Ted Tuesday: Panti Bliss, (aka Rory O'Neill)-- "All The Little Things"

"This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Ireland's foremost "gender discombobulist", Panti, shares her experience of the little, everyday things that can have a huge impact on the well being of gay people. Panti expresses her thoughts on navigating a world in which the simple act of holding hands can be a political statement in itself."

Good Morning Folks,

While captivating an audience is a skill that takes years to develop, there are some simple ways to instantly improve your speaking and presentation skills. In this awesome TED Talk; not only can you see a great speaker in action… tackling a subject we're all a little uncomfortable with... and you can broaden your knowledge too! 

So just how did a Ballinrobe altar boy grow up to become one of Ireland's most powerful and glamorous women? That's the mystery solved by in today's installment of Ted Tuesday.

Panti Bliss, (aka Rory O'Neill) who made international headlines last February after an impassioned speech against homophobia on stage in Dublin went viral, was invited to do a TED talk on September 12 and the speech, which showcases Panti's wit and speaking talents spectacularly, was posted to YouTube yesterday.

The speech, titled "All The Little Things", concerns the homophobia in society which chips away at a gay person's self worth and well-being:

Bliss: "Everyday I am jealous of straight people because that tiny intimate expression of affection has never once been mine...I am jealous of that because gay people do not get to hold hands in public without first considering the risk...We look around to see where are we, who’s around, what kind of place is it…are there bunches of lads outside a pub? ... I’m 45 years old and I have never once casually, comfortably, carelessly held hands with a partner in public... I’m 45 and I’m fed up of putting up so I’m not anymore. I’m 45 years old and I’m not putting up anymore because I don’t have the energy anymore. Putting up is exhausting. I’m 45 years old and I’m not putting up anymore because I don’t have the patience anymore. I was born 6 months before the Stonewall riots and you have had 45 years to work out that despite appearances, I am just as ordinary, just as unremarkable, and just as human as you are. I’m 45 years old and I’m not asking anymore. I am just being…human being."

Poignant, intimate, and powerful,here's Panti Bliss getting a standing ovation for an unforgettable Ted talk on homophobia: 

I love and hate seeing things like this. I love them because I love to see people talking and standing up for who they are. Panti Bliss is right! It is the small things, and they begin to add up. As a straight man I am very lucky to do those little things carelessly. I'm looking forward to the day everyone cannot do so without a second thought. 

For all those who can't yet feel safe or comfortable, you have my full support and love.

Have a GREAT Day,



Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer  

Ideas are not set in stone. When exposed to thoughtful people, they morph and adapt into their most potent form. TED Tuesdays on MitchWeiner.com highlights some of today's most intriguing ideas. Look for more talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and much more— HERE.  

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