Since David Norris’ 1975 appearance on Last House, which is believed to have been the first interview with an openly gay person on RTÉ, there have been countless iconic moments of queer representation. We are highlighting just some of those, bringing you LGBTQ+ highlights throughout the history of Irish television.

Nell McCafferty on The Late Late Show (1980s)
Irish feminist and activist Nell McCafferty was one of the first queer figures to appear on The Late Late Show, following Joni Crone who came out live in 1980. At the time, The Late Late Show was known for pushing social boundaries, and McCafferty’s discussion on feminism and LGBTQ+ rights was iconic and groundbreaking. McCafferty passed in August 2024 but her contributions to the community will live on forever.

@rtenews Tributes are being paid to journalist, author and feminist campaigner Nell McCafferty, who has died aged 80. Ms McCafferty was an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, the poor and for people who suffered injustice. She worked for several publications including the Irish Times, the Sunday Tribune and Hot Press and was a regular panellist on radio and television programmes. In this clip from the ‘The Late Late Show’ in November 1980, she tells Gay Byrne how women are an ‘invisible species’ in Irish radio. Link in our bio to read more 📲 #rtenews #nellmccafferty ♬ original sound – RTÉ News

Fair City‘s first (almost) gay kiss (1996)
Post decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland in 1993, Fair City aired a groundbreaking moment in LGBTQ+ Irish television history between the characters Eoghan (Alan Smyth) and Liam (Peter Warnock). Set in the fictional Dublin suburb of Carrigstown, the almost-kiss caused quite a stir at the time but was undeniably a momentous step in representation throughout Ireland. The moment had its controversy within the queer community as it was seen as a ‘near miss’ with the characters getting close to, but not fully locking lips. Still, in 1996 Fair City was a prime-time ratings hit and got the nation talking. Peter Warnock would even appear on The Late Late Show to discuss the episode. Ros na Rún eventually beat Fair City to the punch with a full-on gay kiss not even a year later in 1997, but the Fair City episode had got the nation and the community talking. Fair City would also air the first lesbian kiss this same year.

Almost the first gay kiss on Fair City actor Peter Warnock explains #OnThisDay 1996 Watch https://t.co/335bGQ8K4B pic.twitter.com/t5gTCaM3oO

— RTÉ Archives (@RTEArchives) March 25, 2016

Julian Simmons – UTV news presenter (1990s and 2000s)
Who can forget the unique stylings of UTV (now ITV) news presenter Julian Simmons who would provide us with the headlines between Emmerdale and Coronations Street? “…And now on UTV” was the universal summons to the couch for the soaps to start. Simmon’s camper style of broadcasting was a highlight for both casual and queer audiences and it is hard to equivalate the positive effect towards LGBTQ+ representation that Simmon’s appearances on prime-time television would go on to have. There was just something about how he would present, with an attitude that screamed, “I’m here!” And we were here for it!

Brian Dowling on Big Brother (2001/2010)
Okay, we get it. This one is somewhat of a cheat as Big Brother wasn’t airing on an Irish TV station, (it was on the UK’s Channel 4). However, Dowling is so quintessentially Irish that it would be a bigger cheat to not include him on such a list. Brian Dowling was the first openly gay contestant on the show, following in the footsteps of the National LGBT Federation’s own Anna Nolan, whose life as a lesbian ex-nun featured prominently in the first season.

Dowling went on to win the show in 2001 with a whopping 4,231,660 votes (58%), competing against Helen Adams, a lively and bubbly hairdresser from Wales. Dowling then competed in the Ultimate Big Brother in 2010, winning this series also. It is hard to quantify the impact that Brian’s appearance and subsequent wins would have when it comes to queer visibility in Ireland. Dowling has continued to have a successful media career in the UK and Ireland, just recently joining The Six O’Clock Show on Virgin Media. He was also part of the first same-sex coupling on Dancing with the Stars Ireland in 2020.

Dr Lydia Foy’s fight for recognition and representation (1997-2017)
Dr Lydia Foy, a transgender woman, fought for many years for fair and equal gender recognition. Featured on several RTÉ programs, she was for many, the first media figure to discuss such subjects with viewers. Dr Foy’s advocacy would go on to contribute to a victory for the Gender Recognition Act (2015), a turning point for trans rights in Ireland.

First trans character on Fair City (2017)
It is a real shame that we fall so far behind some of our European counterparts when it comes to trans visibility on soaps, especially with characters like Hayley on Coronation Street being immensely popular at a time when transgender representation was so sparse. So, it was about time when in 2017 Fair City became the first Irish soap to introduce a trans character, Ryan, played by Jack Murphy.

It is important to recognise that Fair City has taken great strides towards inclusivity across the spectrum, being the first Irish soap to include a same-sex wedding and lesbian partnership as well.

 

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Pantigate (2014)
2014 was a controversial year for RTÉ, Pantigate being a major source of controversy. Irish drag performer Panti Bliss (Rory O’Neill) appeared on the Saturday Night Show, then hosted by Brendan O’Connor. Bliss criticised the media and certain journalists and publications for promoting homophobia. RTÉ went on to pay compensation to complainants for Bliss’s remarks, leading the broadcaster to be accused of censorship.

Bliss’s speech, which described homophobia and what it feels like to experience it, went viral with support and praise from figures such as Madonna and RuPaul. The speech and subsequent events would be referred to as “Pantigate” and Bliss would again be praised for raising awareness towards systemic and institutional homophobia in advance of the 2015 Marriage Equality vote. It also significantly boosted Bliss’s public profile as both an entertainer and activist. Go, Panti!

Ireland votes Yes for Marriage Equality
In May 2015, Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage by referendum. And who can forget the iconic moment in Irish LGBTQ+ history being broadcast live on television? Hairs on the back of the neck stood up as the votes were tallied up and the crowds erupted at the announcement. The waving of flags and the cheers sent a message to the rest of the world. It is hard to describe what watching the announcement live was like. Yes, it’s ok to cry. I know we did.

These are just some of the Irish LGBTQ+ television highlights from the last 50 years. Let us know your favourite memories!