Dublin shows its Pride at 25 years of progress
Dublin’s 25th Gay Pride festival opens tonight with a launch party to mark the beginning of the ten day festival taking place in the George on South Great George’s street.
The party is 80s themed, and intends to be a celebration of the changes which have taken place for the Irish LGBT community in the past 25 years.
This year’s Pride festivities include the Parade on June 21st, which will mark the anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York.
There will also be a Pride ceilidh, a family sports day and many parties over the ten days.
10,000 people are expected to attend the parade.
Amy O’Keeffe, a Dublin Pride spokeswoman, said:
“These ten days are not restricted to the gay community but are a celebration for the entire city.
“Pride is an opportunity to raise awareness on outstanding gay issues but it is also a time to be proud of our city’s positive attitude and ongoing progress.”
Dublin Pride aims to celebrate diversity, inclusiveness and increased visibility.
The theme of this year’s festival, ‘Always the Bridesmaid and Never the Bride’, aims to highlight the lack of marriage rights for LGBT people in Ireland.
Paddy Bourke, the mayor of Dublin, said he is looking forward to this year’s festival.
“Every year our Pride festival infuses Dublin with colour and atmosphere unique to our gay community,” he told ireland.com.
“I’m sure Pride 08 will be one to remember.”
