Emma Langford and Ann Blake chat with special guest El Reid-Buckley, a sociologist and writer based in Limerick. Reid-Buckley has recently completed a PhD in Sociology on bisexualities in post-marriage equality Ireland. They are also a collage artist and zine maker under the moniker mother marx.

Their research, writing, and artistic practice is broadly focused on issues of genders and sexualities, with research interests including trans theory, pop culture, media studies, archival and memorial practices, and the politics of space. Their work aims to connect art, academia, and activism – to celebrate the beauty, joy, and diversity of queerness and trans identity. They have been published in Almanac, Quare, and RTÉ Brainstorm, with work forthcoming in Catflap Literary Journal and Irish Anthology of Trans Poetry.

Over the years, Reid-Buckley has made valuable contributions to Ormston House’s programme. They wrote When We Move In Blue, a a celebratory pamphlet on the work of Breda Lynch, and their collage artwork ‘Pity the Masculine’ appeared in the 2022 edition of The Limerick Show. They also organised the Limerick Alternative Pride programme for 2023 and 2024.

Reid-Buckley says that you can’t live in a room if you don’t clean it, or at least reorganise it. This episode explores the impulse many LGBTQIA+ people feel to mould themselves to heteronormative expectations rather than being and embracing their authentic selves.

Langford, Blake, and Reid-Buckley look at queer identity, self-reflection within the community, the perception of events such as Stonewall as “amorphous” in discussions around queer visibility and activism, and the importance of rage in realising action. They also discuss the need for sober events during Pride. You can find out more about Reid-Buckley here.

You can listen to the Limerick Lady podcast episode #55 here.

The Limerick Lady is a grassroots movement based in Limerick, Ireland, with a focus on promoting conversation around gender, visibility, gender balance, and the arts. It was founded in 2016 by award-winning (and -losing) singer-songwriter Emma Langford, who hosts the podcast alongside fellow award-winning (and -losing) Limerick woman, theatre-maker, and musician Ann Blake. The Limerick Lady is sponsored by Ormston House and supported by The Limerick Post Newspaper.

Image courtesy of the Limerick Lady Podcast.