This will go down in history as one of the most important speeches on homosexuality and homophobia in Ireland. So beautifully articulated. We've all had the car that drives past us, the 'look', the hand holding worries, checking ourselves at the traffic lights. I just can't thank you enough for this, Panti.
John Carey Yes. Exactly. Choosing to define marriage, and the attendant rights it confers, as exclusively the provenance of a man and a woman is homophobia.
John Carey no, homophobia as in actively campaigning for gay people to have less civil rights than gay people. She specifically mentioned that it wasn’t about people’s feelings. To be fair, she said that near the end of her speech and your homophobia probably didn’t let you get that far.
It has been, YEARS, since I saw this speech by Panti. I have come back to hear it again, because it is LITERALLY, one of the best speeches, by any LGBT person, I have ever heard, in My life. Love you, ALWAYS, Ms. Panti!!
What a moving speech. I identify with every situation that Panti has outlined here...of checking myself, of butching up (or down) as required, of being called a faggot from a passing car as an egg hits the pavement in front of me...been queer bashed badly twice. Rory is very eloquent and beautiful and very moving. I say Rory, because he shines through here, beautiful and glamourous as his alter-ego. Haha. "I don't hate you because you are a homophobe, but I sometimes hate myself because I check myself, but sometimes I hate you for doing that to me." Panti. Bliss. Bravissimo.
Thanks Dara O'Briain for sharing this!!! Wonderful! Will be checking out more of Panti Bliss!! You should check out one of my favorite queens from this side of the pond. Coco Peru! The ultimate Bronx queen!
Panti's speech is about oppression! We need more people like this in the world who are good, kind people! I teared up with this! Coming from Ireland and having a gay brother I felt a kindred spirit with Panti! Panti you are precious! Elaine
My partner's co-worker is here on business from Ireland. We are in Chicago. He played this for us last night, and I almost cried because she thoroughly articulated my life as a gay child, teen, and now adult. No one had ever put it in quite the right terms, but you just don't feel whole when everybody hates you, and then you learn to hate yourself and brothers and sisters next to you, and then people, who are not you, talk about you and your life, as if you are not even in a body. I am thankful for you, Panti Bliss, and I will be seeking out more from you.
I am a middleaged ex housewife, 2 grown boys, 2 dogs, my own house etc. I am 100% heterosexual (even though I do sit up straight in my chair over some stunning women)! My life - is FAR away from yours - BUT, ALL I want to do is hug you! Give you a kiss on the head and say "I am SO SO sorry that you have EVER felt oppressive by some louts"! In my heterosexual opinion - you ROCK - and I am SO proud to be of the human race with someone like yourself!! You did a FANTASTIC job in this speech! Hugs and love!
This is amazing. She manages to help people understand what it is like to be gay without insulting everybody and he is funny at the same time. he shows them that is is perfectly normal to be gay. this is so amazing
Brilliant. I'm 54 years old and have never been able to put into words, even to myself how I feel about myself as a gay man, but you just have, every single word. Never let your voice of reason that shines like a candle in the dark, be silenced or extinguished. You words teach love,compassion and understanding.
There are quite a few people who've made comments about this Excellent speech, who were unable to hear what was said, too busy writing their own '500 word column' about what they don't like. Well done Rory O'Neil, your words are eloquently spoken, very meaningful and from our shared experiences. Thank you!
I always knew Panti was such a unique and incredibly special individual from the first time I saw her perform in Belfast. This brilliant speech was a hammer blow to the last vestige's of bigoted, patriarchal Ireland, mesmerising in it's integrity and moral authority. So beautifully delivered, in it's enunciation every single word seared with recognition, yes this was/is my life! So moving, so powerful, so unforgettable, so important. Thank you.
That was probably the most eloquent, heartfelt explanation on what it is to be gay in a heterosexist homophobic society, i've ever heard. thank you Panti
It's funny, I'd never really thought to label self-censorship as homophobia before. You kind of just accept it as practicality, but when it's put into this kind of context, it's mind blowing. It has connotations for my view of racism as well.
It doesn't take many gay guys to say "Straight-acting only" or "I don't like THAT kind of gay" to clarify how strongly homophobia runs through everyone. We're raised to be straight, after all. What was also saddening is how much this speech described women and their rights to dress and control of their body, too
Absolutely brilliant. As a straight, Irish, father of three I believe Rory is the most courageous people in our society. Equal rights for all should be a given.
Bravo Panti for an eloquent and moving speech. I love your bar and I love your work. As a young gay kid living in this country, you make me proud to live in it.
I am an italian gay guy. I was in Dublin during the referendum weekend.I didn't want to miss it and was in the castle celebrating with you and feeling like crying, imagining one day the same in Italy, I saw Panti (I was just near her) and I soon loved her. So I browsed internet to know more and I am impressed by this owesome person. I am proud of what you irish people did. And thankful. What you did will be an example for all the world and I hope for Italy as well.
Thank-you so much Rory O'Neill for sharing this AMAZING, POWERFUL, and INSPIRING explanation of what daily oppression feels like. THANK-YOU with ALL my heart and soul, your courage and DRAG are helping to heal the world. Much love and blessings to you and your loved ones, always.
i am doing a project on my hero for school and i could not think of anyone better than the queen yourself! you are a true inspiration to all of us! thanks to0 you we are eaqual:)
Panti delivers such a stunning speech without notes while maintaining perfect clarity and stream of thought. I love how the audience falls under her thrall and probably came away with intense understanding. Panti is indeed magnificent and I aspire to be a jumped-up queer like her! A couple of times at the top she refers to the play and workers in 1913. The production is THE RISEN PEOPLE. Kudos to the actor who introduced her, he's resounding!
Wow. How heartfelt. You have certainly opened my eyes Panti. And I have dropped a few tears. Thank you. This country needs your courage and honesty. Respect.
Heart-breakingly beautiful. I'm currently reading "The Well of Loneliness", from nearly a century ago, and the crushing defeat of the lesbian protagonist is that she cannot marry, and thereby protect, the woman she loves. Oppression comes in many forms, and all too often in the "Western" world, that form is subtle and insidious. So well said, Panti. Thank you. And thanks to the Abbey for giving you the stage!
Panti You are a hero and heroine rolled into one. Thank you for opening my eyes clearly - I recommend you to everyone where a conversation comes anyone near to this subject. I can't thank you enough Simon x
Firstly my apologies for not responding sooner Panti! You were concise,positive,enlightening,truthful,engaging and of course spoke truly.True to yourself and most importantly true to as you said the young girl and boys coming up know. You gave a most empowered positive speak which I know will be referred to in times to come to describe the need for quality acceptance and love. I am writing this now in 2020 December in Brighton things are changing on Wednesday I walked from the train station down to my ‘corona’ bubble of friends to spend Christmas. On my way I passed separately 3 gay couples 2 female 1 man couple all probably in early 20s the 3 couples were jus talking laughing with each and just holding hands cause there in love. They were on the street holding hands without a care ‘obvious wearing COVID mask but still it was so lovely to see that. Panti/Roy you and your work made that happen that the now feel safe. Big hugs Owen 😷😘😷
Just incredible. I watched the fuzzy version last night and watched this version today and it still sent shivers down my spine. Inspirational is not strong enough a word.
Rory O'Neill, dude, you are one mighty breath of fresh air. you have exposed the hypocrisy of the 'pretenders ' who want free speech and free press, but not when they are on the receiving end. Great speech, great delivery, made me proud to be gay and irish.
This video clip is incredible, wonderful, inspiring, eloquent, amazing. SO much respect and love. Thank you for this... thank you SO much. Shared on Facebook, of course!
I've watched this yet again. This speech just leaves me so emotional. I can totally relate to just about everything Panti stated. At 55 years of age I'm lucky enough to live where I live and have a great support system and feel mostly comfortable where ever I go. My wish for all is that THEY get what I got but allot sooner than later. Panti is truly the Queen of Ireland and I hope some day to see that film titled as such. What a blessing for us all that Rory brought this fabulous lady to life and it led to this, part time, gig of educating all of us with heart and soul and humor! XO
Bravo! The world needs more people like you and less bigots and homophobes. Everybody should have the right to live as they please and not worry about conforming to the ideals of others. "I may not be the same but thats not important. No freedom 'til were equal. You're damn right I support it" Same Love!
I experienced this EXACT thing. Standing at a pedestrian-crossing just off the North Bridge in Edinburgh - arguably one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in the world - and a group of guys in a blue ned-mobile drove by and shouted "poofter" as they sped by. I often 'check' myself now as a result. Thanks for the speech Panti!
Oh love I am sorry. As a woman in a wheelchair I've had nasty misogynist things shouted at me from the same place. I've live here in Edinburgh for 15 years now, but in that regard it's no better or worse than much of the rest of the UK. Its better than it was 30 years ago I'm sure, but it's still very much a work in progress to change hearts and minds!
Beautiful words. I think we're all a little afraid of those differences we don't understand, the wisdom here is being able to look at your own thoughts and fears and say 'No!' I should not be afraid of that. That fear is wrong, those thoughts are wrong. It's a message for everyone, holding out an olive branch to everyone and saying that it's not the fleeting thoughts you have that matter but how you act on them, you have a chance to challenge them. To reach back and say my friend, I respect you and I am so very sorry that you feel oppressed. I want to change things, and the world isn't free until we all feel free to express every beautiful aspect of our character without fear, prejudice or shame.
I respect and admire Rory for his oratory and the way he speaks in such a passionate yet reasoned way . He has done us a great service by giving us this insight . If he was a general I would follow him into war , a culture war .
I know how it feels when a bunch of people discuss over the media if you are allowed or not to have those human rights that for other are normal. I know how devastating, frustrating and how sawer can turn you up to see those who you though where your friends, think that you are no allowed to bless your love for someone else, just because you are gay. I hope my beloved Ireland pass this bill, I hope Irish people (people that I feel mine) do the right thing. I wish with all my heart that Ireland became a little bit better country, if that's possible. Go Panti, I'm standing up clapping to you and your courage! Huge hugs to you from Argentina!
I saw this years ago and I'm just rewatching it now in 2022. Respect to Panti! Thank you for standing up for us and speaking about an experience that so many of us can relate to! You are a champion!
Wonderful speech. Congratulations Rory. So glad you took this opportunity to speak out and so glad this opportunity was offered by The Abbey Theatre. Thank you. As a people we Irish all need to hear this spoken so clearly and powerfully. Well done.
Wow - what an amazing speech - this should be broadcast to all secondary schools - it's a wonderful thing to be able to open your mind to those who are oppressed by others purely on the basis of their sexuality...
All I can say is that it takes courage to do what Panti did in this video. To open up yourself like this is easy for no one. Thank you for educating me on every level Panti, not just on gay issues which have been going on for as long as my many lives, but on how a well spoken individual can grab your heart and soul and make me revalue many things to do with the spoken and unspoken world.
thank you Rory I'm a grandmother who has spent her life in Ireland and I'm also painfully middle class but somehow I grew up to know we all deserve to be treated equally and I feel sad and horrified at the homophobic comments from people who should know better and most of them have the audacity to claim they are christians.
Cheers from Brazil, Panti! That was an amazing speech. I wish more people were able to realize what we go through every day and learn from it. I'd love to be able to perpetuate your speech around here, unfortunately I can't get that big of an audience. You go, girl! :)
I must have been on a mission to Mars those days because this speech has escaped me to this day. I am an "age-impaired" gay man and every single word of this speech has resonated with me so deeply I can't even begin to describe it. Resonated and cut. Thank you for saying these words. Seven years later, I still thank you.
Your words moved me to tears, I can identify with checking myself for various reasons, around different groups because I don't want to come off to butch or laddish. Then other groups I feel like I'm acting too feminine. Thanks for sticking your neck out once again for the LGBTQs in Ireland and everywhere. Much love x
This will go down in history as one of the most important speeches on homosexuality and homophobia in Ireland. So beautifully articulated. We've all had the car that drives past us, the 'look', the hand holding worries, checking ourselves at the traffic lights. I just can't thank you enough for this, Panti.
"Homophobia" as in having the opnion that marriage is the union between man and woman?
John Carey Yes. Exactly. Choosing to define marriage, and the attendant rights it confers, as exclusively the provenance of a man and a woman is homophobia.
@@markcocanougher910 What "rights" and explain how its "homophobic"?
John Carey Don’t be obtuse.
John Carey no, homophobia as in actively campaigning for gay people to have less civil rights than gay people. She specifically mentioned that it wasn’t about people’s feelings. To be fair, she said that near the end of her speech and your homophobia probably didn’t let you get that far.
It has been, YEARS, since I saw this speech by Panti.
I have come back to hear it again, because it is LITERALLY, one of the best speeches,
by any LGBT person, I have ever heard, in My life.
Love you, ALWAYS, Ms. Panti!!
"A spectacular and neat Orwellian trick" indeed, Panti. Well done for highlighting it so passionately and articulately.
What a moving speech. I identify with every situation that Panti has outlined here...of checking myself, of butching up (or down) as required, of being called a faggot from a passing car as an egg hits the pavement in front of me...been queer bashed badly twice. Rory is very eloquent and beautiful and very moving. I say Rory, because he shines through here, beautiful and glamourous as his alter-ego. Haha. "I don't hate you because you are a homophobe, but I sometimes hate myself because I check myself, but sometimes I hate you for doing that to me." Panti. Bliss. Bravissimo.
Thanks Dara O'Briain for sharing this!!! Wonderful! Will be checking out more of Panti Bliss!! You should check out one of my favorite queens from this side of the pond. Coco Peru! The ultimate Bronx queen!
Panti's speech is about oppression! We need more people like this in the world who are good, kind people! I teared up with this! Coming from Ireland and having a gay brother I felt a kindred spirit with Panti!
Panti you are precious!
Elaine
My partner's co-worker is here on business from Ireland. We are in Chicago. He played this for us last night, and I almost cried because she thoroughly articulated my life as a gay child, teen, and now adult. No one had ever put it in quite the right terms, but you just don't feel whole when everybody hates you, and then you learn to hate yourself and brothers and sisters next to you, and then people, who are not you, talk about you and your life, as if you are not even in a body. I am thankful for you, Panti Bliss, and I will be seeking out more from you.
Same.
I am a middleaged ex housewife, 2 grown boys, 2 dogs, my own house etc. I am 100% heterosexual (even though I do sit up straight in my chair over some stunning women)! My life - is FAR away from yours - BUT, ALL I want to do is hug you! Give you a kiss on the head and say "I am SO SO sorry that you have EVER felt oppressive by some louts"! In my heterosexual opinion - you ROCK - and I am SO proud to be of the human race with someone like yourself!! You did a FANTASTIC job in this speech! Hugs and love!
bambis46 Great post ! Thank you.
As a lgbt person I am so thankful for that post, great to have a ally🙂
If everyone thought like you, the world would be such a safer place.
Great Post i am a transvestite good to know we have some heterosexual people on our side.
This is amazing. She manages to help people understand what it is like to be gay without insulting everybody and he is funny at the same time. he shows them that is is perfectly normal to be gay. this is so amazing
10 years later and it broke me down. I hate them a little bit for having done this to us and I hate myself for carrying it with me.
Brilliant. I'm 54 years old and have never been able to put into words, even to myself how I feel about myself as a gay man, but you just have, every single word. Never let your voice of reason that shines like a candle in the dark, be silenced or extinguished. You words teach love,compassion and understanding.
There are quite a few people who've made comments about this Excellent speech, who were unable to hear what was said, too busy writing their own '500 word column' about what they don't like. Well done Rory O'Neil, your words are eloquently spoken, very meaningful and from our shared experiences. Thank you!
I always knew Panti was such a unique and incredibly special individual from the first time I saw her perform in Belfast. This brilliant speech was a hammer blow to the last vestige's of bigoted, patriarchal Ireland, mesmerising in it's integrity and moral authority. So beautifully delivered, in it's enunciation every single word seared with recognition, yes this was/is my life! So moving, so powerful, so unforgettable, so important. Thank you.
That was probably the most eloquent, heartfelt explanation on what it is to be gay in a heterosexist homophobic society, i've ever heard.
thank you Panti
Beautiful.
As a gay man who's nearly 60 and came out in 1985 I identify so much with this. Panti is amazing and the voice we all wish we had.
What a beautiful person. I'm so glad there are people like this on the planet who can speak up so eloquently and with such inspiration.
lucky enough to have been in the ABBEY Theater on the night, super play rounded of with a excellent speech, take a bow Rory O Neal ( Panti )
spectacular.
WoW what an oratory and orator, one of the greatest speeches I have ever heard.
"Opressed" really does describe accurately any victim of exclusion.
There is a God, and he has blessed us with drag queen angels like this. God bless you Panti, God bless you.
And God bless you too, Pikachu. Gotta catch 'em all.
In his name, we level up.
Idiots
It's funny, I'd never really thought to label self-censorship as homophobia before. You kind of just accept it as practicality, but when it's put into this kind of context, it's mind blowing.
It has connotations for my view of racism as well.
It doesn't take many gay guys to say "Straight-acting only" or "I don't like THAT kind of gay" to clarify how strongly homophobia runs through everyone. We're raised to be straight, after all. What was also saddening is how much this speech described women and their rights to dress and control of their body, too
Almost two years later, this speech is still as powerful as it was when I first heard it.
Absolutely brilliant. As a straight, Irish, father of three I believe Rory is the most courageous people in our society. Equal rights for all should be a given.
I bow respectfully to you, Panti, for speaking with such conviction and eloquence.
This made me cry. I'm a Welshman in my 50's and you described my teenage years. Thank you.
Amazing Speech. Congrats on her people of the year award!
A powerful and articulate speech. Well done Panti :)
Much love and support to you, Panti. The world is watching now and if the haters take you on we'll do whatever we can to get your back.
Bravo Panti for an eloquent and moving speech. I love your bar and I love your work. As a young gay kid living in this country, you make me proud to live in it.
I am an italian gay guy. I was in Dublin during the referendum weekend.I didn't want to miss it and was in the castle celebrating with you and feeling like crying, imagining one day the same in Italy, I saw Panti (I was just near her) and I soon loved her. So I browsed internet to know more and I am impressed by this owesome person.
I am proud of what you irish people did. And thankful. What you did will be an example for all the world and I hope for Italy as well.
What an amazing speech, congratulations to her on winning a person of the year award tonight!
Pamti never fails to wow me with her intellect , grace and courage ... So bloody impressive !
Today was my first encounter with Panti Bliss.. A nice day it turned out to be...
Thank-you so much Rory O'Neill for sharing this AMAZING, POWERFUL, and INSPIRING explanation of what daily oppression feels like. THANK-YOU with ALL my heart and soul, your courage and DRAG are helping to heal the world. Much love and blessings to you and your loved ones, always.
i am doing a project on my hero for school and i could not think of anyone better than the queen yourself! you are a true inspiration to all of us! thanks to0 you we are eaqual:)
To see such courage makes me cry. We need more people in the world with such conviction to combat the degree of ignorance and hate
This is phenomenal work, well done Rory O'Neill. Both for Panti and for your message. Many people will be forced to watch you today..
Amazing speech Panti, I hope you know that there are people out there supporting you!
it's been quite a while since I have felt this amazed by someone who voiced their truth .. wow .. amazing
That's a beautifully worded and very powerful speech. I hope after seeing the positive reaction to her speech she loves herself a bit more.
Panti delivers such a stunning speech without notes while maintaining perfect clarity and stream of thought. I love how the audience falls under her thrall and probably came away with intense understanding. Panti is indeed magnificent and I aspire to be a jumped-up queer like her!
A couple of times at the top she refers to the play and workers in 1913. The production is THE RISEN PEOPLE. Kudos to the actor who introduced her, he's resounding!
Ten years later and this is still a god damn masterpiece
Wow. How heartfelt. You have certainly opened my eyes Panti. And I have dropped a few tears. Thank you. This country needs your courage and honesty. Respect.
Me too❤
Oh My God. I've got tears streaming down my face. Bravo, Panti, bravo!!
Amazing, I will be showing this to my kids when they come home from school, thank you for your honesty and you bravery. xx
Best monologue of the century!
Heart-breakingly beautiful. I'm currently reading "The Well of Loneliness", from nearly a century ago, and the crushing defeat of the lesbian protagonist is that she cannot marry, and thereby protect, the woman she loves. Oppression comes in many forms, and all too often in the "Western" world, that form is subtle and insidious. So well said, Panti. Thank you. And thanks to the Abbey for giving you the stage!
Articulate, intelligent, reasoned yet passionate. Thank you from Canada.
Panti
You are a hero and heroine rolled into one.
Thank you for opening my eyes clearly - I recommend you to everyone where a conversation comes anyone near to this subject.
I can't thank you enough
Simon x
Wow. I have shivers.
Firstly my apologies for not responding sooner Panti! You were concise,positive,enlightening,truthful,engaging and of course spoke truly.True to yourself and most importantly true to as you said the young girl and boys coming up know. You gave a most empowered positive speak which I know will be referred to in times to come to describe the need for quality acceptance and love. I am writing this now in 2020 December in Brighton things are changing on Wednesday I walked from the train station down to my ‘corona’ bubble of friends to spend Christmas. On my way I passed separately 3 gay couples 2 female 1 man couple all probably in early 20s the 3 couples were jus talking laughing with each and just holding hands cause there in love. They were on the street holding hands without a care ‘obvious wearing COVID mask but still it was so lovely to see that. Panti/Roy you and your work made that happen that the now feel safe. Big hugs Owen 😷😘😷
Just incredible. I watched the fuzzy version last night and watched this version today and it still sent shivers down my spine. Inspirational is not strong enough a word.
Rory O'Neill, dude, you are one mighty breath of fresh air. you have exposed the hypocrisy of the 'pretenders ' who want free speech and free press, but not when they are on the receiving end.
Great speech, great delivery, made me proud to be gay and irish.
This video clip is incredible, wonderful, inspiring, eloquent, amazing. SO much respect and love. Thank you for this... thank you SO much. Shared on Facebook, of course!
Thanks from Brazil, for speaking up for all of us.
i just shed some tears.
I've watched this yet again. This speech just leaves me so emotional. I can totally relate to just about everything Panti stated. At 55 years of age I'm lucky enough to live where I live and have a great support system and feel mostly comfortable where ever I go. My wish for all is that THEY get what I got but allot sooner than later. Panti is truly the Queen of Ireland and I hope some day to see that film titled as such. What a blessing for us all that Rory brought this fabulous lady to life and it led to this, part time, gig of educating all of us with heart and soul and humor! XO
I'm in Australia and I loved Panti's wonderful speech. Thank you.
Bravo! The world needs more people like you and less bigots and homophobes. Everybody should have the right to live as they please and not worry about conforming to the ideals of others. "I may not be the same but thats not important. No freedom 'til were equal. You're damn right I support it" Same Love!
I experienced this EXACT thing.
Standing at a pedestrian-crossing just off the North Bridge in Edinburgh - arguably one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in the world - and a group of guys in a blue ned-mobile drove by and shouted "poofter" as they sped by.
I often 'check' myself now as a result. Thanks for the speech Panti!
Oh love I am sorry. As a woman in a wheelchair I've had nasty misogynist things shouted at me from the same place. I've live here in Edinburgh for 15 years now, but in that regard it's no better or worse than much of the rest of the UK. Its better than it was 30 years ago I'm sure, but it's still very much a work in progress to change hearts and minds!
Perfect words. Thank you.
This is AMAZING! Thank you.
We watched this in my class today and I got teary-eyed, everyone started clapping when it was over.
You're amazing, Panti!! Was moved by your words,shared it and I urge others to do the same.
Eloquent, articulate and absolutely right. I salute you Panti. It's about bloody time that our republic cherished all of her children equally.
All I can do is applaud the eloquence of that speech, brilliant.
Fantastic! Brilliantly said and moving.
Very well done what an amazing speech from an amazing person xxx
Beautiful words. I think we're all a little afraid of those differences we don't understand, the wisdom here is being able to look at your own thoughts and fears and say 'No!' I should not be afraid of that. That fear is wrong, those thoughts are wrong. It's a message for everyone, holding out an olive branch to everyone and saying that it's not the fleeting thoughts you have that matter but how you act on them, you have a chance to challenge them. To reach back and say my friend, I respect you and I am so very sorry that you feel oppressed. I want to change things, and the world isn't free until we all feel free to express every beautiful aspect of our character without fear, prejudice or shame.
Just been rewatching this powerful speech, as I was telling my brother about it earlier. It really is mind blowing.
Fantastic. Don't ever stop. Except checking yourself. They don't deserve your acknowledgement...
Panti/ Rory, this truly a great, great speech. You are a wonderful orator and you do our community so proud. Thank you xx
thank YOU for your courage and eloquence!!!
I respect and admire Rory for his oratory and the way he speaks in such a passionate yet reasoned way . He has done us a great service by giving us this insight . If he was a general I would follow him into war , a culture war .
I know how it feels when a bunch of people discuss over the media if you are allowed or not to have those human rights that for other are normal. I know how devastating, frustrating and how sawer can turn you up to see those who you though where your friends, think that you are no allowed to bless your love for someone else, just because you are gay. I hope my beloved Ireland pass this bill, I hope Irish people (people that I feel mine) do the right thing. I wish with all my heart that Ireland became a little bit better country, if that's possible. Go Panti, I'm standing up clapping to you and your courage! Huge hugs to you from Argentina!
Wonderful speech.
Truly inspirational. ♥♥
xx
I saw this years ago and I'm just rewatching it now in 2022. Respect to Panti! Thank you for standing up for us and speaking about an experience that so many of us can relate to! You are a champion!
watched this several times now, incredible.
Most thoughtful true speech ever! I completely identify with it!!
Unbelievable. Panti is an absolute legend and I definitely support you even more now
Beautifully put! You are a wonderful human being, Panti :)
I watch this over again every so often. Thankyou Panti!
+Gavin Thomas when i was young in Waterford gay men were called steamers.i think thats a lovely description.
Wonderful speech. Congratulations Rory. So glad you took this opportunity to speak out and so glad this opportunity was offered by The Abbey Theatre. Thank you. As a people we Irish all need to hear this spoken so clearly and powerfully. Well done.
Wow - what an amazing speech - this should be broadcast to all secondary schools - it's a wonderful thing to be able to open your mind to those who are oppressed by others purely on the basis of their sexuality...
All I can say is that it takes courage to do what Panti did in this video. To open up yourself like this is easy for no one. Thank you for educating me on every level Panti, not just on gay issues which have been going on for as long as my many lives, but on how a well spoken individual can grab your heart and soul and make me revalue many things to do with the spoken and unspoken world.
Thank you so much Rory/ Panti
The giggles at times in the audience and indeed in the cast - were interesting to observe.
thank you Rory I'm a grandmother who has spent her life in Ireland and I'm also painfully middle class but somehow I grew up to know we all deserve to be treated equally and I feel sad and horrified at the homophobic comments from people who should know better and most of them have the audacity to claim they are christians.
And homosexuals aren't being treated equally how?
There's nothing wrong with being middle class.
Brava, Panti. You bring all the rhetoric down to the everyday experiences of being human. Brave, eloquent and right on!
Absolutely incredible.
Everyone in the country and most people on the planet need to watch this.
I've listened to this 5 times already and am still finding new things and new ideas in it - thank you Panti for standing up for us xx
Cheers from Brazil, Panti! That was an amazing speech. I wish more people were able to realize what we go through every day and learn from it. I'd love to be able to perpetuate your speech around here, unfortunately I can't get that big of an audience. You go, girl! :)
I must have been on a mission to Mars those days because this speech has escaped me to this day.
I am an "age-impaired" gay man and every single word of this speech has resonated with me so deeply I can't even begin to describe it. Resonated and cut.
Thank you for saying these words. Seven years later, I still thank you.
Well spoken. Kudos to Panti Bliss and to the Abbey for granting him the time to share with us all.
Your words moved me to tears, I can identify with checking myself for various reasons, around different groups because I don't want to come off to butch or laddish. Then other groups I feel like I'm acting too feminine. Thanks for sticking your neck out once again for the LGBTQs in Ireland and everywhere. Much love x
Inspiration, moving and to the point, your a shining light x
Beautifully spoken..and was wonderful on channel 4 news too
That was incredible!! Really incredible. Thank you so so much for speaking up!
You're a wonderful, eloquent human being Rory, thank you.