DESPITE THE RAIN, thousands have gathered in Dublin’s city centre for today’s Pride celebrations.
This year marks 50 years since the first Pride protest march took place in the capital in 1974.
Today’s parade kicked off on O’Connell Street with the route finishing up on Merrion Square where a Pride Village has been set up with musical acts and performances, food and other festivities.
This year, Belong To, the LGBTQ+ charity for young people in Ireland, was chosen as grand marshall in recognition of the organisation’s work.
It might be raining in Dublin, but O’Connell Street is alive with colour! Let’s go! Happy #Pride Dublin 💖 pic.twitter.com/pFwmygLKVJ
— Amnesty Ireland (@AmnestyIreland) June 29, 2024
Speaking at a Pride breakfast event this morning, Belong To CEO Moninne Griffith said today is a special day to celebrate diversity.
“For many of the young people, this is their first time being out and proud, joining the community to celebrate their authentic selves,” Griffith said.
She added that Pride is as important as it has ever been, pointing to incidents of hate in Dublin and a rise in “ extreme anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric” online and in public spaces.
She said while today is a celebration, it is also a chance to voice “how urgently” the Government must introduce crime and hate speech legislation, ban conversion practices, review the Gender Recognition Act and create access to healthcare for the trans community.
We were told in 2015 that it was safe for us to walk down the aisle – now many members of our community don’t feel safe walking down the street.
“In this context, Pride is even more crucial as an opportunity for young LGBTQ+ people to come together in celebration of themselves and each other, surrounded by community and acceptance. We’re proud to stand with them today and throughout the year.
“The work continues to make LGBTQ+ using people feel safe, equal and valued. But for today – we shine in a display of support and love,” Griffith said.
Delighted to join #BelongTo for today’s #Dublin #Pride pic.twitter.com/vq61PMrC1R
— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) June 29, 2024
Belong To was joined by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly who took part in today’s parade alongside Dublin Lord Mayor James Geoghegan.
Minister Donnelly posted a video of the pair dancing on X, formerly Twitter, alongside a message saying he was delighted to join the march.
Also posting on X, formerly Twitter, Minister for Equality Roderic O’Gorman shared photos of the parade alongside a message reading:
Today is about belonging, it is about our community and saying loud and proud we are here.
He wrote: “Today is a momentous day as we mark 50 years since the first Pride march in Dublin. We’ve come a long way.
“From legislating for civil partnership, to being the first country to vote for marriage equality by popular vote and the introduction of the Gender Recognition Act.”
Today is a momentous day as we mark 50 years since the first Pride march in Dublin. We’ve come a long way. From legislating for civil partnership, to being the first country to vote for marriage equality by popular vote and the introduction of the Gender Recognition Act. pic.twitter.com/XW5CkerGnF
— Roderic O’Gorman TD (@rodericogorman) June 29, 2024
Meanwhile, some who participated in today’s march also used it as an opportunity to show their support to Gaza and call for a ceasefire.
“Pride is a protest”, “No pride in genocide” and “Sanctions Now” were among the signs and banners on display as others marched carrying the Pride flag and Palestinian flag side-by-side.
A massive #DublinPride on a very rainy day.
— Órla Ryan (@orlaryan) June 29, 2024
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the march 🌈 pic.twitter.com/RhFhQ0Y3YP
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