IN PICTURES: Pride over prejudice in Thurles

A small turn-out would not usually be considered a mark of success. But given what the organisers of Tipperary Pride have been through since last year, Saturday’s parade was a triumph.

On Saturday, June 10, a small group of locals, supported by representatives from other Pride organisations and Labour LGBT, marched in Thurles.

The parade began at Thurles Town Park and ended at Barrett’s courtyard. Tipperary Pride Organiser Evelyn Roberts told those gathered that this year’s parade almost didn’t happen.

But because of the love and support she received from those present and others, she decided to go ahead with this year’s festivities.

Earlier in the day, Bookworm hosted a book signing for The Gay Bible with Sinead Huggins-Young.

The Coachyard Inn hosted a heels dance class, and following the parade, there was entertainment.

Businesses in Thurles, including Hickey’s Pharmacy, The Green Sheep and Apache Pizza, hung rainbow flags in support.

PRIDE AND PROTEST

For all its colour and festive vibes, Pride is a protest against the hate, discrimination and violence experienced by LGBTQ+ people worldwide.

The first Pride parade was held on June 28, 1970, on the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in the US.

The first Pride demonstration in Ireland was in June 1974 and was in protest against discriminatory laws against gay men.

According to SunOut.ie, 12 people showed up.

Today, thousands attend Pride events across the country every year. Tipperary Pride began four years ago. But it hasn’t been easy.

This year’s event in Thurles is especially important because of the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ attacks and rhetoric. The organisers of Tipperary Pride have experienced this first-hand. Speaking ahead of this year’s event, Ms Roberts said:

“In recent years, there have been growing homophobic attacks. This was made evident last year as Tipperary Pride was subjected to online bullying and face-to-face bullying at last year’s events in the town park which was approved by Tipperary County Council.

“Everything was all above board, providing entertainment for all the families.”

Several posters were spotted around Thurles last weekend, on which were allegations about the nature of Pride.

It is for this reason those who marched on Saturday were so brave.

Labour LGBT said on social media:

“Big or small, urban or rural, Pride is for all of us. It takes more bravery to march among 50 people than it does to march among 50,000.

“Members of our executive visited Thurles for Tipperary Pride. A warm community event and parade, with hospitality provided by Bookworm Thurles, education provided by Sinead Huggins-Young, and organised by the fabulous Evelyn Roberts.

“Pride season continues!”