In 2007 a small group of volunteers founded LGBT Noise. We wanted to educate and empower the community to fight for their rights. When the government proposed a civil partnership scheme in 2008 it was welcomed by older members of the community in particular as providing long sought after protections for same-sex couples. However, a new generation of LGBT activists were not prepared to accept a minimal extension of rights.
Noise wanted to have an out, visible and vibrant presence of LGBT people on the streets of Dublin, in the media and in the minds of the general public. We wanted to get the message out to the public that LGBT people deserved equal rights, but first we had to convince the LGBT community. We believed that if the people wouldn’t engage in the politics, then they would have to bring politics to the people. Volunteers would go to bars, nightclubs and community events with flyers. Speaking to people we were often met with confusion, disinterest and on occasion, disdain. It was difficult to gain traction at first.