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A first timers review - June 30
Arrived up at the last monument on O Connell Street, in order to get a good
view of the approaching parade. It was my first time going to see it, so I had
no preconceived ideas. I knew it wasn’t going to be as big as London or Sydney
but was much bigger than I expected. It was very well stewarded and motorcycle
police kept traffic well away and ensured that there was minimum disruption to
city life unlike other protest marches by taxi drivers et al earlier this year.
My friend asked why there were no gay motorcyclists leading the parade. There
is an offshoot of the UK gay bikers group here in Ireland. I was quite taken
with the whole thing and could see the happiness on peoples faces as they
marched in the brilliant sunshine. I would have liked to see the different
banners being held up higher. Ok, it might involve a bit of expense but in terms
of raising the profiles, I would think, it would be money well spent. I only
actually saw two ppl marching that I recognised apart from the well know drag
artists on the various floats. The fact that they were marching quite surprised
me, as they definitely weren’t the out and proud types.
Yes, the parade did attract a crowd of onlookers in O’ Connell street and it
was quite large by the time it reached the corner at Trinity College, with the
ppl in the open top tour buses having the best views--- might be an idea to hire
one of these for next year. My friend and I were so impressed with the whole
thing that we decided there and then that we should join in, and so my first
participation in a pride parade began. We happened to join in behind the ‘Out
Youth’ banner purely by accident!! My friend was forty and I am a couple of
years off it.. But nobody minded. Actually taking part was an amazing experience
and one which I would urge everyone to do. It was a strange empowering feeling.
I was told later that this applies to everyone who marches for the first time.
We were along side a group of Dutch gays that were over for the Dublin Pride ..
Amazing to think that they came all the way over from Holland to be here and
show their voice/presence while a lot of Irish gays for whatever reason decline
even to come out and support Irish Pride, and that applies to me as well.
Post the very successful show in the civic offices amphitheatre, it all made
me wonder, "what the hell was I doing for Pride" absolutely nothing.
Something I hope to correct next year. Even if its only cleaning up the spent
drink cans, a plea Izzy Kamakazi made to everyone.
The actual walk went very smoothly but we were brought to a temporary halt on
Dame Street. We were about two thirds of the way back so didn’t know quite
what was up at the front, but I reckon the front section would be at about the
end of George street, so maybe they were paying homage to a well know gay
venue!!
Was disappointed to see no external effort being put in by the Front Lounge,
not even a rainbow flag showing. At least the George was bedecked with a
colourful banner. Once we reached past city hall the crowd numbers had thinned
out.
Turned the corner under the Christ Church arch and into the Civic Offices
amphitheatre. The crowd revelling in the warm summer sun and the rain clouds
thankfully holding off.
MC for the end of parade show was Panti – excellent choice, and she was
soon introducing the acts. The show ended about five pm. Needless to say as with
any voluntary organisations there were ppl to thank, but this didn’t take up
too much time. In fact the biggest round of applause was for the Gay Liaison
Officer of the Police, based in Pearse street, and rightly so. Without police
co-operation the parade couldn’t have run as smoothly as it did.
Not having attended previous parade, I wasn’t in a position to judge if it
was an improvement in crowd numbers or not. No doubt that aspect will be
reported in the gay press.
The Man from Del Monte says Great Stuff
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