“It is just wonderful how times have changed” - Derry gay rights campaigner

Derry man Micheál Kerrigan said his experience leading the Pride parade in Dublin last weekend has changed his life.

Micheál was given the role of Grand Marshal to commemorate 50 years since he co-founded the Sexual Liberation Movement in Trinity College.

He said the streets were lined with people from all sorts of backgrounds celebrating and showing solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.

“My God was Dublin alive. Bustling streets were packed everywhere, not just with gay people but with straight people joining in as well, the whole wider community, everybody. It was like a Mardi Gras carnival atmosphere,” he said.

“I'm still on a high, still on the crest of a wave, I haven't crashed yet or come down. Everything was incredible. The sun was shining so the crowds were out. There was a great atmosphere all week. It sort of changed me, changed my life in a way.

“It is just wonderful how times have changed. It was fantastic and it's given me an enormous boost to my confidence.

“It's a shame we only have one day of the year because it gives you a good boost, you know: an injection of Pride. I just wish we had more of them. Maybe little mini ones throughout the year,” he added.

Micheál spoke of his nerves before the event and experienced some early in the day but it wasn’t long before those feelings eased and he was able to fully embrace the day.

“I was nervous before I met my friends but as soon as we got out and as soon as I got the Grand Marshal's badge put over me I was fine. We Just went for it, you know, waving to the crowds and just really, really enjoyed it.

“I had a special VIP band for my friends and family. They all marched behind me at the front of the march with the two other Grand Marshals. It was great to have their support,” he said.

The Pride march was just part of a busy week for Micheál who also delivered a talk at a SIPTU meeting in Liberty Hall and gave several interviews to the South's media outlets.

A reading of his latest script was put on at Dublin Pride’s The Hub. Derry man Andy Doherty left an impression with his exceptional reading of the play.

Micheál Kerrigan and João Paulo Cavalcante of Ireland's first LGBTQ+ Inclusive Rugby team Emerald Warriors