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Graham Norton gushes it meant the world to him that his mother saw him tie the knot and says parents with gay children felt ‘robbed for decades’ that they couldn’t until law change

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Graham Norton gushes it meant the world to him that his mother saw him tie the knot and says parents with gay children felt 'robbed for decades' that they couldn't until law change

As a dedicated follower of Graham Norton’s journey, I can’t help but be moved by his heartfelt words about his mother Rhoda attending his wedding. It’s a poignant reminder of how far we’ve come in terms of acceptance and equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.

Graham Norton expressed heartfelt joy that his mother, Rhoda Walker, was able to attend his wedding, stating how significant it was to him.

61-year-old presenter for the BBC tied the knot with Scottish filmmaker Jonathan McLeod in July 2022, in his birthplace of West Cork, Ireland.

Speaking on the Queerphoria podcast with Jack Guinness on Thursday he told how previously parents of gay children would have felt ‘robbed’ of not being able to attend an offspring’s nuptials. 

On November 16, 2015, Ireland made it officially legal for same-sex couples to get married. This historic moment marked the first time such a decision was made by a national vote through a referendum. The referendum saw an overwhelming majority of 62% of voters supporting this change.

He said on the podcast: ‘I grew up in West Cork and now here I am and my mother’s there. 

Graham Norton gushes it meant the world to him that his mother saw him tie the knot and says parents with gay children felt 'robbed for decades' that they couldn't until law change

Graham Norton gushes it meant the world to him that his mother saw him tie the knot and says parents with gay children felt 'robbed for decades' that they couldn't until law change

Regardless of how accepting, loving, or nonchalant your parents may be about your sexuality, being open about being gay can still feel like a loss or taking something from them. They might experience a change that feels like a form of deprivation or loss.

They hoped that someday, they would have the joy of dancing at your wedding as your parents. Naturally, it’s a wonderful occasion for us, since we’ll be getting married ourselves.

However, it’s wonderful news for those who cherish you, as they can partake in moments they once thought would never materialize.

2023 saw Graham finally speaking up about his marriage with Jonathan. He disclosed that they tied the knot back in July of 2022.

The news took his fans by surprise due to the private nature of their relationship.

In an interview, I shared some intriguing insights about our wedding and the unique experience of tying the knot later in life.

Graham and Jono got married at Bantry House in Ireland, choosing an Irish wedding specifically to make their mother Rhoda comfortable.

A grand event, reportedly featuring a performance by the legendary Lulu, took place in the singer’s hometown of West Cork. The festivities were graced by around 120 guests, and the party was kept lively by the tunes spun by drag queen Panti Bliss serving as the DJ.

Graham Norton gushes it meant the world to him that his mother saw him tie the knot and says parents with gay children felt 'robbed for decades' that they couldn't until law change
Graham Norton gushes it meant the world to him that his mother saw him tie the knot and says parents with gay children felt 'robbed for decades' that they couldn't until law change
Graham Norton gushes it meant the world to him that his mother saw him tie the knot and says parents with gay children felt 'robbed for decades' that they couldn't until law change

Later on, Graham shared with The Guardian his thoughts on that particular day, humorously stating that the vow ’till death do us part’ seemed more attainable at the age of sixty.

He said: ‘I had a joke in my speech: the vows are much more manageable. ‘Till death do us part’ seems more achievable at our age. 

Getting married at 23 is quite a commitment, considering we’d be spending several decades together. Eventually, though, I’ll find my freedom again.

Six years ago, Jonathan ‘Jono’ McLeod, a well-respected Scottish filmmaker, got married, having first met his partner some time earlier.

After gathering numerous stars for their enchanting Irish wedding, they’ve been delightfully content together since then.

In the course of events, I shared some exciting news – I got married this year, and to make it special for my mother who resides in Ireland, we held our wedding celebration close by, allowing her to be a cherished part of our big day.

Graham Norton gushes it meant the world to him that his mother saw him tie the knot and says parents with gay children felt 'robbed for decades' that they couldn't until law change
Graham Norton gushes it meant the world to him that his mother saw him tie the knot and says parents with gay children felt 'robbed for decades' that they couldn't until law change

Instead of going to London because she wasn’t well enough, we ended up in West Cork. It really put a smile on my face.

Regarding their marriage, Graham added: ‘Things are going well so far; I can hardly imagine it being anything but great, especially since we’ve only been married for a few months. Hopefully, I can handle this for a while longer.’

I belong to the group of individuals who thought that love and acceptance wouldn’t come easily. Therefore, even though it seems incredible, it’s happening, which is amazing given that I always held onto hope for true love. And if it was unexpected, it was delightfully so.

Jono is a moviemaker, who has been recognised by BAFTA Scotland for his work. 

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2024-10-03 11:23

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