Pride of the Déise chairperson gives overview

A dhaoine uaisle, As we come together for Pride of the Déise 2025, our 6th iteration, we embrace both the celebration and solemn reflection this year demands. 

It has been a challenging year, marked by difficulties we cannot overlook. 

Our community has faced rising hostility, increased harassment, and troubling public rhetoric, even here in Waterford and throughout the wider South East region. 

The continued lack of a dedicated queer venue in our city underscores the urgent need for safe spaces where we can gather freely and without fear - a need we remain deeply committed to addressing and fulfilling.

Globally, the alarming surge in transphobia - illustrated starkly by troubling developments in the United States and the recent Supreme Court decision in the UK - has intensified systemic discrimination against trans, intersex, and non-binary individuals, exacerbating wounds that were already too raw and has embolden others who harbour ill-will against our community. 

Locally, harmful comments from public representatives remind us that ignorance and prejudice remain prevalent, threatening the fundamental dignity of our lives.

Yet, amidst adversity, our resilience shines brilliantly - rainbows are birthed from rain clouds, afterall!

Here in Waterford, our community has demonstrated extraordinary strength, solidarity, and persistence. 

We have stood together, spoken up, supported one another, and courageously reaffirmed our identities and rights. Our resilience is not confined to an annual Pride festival or month, it is our daily lived experience and an ongoing necessity. 

Whether it’s the vibrant Blaasification of the city in winter, the fabulous Notions seen at AlienNation’s club nights, the incredible creative energy driving Waterford’s infamous arts and culture scene, or the quiet but powerful activism and community support going on behind the scenes - we are Here, we are Queer, and we are certainly Not Going Anywhere.

This year, we have also witnessed an outpouring of solidarity from our wider community - individuals, groups, neighbours, and allies - who stood with us when we needed it recently. 

When serious issues arose, your support was not only felt, but vital. It reminded us that we are not alone in this fight, and that compassion, empathy, and allyship are alive and well in the Déise. 

For every hateful comment, we saw more acts of care, defiance, and shared hope. That support has fortified us.

Our celebrations are deeply rooted in resistance, joyfully affirming our presence and our rights. 

Each event, every gathering, every conversation becomes an act of defiance and visibility against those who seek to diminish us, and other minority groups. 

This is our legacy and our commitment: to persist, to resist, and to flourish. Existence is resistance, and we strive to thrive - not simply survive.

I call upon everyone - our allies, our local authorities and representatives, and our broader community - to recognise that support for LGBTQIA+ lives is essential not just today, not just during Pride Month, but always. 

Together, we must ensure Waterford remains a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming place for everyone.

Pride of the Déise 2025 is proudly supported by the Waterford City and County Council Festivals Grant Fund, as well as countless dedicated individuals, and both small and larger businesses and workers within our community. 

Their continued support enables us to create safe, joyful spaces where we can celebrate who we truly are, and for that we are truly grateful!

Let us continue to hold space for each other, advocate fiercely, and live authentically.

Le gach dea-ghuí, in Love and Solidarity, Amy O’Riordan Chairperson Pride of the Déise 2025