Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)

I am here in solidarity and in celebration, but also in concern. Pride is not just a parade, a flag or a month on the calendar. It is the living legacy of generations who fought for dignity, freedom and equality. The rights they fought for were so hard won, but as we have seen across Europe and beyond, those rights are frighteningly easy to lose. This year marks ten years since Ireland made history by voting yes to marriage equality on 22 May 2015 and becoming the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote. It was a moment of profound national pride, a triumph of compassion, courage and collective conviction. I remember that day vividly. I was proud to be Irish and proud that over 62% of us stood up to say love is love and that equality belongs to everyone. It was a declaration of allyship, fairness and hope. It has allowed me to attend the weddings of some of my closest friends to celebrate their love where they could stand in front of their friends and family and, legally and in love, commit to each other. I very much hope to attend many more.

Progress is not permanent, however. Rhetoric that I once believed had been relegated to the fringes is now re-emerging loudly and dangerously in mainstream discourse, both online and in person. What was once whispered is now shouted and what was once dismissed is now defended as reasonable concern. Homophobic and transphobic attacks are rising, not just in number but also in brutality and co-ordination. Such attacks are often carried out with impunity. These attacks represent real people - friends, neighbours and colleagues - targeted for who they are and who they love. The impact of these attacks is not only physical; it is also deeply psychological. Fear, burnout, anxiety and isolation are becoming daily reality for far too many in the LGBTQ+ community. Research from the RESIST project shows that online abuse is now a precursor to real-world aggression, with LGBTQ+ individuals and organisations facing sustained harassment, threats to employment and even attacks on their homes. These trends are not abstract but personal. They sow fear where there should be joy and fracture communities where there should be unity. They remind us that progress is not a guarantee but a responsibility.

Ten short years ago, I could not have foreseen that Pride festivals would be banned in EU member states such as Hungary, where new laws criminalise public LGBTQ+ expression. The Budapest Pride march was outlawed under the guise of child protection, with police authorised to identify and fine attendees. Despite this, on 28 June, well over 100,000 people marched defiantly, joined by 71 MEPs, including our own Maria Walsh, and Deputy O’Gorman. They stood proudly in protest. When Pride is threatened it is a bellwether for authoritarianism. When LGBTQ+ visibility is erased any voice can be next. Our Pride is a protective shield for all in our society and it must be protected.

As a Member of this House and a proud ally I believe it is more important now than ever to be vocal, visible and unambiguous in our support for people to live and love as they choose. The rainbow may be colourful but our stance must be clear, loud and proud. We must never become complacent. Pride is a protest as much as it is a celebration. It is a reminder of where we have been, the progress we have made and a call to vigilance in the context of what lies ahead. It is true that Ireland has made immense strides, but this progress cannot be taken for granted. Rights must be protected, policy strengthened and representation expanded. I want every young person struggling with their identity or facing hostility to know they are seen, they are valued and they belong. The Ireland we are building is one where no-one should have to hide or apologise for who they are. Let this Pride not only honour the trailblazers of the past but also challenge us to legislate, to educate and to advocate and to be loud and proud 365 days of the year.

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