A conference that will examine the issues central to the Irish LGBT+ community living in the United Kingdom will take place on November 1 in London.

‘LGBT Equality and Ireland – Past and Present’ will take a closer look at two main issues central to the Irish LGBT+ community in Britain – marriage equality in Northern Ireland and the history and role of Irish LGBT+ people in Britain over the decades.

This conference, which is hosted by Irish in Britain, and the London Irish LGBT Network, promises to break new ground in terms of Anglo-Irish relations and LGBT+ rights. Three years after the Republic resoundingly voted for marriage equality, the conference will ask whether Ireland has really changed and what impact this has on the lives of Irish LGBT+ people living in the UK.

The morning session, which will be chaired by Professor Daniel Monk, will examine the circumstances that led to Northern Ireland being the only place in the UK where same-sex marriage is still banned. The session will look at how the DUP have consistently blocked legislation for marriage equality, and how the UK government has refused to intervene.

Speakers at this session include Sinn Féin MP Elisha McCallion, as well as Labour MP Conor McGinn and Love Equality’s Clare Moore. Just last night, McGinn and Love Equality were honoured for their advocacy at the Pink News Awards ceremony in London.

The afternoon session will address the history of Irish LGBT+ people in Britain. The talk will examine the problems they faced in trying to recognise both their sexuality and nationality in Britain and the issues that led them to leave Ireland in the first place.

Speakers at the afternoon session include Dr David Shaw from Liverpool University’s Institute of Irish Studies and Dr Joanne McCarthy, the co-author of Identity Formation and Conflict in Older Irish Gay Men.

The event will be held at Blenheim Central Office in London. Tickets and further details are available here.