Dublin Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgendered Queer Pride Parade Took Place Today

by infomatique | June 21, 2008 at 12:33 pm | 1092 views | 7 comments

This year's Dublin LGBTQ Pride Parade marked the 25th Anniversary of the very first Dublin Pride Parade and took place earlier today (Saturday, the 21st June) marking a climax to the host of events held during this year's Festival. People were gathering and assembling from 1pm at the Garden of Remembrance at Parnell Square I photographed the parade as they passed along Dame street at about 3PM.

I must admit that I did not know about the parade. I was having lunch in Tante Zoes off Dame Street and when I heard a lot of noise outside I asked the manager what was going on and when she told me about the parade I slipped out for a few minutes to take a few photographs ... it is nice to go to a restaurant where they will keep your food warm while you go out to take a few photographs.

Thousands of people today transformed Dublin City Centre into a massive carnival for the end of the annual Gay Pride Festival.

A morning of heavy downpours cleared for the colourful parade through the streets of the capital.

Starting from the Garden of Remembrance, street performers and floats took the traditional journey down O’Connell Street and Dame Street to Christ Church.

Despite the grey skies participants were determined to have fun with many dressed in elaborate costumes including catwoman and cowboys.

“I enjoy it, it’s a great celebration,” said Micheal Acheson, 24, from Shankill in south Co Dublin.

“It’s great to see people dressed up and be able to express themselves and be able to learn to do what they want in order to enjoy themselves. It’s a good atmosphere. I admire all of them here.”

Passers-by and tourists stopped to take pictures of the spectacle as it passed through the city streets, escorted by the gardaí who stopped traffic en-route.

One man in Parnell Square dressed as an angel shrugged off complaints about the weather.

“They may rain down upon us but it won’t dampen our spirits,” he quipped.

The parade, which left at around 2.30pm, was followed by a a circus-themed party in the Tivoli.

Second in size only to the St Patrick’s Day parade, it is one of many taking place world-wide to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of New York 1969.

It was themed Dublin Pride 25, 'Always The Bridesmaid, Never The Bride'.

“The theme emphasises this year’s historic importance, highlighting the positive changes which have taken place for Ireland’s gay community in the past 25 years,” said a spokeswoman.

“It also raises awareness of progress, which has yet to be made for our country’s gay community, particularly our lack of partnership rights.”