Panti Bliss on Homophobia & Orlando

(via ILGA Europe, hat tip to J.M.G.)

The Queen of Ireland, Panti Bliss, rocking the European Equality Gala 2016 in Brussels, Belgium. 

The Best Gay Possible

(via J.M.G.)

Irishman Rory O'Neill is a drag queen and gay rights activist. His drag persona Panti Bliss is an institution in Ireland.

In January 2014 O'Neill appeared on an Irish television program where homophobia was being discussed. O'Neill alleged that some individuals involved in Irish journalism were homophobic. The persons mentioned by O'Neill were the journalists John Waters and Breda O'Brien of the Irish Times, David Quinn, head of the Iona Institute, and three other members of that same institute. The homophobes later threatened the television company and O'Neill with legal action.

The television company gave in to the pressure and forthwith removed that section of the interview from their online archive and issued a public apology to the homophobes. The company also paid a hefty settlement of €85,000 to the six homophobes.

On February 1, 2014, O'Neill (as Panti) gave a speech at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in response to the events surrounding the controversy. This speech has now been set to music by the Pet Shop Boys.

Word!

(via J.M.G.)

Ms. Panti Bliss on homophobia, please visit J.M.G.; IRELAND: Drag Queen Slams Homophobia From Stage Of National Theater for the background story.