LIMERICK flew its colours proudly this week in support of its LGBTQIA+ community as the Pride flag was raised above City Hall.
This Pride month marks thirty years since the decriminalisation of homosexual acts between men in Ireland. To show solidarity with its LGBTQIA+ citizens and visitors on the historic 30-year anniversary, Limerick City and County Council raised the Pride flag above City Hall on Merchant’s Quay in a special ceremony held with Limerick Pride.
Speaking at the flag-raising ceremony, outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Olivia O’Sullivan said: “Pride is very important this year, it’s 30 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland, it’s a huge landmark year for everyone in the community and I think this is fantastic to see.”
“We love to do this every year, it shows our solidarity, the solidarity all Limerick people have with the community.”
Limerick Pride chairperson Lisa Daly said: “It’s 30 years now since homosexuality was decriminalised, and as I said with the marriage referendum, people believed we had equality, full equality, and that was never the case of full equality. Yes, we have marriage equality but we don’t have full equality.”
Commenting on the hate directed at the LGBTQIA+ community online, the Limerick Pride chairperson said: “There is a lot online, and we are aware that there is a lot more than just online as well unfortunately. It’s just the time that happened, with the lockdown everyone had zoomed in online and really taken over like that.”
Ms Daly is undeterred by the online hate the community receives, and remains defiant moving into this year’s Pride festival, adding: “Look, as I said, Limerick Pride is back, we are on the street, we’re physical, end of.”
“We’re going to be out there, we’re going to be visible, we’re really going to show our proudness. We are Pride. And we are bringing it to the streets, with the Council, with everyone, and the backing of everyone in Limerick.
“Anyone who is hiding behind that computer and is afraid to come out, do not worry, we are all here, standing here showing our visibility.
“We are your visibility, we will take to the streets and you will enjoy it, and I promise you this is going to be an amazing Limerick Pride.”
This year, Limerick Pride runs from Monday July 3 to Sunday July 9 with the Limerick Pride Parade bringing a sea of colour to the streets on Saturday, July 8, when thousands will show their support for the community.
A Rainbow River Swim parade will also take place this Saturday, June 24, to mark the historic decriminalisation of homosexuality. It will splash off from the Curraghgour Boat Club at 10am.
