This oppression is one reason why the gay and lesbian movement is of particular interest to Anarchists. It is not that we believe that all gays and lesbians are revolutionaries. It is because we believe that the experience of fighting oppression can show people the nature of the state and that it is possible to fight it. It is through fighting that people learn it is possible to win. One group winning a battle gives other oppressed groups confidence.
People gain confidence through winning struggles.
It should take advantage of this new found confidence to rethink about its politics. On formation of the government he was rewarded for his change of heart by being appointed Junior Minister with responsibility for Housing. However the number of people on housing waiting lists throughout the state has continued to climb and Eastern Health Board Social Workers have been in dispute since last year in an attempt to highlight the lack of crisis accomodation for homeless teenagers in Dublin. However a positive statement from him following the Phoenix Park controversy confirming his bi-sexuality could have done a great deal to challenge the homophobic nature of sections of our society. He clearly decided that his position in government was more important to him.