Leitrim Pride is set to take place from August 26 until September 1 with a range of events taking place in Carrick-on-Shannon to mark the occasion. Meryl McGowan, Chairperson of Leitrim Pride, is eagerly anticipating the week ahead, embracing a positive outlook on bringing the community together.
“We’ve done a lot of work in the background to make sure everything is sorted out and it’s been good organising it. We don’t really have many worries besides potential backlash from people who don’t agree with us, but if that happens, it happens,” Meryl said.
Building a Sense of Belonging
Meryl hopes that the event will bring like-minded people together, in a fun environment offering an experience that they may not have had the chance to enjoy before.
“Pride is a good opportunity to get people together when they can’t otherwise do so. It might be the first time some queer people from Leitrim meet another openly queer person.
“I want there to be a sense of community and I want to encourage people to get out there and meet people like them,” she said.
A Week of Celebrations
The week-long festival kicks off with a coffee morning at the Olive Tree in Carrick-on-Shannon at 12pm on Monday, August 26, a tradition the group usually holds every Saturday. This will be followed by the raising of the Pride flag outside Leitrim County Council.
On Thursday, August 28, the festivities continue with a Pride Information Day in the Market Yard from 11am until 2pm. This event will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn more about LGBTQ+ issues and resources, engage in conversation, and pick up leaflets.
The highlight of the week is the Pride march on Saturday, August 31, starting at 2pm outside Scoil Mhuire. Following the march, attendees can enjoy live music at Gracie’s Bar. The event culminates with a picnic at People’s Park in Carrick-on-Shannon from 12pm until 3pm on September 1. The picnic will feature face painting and crafts, offering a relaxed and family-friendly environment for all to enjoy.
A Message of Visibility and Inclusion
For those attending Pride for the first time, Meryl encourages them to fully immerse themselves in the festivities. “Have a good time, enjoy the company. One of the biggest things we want to do is show we’re out there, we’re visible and we’re not going anywhere,” Meryl concluded. Leitrim Pride is a testament to the growing acceptance and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland, and it is a powerful reminder that everyone deserves to feel safe, accepted, and celebrated for who they are. It is hoped that the event will foster a sense of belonging and pride within the Leitrim community and beyond.
Leitrim Pride is not only a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity, but also a powerful symbol of inclusivity and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. This year’s events promise to be a vibrant and inspiring showcase of the diversity and strength of the Leitrim community. It is an opportunity for people to come together, celebrate, and build a stronger, more inclusive society for all.
A Time to Come Together
Leitrim Pride is an opportunity for the local LGBTQ+ community to come together, connect with one another, and feel a sense of belonging. It’s a reminder that regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. This week-long celebration is a testament to the growing acceptance and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland. It’s a chance to celebrate diversity, learn, and create a more inclusive society for all.
