Irish LGBT+ Community Remembers Jon Hanna

A loving parent, husband, and tireless activist, Jon passed on Monday March 11.

Jon Hanna, smiling, fist raised in power

Jon Hanna, an immediately recognisable campaigner and activist for human rights, passed earlier this week.

Jon was a partner, a father, a friend and a tireless fighter for others. Ireland’s LGBT+ community remember a great man and send their love and thoughts to his family and friends.

 

Last year in our Repeal Issue of GCN we ran a feature about an amazing queer direct action activist group, Radicals Queers Resist. The portrait that accompanied the feature is a powerful one; a group of defiant queers stand with rainbow flags aloft, fluttering in the wind. In the centre of that picture stands Jon Hanna, a striking presence in his signature long leather jacket.

He has a bi flag held behind him like it’s a cape or wings and the word Repeal emblazoned across his chest. In the run up to the referendum this image became a beacon of hope and trust in the tireless work that activists like Jon were putting in to make our society a better place for us all.

Now, with the horribly tragic news of Jon’s passing, we’d like to think this image will serve as a testament to Jon’s legacy as a most integral and inspiring LGBT+ activist and beloved member of our community. Jon, you will be so missed.

Rest in Power.

Bi+ Ireland, of which Jon was a coordinator, posted a heartfelt tribute:

“Jon Hanna was uncompromisingly and unapologetically himself. He was a leader for our communities, someone who led the way for many of us, whether literally at a march giving us sun cream, badges and a sure stride to follow, or inspiring with reassuring words in our community spaces, both on and offline.

It’s hard to believe that Jon won’t be at Pride this year, or the March for Choice. Jon, who inevitably had a child in one arm and the other arm free for a hug. Jon who would be ready to chat, and ready to march with his children by his side, who would proudly carry a flag while pushing a pram.

This Saturday (March 16th) at 2pm we will gather at Newlands Cross Crematorium to say goodbye to Jon. At the request of the family, please no flowers – donations can be made to Abortion Support Network or Rape Crisis Centre. If you can, please wear your Repeal jumper or Free Safe Legal tshirt, or a Bi+/LGBTQIA pin or flag.

“If you would like to join our community to attend the funeral, please do. There is a group meeting at 12 pm on Saturday at the Olympia Theatre, Dame St, and getting the bus to the crematorium. Bring bus fare and look for the bi flags.

“A paypal has been set up to help his partner and their kids with the practicalities of these difficult times. If you would like to make a contribution you can do so at  https://paypal.me/pools/c/8cXeElETIG.

If you wish to add your condolences or share your memories of Jon, we’re collecting them here and will pass on to his family.

We are all struggling with this news, and know that we will for some time. Please take the time to seek additional support for yourself if you feel like you might need it, and know that our community will be here for you now and into the future.”

If you are affected by this story or would like support at this time, please contact any of the following: 

LGBT Helpline 1890 929 539
Samaritans 116 123
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre 1800 77 8888 
Pieta House 1800 247 247

© 2019 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.

Support GCN

GCN has been a vital, free-of-charge information service for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community since 1988.

During this global COVID pandemic, we like many other organisations have been impacted greatly in the way we can do business and produce. This means a temporary pause to our print publication and live events and so now more than ever we need your help to continue providing this community resource digitally.

GCN is a registered charity with a not-for-profit business model and we need your support. If you value having an independent LGBTQ+ media in Ireland, you can help from as little as €1.99 per month. Support Ireland’s free, independent LGBTQ+ media.

0 comments. Please sign in to comment.