Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)

Pride is about equality, solidarity and community and as an Irish republican, these principles are fundamental to me. I am very proud to stand here as an ally. Pride is also about love, acceptance and the joy of acknowledging and celebrating every person's authentic self.

Tá cearta agus comhionannas ríthábhachtach ach tá sé chomh tábhachtach céanna go dtógaimid pobal inar bhfeictear gach duine, ina gcloistear iad, agus ina bhfuil grá, cineáltas agus meas glactha mar chroílár na beatha. Visibility matters. It matters just as much in rural areas, towns and villages as it does in our cities and the media. Across Waterford, I have seen the power of Pride to build connection and belonging. I was proud to walk this year in Pride of the Déise in Waterford city, and over many years to support local initiatives in Dungarvan and across the county. The message from young people, families and older members of the LGBTQ+ community has always been clear: representation matters, and seeing yourself in your community matters.

Pride cannot just be about waving a flag or adding a splash of colour to a website. Its roots lie in protest and in Stonewall, where people rose up against discrimination and brutality. That radical spirit still matters because we must not only celebrate the gains, but defend them and challenge the inequalities that remain. From youth homelessness to mental health, we know LGBTQ+ people still face systemic discrimination, especially outside urban centres. Rural LGBTQ+ people deserve the same services, safety and visibility as anyone else. That includes safe housing, inclusive healthcare and properly resourced community supports.

Let us not forget how far we have come. It has been nearly a decade since the marriage equality referendum. It has been over 30 years since the State decriminalised homosexuality. These gains were not gifted. They were won by people who refused to accept silence or shame.

Tá cumhacht ar leith ag baint le saol a chaitheamh le bród, le bheith mar chuid de phobal, le glactha le daoine eile agus a bheith glactha tú féin. Is é sin croílár an Bhróid. We cannot stop at civil rights and equality before the law. We must keep fighting for full lived equality, and for the right to be seen, safe, supported and celebrated. Pride is protest, solidarity and community. No matter where you live, in a rural area, town or city, Pride belongs to us all.

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