“I’m so excited to say that this week is the first ever Laois Pride,” said Shauna Golden, co-chair of the initiative.
Originally from Athlone, Westmeath, she bought a house in Portlaoise with her partner Amy over a year ago. “We think it is a great place to live. It is a wonderful town, and we feel really at home here.
“Not long after we moved, I saw a flyer for Midlands LGBT+ Project and I have been a volunteer ever since. Having attended Pride for as long as I can remember in Dublin each year, I jumped at the chance to join the committee of Laois Pride and I am so proud to be the co-chair of the event,” Shauna said.
“We have so many events planned, kicking off yesterday with a screening of the LGBT+ film ‘How to Tell a Secret’ in the Dunamaise Theatre.
“On Thursday, September 15, we have a Pride parade poster making workshop and on Friday, September 16 we have a Youth Pride party.
“The week culminates on Saturday, September 17, starting with a Pride breakfast in the Bay Tree restaurant from 10:30am, followed by the Pride parade in Portlaoise from 12pm and then leading into a fun-filled family friendly Pride festival in Fitzmaurice Place from 1-5pm, with music and entertainment.
“The week will end with an over-18s drag queen extravaganza in Kavanaghs from 9:30pm. Tickets are still available for the show on Eventbrite for €15,” said Shauna.
The Midlands LGBT+ Project was founded in February 2021. “Our members range from 18 years of age up to any age group. The aim is to help create a well needed sense of community for LGBT+ people in the midlands, and reduce isolation felt. We host regular monthly social meet ups in Laois, Kildare, Offaly and Westmeath; hold peer support groups, and host Pride and awareness events.
“We have hundreds of members from locations all over the midlands including an over-50s group, a trans group, film club, book club and more.
“Our members from rural areas tend to feel more isolated and when they join us, we work to create that sense of belonging and inclusion for all. We also offer support for parents of LGBT+ young people through an online parents’ support group.
“The project works towards ensuring the wider community is as inclusive and diverse as possible, where LGBT+ feel safe and can thrive in their communities through LGBT+ inclusivity and diversity training for schools, businesses, and organisations.
“We encourage schools and businesses to reach out to us if they wish, for us to find a talk that will suit their needs.”
Shauna is heartened by the number of local businesses that have Pride themed window displays.
She said: “It is amazing to see so many businesses around Portlaoise and beyond sponsoring Laois Pride. When businesses sponsor us, they get a window display pack where they can show their support and it is really encouraging to see the windows decorated with flags and bunting.
“It will add to the overall good feeling for those taking part in the parade and spectators alike, to show that community spirit and that the town is behind them.
“We want Laois Pride to be as big and successful for the community as possible. We encourage anyone who wants to show their support, to come to Portlaoise on Saturday, September 17 for the full day of events.”
Shauna also revealed that further plans for future events are in place and pleaded for people to get involved.
She said: “After this week we will still be holding all our social groups as normal, along with LGBT+ inclusive sports classes in the future.
“Anyone who wishes to get in touch with us, please don’t hesitate to contact us on: help@midlandslgbtproject.com. There is still time also to donate to Laois Pride and you can do this through the donation link on our social media pages,” Shauna said.
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