Let us celebrate the power of equality

I rejoiced in the knowledge that everyone is equal in our land, in regards to loving a person regardless of their gender.

It was an historic day. As beautiful as that moment was and will remain to be forever more, the elation came a tinge of sadness.

As Ireland celebrated its victory, many more people in different countries only dared to dream that they could experience an historic day like we did. They faced another day of persecution, hate, fear, shame and violence all because they are trying to live the lives they were born to live.

As a human on this planet, I can’t live with rose-tinted glasses.

I have my own journey to walk, but it is hard to go on knowing that so many of my brothers and sisters suffer every day. This all sounds like a dream, but action is borne of dreams.

My life is far from perfect, but I understand the power of change. I am a 37-year-old recovering addict and alcoholic, depression sufferer and rape survivor. For the last 10 months of my new recovery I am able to see, feel and hear properly for the first time in my life, I can communicate with others and feel the pain of other people.

I live in a tiny house and I work as a carer and I am happy. I am very happy.

I lost who I was a very long time ago but I am finding me again. I want other people to be afforded the same choice and freedom to find who they are.

Aaron Patrick Cowming

Roman Street

Shandon

Cork