Dublin LGBTQ Pride 2018 Launched
Written by The Dublin LGBTQ Pride festival returns and its programme is as colourful as ever with this year’s theme We are Family.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the first Dublin Pride Parade and 25 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality.
The theme for this year’s festival is ‘We are Family’ which is to remind the city of the many different types of families there are that should be not only celebrated but supported. For the first time, City Hall will fly the Pride Flag, a gesture from Dublin City Council to show their ongoing support and commitment to Dublin LGBTQ Pride.
Sara Philips, who has been involved in the trans community for over 25 years and founder of Dublin Trans Peer Support Group, is this years Pride Grand Marshall.
Running from June 21st – 30th, there is a diverse range of events scheduled from drag life drawing. queer walking tours, photography exhibitions, street parties and great nights out. That’s all in and around the main event , the Dublin Pride Parade, taking place on June 30th.
Highlights this year include:
GCN 30 Exhibition (June 21st – July 1st)
This is a multimedia exhibition charting three decades of the evolution of LGBT Ireland through GCN (Gay Community News) Magazine. The exhibition will be in The Gallery of Photography, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar. Cost: Free
Dublin Pride Run 5k (June 22)
Jog, run, walk or prance your way around the Phoenix Park while helping to raise money for three worthy charities – TENI, Gay Switchboard and Dublin Lesbian Hotline. The run takes place in the Phoenix Park, near the Papal Cross Car Park from 7.30pm – 12am.
Outhouse Cookery Demonstration (June 23rd)
Outhouse Chef Clair with guest chefs will give cookery demonstrations on the impact of a healthy balanced diet on our overall mental health and wellbeing. This event takes place in Outhouse, 105 Capel Street at 1.30pm. Cost: FREE
Dublin Pride Queer Walking Tour (June 24th)
The queer history walking tour begins at The George and winds its way leisurely through the city centre, with a significant stop at Leinster House to mark the 25th anniversary of decriminalisation, before finsihing up at Oscar Wilde statue. Two tours hosted by Mary McAulifee and Tonie Walsh each approx 2.5hrs. Meeting Point: The George, South Great George’s Street. Times: 3.30pm – 6pm & 4pm – 6.30pm. Cost: FREE. Ticketed event see eventbrite.ie for details
Pole Show – Pride Special (June 27th)
Veda presents an all-star pole dancing show with some of the world’s leading pole dancing superstars! Show kicks off at 11pm with DJ Rocky on the turntables. Cost: Free entry.
Pride Geili ( June 28th)
Pantibar in association with The Outing and Dublin Pride present the legendary Pride tradition of music and dancing. From 9pm, in PantiBar Capel St. Cost: Free
Dublin Bear Pride (June 29th)
DJ Aggie on the decks for Dublin Bear Pride at Nealon’s Bar, 165 Capel Street from 9pm. Cost: FREE
Pre-Parade Brunch Event: The Party Starts Here (June 30th)
Start of your day with beats, eats and colourful cocktails at Nolita, George’s Street 10.30am – 1pm. Tickets are €25 and available to order from Eventbrite. Group bookings for parade participants via email bookings@nolita.ie
The George Pride Party (June 30th)
There will be back to back DJS and pop up bars out the back open from 12noon it’s free entry until 5pm and €10 after.
PantiBar All Day Street Party (June 30th)
The legendary street party at Pantibar on Capel Street is on all day from 2pm. Cost: FREE
Dublin Pride Parade 2018 (June 30th)
This year the parade will assemble at Stephen’s Green South with speeches and entertainment from the starting point from 12noon. The Pride Parade will embark on its route from 2pm sharp.
View the LGBTQ Pride Guide including Pride Parade Map 2018 here
Full details on the festival this year can be found at dublinpride.ie
