Dublin Pride announce a number of new accessibility initiatives for this year's parade

Among the new initiatives, the rainbow bus will be making its return, ideal for anyone who finds it difficult to walk in the Pride parade.

L to R: Vivienne Kavanagh, Eddie McGuinness, Festival Manager Dublin LGBTQ Pride, Clodagh Leonard, Chairperson Dublin LGBTQ Pride, Ray Coyne stand in front of the Rainbow Bus
Image: Dublin Bus

Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride has announced a number of new initiatives to make the Pride parade more inclusive and accessible for the community.

Speaking of the new initiatives, Dublin Pride said:

“Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride are on a journey to improve our accessibility to everyone in the community. We recognise that we’re still learning, so we welcome your ideas and feedback on how we can improve in the future.”

Below are some of Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride’s new initiatives, which will go some way towards making Dublin Pride a festival for everyone.

Viewing Platforms

We will have two dedicated accessible viewing areas along the Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride parade route this year, one outside the GPO and the other at the raised Luas stop outside the Gresham Hotel. These areas will be cordoned off for those that those who need to can escape the bustle of the crowd.

 

Second Assembly Point

There will be an additional assembly point at City Quay where you can join the parade for the final stretch up to Merrion Square! Anyone who would like to participate in the parade but can’t manage the full route for any reason is more than welcome to come along to City Quay where we’ll have some seating refreshments and some quieter Pride fun.

The distance from City Quay to the parade’s end at Pride Village in Merrion Square is approximately 700m and will take approximately 20 minutes to walk.

 

Quiet Area in Merrion Square

There will be a dedicated area within the Pride Village in Merrion Square for people to rest, relax and get some space. We’re trying to make this as quiet an area as is possible within the Pride Village where you can hang out in a safe space and recharge.

 

Rainbow Bus

We will be running our Rainbow Bus accessibility initiative again this year, with Dublin Bus once again providing the vehicle. Anyone who finds it difficult to walk in the Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride parade for any reason – be it mobility issues, sensory issues, mental health reasons or otherwise – is welcome aboard the Rainbow Bus! You can email [email protected] for full details on how to reserve your spot. Places are limited, so do get in touch as soon as you can.

 

ISL Interpretation

There will be an Irish Sign Language interpreter at the main stage and on the screens, and prerecorded videos will be subtitled.

Our Dublin Pride stewards and ambassadors will be scattered throughout the parade and
Pride Village and will be delighted to help anyone in need of assistance or information on the day.

 

If you would like any further details on any of these initiatives or have any ideas for the team, you can get in touch with New at [email protected]

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