Yes Equality play to raise funds for Pieta House
On 23rd May 2015, the people of Ireland made history by becoming the first nation in the world to introduce marriage equality by popular vote. Of the almost two million Irish people who went to the polls to cast their vote, a staggering 62% of people voted yes. As the historic vote was declared, the joyous scenes from Dublin Castle and across Ireland made headlines around the world.
The referendum outcome was about more than the votes cast in its favour; the result was about changing the ‘real lives’ of the largest minority in Ireland, the LGBT+ community. The outcome also became a notable achievement for the Irish. The result is something to be proud of, an expression of love and acceptance and a declaration of care and defence for so many Irish men and women who had before felt unequal and unheard.
Charlie Bird, inspired by the extraordinary ‘Yes Equality‘ campaign, travelled the length and breadth of Ireland to meet some of the people most deeply affected by the referendum result.
In the book ‘A Day In May’ their stories of living in the shadow of inequality and oppression were brought to life in a poignant record of their lives.
From these stories playwright Colin Murphy has created a drama documentary charting the 35-year-old struggle for equality for the LGBT+ community in Ireland, which culminated in the marriage equality referendum.
The play will form a central part of this year’s Dublin Pride festival and all profits are going to Pieta House.
Clodagh Leonard, Dublin LGBTQ Pride chairperson, says: "As long as we keep celebrating that day in May, we must keep telling the stories of the people behind it"
Pieta House was established to provide free, professional services to people who are in suicidal crisis or who are self-harming, and also provides suicide bereavement counselling. Pieta House has 15 centres across Ireland, and to date has supported over 36,000 clients. In association with BeLonG To, Pieta House is providing a professional outreach service for young LGBT+ people who are at risk of suicide or self-harm. The organisation also operates a 24/7 Freephone helpline on 1800-247-247.
Pieta House CEO Brian J Higgins says: “Our vision at Pieta House is of a world where suicide, self-harm, and stigma have been replaced by hope, self-care and acceptance. Three years on from the historic vote for marriage equality by the people of Ireland, it is a bitter truth that stigmas such as homophobia and transphobia still lead people to our doors. Funds raised by A Day In May will help us support those young members of the LGBT+ community who need us most via our partnership with BeLonG To, and we are grateful to Charlie and everyone involved in the creation of this wonderful book and play for their support.”