‘When I grew up as a teenager, it was illegal in Ireland to be gay’ – thousands march through Dublin to celebrate Pride

But you don’t get rainbows without rain, so thousands braved downpours in Dublin today to celebrate the city’s Pride festival on what is expected to be one of the busiest weekends since before the pandemic.

At lunchtime, Dublin’s main thoroughfare was awash with pools of water, people walking or dancing in the parade, Taylor Swift fans in town for her concerts at the Aviva Stadium, and throngs of GAA supporters heading up O’Connell Street to the All Ireland quarter finals in Croke Park.

Many of those in the parade said it was important to not let the rain deter them. Some pointed to a desire to show family, friends and colleagues they were accepted, welcomed and loved.

Lynsey Marsden travelled from Carlow to support her son, Rhys Scully, and his friends.

“We are here to promote pride and equality for everybody,” she said.

“When I grew up as a teenager, it was illegal in Ireland to be gay. I am so proud of how far Ireland has come in terms of equality, not just towards gay people, but everybody.

“My son is free to love who he wants to love, marry who he wants to marry and just live a normal happy life.

“It is important for people who don’t support gay people, to see they are normal, everyday people, just out having fun.”

Rhys said it was important people didn’t allow the weather to stop them celebrating.

“I am an open gay man and have been coming to Pride for a few years. It’s as much a celebration of culture as it is a protest for people around the world who don’t have rights, “he said.

“It’s a time for everyone to come together and express themselves without feeling any obligation to hide a part of themselves.

“We are just as proud if there is rain or sunshine and we shouldn’t let that stop us.”

Rhys’s friend Izzy McCarville, from Dublin, was among those who were showing solidarity for the people of Palestine.

“This is our one day of the year to show people we are here and we will always be here,” she added.

“I am a lesbian. Pride is a protest, it has always been a protest.”

There was a mix of cultures and causes being championed. Rainbow and Progress Pride flags were dotted everywhere, but there were smatterings of banners and flags in support of Palestine and Ukraine. A troop of Samba dancers were followed down O’Connell Street by a large Brazilian flag, representing the large community here from that country.

Others taking part pointed to the festival’s roots in New York protests 55 years ago. Conor O’Rourke from Westmeath was among them.

“Although we have come very far in terms of the rights we have in this country, there is still a lot more to be done. It is important to keep fighting for equality,” Conor said.

“After the Marriage Referendum in 2015, people remembered the joy and the partying afterwards, but that came after years of campaigning and fighting for it to become a reality. The work goes on, and even though it is rainy and wet, we still need to show up. We need to show our support.”

An increasingly corporate feel to the parade has been noted in recent years, and this year was no exception, with many of the country’s major employers and multinationals represented. Many had floats with drag performers, and among them was pink fire engine, DJs and dancers.

Some of those participating said it was important for businesses and work colleagues to express solidarity.

Padraig O’Riordan, chairperson of the LGBT committee at Expleo Ireland, said he wanted to support the people he works with.

“It is good to be out and be seen,” Padraig said.

“There are possibly more straight people than gay people here, and I know people who were going to the first Pride here in 1983 but there is a very different atmosphere now and it is incredible. It’s great to see allyship, not just in work but in our communities.

“I am gay and this is the first company where I have joined the committee and been out at work. I want to make it easier for other people.”

Chair of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) LGBT group Eileen Gamble agreed visibility is very important.

“Our group has been around for 20 years and we don’t ever intend to miss pride. You don’t have rainbows without rain,” she added.

“Many of our schools still have a religious ethos and some school are worried about how to address homophobic and transphobic bullying.

“We know how important it is for other teachers to see us out, proud and marching today.

“Teaching is a diverse profession so visibility is very important. Some are concerned about being out, especially trans teachers, and we are here to show them our support.”

Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Saturday June 29