Panti's Noble Call at the Abbey Theatre - WITH SUBTITLES

[@platinumdynamite]

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.

[@Ennis85]

"Homophobia" as in having the opnion that marriage is the union between man and woman?

[@markcocanougher910]

John Carey Yes. Exactly. Choosing to define marriage, and the attendant rights it confers, as exclusively the provenance of a man and a woman is homophobia.

[@Ennis85]

@@markcocanougher910 What "rights" and explain how its "homophobic"?

[@markcocanougher910]

John Carey Don’t be obtuse.

[@bartwilson2513]

John Carey no, homophobia as in actively campaigning for gay people to have less civil rights than gay people. She specifically mentioned that it wasn’t about people’s feelings. To be fair, she said that near the end of her speech and your homophobia probably didn’t let you get that far.

[@jjlama9418]

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!!

[@BillieJolene1]

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!

[@TheHazelHayes]

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

[@bambis46]

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!

[@JackFknTwist1]

bambis46 Great post ! Thank you.

[@bubbly912]

As a lgbt person I am so thankful for that post, great to have a ally🙂

[@stookinthemiddle]

If everyone thought like you, the world would be such a safer place.

[@royjacques5650]

Great Post i am a transvestite good to know we have some heterosexual people on our side.

[@tommycorbett6769]

10 years later and it broke me down. I hate them a little bit for having done this to us and I hate myself for carrying it with me.

[@toltschin]

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!

[@AttackOfTheBees]

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.

[@storageheater]

It doesn't take many gay guys to say "Straight-acting only" or "I don't like THAT kind of gay" to clarify how strongly homophobia runs through everyone. We're raised to be straight, after all. What was also saddening is how much this speech described women and their rights to dress and control of their body, too

[@amitcohen2269]

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

[@JDKelleherMusic]

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.

[@elaineirish3131]

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

[@Sidoniasbeadedjewelry]

Beautiful.

[@TroyTolley]

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.

[@fnortyfnour]

Amazing, I will be showing this to my kids when they come home from school, thank you for your honesty and you bravery. xx

[@snazzzzz]

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.

[@ProfessorTimWilson]

spectacular.

[@Nakedolive]

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.

[@KerryLuckett]

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.

[@jlcrowe]

Same.

[@anthonymurphy3021]

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.

[@iakovoskyrlitsias2145]

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..

[@paulcorrigan5300]

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 )

[@paulcorrigan5300]

[@paulcorrigan5300]

[@rhiannonoleary8476]

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:)

[@pikachu2689]

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

[@deviljam4]

And God bless you too, Pikachu. Gotta catch 'em all.

[@pikachu2689]

In his name, we level up.

[@kevinwright5081]

Idiots

[@Pictonapd]

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

[@DJDanMurphy]

This is AMAZING! Thank you.

[@paulineogrady001]

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.

[@robyndwyer4108]

Me too❤

[@kathish]

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

[@ThiefKingFlorence]

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

[@muscleboi4use]

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!

[@DollyPopCorp]

Beautifully put! You are a wonderful human being, Panti :)

[@YesItsMeGuys68]

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

[@emcg127]

Fantastic! Brilliantly said and moving.

[@kensington25]

A powerful and articulate speech. Well done Panti :)

[@TimErringtonSydney]

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

[@parsifal3142]

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

[@johnPaul-qn3dg]

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

[@TheOneWithNoFNnick]

Perfect words. Thank you.

[@JoeBloggs25051964]

thank YOU for your courage and eloquence!!!

[@raisefalcon8436]

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

[@RichardMcWolff]

I've watched this yet again. This speech just leaves me so emotional. I can totally relate to just about everything Panti stated. At 55 years of age I'm lucky enough to live where I live and have a great support system and feel mostly comfortable where ever I go. My wish for all is that THEY get what I got but allot sooner than later. Panti is truly the Queen of Ireland and I hope some day to see that film titled as such. What a blessing for us all that Rory brought this fabulous lady to life and it led to this, part time, gig of educating all of us with heart and soul and humor! XO

[@dexdexter65]

Thank you so much Rory/ Panti

[@simonmaddy69]

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

[@shellyoc]

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

[@stefanljung6741]

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

[@Taumpy]

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

[@LexiGoreLovesYa]

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

[@nicolaobeirne]

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

[@owenlunney7100]

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 😷😘😷

[@finmoh]

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.

[@Ennis85]

And homosexuals aren't being treated equally how?

[@netnel]

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

[@IsThatEtchas]

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.

[@YesItsMeGuys68]

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

[@adrianandshaneartist1519]

Wonderful speech. Truly inspirational. ♥♥ xx

[@rolandbaldwin]

That was incredible!! Really incredible. Thank you so so much for speaking up!

[@ziweiyuan]

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.

[@182genevieve]

Panti/ Rory, this truly a great, great speech. You are a wonderful orator and you do our community so proud. Thank you xx

[@adelucas4824]

As a gay man who's nearly 60 and came out in 1985 I identify so much with this. Panti is amazing and the voice we all wish we had.

[@YourQueerGreatAuntie]

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!

[@sophiehotyogadundrum6027]

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

[@jamierichards4001]

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

[@caoimhe2012]

Inspiration, moving and to the point, your a shining light x

[@burrendoorus]

Wonderful speech. Congratulations Rory. So glad you took this opportunity to speak out and so glad this opportunity was offered by The Abbey Theatre. Thank you. As a people we Irish all need to hear this spoken so clearly and powerfully. Well done.

[@travisterry]

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

[@ado75]

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.

[@johnainslie88]

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.

[@MauriceRyder]

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.

[@quiggy92]

I watch this over again every so often. Thankyou Panti!

[@MrStoneyburke]

+Gavin Thomas when i was young in Waterford gay men were called steamers.i think thats a lovely description.

[@davidgarrahy5291]

I've listened to this 5 times already and am still finding new things and new ideas in it - thank you Panti for standing up for us xx

[@CallumRickard]

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!

[@MsCherade9]

Oh love I am sorry. As a woman in a wheelchair I've had nasty misogynist things shouted at me from the same place. I've live here in Edinburgh for 15 years now, but in that regard it's no better or worse than much of the rest of the UK. Its better than it was 30 years ago I'm sure, but it's still very much a work in progress to change hearts and minds!

[@Torontopia]

That was brilliant! I loved every second of that and agree with everything that was said. Three cheers from CANADA! YOU GO GIRL!

[@BinaGodiva]

Beautifully, eloquently, and very incisively expressed! Thank you. One of my psychology lecturers used this clip to show us the nature of (experienced) prejudice.

[@christophergoode4471]

You're a wonderful, eloquent human being Rory, thank you.

[@BHNative]

Cheers from Brazil, Panti! That was an amazing speech. I wish more people were able to realize what we go through every day and learn from it. I'd love to be able to perpetuate your speech around here, unfortunately I can't get that big of an audience. You go, girl! :)

[@stormrevenger]

Beautifully spoken..and was wonderful on channel 4 news too

[@thomasjohnbauer1]

This was the best ten minutes I have spent today! Great job on telling it like it is...like it really is. Keep on standing up to those who oppress! You are an inspiration!

[@heartbreakvigilante]

Antony Cotton brought me here, through twitter. thank you

[@DanielSilverstone]

Very very well said.

[@richardroth4661]

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!

[@martinjager9219]

Fantastic! Thank you! xxx

[@brettgibson8558]

Absolutely amazing, what presence you have and you're so concise with what you say. Just brilliant.

[@cosmicconcern5645]

Outstanding as always

[@KaitlynLeah]

We watched this in my class today and I got teary-eyed, everyone started clapping when it was over.

[@rainbowvegan]

watched this several times now, incredible.

[@edwardqueen5791]

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!

[@alancashman88]

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.

[@jssherrard]

Looking for the 'LOVE' button!!! Panti knocks this one entirely out of the park. Thank you for sharing your voice with the world.

[@francoas64]

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.

[@kieron82]

Loved the speech, from New Zealand, shared it all over Facebook too since everyone to needs to see this

[@sjswords]

Well said!

[@declanhayden8832]

Incredibly proud of you Panti. The most articulate and clear explanation of the oppression at the heart of being different I have ever heard. You are providing a catharsis for all the hurt and sadness many of us have felt inside of us for years but could never express. Thank you so much!

[@yescandles]

Well spoken. Kudos to Panti Bliss and to the Abbey for granting him the time to share with us all.

[@robyndwyer4108]

Brilliant! Thank you so much - deeply insightful - a speech easily remembered by the heart❤

[@joefrancis2712]

Great speech..Well done and Thank you

[@oddvarornhjartarson4125]

wow - what a hero - thank you so much...your awsome!!

[@swamisamantharella]

Thank you Sweetie that was the most beautiful and honest thing I've heard in a Long time x X x

[@andyjones9724]

Perfect, i commend you, and the reaction of the audience shows the support you have.

[@LidiaEdithMongeArias]

Beautiful!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!

[@wcares8062]

You are amazing. Watching the documentary queen of Ireland. Thank you. Congrats.

[@JonInCanada1]

Eloquant, poignant and so beautifully put. Brava and Bravo!

[@danielajauk9118]

THANK YOU, Panti. SUPER STUFF, thanks for not giving up and thank you for taking the time to let us learn from you.