Rose of Tralee winner 2014: Challenging perceptions and stereotypes?

ongarboy · 25-08-2014 10:59am #1

I'm surprised a thread was not already started here already but maybe that's a good thing that it's not considered such a massive news story in 2014. However I do want to express my pleasure regarding yesterday's news that the winning Rose of Tralee from Philadelphia has revealed that she is gay. Not because she is gay but because of the positive development that can emerge from it.

Some might say, why is it news at all or why is it anyone's business and they are correct to say so to a point. However, until we have more and more positive role models who are happy and comfortable about who they are, only then shall it truly no longer become newsworthy.

Because the Rose of Tralee has long been considered to reflect more traditional values both here and abroad of what an Irish cailin should be and comes across sometimes as rather dated and twee, I think it's all the more significant that such an aspirational, successful, at ease with herself and yes, beautiful young woman such as Maria Walsh is not afraid to be honest and open about herself.

I'm originally from Tralee so while the festival has long been mostly irrelevant to me since I was a child, it will always carry a small bit of resonance. For some reason, before yesterday's news, I noticed a particular surge during the week on my Facebook timeline of friends commenting on how great this particular lady came across on the night and how deserviing her win was. Previous years winners were not commented on this way. I think it's people like Maria that will be fantastic in challenging perceptions and stereotypes of the LGBT community and this has to be a positive development. It's all about baby steps.

JupiterKid · 25-08-2014 2:56pm

I think that it's a very welcome development.

Maria Walsh was a well deserved winner of the Rose of Tralee and even though in 2014 her sexuality should be irrelevant, the fact that she is gay means that she will be a positive role model to young gay women everywhere.

seamus · 25-08-2014 3:12pm

ongarboy wrote: »

Because the Rose of Tralee has long been considered to reflect more traditional values both here and abroad of what an Irish cailin should be and comes across sometimes as rather dated and twee, I think it's all the more significant that such an aspirational, successful, at ease with herself and yes, beautiful young woman such as Maria Walsh is not afraid to be honest and open about herself.

Notwithstanding the fact that I agree it's brilliant that this news has landed without even the slightest hint of scandal or talk of the Taoiseach having to resign - one could be forgiven for being cynical that the RoT which has for so long been subject to criticisms of being a sexist anachronism, chooses a winner who coincidentally ticks three traditionally "unfeminine", but "modern" boxes at the same time - tattoos, short hair and lesbian.

That said, I don't watch the RoT so I would hate to undermine the success of a deserving winner. I just found it a rather interesting circumstance.

Ash885 · 25-08-2014 4:37pm

I didn't catch her victory but the reaction of everyone I've spoken to has been "Good for her". Which is a welcome development. I don't think anyone who opposes her now could dare voice their opinions given the public's indifference/acceptance to it.

J_E · 25-08-2014 6:47pm

I'm not sure her sexuality is going to redeem the mediocrity and cringiness that the event represents, but good for her. I wouldn't make it out to be a revolutionary act on part of the show itself. Honestly, I wouldn't be at all surprised if it was partly influenced by an attempt to 'modernise' the pageant, winner aside.

A gay winner, perhaps - don't expect to see female escorts soon though.

Aard · 25-08-2014 6:50pm

Isn't the ROT's target audience pretty much middled aged countrywomen? If so, then it's not a bad thing that a lesbian won it, considering the referendum around the corner. Maybe homosexuality will become normalised/rationalised in those conservative heads long enough for them to vote yes, or at worst - stop caring.

RagsOBrien · 25-08-2014 9:09pm

I agree with all the other posts on this- it is a positive development that another individual with a public profile in Ireland feels comfortable enough to reveal their sexual orientation. This would not have happened 20 or perhaps even 10 years ago. Her sexual orientation is not anyone else's business of course but her coming out will help other young people to do the same, if that is what they wish.

Personally, I find the ROT outdated and cringeworthy but I was heartened by this news- if her being gay can be considered newsworthy. It will also challenge commonly held stereotypes about how gay women appear or act.

Ambersky · 25-08-2014 9:43pm

People are commenting on her sexuality largely because we live in a world where hetersexuality is presumed and "flaunted".
This is also a world thats considers the ins and outs of the contestants or any other celebrities relationships and therefore their sexualty of enormous interest and centrally relavent . On the programme the references to ones heterosexuality are fairly constant cue questions on have you got a boyfriend and on air marriage proposals, flirting with and kissing the host, references to the hosts spouse, waves to the contestants boyfriend, the whole boy girl escort thing, the song itself etc, etc,. All of that is an expression of someones sexuality.
Its only when it comes to homosexuality that people say its nobodys buisness. When everyones presumed straight its all so normal we dont even see it as an expression of sexuality.

Good for this years winner and I guess every new person coming out acts to normalise things but I still find the rose of
tralee cringeworthy. Cringeworty or not why shouldnt her sexuality be as relavent as anyone elses and why shouldnt it
be expressed and celebrated as much as and no more than any of the other contestants. Being lesbian why shouldnt
she have a female escourt, wave to her girlfriend or say she is open to offers. The organisers Saying her they knew
about her sexuality but believe her sexuality is nobodys buisness is a bit like telling your family your gay and being told
that thats ok but we are never going to mention it again. Its a stage of coming to acceptance but its not there yet.

trollin trollin trollin · 26-08-2014 1:42am

Note: I am not really a troll, That's just my username!

I am completely indebted to Maria Walsh! After over a decade of absolute fear over what my Rural Ireland parents would think of me if I ever came out, I finally took the plunge and told them a few hours ago. They were actually brilliant about it, supportive and accepting. I'm completely blown away by how understanding they were tonight (especially as I was bawling crying as I told them!) and I have brave heroes like Maria Walsh, David Norris, Donal óg Cusack, Conor Cusack, Anna Nolan and Graham Norton, to thank for much of that.(I know I've probably left out many but these are the ones that spring to mind right now)

Yes there are many openly gay people in international entertainment/sports, but this is very different. These are people that parents all over rural Ireland can directly relate to and so it is incredibly influential to have people like this come out.

Thank you so much Maria Walsh, your bravery and the bravery of others have given LGBT people all around the country encouragement that we don't need to pretend we're straight or cisgendered just to keep the people around us happy!

Lyaiera · 26-08-2014 9:25pm

I largely ignore the RoT, I have no interest in it and I don't know how many days or weeks ago it was on. I just saw a few of these threads on figured I'd eventually check them out.

What's interesting to me is wondering whether the Rose of Tralee isn't being cynical in making a move to show it's not outdated, but what if there's a genuinely progressive movement within the Rose of Tralee? I know there's talk of "Lovely Girls" with "lovely bottoms." However the Rose of Tralee has always maintained it's not a beauty pageant. That it's about showcasing the values in the original song as seen through women of Ireland and the Irish diaspora. I have no doubt the history of it reflects its time. However if it's not about beauty, but actually showing the normal Irish or woman of Irish heritage around the world it could be good. It could act as a wake up call to a lot of the viewers about what the impact of Ireland upon the world is, and the impact of modern culture, thoughts, and beliefs are on Irish people. It could be a great celebration of the diversity and relevance of Irish people on a global stage. (This could all be wishful thinking too though.)

scullersky · 28-08-2014 3:20am

I think the Rose of Tralee coming out was btilliant for the county and Tralee town. Of course me saying this isn't linked to my username !

GalwayAnnie · 10-09-2014 9:24pm

I think this stunningly beautiful, intelligent, articulate, good humoured Rose is going to be a fantastic role model for young people. I think though I was more surprised by her been a teetotaler than by her being gay. How unusual in this day and age.

decentbloke · 11-09-2014 11:28pm

Think what you like about the Rose of Tralee.............be it cringey or old fashined.......it is still very much an institution in Ireland and draws huge viewership from families all over the country. In my classroom last week the pupils discussed events that happened over the summer, sporting etc...The Rose of Tralee came up with only comments about how much they all liked her, how pretty she was and how some of the girls loved her gúna. Yes one kid brought up her sexuality only to be met lots of 'who cares' from his classmates. Can anyone tell me that that kind of reaction is not progressive and positive!

I didn't see much of the show (it'd always be on in the folks house) but I did see Maria Walsh and there's no doubt but she has something special about her. A beautiful girl, intelligent, educated with strong rural and sporting roots...........and she happens to be gay.

Someone like Maria is fantastic for perceptions and attitudes, particularly when that message reaches younger generations too. Who'd have thought going back a few years that a gay woman would be crowned the Rose of Tralee and that a gay man would captain the Cork hurlers and be a part of the Sunday Game beaming into houses every summer.

We've come a long way I think!

ongarboy · 12-09-2014 9:47am

Agreed, it is a much respected institution among Middle Ireland and those of a more conservative or traditional approach to life. If many of them had zero interaction or exposure to what a typical gay or lesbian person was like and only were aware of the stereotypes, then this kind of development helps.

The thiniking might be "If a "lovely girl" like Maria is gay, then they can't all be that bad can they?"

Annasopra · 12-09-2014 9:56am

Actually I think the stereotype of ROT fans all being conservative and middle aged women from the country is actually probably completely untrue. Look at the viewing figures. There are not that many middle aged countrywomen. It really does have a wider fan base than most people like to think or pretend.

Even the discussion online I've seen - it was being discusssed by young people, men, urban people, liberal people who had actually watched it.

Aard · 12-09-2014 5:13pm

Another great thing about it is kind of how much of a non-event it was. OK there was a bit of media coverage, as there tends to be after the winner is announced, but nobody made a song and dance about it and nobody really cared. I think the lack of outrage speaks for itself.

Rose of Tralee winner 2014: Challenging perceptions and stereotypes?

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