The rainbow flag is once again flying high above the town of Drogheda at Millmount Fort as the town’s LGBTQ community prepares for the Pride Parade which takes place tomorrow starting from King Street at Midday.
Sadly, there are still those among us who cannot accept that diversity is something to celebrate rather than to fear and at the launch today, LGBTQ support group founder Peter Nugent said there have been a number of instances of homophobic abuse in recent weeks.
He thanked An Garda Siochana for their support saying: “Without the Guards it would not be possible for us to hold this event safely.
Moving quickly along, Peter said: “Today we are raising the flag which means so much to the people in the gay community – it helps us to be accepted, loved and, most importantly, welcomed into the community.
He invited people to come out and watch tomorrow’s parade, and better still, to be a part of it
Mayor of Drogheda Eileen Tully said it was a privilege to be mayor of this beautiful town and to welcome everybody. “Vive la Difference! as the French say, we are all unique and we all have a place in this world.
“I remember when gay people were locked up and taken away, there are many historical incidences of that – Douglas Hyde is one name that springs to mind.
“But now we have the opportunity to welcome difference and let everybody be who they are, it is most important to be who you are and to live your life the way you see fit. There’ll always be a few who will object to everything but I do believe that is regrettable.
Councillor Joanna Byrne said that the Drogheda Pride and the LGBTQ group was nearly like a child to her. “This is my eighth year being involved” she said.
“I recall cutting the ribbon to launch the first ever Drogheda Pride in 2016 outside St. Peter’s Church in West Street with just six people in attendance.
“Look around and you will realise how far this movement has evolved – from six people cutting a ribbon to an annual festival filled with diverse events and an actual Pride parade! Look at how far we have come in such a short space of time and be proud!”
“This is a huge credit to Peter and everyone on the team. Well done, I’m exceptionally proud of you and I look forward to being here again next year and for many years to come.
“I can’t wait for the parade tomorrow, I hope everybody in the town comes out to support Pride like they have done for the past two parades – it’s lots of colour, lots of fun, and most importantly lots of love so well done and enjoy the weekend.”
The Pride parade starts at noon tomorrow, Saturday July 22nd, at King Street and will proceed across William Street and Fair Street, down Duke Street and across West Street.
For full details of Drogheda Pride see DroghedaPride.com
