Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The LGBTQI+ community has seen huge progress in the fight for equality in recent times. Ahead of Dublin Pride this weekend, there is much to celebrate. I want to send my support and solidarity to everyone who will be marching and celebrating on what is always a wonderful day of pride and fun, to everyone who will be joining in their local parades the length and breadth of the island this summer in cities, towns and villages. People will be coming together in joy and defiance to celebrate what makes them unique and what bonds a community and to reflect on wins and renew their commitment to securing the changes that still need to be delivered.

This weekend’s Pride is the 40th anniversary of the first ever Pride march in the city. We live in such different times to the day that small group of activists first bravely took to the streets. Ireland has changed and is changing. Be in no doubt that this change is for the better. It is an Ireland of hope and determination. Diversity is our strength. Sinn Féin believe equality must be a cornerstone of any genuine republic. From Bray to Bangor and from Cork to Cushendall, everyone must be free to be who they truly are loudly and proudly. I believe that Ireland can be a home for all, a place where difference is not just tolerated but celebrated and embraced.

I commend the tireless work of generations of activists who refused to be deterred in their fight for their love to be recognised as equal. Their determination to see grá become the law across the island saw equal marriage secured. It is now eight years since equal marriage was won in this state and three years in the North but full equality remains to be won. I take this moment to reiterate Sinn Féin’s commitment to seeing the fight through and securing that full equality.

I have noted with concern the backlash against transgender people in many countries around the world. Sinn Féin proudly stands with the transgender community. We reject transphobia here in Ireland and abroad. Research has found that LGBTQI+ young people experiencing homelessness are more vulnerable to harm. We need to see a youth homeless strategy that is properly resourced and where LGBTQI+ activists are part of that strategy. Sex and relationship education in schools must be modernised to reflect a greater diversity of gender identities and sexual orientations. Mental health supports for the LGBTQI+ community must be delivered and mental health care workers must be provided with training to best support the community.

As the fight for full equality continues, I want the LGBTQI+ community to know it has Sinn Féin’s unwavering support. We walk with you on every step of this journey. We will not stop until the dream of equality and fairness is finally realised.

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