Some 945 unions between same-sex partners have taken place in Ireland in the two years since the introduction of the Civil Partnership Act, bestowing them with many of the same rights as traditionally married couples.

 

However, despite a feeling in society that the legislation is a stepping stone towards greater equality on Ireland, many in the gay community believe the act is a far cry from having equal rights, some even claiming it designates same-sex couples as second-class citizens. And it’s an issue many in the gay community are no longer afraid to argue.

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“Since the decriminalisation of male homosexuality in 1993, gay and lesbian community organising has got stronger, and Ireland is an easier place in which to come out and to live in the truth of one’s sexual identity without hiding,” says Martha Whyte, manager of Outhouse, a gay community resource centre.

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“But besides a general improved situation in society, at both the family and personal levels it can be hell for individuals to come out and live openly,” she adds.

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The first gay pride parade in Dublin took place in 1983, a decade before homosexuality was decriminalised under Irish law. Since that time, the parade has developed into the Dublin LGBTQ Pride Festival it is now. Last year’s parade, the focus of 10 days of celebration, drew an estimated 30,000 people in support of the gay community in Ireland.

 

In this climate, several not-for-profits have opened across the country to help the gay community fight discrimination. These include the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (Glen) who publishes the results of hate crimes based on sexual orientation. BeLonGTo, meanwhile, is tasked with assisting the youth of Dublin as they come out and deal with the everyday problems they encounter being gay or lesbian in Ireland – though other minority groups perhaps face a greater struggle.

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“Transgender people often have a much tougher time than lesbian or gay people, and it is shocking that in 2013 they are still not legally or officially recognised to be who they are,” says Whyte. “This denial of recognition contributes to the general lack of understanding and overt transphobia that many transgender people encounter.”

 

In general, legislation like the Equal Status Act of 2000, and moves like the establishing of the Equality Authority of 2002, have allowed the gay community some protection from discrimination. But activists are still calling on the Dáil to act quickly to ensure those in the gay community are as equal as heterosexuals in legislation – particularly in light of the approach to the Oireachtas earlier this year by a number of teachers and doctors who expressed fear of losing their jobs due to their sexual orientation.

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Whyte adds: “In these financially-straitened times, LGBT community coherence is especially important and we need to be included in public policy-making in health, education and relationship recognition, especially.”