Especially for those who fought for the rights of equality
May 22nd, 2025, marks ten years since Ireland voted overwhelmingly in favour of Marriage Equality. This was a landmark step forward for gay rights in Ireland, a country that had only decriminalised homosexuality 22 years earlier. Today, in honour of the 10th anniversary, I am going to discuss the referendum, how it came to be, and life after the historic Yes Vote.
How It Happened
After the Stonewall Riots of 1969, the gay rights movement had gained a new life worldwide, and Ireland was no exception. Following the long fight for the decriminalisation of Homosexuality in 1993, Senator Katherine Zappone and Dr Ann Louise Gilligan officially began the fight for marriage equality in 2003 by advocating to have their Canadian marriage recognised in Ireland. The Civil Partnership Act of 2010 established rights for civil partners similar to rights of married couples and was seen as a stepping stone towards marriage equality.
After the 2011 general election, Ireland not only saw the first openly gay TDs elected to the Dáil, but the new programme for government included potential changes to the "Provision for the legalisation of same-sex marriage." The issue was considered in 2013, where it was decided that the state should be required, rather than just permitted, to allow the marriage of same-sex couples.
However, any changes to the constitution must be agreed upon by the Irish people, meaning a referendum would have to be called. In December, then Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that a referendum would be held "no later than mid-2015."
Campaign
The campaign had begun. Key figures included David Norris and Panti Bliss, alongside many organisations and political parties. The referendum was set to be held on May 22nd, 2015. People flocked back to Ireland in their hundreds to secure the Yes vote, many of whom had left to seek more inclusive lives.
The No Campaign heavily fell back on the argument that a child should have a mother and father, which was not only a separate issue from the vote, but is one I feel most people would agree that, as long as a child has responsible and caring parent or gaudians, it doesn't matter what genders they are.
I don’t remember much from the time of the referendum, but something I do remember is asking my family how they were going to vote. For some reason, as a child, I had a very real fear of hell, despite not being very religious, and over the years, this fear would be a big part of my OCD. Some of my siblings jokingly said they were going to Vote No, and I thought they were serious. But when they said they were actually going to Vote Yes, despite feeling anxious that something bad would happen to them, I was secretly relieved.
Result
The result was an overwhelming Yes Vote. With a turnout of 60%, the final result was 62% to 38%, with over 1,200,000 voting in favour of Marriage Equality.
Ireland officially became the first country in the world to legalise same sex marriage through popular public vote. Considering that Ireland had only decriminalised homosexuality in 1993, this was a huge milestone, and in my opinion, this vote was the turning point for Ireland, forever changing the world's perception of a nation once strongly rooted in old fashioned religious morals to one of acceptance and inclusion.
There are little to no referendums I have seen that sparked as much joy as the Marriage Equality Act. Watching back on archived footage following the Yes results is simply heartwarming. To see people cheering and dancing across Dublin, with nearly every street full of colour, is just incredible.
Coming Out
I wouldn't come out myself until 2019, four years after the referendum, after years of constant inner battles with myself, trying to convince myself I wasn't gay. When I finally came to terms with my own sexuality, the relief nineteen year old me felt in finally accepting myself was incredible, a relief I can imagine that one would have to go through themselves to fully understand.
Being a gay man has not always been easy, especially in rural Ireland. Being out isn't all pride and rainbows, like what is often portrayed. But I have no doubt that no matter how tough it may be, I am 100 times happier being out and honest with myself than I ever was or would be had I stayed in the closet.
Conclusion
I was lucky to come out in a world much different prior 2015, 1993 or even 1969, however, the LGBTQ+ Community still face many challenges today. Several countries are regressing in their LGBTQ+ laws, Trans people being used a political cannon fodder and Trump, with his loud following spreading misinformation and hatred about those in the community. The fight for equality may never truly end, but as long as there are people who are willing to fight for what's right, good will always prevail.
To those who faugh for our rights such as David Norris, Panti Bliss and the countless campainers, from the young closeted teen to the openly queer man I am today I thank you for fighting all those battles so that I may live in an Ireland where I don't have to hide my sexuality or campaign for the right to marry the person I love.
To those in the closet or struggling with their sexuality, take your time. Coming out is something we have to do at our own pace, and there will always be someone to listen to you.
"Stay Golden"
-Trev
-Trev
*Supports / Helpful Links*
Number: 1800 929 539
Number: 01 670 6223
National Gender Service Ireland: https://nationalgenderserviceireland.com/
Number: 01 211 5045
GenderEd: https://www.gendered.ie/
Number: 01 873 3575
Number: 01 873 3575