RTE star Darren Kennedy has admitted he feels safest living in Ireland as an openly gay man.
After spending a lot of time travelling over and back to Lisbon, Portugal this year, the businessman said he has learned to appreciate the freedoms embraced in Ireland.
He told Irish Daily Mirror: “You know what? It is funny. I was thinking about this the other day because it is Pride and it is everywhere and so many corporations are getting into it and everything but you know what it is so important.
“Because in other parts of the world those rights are being restricted, I mean even in the US. They are being restricted.
“So it’s like, we really need everyone to speak up and there has never been a more important period, particularly in my life, where it is important to stand up for what you believe in.”
The 38-year-old TV personality added that he has become more appreciative of how progressive Ireland has become as a small nation witnessing the struggle for similar rights abroad.
Speaking at the launch of Diet Coke’s first ever Book Club at Iveagh Garden’s Hotel, Dublin on Thursday, Darren said: “We have such incredible freedoms here in Ireland, like honestly.
“And it is through my travels that I see that and I really appreciate it.
“But even those simple things, like visibility, you see guys walking around holding hands.
“Or guys walking around holding hands and it is lovely. Where as I was in Lisbon quite a lot this year and my vision and my notion of Lisbon is that it is very progressive, likewise with Brazil.
“No. Bolsonaro[President] in Brazil is worse than Trump, they call him the Trump of the Tropics and he is literally so vocal about his hatred of so many things and like Brazil is the fifth largest country on the planet so i’m very stand up for what you believe in.”
“It’s not about being an advocate or politicised it is just about having your voice, and everyone’s voice counts.”
The presenter, who is currently filming a new property show with Virgin Media said he’s delighted to be able to celebrate Pride in his home town this weekend with his long-time boyfriend Allen.
The Dubliner said: “I’m filming all weekend and I thought i’d miss everything but the producers have very kindly manipulated the schedule so i’m finishing at 2pm on Saturday and can get in to the celebrations and then i’m not starting until too late on Sunday and when the weather is like this it is perfect.”
