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.

@Ennis85

4 жыл бұрын

"Homophobia" as in having the opnion that marriage is the union between man and woman?

@markcocanougher910

4 жыл бұрын

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.

@Ennis85

4 жыл бұрын

@@markcocanougher910 What "rights" and explain how its "homophobic"?

@markcocanougher910

4 жыл бұрын

John Carey Don’t be obtuse.

@bartwilson2513

4 жыл бұрын

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!!

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

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.

"A spectacular and neat Orwellian trick" indeed, Panti. Well done for highlighting it so passionately and articulately.

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.

@jlcrowe

8 жыл бұрын

Same.

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.

@storageheater

10 жыл бұрын

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

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!

@JackFknTwist1

9 жыл бұрын

bambis46 Great post ! Thank you.

@bubbly912

5 жыл бұрын

As a lgbt person I am so thankful for that post, great to have a ally🙂

@stookinthemiddle

5 жыл бұрын

If everyone thought like you, the world would be such a safer place.

@royjacques5650

2 жыл бұрын

Great Post i am a transvestite good to know we have some heterosexual people on our side.

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!

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 )

@paulcorrigan5300

9 жыл бұрын

@paulcorrigan5300

7 жыл бұрын

Best monologue of the century!

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

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

Almost two years later, this speech is still as powerful as it was when I first heard it.

There is a God, and he has blessed us with drag queen angels like this. God bless you Panti, God bless you.

@deviljam4

9 жыл бұрын

And God bless you too, Pikachu. Gotta catch 'em all.

@pikachu2689

9 жыл бұрын

In his name, we level up.

@kevinwright5081

3 жыл бұрын

Idiots

Beautiful.

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.

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.

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.

A powerful and articulate speech. Well done Panti :)

This made me cry. I'm a Welshman in my 50's and you described my teenage years. Thank you.

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.

Amazing Speech. Congrats on her people of the year award!

it's been quite a while since I have felt this amazed by someone who voiced their truth .. wow .. amazing

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!

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.

if only i could throw a bouquet of roses through my computer

@TheImmutableTruth

10 жыл бұрын

Oh that's beautiful, lol.

spectacular.

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.

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!

WoW what an oratory and orator, one of the greatest speeches I have ever heard. "Opressed" really does describe accurately any victim of exclusion.

What an amazing speech, congratulations to her on winning a person of the year award tonight!

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!

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!

@MsCherade9

5 жыл бұрын

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!

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

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.

@Ennis85

4 жыл бұрын

And homosexuals aren't being treated equally how?

@nlgbbbblth

Жыл бұрын

There's nothing wrong with being middle class.

I bow respectfully to you, Panti, for speaking with such conviction and eloquence.

Oh My God. I've got tears streaming down my face. Bravo, Panti, bravo!!

Amazing speech Panti, I hope you know that there are people out there supporting you!

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:)

All I can do is applaud the eloquence of that speech, brilliant.

Pamti never fails to wow me with her intellect , grace and courage ... So bloody impressive !

As a gay Irish guy in my early twenties, I was ashamed to say I was probably the most homophobic person there is especially towards drag queens. Having seen this now I am ashamed. When I watch this speech, I do not see a man dressed as a woman, I see a human being fighting desperately just to be accepted. That's all. and nothing more. I like to think that someday I will find the man I want to spend my life with and hell nor high water will not stop me getting married. Panti, well done.

this literally puts into words exactly what it feels like

Wow. I have shivers.

i just shed some tears.

Sometimes I wish that one speech could just cure the world of all the hatred that is still being directed at homosexuals...

@annemarietobias

10 жыл бұрын

I wish the same for Gandhi and M.L. King speeches for all hate. Sadly,our species still has some work to do. All I can say, is be the change you want to see in the world. I just started listening to this amazing woman; Marsha Bonner, facebook.com/marsha.bonner She lesbian, and perhaps the most Christian soul I've ever met. Literally love incarnate. I'd be a member of her church in a New York second.

@Ennis85

4 жыл бұрын

Sorry since when is disagreement "hatred"?

@patrickchoque7720

4 жыл бұрын

John Carey You can’t ‘disagree’ with something that simply exists. The same way you can’t ‘disagree’ with people of colour, what are you gonna ‘disagree’ with the colour of their skin? No, that’d be ludicrous. Same thing with gay people.

@bartwilson2513

4 жыл бұрын

John Carey it’s hatred when people deny a person’s civil rights because of their own bigotry. You can have any feeling you like but if you actively campaign for gay people to have less rights than straight people....you have a problem with hate. Deal with it.

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..

You're amazing, Panti!! Was moved by your words,shared it and I urge others to do the same.

Just been rewatching this powerful speech, as I was telling my brother about it earlier. It really is mind blowing.

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.

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.

Very very well said.

Wonderful speech. Truly inspirational. ♥♥ xx

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.

This sums up the poor treatment of certain people in Ireland, people who are deemed different than the values laid down by people who are long dead. Everyone is equal, without judgement. I wonder what would happen if we all judged on your life.

@vw16v2000

10 жыл бұрын

everyone is equal?..........far from it. we are all judged on our lives.

@Volterator

10 жыл бұрын

JACK MURRAY I believe what was meant was "everyone is equal when it comes to having the human worth not to be victimized by arbitrary standards based in groundless bigotry", Y'know, things like that.

@serpechia

10 жыл бұрын

JACK MURRAY Judged by whom? As far as I know there are no people deserving of that right. I guess you could ask God if you want, but you'd have to figure out which one since we can't even make up our minds about that.

@vw16v2000

10 жыл бұрын

serpechia if you dont live up to peoples expectations people just cast you aside. thats what i meant. do right by the man above + he'll do right by you.

@bejita7831

10 жыл бұрын

JACK MURRAY You mean, don't piss off the Emperor, or ye shall burn in a fiery lake until the end of your days? EDIT: Just to be a bit less facetious. Why can't we leave the man above alone, and him leave us alone?

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...

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.

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.

@robyndwyer4108

Жыл бұрын

Me too❤

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

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!

Antony Cotton brought me here, through twitter. thank you

The fact this even has to be said is dismaying. The fact it was said so well is inspiring.

Perfect words. Thank you.

watched this several times now, incredible.

So well put! That zebra crossing scenario! Oh God i've felt like that so many times lol

Unbelievable. Panti is an absolute legend and I definitely support you even more now

Outstanding as always

Fantastic. Don't ever stop. Except checking yourself. They don't deserve your acknowledgement...

Thanks from Brazil, for speaking up for all of us.

What an excellent speech. Heard Panti interviewed by Dan Savage and was completely unaware of what was going on. This is fantastic. Well said.

I'm in Australia and I loved Panti's wonderful speech. Thank you.

Very well done what an amazing speech from an amazing person xxx

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 was refereed to this video by a Canadian newspaper, The National Post and I'm so glad they had a link. I really enjoyed this video. I didn't realize the fact that gay marriage was such a big deal in Ireland. Here in Canada, we have had legal gay marriage for over 10 years now. In fact the very first legal gay marriage took place here and as much as some people wished, the sky did not cave in and our economy did not tank. Quite the opposite, things in Canada are going very well, so I guess god's wrath has not come down on Canada's head, like some silly homophobes predicted. Ireland has nothing to fear by giving gays legal rights, including the right to legally marry. I really don't know why people care what other people do, if it doesn't effect them. If you don't like gay marriage, don't marry a gay! It's 2014, let people live their lives and be happy. Thank you Panti, I hope the good people of Ireland rise up against the homophobes and fight the good fight. I'll keep watching and hope for the best for my gay & lesbian peeps in Ireland. Come join us for WORLD PRIDE 2014 in Toronto, where you are free to be as gay as you want and even get LEGALLY married. May the luck of the Irish be with you. Best wishes from Canada.

@johnPaul-qn3dg

10 жыл бұрын

That's a great comment and LOL Canada's "sky didn't cave in" and there was no general break down in society, Thanks and I think Ireland will move forward soon, we will have gay marriage next year. Its simply the right thing to do.

@JDKelleherMusic

10 жыл бұрын

Equal Marriage :)

@johnPaul-qn3dg

10 жыл бұрын

JD Kelleher Yeah equal marriage

@Sandragoldenlee

9 жыл бұрын

I live in Canada. I am hetersexual. Gay marriage has not affected me one bit. I am proud of our progressive ways. I don't want to sterotype but I must say. Gay guys are the best tippers. Thank God they don't have to hide. I enjoy them since they tend to be wittier and funnier than most people. Let them marry.

Most thoughtful true speech ever! I completely identify with it!!

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 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!

This was the best ten minutes I have spent today! Great job on telling it like it is...like it really is. Keep on standing up to those who oppress! You are an inspiration!

That was incredible!! Really incredible. Thank you so so much for speaking up!

The giggles at times in the audience and indeed in the cast - were interesting to observe.

Beautifully put! You are a wonderful human being, Panti :)

Absolutely incredible. Everyone in the country and most people on the planet need to watch this.

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! :)

Absolutely amazing, what presence you have and you're so concise with what you say. Just brilliant.

Brilliant! Thank you so much - deeply insightful - a speech easily remembered by the heart❤

Extremely articulate, well versed and above all, so TRUE! Great speech Panti. More power to you and the gay people of Ireland and all over the world in their strive for equality and to never "feel" so much oppression in the opiniated world we live in today!

Well spoken. Kudos to Panti Bliss and to the Abbey for granting him the time to share with us all.

Eloquent, articulate and absolutely right. I salute you Panti. It's about bloody time that our republic cherished all of her children equally.

I can't begin to express how incredible and beautiful this is.

"sometimes I hate you for doing that to me" - Quite Brilliant.

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!

Loved the speech, from New Zealand, shared it all over Facebook too since everyone to needs to see 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

I watch this over again every so often. Thankyou Panti!

@MrStoneyburke

8 жыл бұрын

+Gavin Thomas when i was young in Waterford gay men were called steamers.i think thats a lovely description.

This is absolutely powerful and the first real attempt to try an get (straight) people to walk a mile in our shoes. The fact that the audience laughs at moments that are actually not funny at all and impact a gay man or woman's daily life in significant ways, is a clear proof in itself that Rory/ Panti is hitting exactly the right note: the majority in power often thinks a serious consideration by a minority is just meant as a joke, they laugh without wanting to actually insult or discriminate, but their laugher indicates, rather clearly, how paper-thin this actually is

THANK YOU, Panti. SUPER STUFF, thanks for not giving up and thank you for taking the time to let us learn from you.

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.

He will change attitudes and bring Ireland in to the twenty first century. What an intelligent and articulate person!