To Unionists who seek progress, don’t give up. You’ve no idea how important you are, and how much you are needed right now

Posted on: 29 June 2021 by William Ennis in Progressive Unionist Party

The room was suddenly rich and the great bay-window was
Spawning snow and pink roses against it
Soundlessly collateral and incompatible:
World is suddener than we fancy it.

World is crazier and more of it than we think,
Incorrigibly plural. I peel and portion
A tangerine and spit the pips and feel
The drunkenness of things being various.

And the fire flames with a bubbling sound for world
Is more spiteful and gay than one supposes—
On the tongue on the eyes on the ears in the palms of one's hands—
There is more than glass between the snow and the huge roses.
Louis Macneice

My name is William Ennis, and I am your Ally.

It’s not every day you get to be part of history, so my invitation to the first ever Trans Pride is a true honour.

The first time I ever spoke in public, as a politico, was in solidarity with the LGBT community.  It was against a proposal which the proposing party called ‘the conscience clause’.  I remember being sick with nerves as I arrived in town on the bus.  There were more than a thousand activists.  LGBT people, and their allies.  I was then, as I am now, a political Loyalist, and I didn’t know how I’d be received.  I remember vividly, thinking I could simply text an apology to Mal Ohara and jump on to the next bus heading back east.  But I didn’t.  I didn’t because it occurred to me that the next person to be humiliated in a shop may well be one of my gay friends, or relatives.  I boarded the stage, and as John waved me over to the mic, informing the large crowd which party I was representing I was cheered with as much love and encouragement as any other speaker, at least one friend of mine seemed convinced even more.  I was overwhelmed.  I’d never felt acceptance like that before or since. 

And so, I spoke.  I spoke of how inequality offended me as a unionist, because I believe in uniformity of rights across the United Kingdom. I spoke of how inequality offended me as a Loyalist.  David Ervine warned us of the danger of ‘the splendid isolation of parochial attitudes’, like so many of David’s pearls of wisdom, it doesn’t lose relevance with age, it becomes all the clearer.  I spoke of how the ‘conscience clause’ needed to be put in the bin.  It of course was. 

The support I received from that huge audience of activists that day never ceased.  With every pause, came renewed cheers, and from the nearer activists the thumbs up signs of approval were wonderful.  I think they could see I was nervous. 

And that was the point at which It clicked for me.  The truth.  The reality.  Equality is a positive sum game.  It has no losers.  Progress delivers no defeats, however committed some may be in trying to spin the impression that it does. 

Whenever same-sex couples from Northern Ireland can get married right here at home, it will be a victory for all. 

When people who have been born in the wrong body for their true gender receive all the assistance they need without ridicule or disrespect it will be a defeat for no one

And when women in Northern Ireland have full access to all their healthcare needs right here, it will be a victory only for common sense.

I want to thank my trans friends, Adrianne, Michael, and Alicia.  Adrianne, for letting me be part of this fantastic day.  For educating me on so many issues and introducing me to some brilliant people.  And for making clear of the diversity which exists in every kind of community.  Michael, for – through his stubborn determination and against all odds – bringing Trans Pride before the world and becoming an inspiration.  And Alicia, for helping me realise that, here in Northern Ireland, it is not only possible to form alliances across the constitutional dispute, but friendships.  I’m not the least bit religious myself, when you’re at a low ebb, and such a friend texts you to let you know she’s said a prayer on your behalf, it’s a special feeling, a special gesture, it doesn’t half put a lot of stuff in perspective.

My friends, wherever you come from, whatever your economic, cultural, or political background, be who you are, and be proud. Be yourself, everyone else is taken.

All too aware that there was a time in my life when I wouldn’t have been tolerant of you, thank you so much for your tolerance of me. It has been such a thrill to speak to you all.  Have a wonderful day, thank you.

William Ennis.  May 2018.

To those of you in unionist parties who refuse to bury your progressive ideas I appeal; please do not stop what you’re doing.  You’ve no idea how important you are right now.  I know your’s is the definitive thankless task.  I know you are often shunned.  I know there are nights when you turn off the lights, rub your temples, and wonder if your efforts are too little, too late; when you painfully consider if it’s all even worth it.  I know you are often denied solidarity by other liberals due to your unionism, and by other unionists, due to your liberalism.  I know you at times see no strategic options which might lend themselves to what you hope to achieve.  I know you may have attended marches proudly as a worker, or equality activist only to observe elements attempt to appropriate such worthy causes against unionism, and that unprogressive unionists would say ‘I told you so.’ I know there are times when this all takes its toll.  But you are strong.  You are unionists with a vision.  Unionists with a purpose.  Because only a unionism energised by the ideas of progress can preserve Northern Ireland, and its place in our United Kingdom. 

The day before the inaugural trans pride in Northern Ireland the health of my mother-in-law who had been in hospital, deteriorated.  As it became heartbreakingly apparent that she was in her final hours I naturally called my friend Adrienne to break the news that I wouldn’t be able to attend.  She read out the speech on my behalf.  Something for which I shall always be grateful. 

March, 2021.