A Day in May

On the 23rd of May 2015, the people of Ireland made history by becoming the first nation in the world to introduce marriage equality by popular vote. Of the almost 2 million Irish people who went to the polls to cast their vote, a staggering 62% of people voted yes. As the historic vote was declared, the joyous scenes from Dublin Castle and across Ireland made headlines around the world.

The referendum outcome was about more than the votes cast in its favour; the result was about changing the ‘real lives’ of the largest minority in Ireland, the LGBT+ Community. The outcome also became a notable achievement for the Irish. The result is something to be proud of, an expression of love and acceptance and a declaration of care and defence for so many Irish men and women who had before felt unequal and unheard.

Charlie Bird, inspired by the extraordinary ‘Yes Equality‘ campaign, travelled the length and breadth of Ireland to meet some of the people most deeply affected by the referendum result.

In the book ‘A Day In May’ their stories of living in the shadow of inequality and oppression were brought to life in a poignant record of their lives.

From these stories playwright Colin Murphy has created a drama documentary charting the 35-year-old struggle for equality for the LGBT+ community in Ireland, which culminated in the marriage equality referendum.

The play will form a central part of this year’s Dublin Pride festival and all profits are going to Pieta House.