THE countdown to this year’s Limerick LGBTQ Pride Festival began yesterday (Wednesday) with the official launch in the grounds of the Hunt Museum.
Limerick LGBTQ Pride Chairperson Lisa Daly said they were thrilled to be back after the disruption of the Covid pandemic and would be offering a fantastic line up for the Pride Festival which runs from Monday, July 4 until Sunday, July 10.
“There is something for everyone culminating in the annual Pride Parade on Saturday, July 9 and the PrideFest party directly after the Parade at the Hunt Museum.
“We want to welcome everyone to join us in celebrating LGBTQ culture in Limerick and show Limerick for the truly open and accepting city it is. Our theme this year is ‘Pride is Culture’ to shed light on the joy and resilience of artists and cultural creators in the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Limerick Pride PRO Richard Lynch said that LGBTQ people have always contributed to underground and mainstream culture that still influences daily life.
“Our community has contributed so much to world culture and we have used our art to fight oppression in all its shapes and forms in our quest for the liberation of all LQBTQ people.”
This year’s Pride Parade Grand Marshall is historian and author Sharon Slater who has been researching Limerick’s for the past twenty years. She is the author of multiple publications, most recently ‘100 Women of Limerick’.
She has received the National Heritage Hero Award and a Mayoral Reception for her promotion of Limerick’s history. She is currently the Historian-in-Residence at Ormston House.
Commenting on this year’s Pride theme, she said: “So many great changes in society have come from the marginalised rising up. The LGBTQ+ community expressed their identity through art and culture long before it was socially acceptable to do so.
“When I was asked to be the Grand Marshal, I was overwhelmed with emotions. As a gay woman and researcher of history, I have seen the many failures in the past towards members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“It was only a few short years ago when my wife and I could legally marry in this country, which we did in 2016, we have seen so much progress but still have a way to go for equality. It is an honour to stand tall as the Grand Marshall this year as in doing so I might help others who are still not ready to step out of the closet,” she added.
Pride Festival Highlights
Monday, July 4: Official launch at Ormston House from 6pm to 8pm with a wine reception, a performance by renowned Limerick movement artist Mark Carberry aka ‘mmmmmmmmmmmmove’ and a talk on film and theatre actress Alice O’Day by Sharon Slater.
Monday, July 4: Dragaoke at McGettigans from 9pm, featuring a night of karaoke and drag performances in honour of Leo Shine, hosted by Elise Cox and Darren Shine with proceeds raised going to Irish Cancer Society.
Tuesday, July 5: ‘Kaleidoscope’, an exhibition featuring a diverse collection of artists curated by Moya Ni Cheallaigh, will be launched by Myles Breen at 6pm at the Hunt Museum.
Tuesday, July 5: Pride Self Defence, is a free event with Munster Martial Arts in association with Stop the Bully Ireland at Delta Sports Dome from 8.15pm. Registration essential.
Wednesday, July 6: ‘Print with Pride’ with Limerick Printmakers at the Belltable from 4.30pm to 6pm, is a free event where people can bring along their t-shirts, jumpers, tote bags, or paper to create their customised Limerick Pride Silk Screen art piece.
Wednesday, July 6: Pride Documentary Night marking the 30th Anniversary of Marsha P. Johnson’s death takes place at the Belltable from 6pm. This free event features films by Limerick Youth Theatre (LYT) members who have worked with award winning actor, writer and director, Myles Breen on devised comic short films.
Thursday, July 7: ‘The Morning After The Life Before’ by Ann Blake at Dolans Warehouse from 8pm. Gúna Nua presents the internationally acclaimed and multi-award winning play for one night only. Tickets from Dolans.ie.
Thursday, July 7: ‘Mockie Ah’ takes place at Amber Nightclub at 9pm, featuring Ireland’s biggest Drag Haus and queer collective. A celebration of all things camp, queer, nostalgic and oh so very Irish. It is a safe space where everyone is welcomed, loved, embraced, and covered in glitter!
Friday, July 8: Limerick Pride Youth Party at Lava Javas Youth Cafe, Lower Glentworth Street from 5-8pm. Presented by Limerick Youth Service, young people (14-19yrs) from Limerick and beyond are invited to enjoy music and meet new people at this free event.
Friday, July 8: ‘T’was the night before Pride’, a free entry traditional pre-pride party with street performers, guest DJ’s and camp classics will take place at Mickey Martins from 1pm.
Friday, July 8: Southill Pride Family at the Southill Hub from 4.30 to 6.30 pm. This family day will offer activities, fun things to do and a BBQ. It is open to young people, parents, and community members.
Saturday, July 9: The Limerick Pride Parade, gathering at Pery Square from 12.20pm for floats, with groups gathering from 12.50pm. The Parade will leave at 2pm, making its way across Mallow Street to Henry Street, past Arthurs Quay Park, ending at the Hunt Museum.
Saturday, July 9: PrideFest 2022 at the Hunt Museum gardens is a showcase of local LGBT culture from 3 to 6pm. This is a free family-friendly event with entertainment for children, live music and plenty of entertainment including the Annual tea Dance with Myles Breen.
Saturday, July 9: Limerick Pride Climax Party at Dolans Warehouse from 8.30pm with International drag artist Courtney Act headlining a stellar line up including ‘Dragged Up’ with Paul Ryder, Regina George and Pixie hosted by Victoria Secret, Burlesque artist Miss LaVelle and Eurovision and pop chart topper Sarah McTernan.
Sunday, July 14: Dragged to Brunch takes place at House Limerick with the drag queens of Mockie Ah! Booking essential.
This year’s Pride will have an educational aspect. Support meetings will be held during the week for youth, adult and trans groups. GOSHH, 18 Davis Street will provide Rapid HIV testing at different points in the week. Call GOSHH at 061 314354 or email info@goshh.ie for more information.
The ‘Irish Names Quilt’ Exhibition at Limerick City Gallery of Art takes place from July 4 to17. The project was created in honour and remembrance of those who died in Ireland from AIDS and HIV-related illnesses.
