Well, I never thought that after all these years i would be the person writing the chairpersons welcome but here I am!
Pride means many things to many people, to some it’s an opportunity to relax and party for a while, to meet new people, to others it’s a recognition of people who have fought and died for the right to feel proud.
Pride to me is an opportunity; a festival of intent; a celebration of conscious living and an acceptance of the reality of living as an LGBT person in today’s Ireland. It’s an opportunity to feel for one small space in time, a part of something greater than myself; included and welcome among strangers and friends alike.
This year we have the opportunity to recognise and celebrate progression. Who would have thought that only 19 years after homosexuality was decriminalised we would have Civil Partnership (available in Ireland since January 2nd 2011). Not full equality, but a step in the right direction, a promise of more to come and a statement that things can get better.
It surely is a wondrous thing that Limerick is celebrating a decade of Pride, 5 years of Pride Parade, Ms Gay Ireland crown and civil partnership all in the same year.
If you are from Limerick, work in Limerick or just love Limerick then this year is for you. It’s for you and all those people in your community who can’t shout out “This is me and I love it!” This is for you, your friends, your family, co workers and neighbours.
Join us in saying we are proud of who WE are, we are proud of what we have achieved together AND we are proud of who YOU are and proud to celebrate together.
So whether you are walking with Pride through fire on the 3rd, shouting for your favourite contestant on the 8th or the 9th, dressing up and walking down O’Connell Street on the 10th or kicking up your heals in the Geili on the 11th, we hope that you feel part of our festival.
This year it has been a real pleasure to work with the voluntary committee who have given so generously of their talents and time. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every individual who has bought something to our festival and meetings. You really made my year!
Proudly Yours,
Billie
Chairperson Limerick Pride Committee 2011
Queer Community Support Worker – Red Ribbon Project
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