Pride of the Déise 2024: Waterford Mayor reflects on meaning of Pride

As Mayor of Waterford City and County, I am delighted to see Pride of the Déise return for the 5th year. 

This year looks to be the biggest yet with over 30 diverse events taking place across the week and it is a particularly poignant year as June 2024 marks 50 years since the first Pride demonstration in Ireland called for the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland. We have come a long way in those 50 years but we still have a long way to go.

Pride of the Déise is a celebration of LGBTQIA+ lives, entertaining experiences, history, culture, creativity, and joy which the whole family can enjoy. It is brilliant to look at the programme and see events for all ages, interests and passions that members of the LGTBQIA+ community as well as their allies can enjoy. It is sure to be a fun-filled weekend that everyone can enjoy.

I would like to commend the Pride of the Déise committee on their continued hard work and dedication to the community, both for Pride and all year round. I would also like to commend the Youth Committee along with the Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Services on organising a range of youth led events.

The festival is empowering and brings a great sense of community to our lovely city. I hope everyone has a fantastic week attending all that is on offer in this year’s programme.