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.
⏩ Follow on Twitter @AnthonyMcIntyre.
