by Aoife McLoughlin and Kathy Masterson
A MYSTERY homophobic sign depicting two men holding hands with a child was discovered this week on Todd’s Bow, between Cruises Street and William Street.
The sign was shared widely on social media after it was discovered at the weekend by Paul Tarpey, senior lecturer at LSAD (Limerick School of Art and Design), who says the area has been used for “anti-gay graffiti” over the years.
Under a heading reading ‘Progress’, the men in the drawing suggest that they should “adopt a yellow one next” to become “the Branjalena of Ireland” and to be “the coolest family at this year’s LGBT parade”.
Mr Tarpey, who has conducted research in the area of political graffiti and imagery, believes that the person who created the image “knew about iconography”.
“There is very strong iconography and it has been so carefully done. I think it was someone who knew about iconography. You see the flag and the word progress and you think it’s a Yes vote. The artistic quality is actually unique. It is like the traditional celebratory sketches of ‘We are out and we are proud’ kind of thing.
“In 1969 gay people in New York started the Stone Wall Club riots and the guys during the marches were dressed like those in the poster. The child they are holding is actually the Iona icon,” Mr Tarpey told the Limerick Post.
According to Mr Tarpey, similar signs had been seen on the Dock Road.
Dave Cuddihy, spokesperson for Yes Equality Limerick, said the group was aware of the poster.
He told the Limerick Post: “It is very unfortunate to see the artist has felt the need to rely on such a measure to get their point across.
“Across the city and county we have hundreds of volunteers on the ground each day engaging in civil and respectful conversations about this referendum and we are delighted to have had such a positive reception in Limerick.”
Mr Cuddihy said the group was “under no illusions that we will see a lot more of this questionable behaviour” during the closing stages of the campaign.
He continued: “But we must remain focused on our objective and about the central question in the referendum – providing constitutional equality to gay and lesbian citizens without undermining the rights of others.”
Mr Cuddihy concluded: “If anyone feels strongly about the contents of this poster and wishes to join Yes Equality canvas groups in the final days of our campaign they can contact us by emailing yesequalitylimerick@gmail.com.”
