This day 5 years ago I was still closeted. I was deep in the grips of anxiety and a slave to frequent panic attacks. I passively voted yes, not knowing this referendum would change my life. #MarRefMemories

I was 21 and I had spent a lifetime trying to hide my gayness, even from myself. Burying the truth had consumed me, allowing only shame to flourish. But that all changed two days after the vote.

Watching the scenes in Dublin Castle, and counts centres up and down the country, had a profound effect on me. I couldn’t stop crying, and I began to realise why.

The next day, I finally admitted it to myself. I was gay. Years of wrestling with the truth and convincing myself otherwise were over.

That weekend helped save me. I was drowning and finally I could come up for air.

My whole world opened up, and all because of #MarRef and the outpouring of love and acceptance that followed.

I’ll whist up now cause I’m clearly v emosh today but I just wanted to say that I am forever grateful to all those who campaigned tirelessly, unlike me, and created the space for this little queer boy to come out.

Tnx for listening. Lady GAGA, Desperate Housewives and politics related content will resume shortly.