First ever Clare Pride parade a 'smashing success'

CLARE PRIDE 23, hosted by QuareClare, County Clare’s LGBTQIA+ Advocacy Organization, concluded on Sunday after a week-long celebration of inclusivity and diversity. With a wide array of events and activities, the festival attracted over 300 participants and was a resounding success.

In a press release, QuareClare called Clare Pride 23 "a resounding success, promoting love, acceptance, and diversity".

"The entire community came together to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, and the event will be remembered as a significant step forward in creating more inclusive and welcoming spaces in County Clare and throughout Ireland."

The week began with the Irish Names Project’s AIDS Memorial Quilt, a moving and powerful tribute that was viewed by over 300 people. This poignant display served as a reminder of the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS and the importance of remembering those we’ve lost.

Other notable events during Clare Pride 23 included the Pride Prayer Service held at St. Columba’s Church, the Author Night featuring Orla Egan at Banner Books in Kilrush, The BIG Gay Table Quiz, and the Drag Brunch at The Monks Society, and the Queer Poetry Slam at glór. These events showcased the rich cultural and intellectual contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The highlight of the week was Clare’s first-ever Pride Parade through the County Town, led by the iconic Ennis Brass Band, where over 250 people took to the streets to Stand Up, Stand Out, and Stand Proud, aligning perfectly with the theme of Clare Pride. The parade was a colourful and vibrant display of unity and acceptance.

Following the parade, an open day was held at glór, featuring numerous Queer vendors and artists, family-friendly activities, and a heartwarming Drag Queen Story Time hosted by Clare’s Own Elle Uminati. The Open Day was followed by an evening of unforgettable entertainment, hosted by the sensational Triple Threat Performer and Ireland AM presenter Paul Ryder, known for being a trailblazer in Dublin’s LGBTQ+ community for nearly fourteen years. The evening also featured performances by The Circus Ponies, the comedic stylings of Breda Larkin of the Wild Geeze, as well as music by the talented Ger O’Hanlon.

Clare Pride Co-Chair, Bernie O’Gorman, expressed their enthusiasm about the events on Saturday, stating, “It was so great to see the town of Ennis come alive on Saturday, and the community come together to celebrate inclusivity and diversity. QuareClare’s vision is to promote the conditions in which the LGBTQIA+ community feels accepted, respected, and valued, and this week was a prime example of what that looks like.”

At the heart of Clare Pride is QuareClare, an organisation dedicated to promoting LGBTQIA+ visibility and acceptance in Clare. QuareClare’s mission is to create a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies. The organisation’s work goes beyond the annual Pride celebration, offering support, resources, and a sense of belonging throughout the year.

Chris Koble, Chair of QuareClare and Co-Chair of Clare Pride 2023, shared their thoughts on the significance of this year’s celebration said, "Clare Pride 2023 is more than a celebration; it’s a powerful statement of unity, a celebration of love, and a testament to the strength of the LGBTQIA+ community in Clare.  It embodies our commitment to fostering unity and celebrating diversity throughout Clare."

"It’s a joyful affirmation of love and acceptance, creating space for individuals to express their authentic selves boldly. This week’s events are centred around a powerful message: our voices are heard, our identities are celebrated, and together, we forge a path towards a more inclusive and understanding future."