Pride of the Déise returns to Waterford for a spectacular festival

Taking place from June 2 to 5, Pride of the Déise is inviting everyone to come and join Waterford’s vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ solidarity and joy.

This year’s festival will include a wide range of activities, happenings and meetings aimed at celebrating and empowering the county’s queer community. 

Event highlights include a dance workshop with Rachel Ní Bhraonáin, a greenway cycle, a walking tour of Kilmacthomas, a block party on O’Connell Street and several youth parties.

The Pride of the Déise Youth Committee also put together a youth day, complete with drag workshops, presentations and karaoke, to give young LGBTQ+ people a safe space to express themselves and connect with their community.

But, of course, Pride would not be Pride without a fabulous march. On Saturday, June 3, Pride of the Déise is encouraging all LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies to don their rainbow attire and join this year’s Waterford Pride parade.

“This pride month, we want to emphasise the significance of pride for the LGBTQIA+ community. We are fortunate in Waterford to have a resilient queer community. But, we should not have to be resilient. We should be able to be vulnerable, to be fragile without being broken.

“I would like to take this moment to remember the people in our community that have lost their lives due to bigotry, hate, social and class oppression. To commemorate people who cannot enjoy pride this year.” Cúan Cusack, Chairperson of Pride of the Déise, stated.

He further invited everyone to embrace their deepest joy and share it with others. Despite facing bigotry, racism, and growing anti-migrant and transphobic sentiment, joy is a radical and beautiful weapon against antagonism.

The march will commence on the Saturday at 1pm in Cathedral Square, concluding on O’Connell Street, where attendees will be able to enjoy live music performances by Amber and the Bear and Host on the Summer In The City Stage.

Additionally, Pride of the Déise is collaborating with Alien Nation to organise a Pride after party at Electric Avenue on Saturday, June 3. The event will showcase queer performances and feature DJ Lychee 800 as the headline act. 

To stay up to date with Pride of the Déise, follow the organisation on social media.

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