Alice Delahunt

Ahead of tomorrow’s Marriage Referendum vote.

Alice Delahunt writes:

We,the Irish, are on the cusp of remarkable social and political change. Obviously, this referendum is personal to me and I believe the crux of its outcome will be Ireland’s acceptance of her LGBT community.

Panic attacks and bouts of depression accompanied my year long journey of ‘coming out’ to family and friends, yet I was humbled by how positively I was received. No truly negative experiences, some misunderstanding but more often than not, I was shown complete love and acceptance.

Living in London and working in an industry where diversity is celebrated, I became a little complacent about what it can really mean to be gay, and exist in a society not always welcoming to those that are different.

That complacency was shattered as I read some of the recent ‘No’ campaign articles. Through their arguments, I was reminded of why we still live in a world where people would rather end their lives than be who they were born to be, or live a lie for fear of rejection.

In light of the coming days and narrowing voting margin, I want to say this; who I am, is my very nature, therefore is in no way unnatural. I was born to be a mother and a wife. I was also born to have a wife.

I have love, loyalty and security to offer whoever she will be, as well the family we shall create. I will give this family all that I am, and all that I have. So I ask you to vote Yes and accept us.

Accept me, accept who I am, accept my future wife, and the children that I will love unconditionally, accept my hopes and dreams for my future family as equal to yours. As Ireland becomes more accepting, many more of your LGBT brother and sisters will show their faces.

As we become more visible, you will see that we are your daughters, sons, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and more. We were born to be who we are, and we want to live and love freely. Who is anyone to say No to that?

I look forward to a day when ‘coming out’ won’t be a momentous occasion, at times wracked with anxiety and fear. Often celebrated, too often rejected. Every single one of your Yes votes is a step towards this day.

Thanks Ruth O’Byrnes