When the children were much younger it was a day out for them to enjoy as we stood behind the safety barriers and enjoyed the pagentry. In later years I felt I had discovered what drove the snakes out of Ireland – the weather on Patrick’s day rather than the great man himself. There seemed better ways to spend the holiday than getting soaked or chilled.
When I lived in Belfast I never attended a parade there. They never interested me in the way that Easter Sunday republican parades once did. That was until last Friday.
I don't actually set out to annoy the Mr Bean Of Irish Fascism. It seems I do it without even trying. He allows me to live rent free in his hollow head. And ungrateful globalist that I am, I never as much as notice my Irish host.
He, or the type of hatred he promotes, obviously played some part in my decision to take part in the parade. On learning that far right hate groups were directing their venom towards the gay community by intimidating librarians I along with my wife agreed that we would walk with Drogheda Pride in this year's parade.
Our decision was firmed up by elements of the far right turning up at a book event for young gay people in Drogheda's local library, then to later go on social media to complain about the the type of books the library was making available. While there is nothing to indicate that the person in question sought to intimidate or be disruptive when at the library, it seems only a matter of time before what happened in Cork occurs in libraries across the country:
He, or the type of hatred he promotes, obviously played some part in my decision to take part in the parade. On learning that far right hate groups were directing their venom towards the gay community by intimidating librarians I along with my wife agreed that we would walk with Drogheda Pride in this year's parade.
Our decision was firmed up by elements of the far right turning up at a book event for young gay people in Drogheda's local library, then to later go on social media to complain about the the type of books the library was making available. While there is nothing to indicate that the person in question sought to intimidate or be disruptive when at the library, it seems only a matter of time before what happened in Cork occurs in libraries across the country:
Opposition to certain books aimed at young members of the LGBTQ+ community has taken the form of everything from verbal abuse to disturbing behaviour. In recent days an individual was even observed ripping up a copy of Juno Dawson’s book, This Book is Gay in protest.
This is not an isolated Irish phenomenon. For all its professed hatred of globalism the Irish far right is not averse to joining in a global campaign to advance its hate agenda.
As the Atlantic reported a year ago:
Book banning is back. Texas State Representative Matt Krause recently put more than 800 books on a watch list, many of them dealing with race and LGBTQ issues.
So, with that in mind, and to the consternation of Mr Bean, in drizzle we set off to make our way through the streets of Drogheda to the sounds of the samba. While it might have infuriated the far right, it was wonderful to see the composition of people lining the streets – there was plenty of colour both in terms of skin and décor. Around my neck was a rainbow garland, while in tandem with an Irish mother who too had turned out in support of inclusivity, I carried the rainbow flag. Normally I am averse to flags but the universalism of the rainbow flag seemed most appropriate.
Targeting of the gay community is done by the far right for the same reason that other vulnerable groups are targeted. Scapegoating minorities is a classic tactic of fascism in its war of position.
With that in mind I was disappointed to have my attention drawn to an article in the Sindo from last month by Eilis O’Hanlon asking What have drag queens got to do with St Patrick?
While rarely agreeing with her I have always admired O'Hanlon's courage for swimming against the tide and unlike some of her colleagues, not resorting to the spoof to beef up her case. Yet, on this one there was no need for her to paddle downstream on the right hand side of the river.
While rarely agreeing with her I have always admired O'Hanlon's courage for swimming against the tide and unlike some of her colleagues, not resorting to the spoof to beef up her case. Yet, on this one there was no need for her to paddle downstream on the right hand side of the river.
While I think there is always a case that can be made regarding the over-sexualisation of society, feeling that with most things change should be gradual rather than rushed so that in the event of it going pear shaped the brakes will still work, my response was simple.
If they are Irish drag queens, they have as much to do with Patrick's Day any other Irish person. If they are not Irish drag queens they get the traditional welcome that other non Irish citizens get. A Patrick that embraces is much preferable to one that repels.
Out of all the things that pose a serious threat to society, a drag queen is hardly going to storm the Capitol.
⏩ Follow on Twitter @AnthonyMcIntyre.
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If someone self-identifies as an amputee and claims their mental health will be harmed if not be afforded corrective surgery, should society accommodate them?
ReplyDeleteIf they are a child or a minor with such 'needs' should they be affirmed of their identity by educators and supported in their quest by medical practitioners?
Should they be allowed to enter the Paralympics, Special Olympics, or even both?
I think you might have inadvertently posted this on the wrong thread
DeleteA famous comedian said recently, regarding drag queen story hour, that when he was a kid men in frocks used to come to his school to read stories to the children...and that the children would have been safer with the drag queens!
ReplyDeleteWell done Mackers
No mistake.
ReplyDeleteThe inclusion and fusing of risks to children and minors with the rights of LGBTQ citizens are both incompatible and unjust. Eilis O'Hanlon's recent articles are merely asserting this.
(Some of her phrasing in those pieces required 2nd & 3rd takes but the surprise of surprises, myself and Eilis have found something to agree on).
No, that's fine. It looked to me that you were joining in the discussion on the trans issue that Steve and myself were engaged in and posted on the wrong page. As there is nothing in the above piece about Trans, it just looked out of place.
DeleteMy responses are to your oblique attack on O'Hanlon's concerns about child safety and welfare, 'paddling down the right hand side of the river'.
DeleteIt was hardly oblique. It was a rejection of the position expressed by Eilis which was consistent with right wing attacks on inclusivity while seeming to champion traditional values.
DeleteI am fine with you and her agreeing. There should never be a closing down of discussion on these matters.
The claim that society is being over sexualised has been presented in one form or another from the moment those responsible for repression of sexuality - and who in line with traditional values would insist on the bishop controlling Eilis's body rather than her controlling it - began to lose their grip.
Should there be a debate about it? Absolutely.
This society has made tremendous strides in enhancing child protection measures. But not a mention in the Eilis piece of the tradition children have been protected against, and referred to by Peter.
As they say in the US, the biggest fear parents have about taking their children to a drag show is that a Christian with a rifle might turn up and shoot them.
As to your original question, as a thought experiment it is useful and similar to questions I have asked. But the trans issue is not what my piece was about.