I moved to Dublin from London in 2022, so it was only last year that I had the opportunity to celebrate Pride in Ireland.
Like a moth to a flame, I was fortunate to quickly find myself surrounded by fellow LGBTQ+ pals, meaning I was not stuck for plans.
My dear friend, who I knew from work, invited me to a Pride party he was hosting at his house. Aside from him, I didn’t know anyone else, so I was a little nervous. Once I arrived and said a hello to the beautiful, late dog Charlie (a fabulous ally), I planted myself in the middle of the garden on a camping chair.
With a name like Ciara, on paper, I sound Irish, but as soon as I open my mouth, my accent betrays me. Everyone was super friendly but my anxiety was not in vain. One poor soul fell over a Freudian slip. She was telling a story about a sex worker, but instead of using the word ‘prostitute’, she looked at me and blurted: ‘protestant’. The SILENCE that swallowed the garden was both mortifying and brilliant.
However, the label that REALLY counted that night was the huge chalk tally on the garden wall where people confirmed whether they were a top, bottom, or a secret third thing – a people pleaser.
My biggest blunder, aside from my Englishness, was only getting one photo from that night, me, with a great big bisexual flag… that was upside down. 2024, I will do better.
Here are a couple more wonderful first time celebrating Pride in Ireland stories.
Name: JoJo
From: São Paulo
First Time Celebrating Pride in Ireland: 2009
I’ve been celebrating pride for a long time, as I used to go to the pride celebrations back home in São Paulo, but in Ireland, my first pride was in 2009.
I remember my friends and I went through every piece of clothing we had to find the most colourful and sparkly items. We were so excited for the day. We had brunch and headed into the parade, which at the time was quite small, and ended up at the back of Christ Church where Irish icons such as Panti Bliss were giving speeches. Of course we ended our night in The Dragon.
Although Pride wasn’t as big back then, I remember at the time feeling proud to be able to celebrate with my friends.
Name: Cathal
From: Portlaoise
First Time Celebrating Pride in Ireland: 2022
2022, my first pride, I didn’t really know what to expect. I woke up hungover, donned my pearls and gay(est) apparel and boarded the train to Dublin, anticipating what was ahead of me.
Of course I knew it was going to be fun, and I knew I would enjoy it regardless, but nothing could prepare me for the unimaginable pride I felt watching everyone living their best life, dancing to Kylie Minogue and drinking warm cans on Capel St.
The night carried on and the feeling I felt that day is why Pride will always be one of my favourite times of the year, because it’s our day!
