It’s been over 40 years of Pride in Ireland, and as celebrations grow larger and more diverse, how are the conversations around accessibility only just getting started?

While celebrations often claim to be inclusive, many queer, disabled people face barriers to fully taking part. It could be physical barriers such as steps, no lifts or rest spots or inaccessible announcements for Deaf people. It could also be a lack of quiet spaces for neurodivergent people.

According to the 2022 Census, 1,109,557 people, or 22% of the population, reported having a long-lasting condition or disability, compared to 643,131 in 2016. The same census had no question about sexuality. However, as one of those people who balance my queer non-binary identity with my disabled one, I know it’s not just me.

The immediate barrier we face is in planning Pride. There is no such thing as ‘just going’ to Pride when you are disabled or neurodivergent. This includes complex planning around food, recovery, rest, seating, wheelchair access, charging points and more.

“Last year, there were a few events I wanted to go to but then realised it wouldn’t be worth my while,” said Julie Ann, a queer disabled and neurodivergent student. “(Getting) a bus to another Pride, you would have to do the march. (Or) going on the Pride bus, then realising, you might have to stay downstairs and not see anything.

“I don’t feel comfortable in queer spaces that aren’t wheelchair accessible. They don’t even mention this in their advertising. You have to ask if it is suitable, and a lack of seating, when you have mobility issues, is hard.”

Frank Ryan, a gay disabled man, said: “It’s hard to know where to sit or what is going to be available in advance. I have fibromyalgia, so I need to know if I can find somewhere to rest, but often, I don’t ask, then stand for longer than I need to and pay for it the next day.”

The lack of information on Pride websites in Ireland about accessibility is a problem. It’s something that most non-disabled people don’t realise, which makes it vital that organisers factor in consultancy with disabled or neurodivergent people at all stages of the process, but most critically, at the start.

In a quick access audit of Pride sites, I visited 10 chosen at random. Of the 10, only two had access information on their site. There were eight that had none at all or asked that you contact them. This places the hard work on the shoulders of already exhausted disabled people who are tired of asking to be included.

The tide is turning as Prides are slowly realising that access isn’t an afterthought. There are several Irish disability organisations that work with queer disabled people, host events, lobby or work with Prides.

Neuro Pride is one such user-led group. It was formed after its members attended an online Autistic Pride, making them want to host a festival to celebrate all neurodivergent conditions. Six weeks later, they had a week-long event that has grown into an organisation that also works with other Pride events across Ireland to promote accessibility.

Gillian Kearns, part of Neuro Pride, says Prides are changing. “There is a growing awareness in Ireland that the neurodivergent and the queer communites are very much the same community rather than separate. It wasn’t always that way, as people would talk about having to choose which side of their identity they left at the door.

“The queer community has realised that this is something that we need to be looking at. These people are members of our community. This is a large part that has felt excluded for a long time, and it’s about time you thought about that.”

One of the first organisations to get in touch with Neuro Pride was Pride of the Déise in Waterford. They wanted to know if the group could set up a quiet space at the event. From this, Neuro Pride began working with other Prides around Ireland.

When it comes to accessibility, the group was adamant that it is open to everyone who needs it.

“We were clear from the outset that you don’t have to prove any diagnosis, there is no gatekeeping, and it’s not solely for neurodivergent or disabled people. We’ve had families come along. People who just need a break,” Gillian explained.

“If you make your Pride inclusive and accessible, then it benefits everybody.”

For Mayo Pride, the recent release of Failté Ireland’s accessibility guide for festivals has been helpful in giving them a place to start. “Mayo Pride aims to be a space where everyone feels welcome and safe, including disabled and neurodivergent members of the community. Last year, for example, we worked closely with groups like Autism Friendly Westport to run a session for kids,” Shaun Lavelle, Chair of Mayo Pride, said.

“We are sometimes constrained by time and resources. There’s definitely more we could be doing. But every year we try to make our programme as diverse as possible, including sensory-friendly events like forest bathing, creative writing workshops and art sessions.”

Often, people can panic about the idea of making things accessible, envisioning massive and expensive changes. However, what lots of event organisers don’t realise is that small wins can make a big difference.

“Simple things like letting people know what is and isn’t available, including a map of the route, what you are going to provide, image descriptions when you are doing things and make sure you are giving information in more than one way so you know that people can access it,” Gillian said.

“One of the things we do is do a walk-through video where I’ll go to Dublin Pride from the accessibility gate and walk through to where we are. Just show people where the stage will be or the quiet space. Give people the information without them having to ask, because if we have to ask, we won’t. Disabled people are so burned out with the amount of effort that goes into all this questioning before going anywhere. Take that off their shoulders.”

Gillian added, “No one is expecting you to be perfect. We understand you are working with the limitations of an ableist society in environments that were never set up for disabled people in the first place. But if you can show that you’ve thought about it, then that is inclusive and shows willingness.”

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