Dublin City Council is proud to host Belong To’s Pride Breakfast Experience for hundreds of LGBTQ+ young people
Dublin City Council is proud to host Belong To’s Pride Breakfast Experience for hundreds of LGBTQ+ young people ahead of Dublin’s Pride parade today, Saturday 28th June.
Over 600 young LGBTQ+ people from across Ireland attended the Pride Breakfast Experience arranged by Belong To and hosted by Dublin City Council at Wood Quay’s Amphitheatre, Dublin City Council Offices.
Following the Pride Breakfast, young people aged 14 to 23 years old, who travelled from as far as Donegal and Kerry, marched with Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland.
They were accompanied by over 150 Dublin City Council employees, their families and friends who marched alongside Dublin City vehicles decked out for Pride.
Speaking at the Pride Breakfast today, Richard Shakespeare, CEO of Dublin City Council said,:
“Dublin City Council is proud to support Belong To’s Pre Pride Parade Activities. Belong To’s work in providing support and education for LGBTQ + young people, their families and their peers is incredible. We are proud to facilitate this free event for LGBTQ+ young people and the Belong To team.”
“I am equally proud to march in Pride alongside my Dublin City Council LGBTQ+ colleagues. Today is a day of equality, camaraderie and support. It is always a joyful event.”
Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain said, “What a joyous start to the Pride Parade day to have all these fantastic young people into the Civic Offices at Dublin City Council to celebrate this great occasion. This is also of course a very special day for our LGBTQ+ colleagues in the Council and for those colleagues who are parents, brothers, sisters and friends of LGBTQ+ people. Today we have 150 Council staff members marching side by side in Pride and it’s wonderful!”
Beatrice Casserly, Inclusion & Integration Officer with Dublin City Council added, “We are delighted to also welcome Belong To to our Pride Breakfast Experience this morning ahead of the Pride parade. Dublin Pride gives LGBTQ+ young people a chance to stand out and Dublin City Council is honoured to provide a safe and fun space for these young people to mark the day and celebrate as a community.”
Speaking at the event today, Moninne Griffith (she/her), CEO of Belong To commented: “This year marks 10 years since the marriage equality referendum. At that time, Ireland told LGBTQ+ young people it was safe to come out and to be who they are. Today, with a small but loud minority trying to roll back on LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion, we’re still fighting to make this a reality. Young people and the LGBTQ+ community cannot achieve this on our own.”
“Today I am reflecting on the solidarity and allyship shown by the people of Ireland in 2015, and all on all people across Ireland to once again stand with you LGBTQ+ young people, your students, your neighbours, your grandchildren, your friends. For the majority in Ireland today, we know that the values of compassion, openness and inclusivity are core. That is who we are as a nation. And that is why today at the parade we are marching under both the progress Pride flag and the tricolour. Because Ireland remains a loving, caring place. That flag belongs to us. That is who the Irish people are. I would urge everyone across the country to stand visible in your support for our LGBTQ+ young people and be vocal and active in your opposition to rolling back LGBTQ+ rights.”
Belong To is the national organisation for LGBTQ+ young people in Ireland. More information about all the services and supports offered by the charity to LGBTQ+ young people and their families is available at www.BelongTo.org.
Belong To’s Pride Breakfast was designed and produced in partnership with Dublin City Council and Dublin Pride.
Notes to editors:
Belong To is the national organisation for LGBTQ+ young people in Ireland. Since 2003, Belong To has works with LGBTQ+ youth to create a society where they are equal, safe, and thriving. Belong To offers advice, information, and crisis counselling for LGBTQ+ youth, and supports LGBTQ+ youth groups across Ireland. Through training, they ensure LGBTQ+ young people are met by professionals, organisations, and services who are educated to meet and support their needs. The organisation also campaigns to ensure policy formation and practice is informed by the voice and experiences of LGBTQ+ young people. www.belongto.org
Contact:
For Dublin City Council media enquiries please contact:
- Kathryn Byrne, Limelight Communications | 085 233 6033 or byrne@limelight.ie
- Michael Ryan, Dublin City Council | 086 867 6579 or ryan@dublincity.ie
For media enquires relating to Belong To or to speak to LGBTQ+ young people and CEO of Belong To, Moninne Griffith, please contact:
- Darragh McGirr, Belong To | 086 259 9369 or darragh@belongto.org
- Sinead Keane, Belong To | 087 768 0389 or sinead@belongto.org
Belong To is the national organisation for LGBTQ+ young people in Ireland. Since 2003, Belong To has works with LGBTQ+ youth to create a society where they are equal, safe, and thriving. Belong To offers advice, information, and crisis counselling for LGBTQ+ youth, and supports LGBTQ+ youth groups across Ireland. Through training, they ensure LGBTQ+ young people are met by professionals, organisations, and services who are educated to meet and support their needs. The organisation also campaigns to ensure policy formation and practice is informed by the voice and experiences of LGBTQ+ young people. www.belongto.org
