The Rings of Kerry

Marking the 10 year anniversary of Ireland’s Marriage Equality Referendum in 2025, Rena’s photography and film exhibition celebrated this important milestone in LGBTQI history by creating a new body of work called The Rings of Kerry.

Rena and her wife were very active in the campaign and were the first gay couple to get married in Kerry. They made a film about the whole process at the time which was featured in this exhibition. Having always played an active part in whichever community Rena finds herself, this mind-set has inspired this project. She will document a community that is dear to her heart and growing in size and vibrancy over the past number of years.

It featured LGBTQI couples who have gotten married over the last ten years in Kerry and documented how the referendum has impacted their lives. Ireland was the only country in the world to vote for gay marriage. As of 2025, marriage between same-sex couples is legally performed and recognised in only 37 countries - Ireland plays an important role in sending light and hope around the world.

The exhibition officially opened at 6pm on Fri 13th June 2025 with special guests on the night Maria Walsh,  Norma Foley and Don O'Neill. 

Rena Blake Instagram