Galway Pride Festival makes the move online
For the first time in its three decades of breaking taboos, Galway Pride will not be holding a parade.
Instead, organisers have switched to a full schedule of almost exclusively online events.
There will be just three events out of more than two dozen where people can gather for Galway Pride week, which begins today (Monday).
There will be the traditional flag-raising event in Eyre Square at midday to mark the launch with a number of speakers and those attending will be asked to social distance and wear masks.
On Wednesday evening, they will host the annual vigil in Eyre Square, while on Sunday morning, a new event will see the community on their bikes for a coffee and cake session in collaboration with the Galway Cycling Campaign.
Last year for the festival’s 30th anniversary, an estimated 2,000 people marched through the city in the parade - a cornerstone of the celebration - with thousands more lining the streets to watch.
Event chairperson Scott Green said that having even a limited number of chances to meet and come together in person safely is really important for the community.
“Undoubtedly isolation is difficult for us all and sometimes it can be taken for granted that your home is a safe and welcoming place. For too many members of our community that safety is not guaranteed."
“The safety of our community is paramount and so for those who cannot join us in person we will bring our passion and vibrancy to you digitally until it is safe for us all to meet again.
“This will not be a stereotypical Pride but it will still have the same heart and soul put into its organisation,” Scott said.
The Community Awards 2020 will honour those who have been important role models, ran campaigns and helped out in community groups
Several panels will also take place across Pride with topics on anti-racism, mental health, workplace well-being, activism, and trans and non-binary voices.
On the entertainment side, there will be music nights, ‘movie watchalongs’, and a rainbow cake tutorial.
Scott says like many organisations, Galway Pride has had to “learn on our feet” to put together a suitable schedule.
“We had imagined a very different Pride before Covid-19 but we have gone ahead with a mostly virtually calendar of events to deliver another Pride Week because we know how important it is for our community."
The theme for Pride 2020 is 'Ní Neart Go Cur Le Chéile' or ‘strength through unity’.
“It's a sign of the times in many ways. Never before have we all had to stick together by making choices and sacrifices not just to keep ourselves safe, but to keep others safe. It's why this year we have dedicated our ‘virtual grand marshal’ role to all healthcare care workers, for exemplifying these selfless principles.
"There are those that are increasingly trying to target the most vulnerable of our community and increasing incidents where a seedy underbelly in our society attack our community members with the utmost of bile. The LGBT+ community stands completely united, and united we will continue to progress as a society."
All events can be accessed through the Galway Pride Festival Facebook page.
(Photo: Last year's Galway Pride Parade).