Dr Sharon Dane from the University of Queensland School of Psychology. Though the same-sex marriage debate was won, the study results show only 23 per cent of the participants in Ireland's "Yes" campaign would go through the campaign again. University of Queensland's Dr Sharon Dane co-authored the research conducted in Australia and Ireland, who surveyed gay, lesbian, bisexual, intersex and transgender people and their families in Ireland after the May 2015 referendum. Dr Dane from The University of Queensland's School of Psychology, Dr Liz Short of Victoria University and Dr Grainne Healy of Ireland surveyed 1,657 LGBTI people and their families. "Only 23 per cent indicated they would be happy to have the referendum again," Dr Dane said.

"Nearly three quarters of them said the 'No' campaign had a highly detrimental impact on young LGBTI people and the children of LGBTI parents." Dr Dane, from Brisbane said many young gay people - who had not come out - reported being horrified at hearing the debate about same sex marriage debated in front of them. "They told of having to sit at the dinner table listening to their parents and grandparents sitting around talking about how disgusting it was," Dr Dane told Fairfax Media on Saturday. High-profile marches supporting same-sex relationships and arguing legislation be amended by federal government without the need for the federal government's plebiscite on same sex marriage were held in Sydney and Melbourne on Saturday. A Brisbane march will be held this weekend. However plebiscite supporters argue the federal government took the plebiscite argument to the federal election and that it should be respected as part of the democratic process.

Dr Dane said the research showed the public plebiscite caused additional social hardship for gay, lesbian and intersex people. "A majority of LGBTI people reported strong feelings of anxiety and anger when exposed to the 'No' campaign," she said. "Results show the euphoric TV images after the referendum, hid the reality of the negative social and psychological impacts of the campaign on the daily lives of LGBTI people and their families." Dr Dane said in Ireland gay and lesbian people reported the need to leave their churches and, in some cases, their schools. "They told of how proud they were of the outcome, but despite the positive outcome they suffered "a lot of negativity".

Respondents to the survey were recruited across all age groups and from rural and urban areas. More than 20 per cent of the Irish respondents came from rural areas, Dr Dane said. She said younger respondents more frequently reported feeling anxious. "What I found most disturbing is that younger LGBTI people are already vulnerable, and they were the ones reporting being most anxious and afraid in the lead-up to the referendum," Dr Dane said. Dr Dane said the results were statistically significant and said researchers stood by the results.

"They're accurate, we wouldn't have published them if we didn't think so," she said. Dr Short said respondents reported the referendum campaign provided a megaphone for homophobia and hate, and resulted in numerous strained, damaged and broken relationships. "This research provides very clear evidence that significant social and psychological detriment results from holding a nation-wide debate," Dr Short said. "A debate calls into question whether all families, children and parents should have the same rights, recognition and options," she said. Irish respondents questioned the framing of stereotypes and urged Australian planners to be careful.

"Respondents reported the main focus of the 'No' campaign was to portray families headed by a married mother and father as 'real', 'ideal', 'acceptable' and 'respectable' – and others as less so." "I hope no other country has to go through that … it was a dark time to be a LGBTI person", while another felt as if they were "in shark-infested waters". Loading Dr Healy described the Irish 'No equality' campaign as "brutal, divisive and hurtful". Stay informed. Like the Brisbane Times Facebook page.