RTÉ presenter Stephen Byrne hosted a panel, organised by activist Susannah Appleby and Faye O'Rourke from Little Green Cars and included Hozier, to highlight gender equality and empowerment issues. He spoke to RTÉ LifeStyle about the event, what it was all about, how it went and what's next.
What was the event and how did you become involved?
'Imp Hour' was a panel discussion that happened in the Sugar Club [Wednesday January 11] organised by activist Susannah Appleby and Faye O'Rourke from Little Green Cars. The conversation surrounded gender equality and empowerment. I've known Susannah & Faye for over a decade so when they asked if I could lead the discussion I was honoured to be involved, especially knowing who the five amazing panellists were going to be.
How did Hozier become involved?
He's a good friend of Susannah and Faye's and they knew quite early on that they wanted him to be a part of it as he is an incredibly intelligent person with a lot of very strong well thought out opinions as well as being a proud feminist.
What happened on the night?
I was joined by five amazing panellists from different corners of life. Kelly Harrington, six-time National Women's Boxing Champion, Anna Cosgrave from the Repeal initiative, Carina Fitzpatrick who was arrested at KnockanStockan for going bare-chested, Jess Kavanagh lead vocalist and lyricist of BARQ & Andrew Hozier-Byrne. We touched on everything from rape culture to intersectional feminism, how the media markets itself in the male gaze and why we should never be afraid to form opinions.
What was the goal and was it achieved?
The goal was to create conversation on a stage that would empower people to have the same conversations as they left the venue and when they woke up the next day with their friends, family, co-workers and peers. I'm very proud of all the topics we covered but that was all done to the incredible panel who know what they're talking about and want change.
What does feminism mean @Hozier speaks about how all men should be feminists & believe in equality #IMPHOUR @sugarclubdublin pic.twitter.com/2L7Hp5eqeZ
— Dublin Rape Crisis (@DublinRCC) January 11, 2017
What's next?
The electricity in the room demands more so I know Faye and Susannah are already in the conversational stages about future events. Sit tight!
