This First Dates story reminded us why marriage equality is so vital

First Dates has become an Irish institution, and between the Twitter banter and the actual show, we're officially hooked. 

Usually, the show leaves us cringing, but last nights episode had a little something extra that made the cringe worth sitting through. 

If the only reason we had a referendum is so that girl could like herself enough to go on #FirstDatesIRL it would still be totally worth it.

— Grainne O'Kelly (@grainne_okelly) March 23, 2017

Carol, from Glasnevin opened up about how the Marriage Equality Referendum completely changed her life, and inspired her to be herself. 

“I’d been spending too much time in the Porterhouse and not enough time in The George,” she chuckled, calling 2015's marriage referendum “life-changing.”

Carol… You have brightened my week. You are what it was all about #yesequality #FirstDatesIRL

— Padraic (@PawRickF) March 23, 2017

Carol was paired with the very retro and glamorous EJ, short for Elizabeth-Jane, and while the pair instantly hit it off over a whiskey sour, they unfortunately didn't feel the sparks and declined to go on a second date. 

However, the potential couple reminded us of how amazing and positive the effects of the marriage referendum had on the LGBTQ community.

Delighted to hear a Yes Vote in #MarRef resulted in contestant on #FirstDatesIRL coming out & being happier in herself. #PositiveIreland

— Daithi O'Laoghaire (@Cunionsandphey) March 23, 2017

Oh, and while we have you; don't forget to have your say in the inaugural SHEmazing Awards this May! It's time to vote, and you can do it right here!

Feature Image: RTE Player