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Dundalk set to host first gay pride event
DUNDALK is set to host its first ever gay pride event in mid July to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) culture.
'Dundalk Pride' will see people from all over the North East region and further afield gather in Dundalk for the two-day event which is running from July 16-17.
"We decided to organise Dundalk Pride this year because there is a very active and energetic youth group in the service," said Dundalk Outcomers spokesperson, John Ruddy.
"Dublin Pride was on last month and Dundalk Outcomers went for the first time with a banner so we thought we should do something similar in Dundalk.
"We run the risk of getting a negative reaction so there was a lot of discussion about the best way to do it. Dundalk Pride is really a celebration of our membership of the community."
Minister for Equality Mary White is launching Dundalk Pride at Dundalk Outcomers' Centre at the rear of 8 Roden Place on Friday, July 16 at 7pm.
It's an open invitation event which will feature music and an art exhibition. Events are also running at two other venues in Dudalk that night.
The electronica band Eden will be playing at The Spirit Store at 9pm and 'Creme', a gay night in D Venue will kick off at 11.30pm.
The following day Dundalk Outcomer's Centre is hosting an open day for the public which will include a Solas therapy tent and market stalls in the forecourt.
There will also be a clothes swap; second hand book stall; refreshments; arts and crafts; kids entertainment; samba drumming and a range of workshops.
"There won't be a parade. We decided not to have one this year for a number of reasons. We see it in small steps. I don't know going forward. It depends how people react to it," said Mr Ruddy.
"However, there will be a big Pride Party in the Imperial Hotel on Saturday night from 9.30pm. Everyone is welcome to come along."
For more information visit www.outcomers.org or check out the Dundalk Pride page on Facebook.
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Weather for Dundalk
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 11 C
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