Founder of Wicklow Pride Festival, Dave Thomas, announces today that Senator David Norris has accepted an invite to be the Patron of Wicklow Pride Festival. Senator Norris will also launch the festival on Monday 29th June 2015.
“I am thrilled and feel honoured that Senator Norris has become our Patron. Senator Norris is a scholar, independent Senator, a LGBT and Civil Rights Activist who almost single-handedly fought the Irish Government to change the Law in Ireland for gay men and women, which he successfully did, meaning Homosexuality was decriminalised in 1993 after a long and difficult legal battle. Gay men and women owe him so much more than our gratitude. He continues to fight for the rights of all, and I can’t think of a better person to be our Patron, a man that is incredibly inspiring”, says Dave Thomas.
Wicklow Pride Festival was inspired by the ever-popular Gay Pride events around the world. However, this is not exclusively a LGBT event. Wicklow Pride is open to everyone. “We wanted to broaden it out, to make it more inclusive, to bring the diverse community together as one. There are many individuals, groups and organisations working tirelessly to bring vital services and projects to the community. There are community groups that provide food drops for people that really need a little help, making sure they get a decent meal. There are free vital supportive services specifically for Men, Women, Youth, people with Disabilities, Family support services, often provided by volunteers. These are amazing people doing incredible work for their community. We should be very proud of them, and they should feel the Pride”, says Dave Thomas.
The organising group are seeking ‘Wicklow Pride Festival Ambassadors’. Any group or individual can take up this voluntary position. The Role of the Ambassador is to organise an event, or activity or a project under the name of a Wicklow Pride Event, once they base it on the festival’s theme, which is to Celebrate and Promote ‘Diversity, Inclusion and Equality for All’. A project can be as big or as small as you like, just be creative and have fun. Potential Ambassadors can contact Wicklow Pride Festival to discuss this exciting opportunity. “We want every community in County Wicklow to be part of this Festival. We want everyone to take ownership of it, and to work with us in making this one amazing celebration”, says Dave Thomas.
Wicklow Pride Festival will be Officially launched by Senator David Norris on Monday 29th June. The rest of the week will consist of workshops and talks on a range of interesting topics. The festival will close with an Outdoor Entertainment event in the Park with the bandstand in Arklow’s Town Centre on Saturday 4th July. There will be Music, performances, face painting and lots more. If you wish to take part, contact Wicklow Pride Festival today.
Keep up-to-date on Wicklow Pride Festival news by visiting their Facebook page ‘Wicklow Pride Festival’. Or e-mail wicklowpridefestival@gmail.com
