First Dates Ireland featured its first date carried out completely in sign language last night.
It’s true, as a deaf person, it’s hard to find someone who accepts me for who I am. Been on many dates but still haven’t found that guy. #StillwishingforMrHiddleston
— Alexandra Broderick (@alexbrod) January 30, 2018
I really hope this date encourages more people to learn sign language! #FirstDatesIRL
— Michael Stedman (@MStedmanGuitar) January 30, 2018
The meal between design student John Charles from Edenderry (who is a member of the deaf community) and HR professional Stephen (24) from Dublin, who is fluent in sign language, stole the hearts of the country.
Dating has its problems for everyone…#FirstDatesIRL pic.twitter.com/zIYhgz3aMp
— RTÉ2 (@RTE2) January 30, 2018
The 2 lads signing on #firstdatesirl is the best thing on tv this week. I always remember deaf people telling us how they felt "extreme marginalisation" when the Irish Sign Language Bill was progressing through Seanad. Hopefully visibility can help break that down.? ? #ISLabú
— Niall Ó Donnghaile (@NiallSF) January 30, 2018
Afterwards it was revealed that John-Charles is busy with a college work placement and it doesn't seem the pair are still dating. But, undoubtedly they had a lovely time together and importantly, they generated an vital conversation about sign language in sitting rooms across Ireland last night.
