Katherine Zappone on Love, Loss, and Ireland's LGBTQ Transformation

In this powerful episode of Profiles in LGBTQ Courage, host Rick Koonce sits down with trailblazing Irish leader and LGBTQ advocate Katherine Zappone to explore her extraordinary journey through love, loss, politics, and social change. Born in Seattle and later becoming an Irish citizen through her marriage to Ann Louise Gilligan, Katherine reflects on how their partnership sparked one of Ireland's most transformative human rights movements. Together, they helped catalyze the landmark 2015 referendum that legalized same-sex marriage by popular vote—an unprecedented achievement in a deeply Catholic country.

Katherine also discusses her groundbreaking tenure as Ireland's Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, where she confronted the devastating legacy of mother-and-baby homes and brought her concerns directly to Pope Francis. She shares profound insights on courage, leadership, activism, and grief—including the loss of her wife and soulmate in 2017.

Her new memoir, Love in an Age of Politics, weaves together personal and political history, demonstrating how hope and determination shape social progress.

Takeaways:

• How personal love became a catalyst for national transformation
• What Ireland teaches us about democracy and moral courage
• Insights on leadership, advocacy, and resilience
• How grief reshaped Katherine's public and private life

Listeners who feel inspired by Katherine's story are encouraged to reach out, share their reflections, and continue conversations that drive LGBTQ equality forward.

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