We are not the same. That’s why the ideal is acceptance of sexual diversity

DRAG artist Panti Bliss’s speech on homophobia, in the Abbey Theatre on February 2, is one of the greats of Irish politics, up there with Robert Emmet’s parting words. For anyone who has followed Bliss’s (real name Rory O’Neill) career, this is not surprising.

I have been a fan of this acclaimed artiste, campaigner and businessman for years — but if there is footage of me dressed as ABBA’s Agnetha at Panti Bar’s annual Eurovision event, I want it canned.

Although the forthcoming referendum on same-sex marriage is the context of this debate, it will not get rid of homophobia. I, for one, am a little worried by the implicit idea that gay people will be alright if they are ‘the same as us.’