600 LGBTQ+ young people lead 2026 Dublin Pride parade with Belong To

More than 600 LGBTQ+ young people from across Ireland marched through Dublin city centre today, forming the largest group participating in the 2026 Dublin Pride parade, hosted by national LGBTQ+ youth organisation Belong To.  

The young people, aged between 14 and 23, travelled from counties including Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan and Wicklow to take part in the annual celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, visibility and community. 

Before joining the parade, the young people gathered at a special Pride breakfast event hosted in partnership by Dublin City Council and Belong To.  

Safe, supportive and youth-focused environment 

The breakfast event brought together young people from youth groups, schools and Youthreach centres across the country to provide a welcoming, safe space to begin their Pride celebrations together. The annual event was designed to ensure LGBTQ+ young people can participate in Pride in a safe, supportive and youth-focused environment.  

Young people enjoyed music, dancing, face painting, poster making and games at the event before leading tens of thousands in the Dublin city centre parade.  

The breakfast was also attended by Oireachtas members including Minister Jerry Buttimer, MEP Lynn Boyan and Senator Laura Harmon, who met with young people and heard first-hand about their experiences of growing up LGBTQ+ in Ireland today, including the significant challenges that continue to face LGBTQ+ youth.  

Speaking at the event, Kieran O’Donovan (he/him), CEO of Belong To, said: “Seeing over 600 incredible LGBTQ+ young people marching through the streets of Dublin today, many for the very first time, fills me with immense pride. For many of us, we remember what it felt like to be younger – the isolation, the fear, and the feeling of hiding in plain sight. Today is a reminder that no young person should have to navigate this world alone. At Belong To, we see the life-changing impact of giving young people a space where they truly belong, surrounded by a community that has their back every single step of the way. We are here to ensure they are seen, heard, and celebrated exactly as they are.” 

Also speaking at the event was Belong To Youth Pride Committee member Aaron O’Neill (he/him), who led the youth involvement in planning the Belong To Pride celebrations. He said: “Many queer young people today are facing hopelessness and loneliness as a result of rising far right ideas and a lack of a strong support system. My message to queer youth today is – you are not alone. There is a community for you that will welcome you unconditionally and I sincerely urge you to join a group like Belong To as the support and friendships can be truly life changing. I have made many friends, learnt skills and most importantly I have found community and been granted a space where I can relax and be myself. 

Belong To is the national LGBTQ+ youth organisation offering youth groups, crisis counselling, training and education initiatives and support for parents and families of LGBTQ+ young people. Information on all services and contact details can be found at www.belongto.org