Rainbow and Trans flags are raised to mark Pride month
FOR the first time, the Pride and Trans flags will be flown together at Wicklow County Council buildings during the month of June to mark Pride Month.
The LGBTQ Pride flag was previously flown on the local authority’s buildings in 2015 and 2016 during the county’s Pride festival, but has not been on display during the month of June in recent years. For the first time, the Trans flag will also be raised alongside the Rainbow flag at County Buildings. The flags were raised outside Arklow Municipal District office in Castlepark in Arklow on Friday with members of the local LGBT and trans community and public representatives present.
Arklow resident and filmmaker Dave Thomas, who was one of the founders of the first Wicklow Pride Festival, said the flag may not have been flown as the Wicklow Pride Festival did not continue after 2016.
‘However, I believe it is extremely important that the flag is flown every year for Pride Month, when many other cities and towns in Ireland raise the flag in support of the LGBTQ community.’
Mr Thomas contacted Arklow councillor Pier Leonard who supported the idea that the flag be raised annually in the county from now on.
‘I was delighted that Cllr Leonard fully supported the idea and clearly understood how important it was. She approached the protocol committee at Wicklow County Council and encouraged everyone to get on board, which they did, and now the flag will be flown again.’
The Nineteen Arches Bridge will also be illuminated in orange light during the month of June. He is encouraging the local community to get involved and display the rainbow flag from homes, shops and other local businesses.
‘ The beautiful rainbow flag is more than a representation of the LGBTQ community. It is a very public symbol to young LGBTQ people that there is a greater acceptance for who they are from the general community that they live in. While each colour in the flag represents one sector of the LGBTQ community, there are many other versions of the Pride Flag.’
The most common version of the pride flag will be raised in the county this year. It has been joined by the Trans flag which represents the transgender community.
‘ The flag is about celebrating inclusivity, diversity and unity. Our young people need to know that our Rainbow Flag aims to encourage awareness, kindness and acceptance of all. I know that every time I pass the flag and see it waving about, it brings a smile to my face and I hope young LGBTQ people will feel as proud of this symbol as much as I do.’ said Mr Thomas.
He added that he hopes this will become an annual tradition across the county.