'It was great for difference to be celebrated and bigotry to be confronted'
Today marks a decade since the people of the Republic of Ireland voted to legalise same-sex marriage with a Navan campaigner reflecting on just how seismic the landmark referendum was.
Being the first country in the world to pass the law by popular vote and passing with a huge 62 per cent of voters voting yes in the referendum on 22nd May 2015, it was a very special and important day for the LGBTQIA+ community of Ireland.
Since then, many counties and towns over the country have taken part in creating a safe space for the community and Pride campaigns and festivals have taken off all over Ireland, with around 30 seperate celebrations taking place each summer.
Chairperson of Navan Pride and Navan native Patrick Lawlor has been an LGBTQIA+ activist since 2015, and in 2023 he co-founded Navan Pride. Since then, Patrick has been the main organiser of the festival.
"The main aim of Navan Pride is to improve visibility for people in Navan and Meath as there are currently no services for adult LGBTQ+ people in the county."
In regards to the referendum and the Pride movement, Patrick said that he just wants "difference to be celebrated, bigotry to be confronted and to encourage more people to become allies of the LGBTQ+ community."
The passing of the law made history and left campaigners and members of the community in joyous tears when the vote was passed, with some people even travelling from overseas in order to vote in the referendum.
The final result of the referendum was announced at the Upper Square of Dublin Castle on Saturday, 23rd of May 2015 where thousands gathered to witness the historic and emotional moment that celebrated love and hope for Ireland as a nation.
The launch of Navan Pride, Meath 2025 is taking place on Wednesday the 28th of May at Specsavers, Navan, Co Meath for an event in celebration of the occasion. Invite only due to limited space. More info on Navan Pride events over the summer at https://navanpride.ie/.