Cast your vote for the JOE Man of the Year sponsored by Virgin Media here and on the rest of the JOE Men of the Year categories here.
Some woman for one man.
The JOE Men of the Year awards are just around the corner and aside from all of the other incredible categories and talented nominees, only one man-tastic man can walk away with the title of JOE Man of the Year 2015.
Each JOE writer will be making a case for Paul O’Connell, Rory O’Neill (Panti Bliss), Hozier, Conor McGregor and Jon Walters but Carl Kinsella wants you to vote for Rory O’Neill aka Panti Bliss. Here’s why…
1) Describe his year using 5 emojis
2) Why he must be JOE Man of the Year
Through tireless activism, rousing speeches and indefatigable fabulousness, Rory O’Neill and his alter-ego Panti Bliss served as the catalysing force for marriage equality in Ireland.
The people of Ireland have always regarded our freedom fighters with romantic admiration – and make no mistake, Rory fought tooth, nail and razor-stiletto heel for the basic freedom to be treated as equal in the eyes of the law for people all over Ireland.
Without the efforts of people like Panti, it is entirely possible that we could all still be living in a country where people are prohibited from marrying the ones they love – something which doesn’t bear thinking about, but was a reality as recently as May 20, 2015.
Members of the LGBTQ community the world over now look to Panti as a 6’2″ (must be about 6’8″ in heels?) bright blonde beacon of hope for the future, and a symbol of what can be achieved when somebody is brave enough to challenge the status quo.
The country’s interest and admiration for Rory’s impact on Irish culture was confirmed when a documentary about his life, his HIV diagnosis, Pantigate and the referendum broke Irish box office records in October.
3) His stand-out moment
The Queen of Ireland’s crowning moment came in Dublin Castle on May 22, when it was officially announced that the Marriage Equality referendum had passed with 62% of the vote.
Thousands of the movement’s supporters converged on the capital city to celebrate the making of history as Ireland became the first country to give a mandate for marriage equality by popular vote.
Upon arriving at Dublin Castle, Panti was the number one photo-op target for politicians and campaigners alike, something that was captured in The Queen of Ireland as Gerry Adams, Aodhán O’Riordáin and Joan Burton lined up for pictures with Panti.
Panti was greeted with unbridled adulation and admiration by the people whose cause she had so fiercely spearheaded – recognition for her part in ushering in a new era for Ireland.
4) What 2016 might bring
Panti’s profile has increased astronomically in the last 12 months, and she is now regarded by all as a leading voice for political progress in Ireland.
No longer a niche figure, Rory O’Neill now has an opportunity to exert huge influence over all social issues in Ireland. O’Neill has recently been awarded honorary degrees from several universities, including Dublin’s prestigious Trinity College, reflecting the esteem in which the drag artist is now held.
There are still challenges facing gay people in Ireland – including the ban on blood donation, and it’s hard to imagine that Panti won’t lend her voice to the marriage equality movement in Northern Ireland.
All the Queen of Ireland really needs for a royal flush in 2015 is your vote in our Man of the Year awards.
"Ireland didn't change on May 22 but we did confirm a change that had already happened" @PantiBliss looking fab @U2 pic.twitter.com/qiFGpsftsP
— Ruth Kennedy (@ruthkennedy1) November 30, 2015
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