Pride 2024

LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights. This month and every month, Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project remains committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ members of Ireland’s diaspora.

To mark Pride this year, we are spotlighting some LGBTQIA+ resources and organisations throughout the global Irish community. The groups listed are also included in our Irish Diaspora Directory, where you can find and connect with a variety of Irish organisations around the world.

Global Irish LGBTQIA+ Groups

London Irish LGBT Network

The Network was formed in 2014 when a group of Irish LGBT came together to give a response to the Constitutional Assembly in Ireland about the Marriage Referendum. Originally under the Mind Yourself charity (now administered by the London Irish Centre), the network moved to be independent in order to socialise, campaign and support artistic pursuits. The group is open to any LGBT people who were from Ireland or had Irish ancestry living in London.

From humble beginnings, the Network has strong ties with other Irish/LGBT groups across London and Britain, including Irish in Britain, the London Irish Centre, the Mixed Race Irish Group, and Camden LGBT Forum. London Irish LGBT Network was the first Irish LGBT group outside Ireland to be funded by the Emigrant Support Programme.

The group organises regular cultural/historical events, socials, and more, and often contributes to the London St. Patrick’s Day parade. They have also undertaken an oral history project in recent years, titled ‘Our Story.’

To learn more, please visit their website, https://londonirishlgbt.com/.

Sydney Queer Irish

Sydney Queer Irish (SQI) exists to support those who identify as LGBTQI within and connected to the Irish and Irish Australian community in Sydney and New South Wales; and to be a role model for acceptance of LGBTQI people from other cultures and nationalities in Australia and around the world. Whether your stay in Australia is long or short, permanent or fleeting, SQI offers a home away from home for the Irish LGBTQI community.

Funded in part by the Emigrant Support Programme, SQI hosts an exciting calendar of events (including monthly socials) open to everyone – LGBTQI+, friends, and allies. This year, they will be marching in the Dublin Pride Parade on Saturday, 29 June.

Learn more on their website, Facebook, Instagram, or become a member here.

Courtesy of Sydney Queer Irish

Vancouver Queer Irish

Vancouver Queer Irish (VQI) exists to support those who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ within and connected to the Irish and Irish Canadian communities in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Learn more about the organisation and sign up for events on VQI’s Instagram.

Irish for Pride

Department of Foreign Affairs

Ireland is committed to protecting and promoting human rights for all. Throughout the month of June, the Department of Foreign Affairs is flying the Pride Flag at Iveagh House, in promotion of LGBTI+ rights at home and abroad.

The Department of Foreign Affairs publishes specialised LGBTQI+ travel advice, including guidance for preparing for and dealing with differing attitudes and customs overseas. They also provide country-specific travel advice at Ireland.ie, allowing you to familiarise yourself with local laws and customs in your chosen destination before you go.

Many Irish embassies and consulates around the world are also taking part in local Pride celebrations this month, often in partnership with local Irish groups. Find out how your local Irish diaspora community is marking Pride by contacting your nearest embassy or consulate or by connecting with local Irish organisations via our Irish Diaspora Directory. Social media can be a great place to find and follow global Irish pride celebrations – some highlights from the month so far are below!

Queer Irish Diaspora

Have you ever wondered about the experiences of LGBTQ+ folks who emigrated from Ireland throughout history? Join the EPIC Museum and Dublin Pride for a fascinating public presentation by Colm Molloy, Dublin Pride’s resident historian, archivist, and designer on Thursday, 27 June at 5:30pm at the EPIC Museum.

The event delves into the stories of Ireland’s queer diaspora, exploring the lives and experiences of those who left their homeland in search of acceptance, social equity, and community. The talk is just one of a series of events in the “Look Back to Look Forward: 50 Years of the Irish in Britain” exhibition, which highlights some experiences of queer Irish emigrants in Britain in the 20th century. Learn more and get tickets at https://epicchq.com/event/dublin-pride-the-queer-irish-diaspora/.

Other Resources

Regardless of your gender identity or sexual orientation, Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project is here to support you if you are and Irish citizen leaving or returning to Ireland. If you need assistance in these areas, please contact us.

Below are some other resources you may find useful. Please note that this is intended as informaiton only, not as endorsement of the organisations or resources. Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project is not involved in verifying or updating verified the information on websites maintained by these groups or organisations

Resources in Ireland

If you have recently returned, Ireland has numerous Pride celebrations throughout the month, from Dublin to Galway. Google events near you. Dublin Pride has compiled a list of community supports.

Our colleagues at Crosscare Youth Information have great resources for young people in Ireland around LGBTQ+ issues and specific supports. Learn more here.

International

Organisations such as the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) can also provide useful information

If there are other global Irish resources you would like us to know about, please contact us – we would love to hear from you.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Pride!