue to fight for dignity, respect and justice.' People Before Profit-Solidarity TD and his child, Juniper, watch the Dublin Pride parade (Damien Eagers/PA) She added: 'To our LGBTQ+ young people, know that you are valued, you are seen, and you belong, this city stands with you. 'To all the allies here today, thank you for walking beside us, not just today, but every day.' The parade started at O'Connell Street at 12.30pm, and travelled along Eden Quay and Custom House Quay before crossing the Talbot Memorial Bridge, up Lombard Street and Westland Row before finishing at Merrion Square. The non-ticketed festival at the Pride Village included music, food stalls, acts and speeches on the main stage. In his last year as president, Michael D Higgins offered his warmest greetings ahead of the Pride parade. Dancers take part in the Dublin Pride parade (Damien Eagers/PA) He said: 'This annual celebration is a vital affirmation of the rights, dignity, and joy of our LGBT+ communities. 'It is a time, too, to remember with gratitude the courage of those who paved the way for progress when marching was not safe, who gave voice to truths that were long silenced, and who set the foundations for the inclusive Ireland that we continue to strive towards today. 'In recent years, great strides have been made in advancing the rights and recognition of LGBT+ people in Ireland. 'In celebrating Pride this year, we are also marking the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality referendum, a moment that spoke of the kind of Ireland we aspire to be: inclusive, generous, an Ireland that is unafraid to affirm the equal worth of all of our citizens. Crowds were able to watch the parade before heading into the Pride Village for music, food stalls, acts and speeches (Damien Eagers/PA) 'Yet, we must also acknowledge that the journey is not complete. 'A truly inclusive society is one where all can live authentically and creatively, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, where all can participate fully, and where all voices are not only heard but valued, in all their richness and diversity. 'Pride remains a vital expression of that vision in challenging us to deepen our commitment to human rights, to solidarity, and to the kind of republic that cherishes all of its people equally. 'In a time when hard-won rights are being questioned in many parts of the world, such vigilance and unity are more vital than ever.' There were road closures in the city centre.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
From legitimacy to uncertainty, Advocate readers reflect on 10 years of marriage equality and what comes next
A decade ago, on June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court announced a ruling in the case Obergefell v. Hodges that changed LGBTQ+ history in America: The majority of justices ruled in favor of marriage equality. Today, queer families, LGBTQ+ people, and allies are celebrating 10 years of the freedom to marry regardless of gender. Keep up with the latest in + news and politics. In the Obergefell decision, the high court found that prohibiting same-sex marriage was a violation of the equal protection clause under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Since then, marriage equality support has grown. Almost 70 percent of Americans support marriage for same-sex couples, according to Gallup. More than 80 percent of Democrats support marriage equality, and 74 percent of independents. Even Republicans have supported marriage equality with record highs in 2021 and 2022 for members of the GOP — it currently holds at 46 percent. There are now 823,000 married same-sex couples in the country, an increase of about 600,000 after Obergefell, the Williams Institute of UCLA reports. Of those couples, around 300,000 are raising children. The institute also recently reported that between 2015 and 2025, the total nationwide spending on weddings between same-sex couples reached $5.9 billion. Ahead of today's anniversary, The Advocate asked readers to take us back to that day and how they feel about marriage equality under the Trump administration in 2025. Most people were just going about their day, with a few who anxiously awaited the opinions to come down starting at 10 a.m., which is when the court releases them. Catherine Hunt, 63, was in Seattle in her apartment when the news broke. "I felt I sense of relief," she said. For 46-year-old James Yeager, he spent the morning anticipating the ruling. "I was in training at my job. I knew the ruling was likely to come out that day, so I had been paying more attention to the news feed on my phone than the actual training. When the ruling dropped, I dropped everything and bolted out of the training (with my coworkers' enthusiastic blessing) and ran to my husband's cubicle (we worked in different departments of the same company at the time). He hadn't heard yet because he was talking to a coworker, so I got to tell him by dropping to one knee and proposing. (Spoiler alert: He said YES! and we got married three months later,)" Yeager wrote to The Advocate. Related: New congressional resolution would make June 26 'Equality Day' celebrating LGBTQ+ victories Many of those who responded spoke about how important it was to receive the same rights as people in opposite-sex marriages, from tax advantages to health care. And many decided to marry because that right became a reality. Louis Tharp, 74, said he was refreshing the SCOTUSblog every minute, waiting for the decision. Tharp, who had married thrice to the same man at different times, leading up to nationwide marriage equality — once in California, once in Washington, D.C., and once in Connecticut. In 2015, he worked for the Obama administration and was in D.C. while his husband was in New York. "Being an Obama appointee and now directly benefiting from a Supreme Court decision made me feel for the first time in my life, that I was a valued U.S. citizen. Before then, I was an outsider. This wasn't my country," Tharp said in his response. "When I was growing up, you were either closeted, arrested, or sent to a mental institution because being gay was a crime and a mental illness. Slowly, life got better over five decades, and June 26, 2015, was the declaration of presence for the LGBT community with the Supreme Court's endorsement." For some, the ruling meant it validated the love they had for their partner. Those who messaged The Advocate said the ruling lent legitimacy, regardless of whether it was wanted or not. Many had been together for years — even decades — leading up to the Supreme Court ruling. Michael Mondello, 76, wrote that he and his husband married in Provincetown in 2008. "We have been together almost 51 years so the immediate impact was a verification of what we did in 2008," he wrote. "We had been together for 18 years prior to the marriage equality ruling in 2015. We discussed whether or not to go ahead and get married. We talked about the pros and cons, but ultimately realized that people had given their lives for this right, and it would be disrespectful to all those people who had joined the fight if we did not go ahead and get married," said Jane Fahey, 72. "I had just retired as an elementary school administrator, where I had remained semi-closeted for almost 40 years. All of a sudden it just seemed good and right to live my authentic life and to be married to the woman I loved." And of course, others cited the security that the right to marry brought. A legal marriage allows access to more than 1,000 rights, including Social Security benefits if a spouse dies, medical leave protections, estate tax exemptions, and more. It also allowed those living in states that already had granted marriage equality to have their marriage legally recognized across state lines. That's something that Eugene Galt noted in his response. "It did not affect how real our relationship was to us. Rather, it meant that I could move anywhere in the country, and my marriage would have the same legal protections those in opposite-sex marriages had long taken for granted," he said. Scott Turner, 62, also emphasized the importance of cross-state recognition. "[My husband and I] were already married in California but lived in South Carolina, where our marriage was not recognized. This ruling was the final step in the recognition of our relationship, which is now 35 years. In our eyes, we were married even before California. But having it legal in all states, including the one we lived in, was such a joyous moment. Not to mention, our financial situation was improved as many bills we owed from income taxes, property taxes, insurance, even gym memberships were immediately cut due to our marriage," he said. Related: While today is celebrated, almost every respondent mentioned a concern about the future of marriage equality under the current Supreme Court, which has a conservative majority, and under President Donald Trump and his administration. "Given the state of our nation right now, and given the political nature of the Supreme Court, I don't have high hopes that marriage equality is going to last in this country. I don't know how they can erase our marriage because of financial and legal implications, but I worry about the erosion of all LGBTQ+ rights," Fahey wrote. Still, regardless of what happens in the coming years, many still recall June 26, 2015, as a joyous day. William Vayens, 74, said the ruling allowed him and his husband to escape lavender marriages. He wrote to The Advocate, "It allowed us to divorce our lesbian wives (for medical insurance reasons) and marry each other and receive the benefits we should have received 40 years ago." This article originally appeared on Advocate: From legitimacy to uncertainty, Advocate readers reflect on 10 years of marriage equality and what comes next
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Queer Couple Dreamed of Starting a Family. After 3 Heartbreaking Pregnancy Loses, They're Trying Something New (Exclusive)
Kristin and Melanie started off as coworkers and later found an undeniable connection The two, now married six years, have spent the last four years on a journey to start their family, with the help of a friend who has agreed to be their donor Kristin tells PEOPLE about walking this journey with her wife, the decision to crowdfund the next step and what their hopes are for sharing their storyA couple who found love unexpectedly are ready to start the next chapter of their happy ending. Kristin and wife Melanie met while working together and hit it off quickly. Neither had been in a same-sex relationship before, but decided to take a chance when they realized how strong their connection had become. "As our relationship got deeper, we realized we were sort of at a crossroads. I never would have thought my life would have went this way, but we decided it was something that felt really good and exciting," Kristin tells PEOPLE. "We both decided to say yes to love and be open to whatever could come our way. It was such a beautiful beginning to the relationship, just one of the happiest times in our lives." The couple fell in love and eventually decided to marry. With excited discussion of the future came the subject of growing their family, which they both knew would be a complex journey. They tied the knot six years ago, but started their fertility journey in 2021. "We put if off a few years. We wanted to get more established in our careers and buy a house, check off some of those bucket list items first," Kristin says. "Then in 2021, we started joking with our friend about being our sperm donor. He said, 'No, I would seriously consider that.' " Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Having that possibility on the table made the conversation less hypothetical and more rooted in what their reality could be. "We had so many deep, connecting conversations, with each other and with our friend. We kind of really fleshed out what that sort of family structure would look like and what his role in our child's life would be. It was important to us to have a donor who would provide that connection to the biological for our child. We live in a small, semi-conservative town, so we're creating a unique family that you wouldn't see too many examples of around here." As the discussions progressed, Kristin and Melanie confirmed their donor was in alignment with their vision. Their only hesitation were their concerns for his future. "He didn't have a partner at that time and we were like, 'We know you want to meet someone. How do you think that person will fit into the equation?' Luckily, he ended up meeting the best girl and she's totally accepted our journey and become a huge part of it. We just feel really lucky that we've connected with these two," she shares. Kristin and Melanie came to the decision that Kristin would carry their baby. From fall 2021 through spring 2022, she underwent fertility testing to ensure that her body was primed for the process. "We were a little bit blown away at how invasive the process was, but we understood. And of course, none of this was covered by insurance, but we didn't let that deter us. We saved for this process and knew what to expect," she says. With a bill of good health, Kristin was cleared, with plans to start with intrauterine inseminations (IUI). They experienced success early on, but it ended in a chemical pregnancy. "That triggered another level of testing and everything just kept coming back normal. But the IUIs just weren't working, and our doctor didn't really have an answer," she explains. Doing research within their own community, it was suggested that they try at-home insemination with a fresh donation. "Our donor and his partner were on board, so we tried three or four rounds of that. Two of those times worked, but they both ended in pretty early miscarriages," Kristin shares. "After the third pregnancy loss, I approached my nurse practitioner, and she was basically like, 'Yeah, you're gonna want to just do IVF,' " Kristin says. "There are so many more variables you can control for in that process. You can do genetic testing of embryos. But we'd been really hesitant to the IVF process, even though the possibility was always in the back of our minds." The decision was emotional for the couple. "The middle of last year, we were kind of recovering from pretty sad pregnancy losses and trying to gather our courage and feelings and take stock of where we were at." "It has felt lonely at times and totally devastating. We've really had to rely on each other and we've always kind of had a motto of, 'We're stronger and better together.' This process has really tested that, with us each grieving in our own separate ways while also trying to support the grieving partner in her process," Kristin says. "It's been vulnerable and scary, especially when so many other people around us are able to grow their families in more conventional ways, even when using assisted reproduction. It definitely brings up feelings of jealousy, loss, resentment. So we've really had to work through that together as a couple." Looking at the decision from all sides, they decided to move forward with IVF. Of course, the decision isn't an easy one. After having spent more than $10,000 on IUI, sperm banking, various testing and more, the decision came with more than $30,000 in out-of-pocket costs. However, "We decided that we were committed to this idea of creating a family, rooted in love and connection and hope and positivity," Kristin explains. "I think the intention with which we're going into this makes us both feel so much more prepared and connected for the process of motherhood. We've spent so much time over the last three or four years thinking about what kind of mothers we want to be, what kind of family we want to create," Kristin says. "We've discussed our values and what we want to provide as an ideological foundation for our family. This process has really solidified our commitment to each other, to our marriage and to the process of becoming moms together. I feel like it's really strengthened us and made us even more certain that what we're doing is the right decision for us." Kristin and Melanie began vetting fertility clinics and found one that made them feel comfortable on an individual level and as a LGBTQ couple. Next up is some more testing for both Kristin and their donor ahead of a tentative egg retrieval this summer. The couple has found "solace" in seeing others share their journey in depth on social media, and while that isn't their chosen avenue, they hope sharing their story via GoFundMe will bring the realities of their journey to an audience that can feel seen in their own journeys. "It's super vulnerable. Talking about finances publicly is really scary and not something we took lightly. We had several friends and family members saying to us that they'd love to help in whatever way they could. We realized for some, that might be financial, but sharing our story was also important," Kristin explains. "We're doing this out of a want and a desire to create life and love and bring this beautiful, already so wanted person, into the world. We are really grateful for a platform that everybody we love can access," she adds. "It's been so positive and given people insight into what we are going through. We also wanted to have this message of hope for our future child, to be able to say to them, 'Look how many people supported you and already wanted you here.' All these people are waiting in the wings with love and encouragement and excitement before they're even here." Queer couples face many challenges in starting their families, but Kristin and Melanie hope that their story proves that making these family dreams come true can happen with love and support to see it through. "Our family is here," Kristin adds. "Our family has just as much a right to be here as any other family, and if we can share our story and our journey to normalize it for others who are maybe at the very beginning of their journey or wondering, 'Should we do it? Should we not?' " She continues, "I just want any family to know they can have that family, and if our story can do anything to solidify someone's decision to start the family of their dreams, then it's been worth it, and that's amazing." Read the original article on People
