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On the 10th anniversary of the marriage equality referendum, UL's Jack Reid profiles the life and work of Mary Dorcey, one of Ireland’s most significant LGBTQ+ writers, whose unwavering commitment to breaking the silence surrounding queerness paved the way for the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Ireland. 

“I believe that poetry has the power to change the world. This is particularly true for Ireland - a country that holds its poets in high regard. It's time we listen to marginalised voices, for if my research has taught me anything, it is that the insights of such individuals are what we most require in these pressing times.”

“Scientists and activists alike have warned of the accelerating climate crisis for years. The urgency with which we must tackle these issues mirrors the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. My research on queer Irish ecopoetics investigates these dual concerns by employing the insights of queer ecology. Queer ecology combines the advances of ecological studies with queer theory to highlight the importance of fostering more fluid and non-hierarchical relationships with the natural world.”

“In my research I want to highlight how queer Irish poets are applying the insights of queer ecology to the problems facing both their localities and the country at large. What does loss of native Irish wildlife mean for rural communities, for example, and might the traditional values of queer theory (openness, flexibility, ambiguity) help us to foster increasingly fluid and equitable relations with nature?”

“I’m always inspired by great writers such as Margaret Atwood, Mary Dorcey and Angela Carter. They challenge me to see the world in different ways. More directly connected to my research is Donna Haraway who encourages us to embrace the perspectives and possibilities offered by the more-than-human world.”

“Everyday observations ignite my curiosity and my time at UL has really taught me to remain curious. I think that curiosity is so incredibly important, not only for personal growth and exploration, but also to challenge the increased amount of disinformation we are seeing in the world today. I think we can challenge such deceptions in a variety of ways – through academic theory, creativity and political activism. All of these are, of course, overlapping and contribute to the power of one another.”

Jack is a graduate of the MA in English and is currently doing his PhD in the School of English, Irish and Communication.