Longford to host first ever Pride Parade and celebration

“All any parent has to do is love their child,” Doug Fox Roberts' statement received a thunderous response from all who gathered in Longford Library last Wednesday. The files of seats in the library were filled as people gathered for the launch of Longford Pride 2024.

The statement was a reply to a question by an audience member about what parents should do when their child comes out to them. That theme, and its response, was an indication of the tone of the gathering.

The launch of Longford Pride 2024 was a celebration in and of itself. Caroline Lewis of the Bula Bula Samba band acted as the master of ceremonies for the launch, introducing each of the speakers.

The event was opened by Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Colm Murray, while speakers, Barry Campion, Lorelei Fox-Roberts, and Sam McGarry, addressed the gathering about their experience.

The launch is in anticipation of Longford's first ever Pride Parade and celebration of the local LGBTQ+ community on Saturday, June 15.

The event takes place in Longford Town, with a craft market in Pig Lane Market from 12 noon; the much anticipated parade starting at 4pm from Connolly Barracks; an after-parade celebration from 5pm at Pig Market Lane and an after-party in Valentine’s Bar from 8:30pm.

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Cathaoirleach Murray said the local pride parade represents the sea change in attitudes to the LGBTQ+ community in the last 30 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

The local authority Cathaoirleach said a number of groups have come together to make the day a reality: “The Bula Bula Samba, Longford County Council, Longford Gardaí and the Longford LGBTQ+ community have put in a lot of work to make this possible. This is the first Pride Parade, but it won't be the last.”

Sinn Fein candidate in the forthcoming local election, Barry Campion, was the first speaker to address the gathering. He spoke of what the parade meant to him: “I live with my husband of over 11 years and I am happy,” Mr Campion started.

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He detailed the societal changes that have taken place over the course of his life: “Without intending to give away my age, I have lived through many milestones in the development of the LGBTQ+ rights in this country. I was a young teenager here before same-sex activity was decriminalised in 1993.

“At such a delicate stage of my development, it was a time to push feelings away to keep society happy. Attitudes across this country only progressed slowly for the next couple of decades,” he said.

Mr Campion said while there have been significant shifts in hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community, things are not perfect: “Homophobic attacks across Europe and Ireland are on the rise. Online forums have become cesspit where keyboard warriors try to weaken our resolve. This is why, as one united community, we must progress.”

He concluded by saying Pride is the start of a social revolution “in this beautiful part of this great country”.

In a humorous and emotional talk Sam McGarry recounted her experience, “My name is Sam. I am, what would affectionately be known as in these parts, a gay. I've been out for over 20 years now and I've spent most of those 20 years living in Longford.”

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Ms McGarry said: “I'm originally from Kenagh, but I've been living and working and being gay here in town for the last 10 years. I'm an artist and I'm very proud to run an LGBTQ plus safe tattoo studio here in Longford town.

“I'm also very proud to live here with my partner Sinead. We will be celebrating our wedding here in town later this year with our amazingly supportive families.”

Ms McGarry said pride of place is part of her identity: “For everyone who calls Longford home, we know the negative publicity we often receive is not the full story. Longford is full of diverse communities who work together all year round for the progress and development of our county. Pride for me is about celebrating love and authenticity.”

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In her address Lorelei Fox-Roberts spoke of the importance of family in acceptance: “Growing up I always had the privilege of knowing that I would always be accepted by my family, whatever my sexual orientation. A privilege I'm aware that too many are without.”

Ms Fox-Roberts explained why she became an LGBTQ+ activist: “Homosexuality was only decriminalised in Ireland in 1993 and the impact of that within societal attitudes was immense.

The juxtaposition between the camaraderie and acceptance of the LGBT community and allies and the discriminatory and prejudiced ways I saw people act and speak to people I cared about was a difficult pill to swallow and lit a fire in me to be part of the change for the better.”

Longford will host its first ever Pride Parade and celebration on Saturday June 15.

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