The LGBT Helpline, the Irish national support service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people, is teaming up with eir to promote positive mental health at tomorrow’s Dublin Pride parade.
The parade will commence at St. Stephen’s Green South at 2pm tomorrow, Saturday, 24th June, finishing with a Pride Party in Smithfield Square, Dublin 7.
The LGBT Helpline and eir will have a large, colourful float in the parade. The theme for Dublin Pride this year is ‘Find your inner hero’, and the LGBT Helpline / eir float will reflect this with a range of superhero-themed costumes and props.
The float will also showcase the ‘It’s Good to Talk’ campaign, which promotes positive mental health among the LGBT community and highlights the mental health support services provided by the LGBT Helpline.
Following the parade, the LGBT Helpline and eir will have a large and lively igloo tent at the Pride Party in Smithfield Square. Helpline staff will be on hand to provide information and support to anyone seeking help.
As well as providing on-site support services, the LGBT Helpline will be in celebratory mode, contributing to the Pride Party atmosphere with colourful, life-sized superhero cut-outs where people can pose for selfies, and a ‘Pick ’n’ Mix’ candy area with free sweets on offer.
Commenting in advance of tomorrow’s Pride Parade, Paula Fagan, National Coordinator of the LGBT Helpline, said: “Pride is a time to celebrate and have fun, but for a lot of people, it can also be a time when negative thoughts or feelings can be magnified, as everyone else can appear to be happy and comfortable with their sexuality or gender identity. For people confused about their sexual or gender identity, or worried about coming out, Pride season can bring these feelings to the fore.
“We want everyone to know that we’re on hand to offer information and support to anyone who may be feeling worried or struggling throughout Pride, as well as celebrating everything that’s wonderful about being part of the LGBT community.”
