To mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), on Wednesday, May 17, members of Dublin Pride attended a ceremony for the raising of the rainbow flag at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Ireland. The event was part of a reception to deliver a Diplomatic Statement in support of Dublin Pride, recognising the vital role the organisation plays within the LGBTQ+ community.

The statement was endorsed by ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from 34 countries, including Brazil, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and the United States. It was also signed by the Heads of the European Commission Representation in Ireland and the European Parliament Liaison Office.

The statement declared the signatories’ opposition to “all forms of violence and discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sex characteristics.”

It recognised the significance of 2023 as marking three milestone anniversaries, namely the establishment of the Sexual Liberation Movement 50 years ago, the Fairview March 40 years ago and the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland 30 years ago.

“We subscribe to the key theme of the Pride Week ‘protest, remember, celebrate’, building on the events that happened 50, 40 and 30 years ago. In this commemorative year, we continue to express our support and celebrate the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer/Questioning persons (LGBTIQ+) community, the work of Dublin Pride, as well as other like-minded organisations and services,” it said.

Along with issuing the statement, the signatories will demonstrate their support by taking part in this year’s parade as a joint contingent of ‘Diplomats for Equality’.

The letter particularly highlighted the global importance of the 30th anniversary since decriminalisation, calling for further action.

“30 years ago, Ireland abolished its legislation which Criminalised same-sex conduct between consenting adults. This is something to Cherish and to celebrate today.”

It continued, “Unfortunately, sixty-four jurisdictions around the world still criminalise this conduct, including through arbitrary arrest and the application of the death penalty simply for being LGBTIQ+. Hence action is still necessary. Decriminalisation is not enough.

“Despite improved legal conditions in Ireland and elsewhere, instances of discrimination and/or persecution of the LGBTIQ+ community still occur. In this regard, we follow with interest the debate on the introduction of robust hate crime legislation and enhanced reporting.”

For the first of our #IDAHOBIT events today, we met with the ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for a flag raising ceremony, and the handover of this year’s Diplomatic Statement in support of Pride to our Festival Director. pic.twitter.com/pDE90maYXi

— Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride (@DublinPride) May 17, 2023

Responding to the statement, Dublin Pride said, “Our work with the diplomatic community is a reminder of just how far we have come in Ireland, 30 years ago we were one of those countries that criminalised homosexuality and were calling on the international community for support in changing our laws; it is a reminder of what can be achieved when countries that value equality join forces and it is a reminder that our responsibility to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights doesn’t stop at the canals.”

The organisation concluded, “Ireland has a role to play in protecting and advancing LGBTQ+ rights across the globe and we are grateful to the diplomatic community in Dublin, and this year especially to The Embassy of The Netherlands and their Ambassador Adriaan Palm, for their support in this.”

Dublin Pride 2023 will take place from June 20 to 25, with the parade being held on Saturday, June 24.