Mark Wall: Pride Was Built by Decades of Bravery
Mark Wall speaks on the origins and meaning of LGBT Pride, outlining the decades of activism and sacrifice that produced social progress in Ireland. He recalls the Labour Party's role in decriminalising homosexuality, delivering marriage equality and securing an official apology.
Mark Wall reminds viewers that the milestones in Irish LGBT rights were the product of persistent political action. He highlights the Labour Party's role in 1993 decriminalisation, the 2015 same-sex marriage victory and the 2018 state apology for gay and bisexual men.
Wall pays tribute to the advocates who 'broke down closed doors' and often endured long, lonely struggles to make Ireland more welcoming. Pride is described not as a mere party but as a chain of civil activism and protest that shaped national change.
He commends colleagues like Deputy Jed Nash for their work on disregarding historical convictions and stresses that the progress enjoyed today must always be remembered and defended. The address frames Pride as collective history and continued responsibility.
Wall closes by urging remembrance of those who fought for equality and by affirming pride in the Labour Party's contributions to Ireland's social progress.
Labour Party milestones
Mark Wall reminds viewers that the milestones in Irish LGBT rights were the product of persistent political action. He highlights the Labour Party's role in 1993 decriminalisation, the 2015 same-sex marriage victory and the 2018 state apology for gay and bisexual men.
Remembering activists
Wall pays tribute to the advocates who 'broke down closed doors' and often endured long, lonely struggles to make Ireland more welcoming. Pride is described not as a mere party but as a chain of civil activism and protest that shaped national change.
Acknowledgement of ongoing work
He commends colleagues like Deputy Jed Nash for their work on disregarding historical convictions and stresses that the progress enjoyed today must always be remembered and defended. The address frames Pride as collective history and continued responsibility.
Closing reflection
Wall closes by urging remembrance of those who fought for equality and by affirming pride in the Labour Party's contributions to Ireland's social progress.
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Transcript
Thank you Deputy, Deputy Mark Waller, Margot, Lás Céann Comhairle. Lás Céann Comhairle, the point at which we are today, members proudly speaking on LGBT pride, doesn't just happen. It is decades of work, of bravery, courage and consistently fighting by advocates. We can never forget this. We must always remember this fact and remember that many people who broke down the closed doors and made Ireland a much more welcoming place for our LGBT comrades. They did so because it was the right thing to do and in many cases they walked a long and lonely road to get Ireland where we are today. I am proud to stand here as a member of the Labour Party who have fought so hard over the years to achieve the social progress we enjoy in this country today. It was the Labour Party in 1993 who decriminalised homosexuality. We continued fighting for equality and in 2015 delivered same-sex marriage at a defining moment in this country's history. In 2018 we secured an official state apology for gay and bisexual men and I want to commend the work done by my Labour Party colleague Deputy Jed Nash who has tirelessly worked on ensuring government disregards these convictions. Pride is more than a celebration. It's a march founded on civil activism and protest. Pride is a collective of pivotal moments in Irish history that lead us to where we are now. We must remember this and remember how far we have come as an island. Thank you very much.