‘We have walked together hand in hand, into history’

‘We have walked together hand in hand, into history’


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Neill O’Neill

It was shortly after 1pm last Saturday in the TF Theatre in Castlebar and Fine Gael tallyman John Lohan was up on a stool informing Yes Equality Mayo supporters and campaigners that according to 180 of the 218 boxes that had been tallied that morning by his party, Mayo was saying Yes.
An air of expectation had been prevalent in the count centre but this was confirmation that the Yes side would not be caught and Ireland was on its way to make history as the first country in the world to vote to recognise same-sex couples as equals in marriage to others.
As the tears of joy flowed through the smiles of those who had gathered wrapped in rainbow flags to hear the momentous news, Jean Cross of Yes Equality Mayo rose to address them and declare that the result reflected the positive reaction and encouragement the organisation had encountered from the public over the last seven weeks.

Change in attitude
“From the beginning we felt that we had embarked on a historical journey and the massive mobilisation of volunteers all over rural Ireland is a testament to the changes in attitudes we found on the street, on the doorstep and in comments and letters on local radio and newspapers,” she said.
“This vote is hugely significant to the thousands of lesbians and gay men in Mayo. It tells us that we are recognised in our own communities as ordinary people with ordinary lives to live. We are accepted. This message is so important for young people who may be struggling with their sexuality, with who they are. It will help enormously with the ongoing work to support young lesbians and gay men in Mayo.
“It is important to everyone who has been afraid, who has felt different. It is important to every family in the county. This vote is for everyone, from every background, from every type of family, from no family at all. This vote is a recognition of community. It says we all belong. Every last one of us. It says that we all have something to give and that every single person matters. It is such a positive, life affirming message. I would like to thank all the people who voted Yes for equality.
“I am so proud to have been a part of Yes Equality Mayo and to have worked with such wonderful people. I would like to thanks all the volunteers who got out there week after week, day after day, to bring the message to the public. People whose living rooms and kitchens and cars became organising hubs and distribution points.
Over recent weeks I have seen the emergence of individual and collective efforts that have been extraordinary. You stepped up, unsure of what to expect, not knowing what was going to happen. But our very first steps were proud and uncompromising ones when we walked out on St Patrick’s Day with our banner and our flags. Since then, sisters, brothers, friends, we have walked together, hand in hand, into history.”