Minister gives her support to Waterford's Pride of the Déise festival
Minister Norma Foley
I would like to offer my support to the Pride of the Déise for this year’s Pride festival.
Events such as these underline the value of creating safe, visible and welcoming spaces for LGBTIQ+ people.
Whether through cultural celebration, or simply offering a sense of belonging, the work of the Pride of the Déise reminds us of the power of community led action in shaping a fairer and more compassionate society. Such work benefits not only the people of Waterford but fosters a sense of inclusion for those across the southeast of Ireland.
As Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, I am proud to be part of a Government that is deeply committed to advancing LGBTIQ+ rights.
This month we celebrate ten years of marriage equality in Ireland.
The Marriage Equality Referendum was undoubtedly a momentous achievement, which has made Ireland a more progressive and welcoming place than before.
Ireland’s journey to achieving marriage equality, through the overwhelming passage of the Marriage Equality Referendum in 2015, demonstrates how a country can come together, to show understanding for our fellow citizens and to achieve fairness and equality for all couples.
Since then, much has been achieved under the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy but despite the huge strides towards equality that have been made, the Government recognises that there is still work to be done to achieve equality for LGBTIQ+ persons.
We acknowledge that gaps remain and that the changing context since the inaugural Strategies, has raised new and emerging issues.
The Government has developed a successor National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy, with these new challenges in mind.
The new whole-of-Government Strategy will take a whole-of-lifecycle approach and is grounded in the voices and experiences of those in the LGBTIQ+ community.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to create a country where everyone can live free from discrimination, fear or exclusion.
Our schools, our healthcare systems, our workplaces, and our cultural life must reflect this value of equality.
Equality is measured not only in laws and policies, but in the existence of spaces for joy, expression and inclusion.
Organisations such as Pride of the Déise are crucial in fostering these spaces – they bring the principle of equality to life at a local level.
To everyone involved in Pride of theDéise, I would like to thank you for your passion and your continued commitment to your work, the effect of which is felt far beyond Waterford, inspiring a brighter and more equal Ireland for all.
I wish you continued success in your vital work and extend my best wishes for the Pride season ahead.
