This will go down in history as one of the most important speeches on homosexuality and homophobia in Ireland. So beautifully articulated. We've all had the car that drives past us, the 'look', the hand holding worries, checking ourselves at the traffic lights. I just can't thank you enough for this, Panti.

It has been, YEARS, since I saw this speech by Panti. I have come back to hear it again, because it is LITERALLY, one of the best speeches, by any LGBT person, I have ever heard, in My life. Love you, ALWAYS, Ms. Panti!!

That was probably the most eloquent, heartfelt explanation on what it is to be gay in a heterosexist homophobic society, i've ever heard. thank you Panti

It's funny, I'd never really thought to label self-censorship as homophobia before. You kind of just accept it as practicality, but when it's put into this kind of context, it's mind blowing. It has connotations for my view of racism as well.

I am a middleaged ex housewife, 2 grown boys, 2 dogs, my own house etc. I am 100% heterosexual (even though I do sit up straight in my chair over some stunning women)! My life - is FAR away from yours - BUT, ALL I want to do is hug you! Give you a kiss on the head and say "I am SO SO sorry that you have EVER felt oppressive by some louts"! In my heterosexual opinion - you ROCK - and I am SO proud to be of the human race with someone like yourself!! You did a FANTASTIC job in this speech! Hugs and love!

What a moving speech. I identify with every situation that Panti has outlined here...of checking myself, of butching up (or down) as required, of being called a faggot from a passing car as an egg hits the pavement in front of me...been queer bashed badly twice. Rory is very eloquent and beautiful and very moving. I say Rory, because he shines through here, beautiful and glamourous as his alter-ego. Haha. "I don't hate you because you are a homophobe, but I sometimes hate myself because I check myself, but sometimes I hate you for doing that to me." Panti. Bliss. Bravissimo.

My partner's co-worker is here on business from Ireland. We are in Chicago. He played this for us last night, and I almost cried because she thoroughly articulated my life as a gay child, teen, and now adult. No one had ever put it in quite the right terms, but you just don't feel whole when everybody hates you, and then you learn to hate yourself and brothers and sisters next to you, and then people, who are not you, talk about you and your life, as if you are not even in a body. I am thankful for you, Panti Bliss, and I will be seeking out more from you.

This is amazing. She manages to help people understand what it is like to be gay without insulting everybody and he is funny at the same time. he shows them that is is perfectly normal to be gay. this is so amazing

lucky enough to have been in the ABBEY Theater on the night, super play rounded of with a excellent speech, take a bow Rory O Neal ( Panti )

Best monologue of the century!

There are quite a few people who've made comments about this Excellent speech, who were unable to hear what was said, too busy writing their own '500 word column' about what they don't like. Well done Rory O'Neil, your words are eloquently spoken, very meaningful and from our shared experiences. Thank you!

"A spectacular and neat Orwellian trick" indeed, Panti. Well done for highlighting it so passionately and articulately.

Beautiful.

Panti's speech is about oppression! We need more people like this in the world who are good, kind people! I teared up with this! Coming from Ireland and having a gay brother I felt a kindred spirit with Panti! Panti you are precious! Elaine

A powerful and articulate speech. Well done Panti :)

What a beautiful person. I'm so glad there are people like this on the planet who can speak up so eloquently and with such inspiration.

I always knew Panti was such a unique and incredibly special individual from the first time I saw her perform in Belfast. This brilliant speech was a hammer blow to the last vestige's of bigoted, patriarchal Ireland, mesmerising in it's integrity and moral authority. So beautifully delivered, in it's enunciation every single word seared with recognition, yes this was/is my life! So moving, so powerful, so unforgettable, so important. Thank you.

Almost two years later, this speech is still as powerful as it was when I first heard it.

Amazing Speech. Congrats on her people of the year award!

I bow respectfully to you, Panti, for speaking with such conviction and eloquence.

Thanks Dara O'Briain for sharing this!!! Wonderful! Will be checking out more of Panti Bliss!! You should check out one of my favorite queens from this side of the pond. Coco Peru! The ultimate Bronx queen!

Panti delivers such a stunning speech without notes while maintaining perfect clarity and stream of thought. I love how the audience falls under her thrall and probably came away with intense understanding. Panti is indeed magnificent and I aspire to be a jumped-up queer like her! A couple of times at the top she refers to the play and workers in 1913. The production is THE RISEN PEOPLE. Kudos to the actor who introduced her, he's resounding!

Eloquent, articulate and absolutely right. I salute you Panti. It's about bloody time that our republic cherished all of her children equally.

I experienced this EXACT thing. Standing at a pedestrian-crossing just off the North Bridge in Edinburgh - arguably one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in the world - and a group of guys in a blue ned-mobile drove by and shouted "poofter" as they sped by. I often 'check' myself now as a result. Thanks for the speech Panti!

This made me cry. I'm a Welshman in my 50's and you described my teenage years. Thank you.

That's a beautifully worded and very powerful speech. I hope after seeing the positive reaction to her speech she loves herself a bit more.

I must have been on a mission to Mars those days because this speech has escaped me to this day. I am an "age-impaired" gay man and every single word of this speech has resonated with me so deeply I can't even begin to describe it. Resonated and cut. Thank you for saying these words. Seven years later, I still thank you.

it's been quite a while since I have felt this amazed by someone who voiced their truth .. wow .. amazing

Much love and support to you, Panti. The world is watching now and if the haters take you on we'll do whatever we can to get your back.

if only i could throw a bouquet of roses through my computer

WoW what an oratory and orator, one of the greatest speeches I have ever heard. "Opressed" really does describe accurately any victim of exclusion.

Absolutely brilliant. As a straight, Irish, father of three I believe Rory is the most courageous people in our society. Equal rights for all should be a given.

There is a God, and he has blessed us with drag queen angels like this. God bless you Panti, God bless you.

Oh My God. I've got tears streaming down my face. Bravo, Panti, bravo!!

All I can do is applaud the eloquence of that speech, brilliant.

thank you Rory I'm a grandmother who has spent her life in Ireland and I'm also painfully middle class but somehow I grew up to know we all deserve to be treated equally and I feel sad and horrified at the homophobic comments from people who should know better and most of them have the audacity to claim they are christians.

spectacular.

To see such courage makes me cry. We need more people in the world with such conviction to combat the degree of ignorance and hate

Pamti never fails to wow me with her intellect , grace and courage ... So bloody impressive !

What an amazing speech, congratulations to her on winning a person of the year award tonight!

Heart-breakingly beautiful. I'm currently reading "The Well of Loneliness", from nearly a century ago, and the crushing defeat of the lesbian protagonist is that she cannot marry, and thereby protect, the woman she loves. Oppression comes in many forms, and all too often in the "Western" world, that form is subtle and insidious. So well said, Panti. Thank you. And thanks to the Abbey for giving you the stage!

Brilliant. I'm 54 years old and have never been able to put into words, even to myself how I feel about myself as a gay man, but you just have, every single word. Never let your voice of reason that shines like a candle in the dark, be silenced or extinguished. You words teach love,compassion and understanding.

This is phenomenal work, well done Rory O'Neill. Both for Panti and for your message. Many people will be forced to watch you today..

this literally puts into words exactly what it feels like

Wonderful speech. Truly inspirational. ♥♥ xx

Thank-you so much Rory O'Neill for sharing this AMAZING, POWERFUL, and INSPIRING explanation of what daily oppression feels like. THANK-YOU with ALL my heart and soul, your courage and DRAG are helping to heal the world. Much love and blessings to you and your loved ones, always.

Just been rewatching this powerful speech, as I was telling my brother about it earlier. It really is mind blowing.

Antony Cotton brought me here, through twitter. thank you

Amazing speech Panti, I hope you know that there are people out there supporting you!

Fantastic. Don't ever stop. Except checking yourself. They don't deserve your acknowledgement...

i am doing a project on my hero for school and i could not think of anyone better than the queen yourself! you are a true inspiration to all of us! thanks to0 you we are eaqual:)

Wow. I have shivers.

Just incredible. I watched the fuzzy version last night and watched this version today and it still sent shivers down my spine. Inspirational is not strong enough a word.

Wow - what an amazing speech - this should be broadcast to all secondary schools - it's a wonderful thing to be able to open your mind to those who are oppressed by others purely on the basis of their sexuality...

Firstly my apologies for not responding sooner Panti! You were concise,positive,enlightening,truthful,engaging and of course spoke truly.True to yourself and most importantly true to as you said the young girl and boys coming up know. You gave a most empowered positive speak which I know will be referred to in times to come to describe the need for quality acceptance and love. I am writing this now in 2020 December in Brighton things are changing on Wednesday I walked from the train station down to my ‘corona’ bubble of friends to spend Christmas. On my way I passed separately 3 gay couples 2 female 1 man couple all probably in early 20s the 3 couples were jus talking laughing with each and just holding hands cause there in love. They were on the street holding hands without a care ‘obvious wearing COVID mask but still it was so lovely to see that. Panti/Roy you and your work made that happen that the now feel safe. Big hugs Owen 😷😘😷

Awesome, powerful eloquent speech. Panti should be Ireland's next President.

i just shed some tears.

Wow. How heartfelt. You have certainly opened my eyes Panti. And I have dropped a few tears. Thank you. This country needs your courage and honesty. Respect.

Awesome message to start 2014. We will never forget!

I will remember this brilliant, elegantly honest and heart moving speech until the day I die, Thank you Panti, just for being you, thank you xxx

You're amazing, Panti!! Was moved by your words,shared it and I urge others to do the same.

Most thoughtful true speech ever! I completely identify with it!!

Bravo Panti for an eloquent and moving speech. I love your bar and I love your work. As a young gay kid living in this country, you make me proud to live in it.

As a gay Irish guy in my early twenties, I was ashamed to say I was probably the most homophobic person there is especially towards drag queens. Having seen this now I am ashamed. When I watch this speech, I do not see a man dressed as a woman, I see a human being fighting desperately just to be accepted. That's all. and nothing more. I like to think that someday I will find the man I want to spend my life with and hell nor high water will not stop me getting married. Panti, well done.

Perfect words. Thank you.

Very very well said.

The giggles at times in the audience and indeed in the cast - were interesting to observe.

RORY - you absolute LEGEND....... thank you Panti/ Rory for checking yourself at the pedestrian crossing.....

Articulate, intelligent, reasoned yet passionate. Thank you from Canada.

This is why I'm so passionate about fighting for our rights. This is so damn powerful, wow. Beautifully said.

Forget about the libel issue. This speech is the essence of the debate. Thank You Panti for explaining your circumstance so profoundly. Well done....Girl!

Thanks from Brazil, for speaking up for all of us.

Unbelievable. Panti is an absolute legend and I definitely support you even more now

The fact this even has to be said is dismaying. The fact it was said so well is inspiring.

You're a fucking legend Rory I am pretty proud.

I saw this years ago and I'm just rewatching it now in 2022. Respect to Panti! Thank you for standing up for us and speaking about an experience that so many of us can relate to! You are a champion!

Very well done what an amazing speech from an amazing person xxx

Panti You are a hero and heroine rolled into one. Thank you for opening my eyes clearly - I recommend you to everyone where a conversation comes anyone near to this subject. I can't thank you enough Simon x

Today was my first encounter with Panti Bliss.. A nice day it turned out to be...

Beautiful words. I think we're all a little afraid of those differences we don't understand, the wisdom here is being able to look at your own thoughts and fears and say 'No!' I should not be afraid of that. That fear is wrong, those thoughts are wrong. It's a message for everyone, holding out an olive branch to everyone and saying that it's not the fleeting thoughts you have that matter but how you act on them, you have a chance to challenge them. To reach back and say my friend, I respect you and I am so very sorry that you feel oppressed. I want to change things, and the world isn't free until we all feel free to express every beautiful aspect of our character without fear, prejudice or shame.

Panti i absolutely love you, always did and always will.

I can't begin to express how incredible and beautiful this is.

Awesome! Well said. Be you, be proud. Agreed. This should be a TED talk. Looking forward to a world where you don't need to to check yourself!

watched this several times now, incredible.

I respect and admire Rory for his oratory and the way he speaks in such a passionate yet reasoned way . He has done us a great service by giving us this insight . If he was a general I would follow him into war , a culture war .

This video clip is incredible, wonderful, inspiring, eloquent, amazing. SO much respect and love. Thank you for this... thank you SO much. Shared on Facebook, of course!

I know how it feels when a bunch of people discuss over the media if you are allowed or not to have those human rights that for other are normal. I know how devastating, frustrating and how sawer can turn you up to see those who you though where your friends, think that you are no allowed to bless your love for someone else, just because you are gay. I hope my beloved Ireland pass this bill, I hope Irish people (people that I feel mine) do the right thing. I wish with all my heart that Ireland became a little bit better country, if that's possible. Go Panti, I'm standing up clapping to you and your courage! Huge hugs to you from Argentina!

This is AMAZING! Thank you.

This sums up the poor treatment of certain people in Ireland, people who are deemed different than the values laid down by people who are long dead. Everyone is equal, without judgement. I wonder what would happen if we all judged on your life.

Absolutely fabulous speech. - sentiment and delivery. You have done your country proud Panti Bliss. #Pantiblissfortaoiseach

He will change attitudes and bring Ireland in to the twenty first century. What an intelligent and articulate person!

Absolutely incredible. Everyone in the country and most people on the planet need to watch this.

I'm in Australia and I loved Panti's wonderful speech. Thank you.

I still cry watching this. What a speech! Thank you Panti for disallowing our betters from defining the parameters of the debate in the referendum.

I've watched this speech SO MANY TIMES - easily more than 100 - over tha last few months on another channel, and never knew Rory himself had one! OMG!

So well put! That zebra crossing scenario! Oh God i've felt like that so many times lol

I am an italian gay guy. I was in Dublin during the referendum weekend.I didn't want to miss it and was in the castle celebrating with you and feeling like crying, imagining one day the same in Italy, I saw Panti (I was just near her) and I soon loved her. So I browsed internet to know more and I am impressed by this owesome person. I am proud of what you irish people did. And thankful. What you did will be an example for all the world and I hope for Italy as well.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Here here. With voices like this we'll get there yet.

"sometimes I hate you for doing that to me" - Quite Brilliant.