5/31/16

The Queen of Ireland

This documentary submitted by Ireland, enjoyed its North American Premiere at the 2016 Seattle International Film Festival. Director Conor Horgan, working with Drag Queen Rory O'Neill (Panti Bliss), has recorded for posterity Ireland's historic battle over a referendum to legalize gay marriage. Charismatic drag queen Panti Bliss, in full outrageous form, sort of slides into activism when she makes some comments about homophobia. His/Her comments led to a tempest in Irish politics which was dubbed "Pantigate."

As usual, one thing leads to another and gay marriage becomes the central issue. She describes herself as a court jester, or a clown, but to her, the issue of self-respect and acceptance is as important as gay marriage. The idea of gays getting married is simply a formal admission by the government that all of its citizens are equal.

Our SIFF audience laughed at his battle cry, "Sissy Power!" but we were touched by his description of his feelings at a pedestrian crossing. One senator in Ireland "outed" himself years ago, so he became "The Gay Irishman," like he was the only gay in the country. He found that amusing, and so did we! This is nicely done, although "Panti" mugs constantly for the camera...

His return to his tiny hometown, Ballinrobe, Ireland, is particularly important to him, and he describes it well...