A HOST of events to mark 10 years since the same-sex marriage referendum officially passed in Ireland get underway in Limerick next week.
On May 22, 2015, Ireland officially passed the same-sex marriage referendum. Described by many as a social revolution, Ireland became the first country in the world to legislate for same-sex marriage by popular vote.
The turnout of 61 per cent was seen as exceptionally high for a referendum vote and the response saw a significant ‘Yes’ majority in Limerick.
GOSHH, formerly known as the Red Ribbon Project, is also celebrating its 10-year anniversary in the Mid West this year.
The organisation, a voluntary, non-profit organisation based on Davis Street in Limerick City, provides care, support, and prevention services for members of the LGBTQI+ community, as well as services relating to HIV, STIs, and sexual health.
To celebrate both anniversaries, a series of events are set to get underway in Limerick between May 19 and 25.
On May 19 at the People’s Museum (6pm) a panel discussion on the 10-year anniversary of the marriage referendum will feature David Cuddihy (Chair of Limerick’s Yes Campaign), Jenny Blake, and Adam Long, board member of the national LGBT Federation.
GOSHH will host an exhibition from May 19 to 23, showcasing photos and stories of the marriage referendum at its offices at 18 Davis Street.
In the Dance Limerick space on John’s Square in the city, May 24 (8pm) will see the return of Ann Blake’s play, The Morning After the Life Before.
Written in response to the 2015 marriage equality referendum, The Morning After the Life Before is an hour-long two-hander performed by Ann Blake and Lucia Smyth.
Telling her own story of coming out late in life, Ann Blake’s script explores the personal and large-scale challenges of the historic referendum.
Verena Tarpey, CEO of GOSHH, said that the events offer “an opportunity for us to come together as a collective to celebrate progress made over the last number of years, but it is also an opportune time to reflect on what has yet to be achieved”.
