Organisers launch appeal for funding/sponsorship
The organiser of the Drogheda Pride Festival, Peter James Nugent, has issued an appeal for funding from members of the public and any commercial organisation that would like to come on board as a sponsor.
Speaking to Drogheda Life yesterday after he was assisted in raising the rainbow flag over the Council Offices in Fair Street, Peter said that this, the seventh Pride in Drogheda had been the most difficult to raise funds for.
So much so that he has had to pay for the venue for the Pride weekend of 4th to 7th of August out of his own pocket. Putting money aside for a moment, he said: Today is a really special day as we raised the rainbow flag with a very supportive Mayor to highlight the importance of the inclusion and support for LGBT people in the community.
“We also look back on the times that people fought for equality and remember also that the whole aspect of Pride being proud of the community that we live in and supporting each other – building a community together
“Drogheda is massively supportive of Pride and in August we have so many things happening for the whole community to enjoy and to be proud of.
Talking about the vicious attack on an LGBT person in Dublin last week he said that was something that should never happen.
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“We’ve seen too much hate in the community in the last few weeks – here in Drogheda, in Dublin and especially in Sligo where the two boys were murdered.”
Peter had some special words of praise for the schools in the town who he says are very supportive. He said he would love to see all of the town’s schools flying the rainbow flag for the month of August.
“This year’s theme is Pride in the community which nowadays includes many different cultures from around the world and we welcome those families and communities because Ireland is one of the top 33 most welcoming countries in the world for gay people and we must all be part of the community.”
Mayor of Drogheda, Councillor James Byrne acknowledged the support that Louth County Council is giving to the LGBTQ community saying that the raising of the rainbow flag is a signal of intent in promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity in the community.
“I wish the LGBTQ community well with their celebrations of Pride month. As a society we have come a long way but the brutal attack in Dublin last week means we’ve still a bit of a journey to go when you see an individual brutally assaulted for wearing the pride flag.
“I hope this assault does not dent the goodwill of the Irish people and I wish the whole country well in celebrating Pride month and I |look forward to the festivities here in Drogheda.
He also suggested that there probably should be more supports coming from the Council, financial and otherwise. “Perhaps there’s a role for an officer of the council to liaise directly with the organisations to support them” he said and added that he would raise the issue with the council to see what can be done.
The Mayor has since made a financial contribution to Pride as have Councillors Paddy McQuillan and Joanna Byrne.
For more information about Drogheda Pride which includes a family fun day on Sunday August 7th at the Old Abbey, see the Drogheda Pride Facebook Page
If you would like to make a donation CLICK HERE
