Former LGBTQ+ mayor of Mullingar named as Pride parade marshal
“OMG I got the Pride flag raised in Mullingar, I’m still a bit emotional over it really,” says chairperson of Mullingar Pride, Daniel Boyne.
The Mullingar Pride Festival kicked off yesterday, Tuesday, at the Westmeath County Council buildings when Daniel and his team raised the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag high in the air.
The first evening of celebrations started with the 'Pride Legacy Exhibition' featuring artwork from local LQBTQ+ artists and stories from historic LGBTQ+ icons in the midlands.
Daniel said: “Even though the town is so progressive, the flag has never been raised before.
“So, when I started this journey, I asked myself, 'why hasn't this been done before?'.
“I wanted to create a space for the queer people of Mullingar to feel safe, so they can learn more about themselves, to grow their confidence and to be happy.
“So, this has definitely become a passion project and a dream for me.”
During the exhibition, Daniel thanked his team for their hard work in organising the entire Mullingar Pride Festival.
The first LGBTQ+ mayor of Mullingar, Ruth Illingworth, also spoke at the event.
She expressed how proud she is to have Mullingar Pride in the town and mentioned that there is still a lot of work to be done in terms of making the LGBTQ+ community feel safe and accepted, not only in Mullingar, but across the country.
She said: “We are here, we are not going away. This is our country and we will be ourselves.”
To Ruth’s surprise, Daniel named her 'parade marshal’ and said she is a true "icon" in the town and deserves to be the head of the march.
Cllr Hazel Smyth attended the exhibition and said a few words to congratulate the team and community on all their hard work in getting this event off the ground.
“There are still challenges for the LGBTQ+ community and we have seen that in Ireland over the last few months, unfortunately.
"But, there are exciting times ahead. It is so important that everyone can feel safe and included within our town so I hope this celebration continues.
“We are progressive so we can shout loud and proud that we have a diverse and welcoming town.
"Love is love and everyone should be their authentic self.”
Cllr Smyth also said that she is working on getting a rainbow coloured pedestrian crossing in Mullingar.
Mullingar Pride continues tomorrow, Thursday, with ‘Queer Stories’ at The Greville Arms Hotel.
On Saturday there will be the parade on Dominick Street at noon noon followed by performances and concerts at Belvedere House and Gardens from 3pm.
Daniel is encouraging people to come to the weekend celebrations as there is something for everyone to enjoy.
To learn more or purchase event tickets visit Mullingar Pride on Facebook.
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