This incredible plea for equal marriage in Ireland will move you
A YouTuber has released a powerful video encouraging Ireland to ‘make history’ and vote yes to Marriage Equality.
Irish vlogger Riyadh Khalaf uploaded the video earlier this week, detailing his battle with homophobia and discussed his attempts to ‘cure’ himself of his homosexuality.”
“He’s seven years old in the playground, the first time they tell him he’s different. Twelve years old when he finds out why – fag, puff, queer – some of the words that will sting as they ring in his ear for the rest of his life.
“The teenage years bring a push, a shove and bottle to the back of his head. The deafening confusion of his feelings is almost unbearable. He lives in a world that hates him – half of his family disown him, the other half embrace him.
“That boy is me.”
Khlalaf then goes on to criticise Ireland’s current legislation and treatment of gay men and women.
“A second class citizen, cleverly tossed aside by society and the state.”
He continues, “To marry the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, to grow old and die with, is not a privilege, it’s human right.
“That seven year old boy once bullied on the playground, is now bullied by his country and his government.”
“Our love has the same meaning, value and importance has anybody else’s.”
“Ireland, on May 22nd we have the chance to make history.”
In March, Khlaf released a video in which he let his mum – who features in this appeal – read his Grindr messages. The has since racked over 2 million views.
Earlier this month, he called the notoriously homophobic Westboro Baptist Church to ask them how he could get into heaven, after receiving a string of hateful messages from the group.
Watch the full video below
