Panti Bliss: I've never unselfconsciously held hands with a man in public'

Panti Bliss received a standing ovation for a speech about homophobia, where she revealed that she has never “unselfconsciously” held hands with a partner in public.

The drag queen – who was honored at the 2014 Attitude Awards – garnered a huge amount of media attention last February, when she delivered a powerful speech about homophobia on that singled out a number of Irish journalists and institutions for being homophobic.

In a new speech titled ‘All The Little Things’ – which was originally made in September but posted to YouTube this week – Panti talks about all the things gay people have to think twice about doing, such as holding hands in public, that straight people take for granted.

“Everyday I am jealous of straight people because that tiny intimate expression of affection has never once been mine…I am jealous of that because gay people do not get to hold hands in public without first considering the risk…We look around to see where are we, who’s around, what kind of place is it…are there bunches of lads outside a pub? … I’m 45 years old and I have never once casually, comfortably, carelessly held hands with a partner in public… I’m 45 and I’m fed up of putting up so I’m not anymore.

Watch Panti’s full speech below:

[youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIhsv18lrqY[/youtube]

Panti Bliss: I’ve never unselfconsciously held hands with a man in public’

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