Galway Pride

As the Galway Pride Parade celebrated it’s 21st year on August 21st it welcomed LGBT Pavee for our first march from Courthouse Square through the city and shop street ending at the Galway City Museum in Spanish Arch. Although this was the second march for LGBT Pavee, first being in Dublin May 2010 with support from Pavee Point and ITM, it was our first March standing proudly behind the site’s banner which proved indispensable at highlighting our Support site and lending a louder voice to small few that carried it. The banner was also a platform for those who couldn’t attend on the day for various reasons but had sent in buttons to be attached in the weeks before showing their solidarity despite their absence.

LGBT Pavee would like to thank Amach Galway for their overwhelming support as well as the many Individuals and LGBT networks who approached us on the day with kind words of encouragement. We’d also like to thank NATC for it’s use of facilities in the weeks leading up to the parade when making the LGBT Pavee Banner.

Well said PaveePrince. It was great to have the support that came our way. Taking to the streets can be nerve wracking. I was pleased to notice other gay Pavee along the way, although not marching shoulder to shoulder at least they now know we are here if they're not members already. I was glad there was open support from Amach! LGBT for us, it's important that our presence was acknowledged by LGBT Community leaders.

The banner is a work in progress, as the clock struck 2am on Saturday the elves working on it had to retire to their beds. Fortunately the banner was in a good enough state for presentation to the Galway public. It was terrific to have four people standing solidly behind it with goodwill from others around us.

Maybe we could ask Traveller organisations to give some sign of support to the Gay Traveller Support Group's Forum. It does kind of feel like we're out here on our own a bit. Do Traveller organisations support the Forum by informing their members of our existence? I understand that the idea for this Forum came from the suicide of a young gay Traveller. This Forum is about helping to create choices for LGBT Pavee. We rely on Traveller organisations to help get information out to the Community about the Forum helping LGBT Pavee explore their options.

Our first anniversary must be coming up. Hanu Fein joined up on 16th September last year. We're doing ok for an organisation that's only going a year. Mmmm, anyone for a party? There was rumblings of another camp in September - I know what we can celebrate.

I couldnt echo the sentiments more :-)

It was warming to be so well recieved, the visability and presence made really does provide essential choices.

Definetly more work to be done with traveller organisations and ensuring that people are aware of the forum etc.

Wow, almost a year in: what a quick journey, though not without its challanges or its triumphs :-)

Wouldnt mind celebrating it :-)

Well done!

I hope each and every one of you are proud of what you are doing. It must be scary but really well done!

excellent! well done all involved.