“We’re visible, we’re here and we’re not going anywhere”: Leitrim Pride returns to shine

Leitrim Pride is set to take place from August 26 until September 1 with a range of events taking place in Carrick-on-Shannon to mark the occasion. 

Meryl McGowan, Chairperson of Leitrim Pride is eagerly anticipating the week ahead, embracing a positive outlook on bringing community together.

“We’ve done a lot of work in the background to make sure everything is sorted out and it’s been good organising it. We don’t really have many worries besides potential backlash from people who don’t agree with us, but if that happens, it happens,” Meryl said.

“We’re getting a lot of positivity back from everyone we speak to. Because community is such a big thing here people tend to not want to stir the pot,” she added.

Meryl hopes that the event will bring like-minded people together, in a fun environment offering an experience that they may not have had the chance to enjoy before.

“Pride is a good opportunity to get people together when they can’t otherwise do so. It might be the first time some queer people from Leitrim meet another openly queer person. 

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“I want there to be a sense of community and I want to encourage people to get out there and meet people like them,” she said.

On Monday, August 26 there will be a coffee morning at the Olive Tree in Carrick-on-Shannon at 12pm, which the group usually do every Saturday.

The Pride flag will then be raised outside Leitrim County Council.

On Thursday there will be a Pride Information Day in the Market Yard from 11am until 2pm where leaflets will be distributed and conversation is encouraged.

Saturday, August 31 will see the Pride march at 2pm starting outside Scoil Mhuire, with music in Gracie’s Bar afterwards.

The event will conclude with a picnic at People’s Park in Carrick-on-Shannon on September 1 from 12pm until 3pm, featuring face painting and crafts.

For those attending Pride for the first time, Meryl encourages them to fully immerse themselves in the festivities.

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“Have a good time, enjoy the company. One of the biggest things we want to do is show we’re out there, we’re visible and we’re not going anywhere,” Meryl concluded.