Latest news with #PrideVillage
Irish Independent
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Capital awash with colour as Taoiseach leads Pride parade
An estimated 12,500 people marched in the parade through he city centre, while up to 100,000 people have descended on the capital for the milestone anniversary festival as Ireland celebrates ten years of marriage equality. Pride events are also taking place in towns and cities around the country. But amid the music and the revelry, participants were vocal about their upset at companies withdrawing from the festival, due to US president Donald Trump's anti-diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. Andrija Solvarevic (42) from Croatia and Albert Maia (31) from Brazil both felt it was important to show their support on the day. Mr Solvarevic said: 'In Croatia, Pride isn't something that has a lot of public support. The government support it in a way because it has to but there is not much visibility from private companies and very limited support from celebrities. 'So when I hear people say 'pride has become very commercialised', I disagree. I thought it was remarkable that so many big companies had come out in support of pride here. 'Some people said 'oh they're just sticking a flag on their building.' But at least they were sticking a flag on something. At least they were showing support. What's happening now feels like a step backwards. I've been living in Ireland for ten years and wouldn't have gone to many of the marches but I felt it was really important to be here today.' Mr Maia agreed. 'It's also the reason I made a point of coming today,' he said. 'I feel there has been a shift in the world and it kind of feels like we are going backwards. We didn't conquer much in the past few years but, the little bit we did conquer, it feels we are losing.' Liam, aged 15, from Dublin, said he was at the March to support his friends. 'A lot of my friends are different sexualities and genders so I'm here to support them,' he said. 'They are treated well in our local scouts group because everyone is well respected there but I know - in school - they get a hard time and there is a lot of slurs thrown around.' TD for west Dublin Ruth Coppinger said on her X account: 'It's a protest this year as LGBTQI rights are under attack worldwide.' A group called 'Mammies for Trans Rights' were also marching. Their mission is to fight for 'the safety of our gorgeous, trans, non binary, intersex and LGBTQIA+ kids.' The parade was led by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and made its way from O'Connell Street, along Eden Quay and Custom House Quay before crossing the Talbot Memorial Bridge and finishing at Merrion Square. It finished with a festival in the 'Pride Village' set up at Merrion Square where there were food stalls, and a stage for speeches and music. Up to 12,500 individuals registered to march in the parade - from 280 different organisations, with thousands of members of the LGBTQ+ community participating in the day. Meanwhile, in his final year as President, Micheal D Higgins sent a heartfelt message to people participating in Pride, calling the celebration "a vital affirmation of the rights, dignity, and joy of our LGBT+ communities". He also said that Pride is a time to remember 'with gratitude' the courage of those 'who paved the way for progress when marching was not safe, who gave voice to truths that were long silenced, and who set the foundations for the inclusive Ireland that we continue to strive towards today'.
BreakingNews.ie
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Tens of thousands expected to take part in Dublin's Pride parade
Tens of thousands of people are expected to take part in Dublin's Pride parade on Saturday. The organisers said the event also celebrates a milestone 10 years of marriage equality. Advertisement Thousands will make their way through Dublin city for the annual parade ahead of speeches and entertainment in Merrion Square's Pride Village. President Michael D. Higgins has sent a message to all those celebrating Pride today and across the summer — President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) June 28, 2025 The parade will start at O'Connell Street at around 12:30pm, and travel along Eden Quay and Custom House Quay before crossing the Talbot Memorial Bridge, up Lombard Street and Westland Row before finishing at Merrion Square. The non-ticketed festival at the Pride Village will include music, food stalls, acts and speeches on the main stage. In his last year as president, Michael D Higgins offered his warmest greetings to all those marking Pride 2025. Advertisement He said: 'This annual celebration is a vital affirmation of the rights, dignity, and joy of our LGBT+ communities. 'It is a time, too, to remember with gratitude the courage of those who paved the way for progress when marching was not safe, who gave voice to truths that were long silenced, and who set the foundations for the inclusive Ireland that we continue to strive towards today. 'In recent years, great strides have been made in advancing the rights and recognition of LGBT+ people in Ireland. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dublin Pride (@dublinpride) 'In celebrating Pride this year, we are also marking the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality referendum, a moment that spoke of the kind of Ireland we aspire to be: inclusive, generous, an Ireland that is unafraid to affirm the equal worth of all of our citizens. 'Yet, we must also acknowledge that the journey is not complete. Advertisement 'A truly inclusive society is one where all can live authentically and creatively, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, where all can participate fully, and where all voices are not only heard but valued, in all their richness and diversity. Ireland Weekend weather to be warm with next week bringing... Read More 'Pride remains a vital expression of that vision in challenging us to deepen our commitment to human rights, to solidarity, and to the kind of republic that cherishes all of its people equally. 'In a time when hard-won rights are being questioned in many parts of the world, such vigilance and unity are more vital than ever.' There will be road closures in the city centre. Advertisement
The Courier
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
28 great photos as Dundee Pride brings colour and cheer to city
Large crowds brought plenty of colour and cheer to Dundee city centre on Saturday for the return of Dundee Pride. Revellers enjoyed a carnival atmosphere as they paraded through the city centre, then enjoyed the Pride Village at Slessor Gardens. Acts and performers, including Cheryl Hole, star of Ru Paul's Drag Race UK, and actor/singer Claire Sweeney, entertained crowds while there were plenty of food, drink and crafts stalls from which to grab a treat. The Courier's photographer was there to capture the best moments from Dundee Pride 2025.
Press and Journal
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Gallery: Grampian Pride 2025 draws crowds in celebration of inclusion and diversity
Thousands turned out for Grampian Pride 2025, which took place in Aberdeen this Saturday June 7. This year's Grampian Pride was bigger than ever, attracting people from all over the North East to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The event was held by Four Pillars LGBT+ Charity, which aims to protect and support the LGBTQ+ community. The event was split into two parts, a parade which started at 11 am, going from Albyn Place and finishing outside Marischal College, followed by a Pride Village was held at Duthie Park from 1 pm to 8 pm. The Pride Village included fun attractions for all ages, local food vendors, stalls, rides, bouncy castles, and for the first time, a Cabaret Tent showcasing local performers, including headliner, Wyldkat. The event emphasized continued support for the LGBTQ+ community in Aberdeen. P&J photographer was there to capture all the best moments.
