Laois Pride Week returns with fabulous line-up of events

The second annual Laois Pride week is fast approaching, with a fabulous After Party just announced, MC'd by drag queen Paul Ryder. 

Midlands LGBT+ Project and Laois Pride are hosting their second year of Laois Pride based in Portlaoise, to celebrate acceptance and support for all minority sexualities and identities.

Laois Pride Week will run from Monday to Monday, September 4 to 10, with a host of events happening daily. See full agenda below. 

“The week will be filled with events, parties, workshops and more. Showcasing the incredible diversity and inclusivity that we are proud of in Laois and celebrating our LGBT+ Community,” say Midland LGBT+ Project.

On Saturday, September 9, they will hold a Pride March starting off from Fitzmaurice Place at 12 noon through the streets of Portlaoise until 1pm.

A free family community day follows from 2pm to 5pm, at Portlaoise Leisure Centre, including hilarious Drag Queen Bingo, live music and DJ, children's activities, food and coffee stalls and circus performers.

"Expect Drag Bingo, Circus Performers, Food and Coffee, Music and TONNES of fun" the organisers say.

The After Party will take place in Kavanaghs Bar and Venue that night, starting at 9.30pm. 

There will be a Singalong Social, and performances by Regina George and Victoria Secret. Tickets are €15 on Eventbrite for the strictly over 18s event. 

Midlands LGBT+ Project is an adults LGBT+ support service in Kildare, Laois, Offaly and Westmeath.

Christina Fitzharris is their Coordinator.

"It's our second year to hold Laois Pride and after the success of last year we are delighted to bring it back, bigger and better with a new line-up.

"Last year there were 800 to 1,000 people at our family fun day, from Laois and further afield, not just people from the LGBT+ community and their families, but people who came along just to show support.

"It's an amazing event for people especially in the Midlands and Laois. There is no Pride Week in Offaly so it extends to them too. There is great isolation felt in rural Ireland for minorities so to to see this support is incredible for them," she said.

Portlaoise will be bedecked in rainbows, as many local businesses and shops have again come on as sponsors, receiving packs to decorate their premises and show support.

"It's lovely to see, we really do get that businesses are struggling and it's incredible to see they still prioritise Laois Pride and get involved," Christina said.

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The message is simple for Laois Pride on September 9.

"Come along on the day and enjoy it. 

"Our service exists all year round, so come to us if you need help and support, or someone in your family or friend group does. We have about 15 to 20 groups and events happening every month in the Midlands," the coordinator said. 

Laois Pride Week events: 

Monday September 4: Flag Raising Ceremony at County Hall, Portlaoise. Tuesday: Gaymes Night at the MidlandsLGBT+Project base (above Subway, James Fintan Lalor Avenue), from 6 to 8pm.

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Wednesday: Who We Love film screening at the Dunamase Arts Centre, 8pm, tickets €10. Thursday: Trans & Non Binary Social Group, register for details. Friday: Youth Pride Party, at Youthwork Ireland Laois (above Subway, James Fintan Lalor Avenue), 7 to 9pm.

Saturday, September 9: Pride Breakfast, details to be confirmed. Pride parade, community day and After Party.  Sunday: LGBT+ over 50s group Picnic in the Park, 2pm, register for details.