A MESSAGE FROM THE GRAND MARSHAL
As we head into our second year of restrictions and the impact of Covid-19 on our community, we can all take stock of the achievements and victories – both collective and individual from the past year. We have been adaptive and innovative in our efforts to include and connect with one another during an exhausting and difficult time and as we emerge from lockdowns and severe restrictions I am honoured to take up the role of Grand Marshall for the Cork LGBTI+ Pride Festival 2021. Cause for celebration has never felt so necessary and though we will still exercise caution in our festivities, I truly hope we can immerse ourselves in the joy and fun of what looks to be the only in-person Pride festival in the country this year. ‘Together, apart’ not only holds weight in relation to protecting and caring for one another but also speaks to the ways in which we have connected, communicated, celebrated and grieved the past year and the message from the Cork LGBTI+ community is clear – we are together. Our community groups (and our community) have worked tirelessly to hold space in safe and accessible ways constantly adapting and responding. Thank you! 2021 marks the launch of Cork LGBTI+ Pride’s first (Health conference) and as an athlete the expansion of the festival to include health, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion in its delivery of a Pride that caters for all and seeks to impact so positively on the experience of LGBTI+ people in Cork and beyond makes me feel very proud.
Pride, as well as a celebration is even more so a protest and we as a community have many battles to fight and inequalities to protest; family rights and recognition for all LGBTI+ families is a must, adequate health care for trans people in their own country must be championed by all LGBTI+ voices and social and legislative advances for intersex people should be part of the conversation we’re all having. Everyone should have the right to live a full and healthy life and all struggles require strong allies. Let’s be there for one another – together! Finally, as I prepare to represent Ireland in what will be a strange Olympic games I will take the support, energy and camaraderie of the Cork LGBTI+ community with me, have a happy and safe pride to all– Together, Apart.
Aoife Cooke Grand Marshal
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