Inishowen Pride announces programme of events ahead of Buncrana parade 

Preparations are well underway for the third Inishowen Pride parade which takes place on June 2 in Buncrana.

The town held Donegal's first ever Pride parade in 2022 and for the past two years there has been an explosion of rainbow colours locally in June as part of the Inishowen Pride celebrations.

Jen McCarron one of the Pride organisers said: “Inishowen Pride is immensely moving because of the love and support that the community come together to show. It is a beautiful demonstration of our communities standing up for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and gives an important message in particular to our LGBTQ+ young people. Study findings in 2024 by Trinity College Dublin and national organisation Belong To highlight that our LGBTQ+ Youth are still at much greater risk of a range of negative experiences and we have to be proactive in our efforts in order to change this. The simple act of showing up as a supporter at the Parade or other events is enough to let those around you be know that you want everyone to feel safe and free to be their authentic selves. Please do not underestimate the positive impact you will have by showing up.”

In pictures: Young people honoured at 2024 Donegal Garda Youth Awards

The overall award winners will now represent Donegal at the national awards ceremony with the local awards presented by District Court Judge Éiteáin Cunningham at the Abbey Hotel on Monday evening

This year’s Pride theme is different families, same love.  Deirdre McDonagh CEO of Five Rivers Fostering the main sponsors this year said: “We are very proud to be main sponsors of Inishowen Pride 2024. We at Five Rivers Fostering welcome foster carers from all backgrounds, life stages and nationalities, so this year’s theme of different families, same love is one that really resonates with us and one we are very keen to get behind. The role foster carers play in our community is so important as the care you give a child or young person today will change their tomorrow. But there are often misconceptions about who can foster, and we need and want diversity in our carers and we need carers in Donegal”. 

Inishowen Pride has also partnered with the LGBT INTO Teachers organisation which runs an art competition annually in May for primary schools themed different families, same love. Inishowen Pride has extended the opportunity to participate in art competitions of the same theme to secondary level and youth groups in the run up to Pride weekend.

The Pride programme includes opportunities for learning and development with ShoutOut Workshop Supporting our LGBTQ+ Youth’ taking place on Wednesday May 29 at 12pm at The Inishowen Gateway Hotel. This will be suitable for parents/carers, teachers, youth workers, and anyone who would like to be an ally. There is a specific workshop for teachers and educators also taking place on the evening of May 29. There are limited spaces left on a full training day that is being hosted by CYPSC on May 30 but anyone interested can still reach out. 

There will be a corporate workshop facilitated by LGBT Ireland taking place Saturday, June 1 at 4pm Buncrana. This short 40-minute workshop will offer businesses and services the opportunity to explore how to develop welcoming and inclusive spaces for all.  All of the workshops are free but booking is essential and attendees can be provided with attendance certificate following.

A Pride screening is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 1 at 7pm at the Tullyarvan Mill in collaboration with Changemakers and The Disappear Here Film Festival. Films being screened will include Mise a short documentary produced locally as part of the Donegal LGBTQ+ Heritage project. This film has captured the voices of several individuals from the Inishowen area and the panel discussion which includes local sports celebrity Nora Stapleton will be an interesting and engaging event.

The Pride parade day Sunday, June 2 is kicking off with a Pride morning walk in the Buncrana area for those who enjoy nature, the company of like-minded people and an opportunity to connect with others before getting ready to be at the parade starting point Scoil Mhuire for 1.30pm or joining supporters on the main street. 

There will be opportunities to purchase Pride T-shirts and merchandise at Pride events and other venues in the run up to June 2. T-shirts were on high demand last year and sold out promptly. 

For more information on any of the events on the pride programme, check out Facebook and Instagram or contact the team by email at inishowenpride@gmail.com.