‘Coming Out Day’ boost for Irish Pride: Statement by Dublin Pride and The Community Foundation for Ireland

The 2021 International Coming Out Day theme that ‘Discrimination Thrives in Silence’ is being marked with campaigners here announcing support granted to boost Pride celebrations, events and gatherings across the country.

The celebrations are being supported by funds raised from The Dublin Pride Community Fund in partnership with The Community Foundation for Ireland.

The day marks the anniversary of a 1979 March of 500,000 people on Washington DC in support of LGBTQ rights.

Since the 1980’s it has been celebrated in all 50 US States and is now marked in countries across the world, including Ireland.

The support from the Dublin Pride Fund is being used to ensure that members of the community do feel supported and connected by having access to local events, networks and services.

Eleven local festivals as well as three national organisations have been granted support of €2,000.

Organisers have confirmed that the Dublin Pride Fund remains open and continues to receive further donations at www.dublinpride.ie

Announcing the Funding Jed Dowling, Dublin Pride Festival Director said:”Beyond protest or celebration, Pride exists to support our community. Our partnership with The Community Foundation for Ireland has helped us continue to support the many wonderful organisations across the island that  are the heart of our community.”

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of The Community Foundation for Ireland added: “True equality means people being accepted, included and welcomed in their own communities. Our donors have been keenly aware of this during our 21-years as an LBGTQ+ ally, throughout that time we have strived to ensure that people in every part of the country feel supported. The grants from The Dublin Pride Fund are a continuation of that journey.

As we emerge from the pandemic we know from the 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable groups that we work with that many people feel isolated, alone and cut off.

Donors to the Dublin Pride Fund are helping to combat that.

Their contribution will not only raise spirits but will ensure the health and wellbeing for LGBTQ+ people and their families across Ireland.