The Limerick Pride committee have welcomed the support of Limerick City and County Council for the LGBTQIA+ community as Cllr Olivia O'Sullivan raised the 2023 Limerick Pride flag at City Hall.
This Pride month marks the 30th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexual acts between men in Ireland and Limerick Pride wants to acknowledge this through this year's theme, ‘United in Solidarity’.
Speaking at the flag-raising ceremony, Cllr Olivia O'Sullivan said,
"It's the summer, we're approaching July, this can just mean one thing, and it's Limerick Pride. This 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."
Speaking about the importance of solidarity in the community, Jason DePaor, Limerick Pride Committee member said, "Especially this year, we're encouraging everyone to come out and support the weeklong events scheduled for everyone and come out to show your support in the main parade."
Limerick Pride Chairperson, Lisa Daly said, "It's 30 years now since it 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.
Speaking about the hate directed at the community online, Lisa said,
"As Olivia pointed out herself at the press launch 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. But 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 and we are Pride, and we are bringing it to the streets and 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, and we will take to the streets and you will enjoy it and I promise you this is going to be an amazing Limerick Pride."
Limerick Pride 2023 features a host of events, kicking off with ‘United in Solidarity’, the official launch of Limerick Pride 2023 which will be held at the International Rugby Experience on Monday, July 3, featuring a host of inspirational sporting women, including this year's Grand Marshall Jackie McCarthy-O’Brien and other notable sporting personalities, hosted by sporting commentator Fiona Hayes.
This year, Limerick Pride runs from Monday, July 3 to Sunday, July 9 with the Limerick Pride Parade bringing a sea of colour to Limerick City's streets on Saturday, July 8, when thousands will show their support for the community.
For more information visit LimerickPride.ie and use the hashtag #LimerickPride2023
