Lesbian and Gay Visions of Ireland: Towards the Twenty-First Century (Lesbian and Gay Studies)
by "Ide OCarroll", Eoin Collins
Category: Social Science

Ireland is at a critical stage in its socio-political history, not least because of the encouraging prospect of an end to the war in the North, but also because of the improved position of lesbians and gays. The Republic's Law Reform Act of 1993 was the result of a campaign which established an age of consent equal with heterosexuals, and, by default, a recognition by the state of a lesbian presence in Ireland. More recently the inclusion of sexual orientation in the Unfair Dismissals Act guarantees rights for lesbian and gay workers. Abroad ILGO's fight to march in the St Patrick's Day Parade in New York City forced worldwide attention on a redefinition of Irishness, while at home, President Robinson welcomed lesbians and gays into the Arus for the first time. These events have resulted in a lively public discussion of lesbian and gay issues in Ireland. In this volume we present a range of voices of those who have been at the centre of the changes that have occurred for Irish lesbians and gays. The writers engage in a process of reflection on their work, their involvement in the lesbian and gay community, and their envisioning of a future Ireland.