Six hundred young people march in Dublin Pride parade with LGBTQ+ youth organisation Belong To

Over 600 LGBTQ+ young people from across Ireland today marched in the Dublin Pride parade through Dublin City Centre.  

The young people, from 14 to 23 years old, travelled from as far as Donegal and Kerry, and marched with Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland 

A breakfast event was held by the charity for the young people before the parade at Dublin City Council Offices, Dublin 2 and was attended by Minister Jack Chambers and Deputy Cian O’Callaghan who spoke with a number of young people on the experience of growing up LGBTQ+ in Ireland today.  

The young attendees travelled to the event as part of their youth groups, schools or Youthreach centres, joining others representing 9 counties across Ireland. The annual event is held by Belong To to offer the young people a fun and safe space to start their Pride and celebrate as a community with others from across the country.  

The Belong To breakfast event was designed and produced in partnership with Dublin City Council supported by Limelight and Primark. Following the parade, young people will gather for a picnic at Pride Village thanks to the support of Musgraves and Toast. 

Speaking at the event today, Moninne Griffith (she/her), CEO of Belong To commented: “This year marks 10 years since the marriage equality referendum. At that time, Ireland told LGBTQ+ young people it was safe to come out and to be who they are. Today, with a small but loud minority trying to roll back on LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion, we’re still fighting to make this a reality. Young people and the LGBTQ+ community cannot achieve this on our own.” 

“Today I am reflecting on the solidarity and allyship shown by the people of Ireland in 2015, and all on all people across Ireland to once again stand with you LGBTQ+ young people – your students, your neighbours, your grandchildren, your friends. For the majority in Ireland today, we know that the values of compassion, openness and inclusivity are core. That is who we are as a nation. And that is why today at the parade we are marching under both the progress Pride flag and the tricolour. Because Ireland remains a loving, caring place. That flag belongs to all of us. I would urge everyone across the country to stand visible in your support for our LGBTQ+ young people and be vocal and active in your opposition to rolling back LGBTQ+ rights.”  

Also speaking today, Richard Shakespeare, CEO of Dublin City Council commented: “Dublin City Council is proud to support Belong To’s Pre Pride Parade Activities. Belong To’s work in providing support and education for LGBTQ + young people, their families and their peers is incredible. We are proud to facilitate this free event for LGBTQ+ young people and the Belong To team. I am equally proud to march in Pride alongside my Dublin City Council LGBTQ+ colleagues. Today is a day of equality, camaraderie and support. It is always a joyful event.” 

Belong To is the national organisation for LGBTQ+ young people in Ireland. More information about all the services and supports offered by the charity to LGBTQ+ young people and their families is available at www.belongto.org.