As cries of “How is it July already?” can be heard around the world, we’re here to give you something to be excited about with our list of queer events happening this month. So get out your calendars, and start planning, as there’s sure to be something to suit every taste.
Sanctuaries at Belfast Exposed
Throughout July, Belfast Exposed is hosting a specially commissioned exhibition by the Queer Artist Forum, a group of local lens-based artists. Sanctuaries tackles themes of both religious and broader cultural judgement of LGBTQ+ individuals, and their forms of resistance. The works will be on display in the gallery’s Studio space for the month, coinciding with Belfast Pride celebrations.
Clarity of the Stars: A Retrospective of the Work of Jordan Howe
This new exhibition celebrates the work of Jordan Howe, a Northern Irish trans artist who passed away in 2014. It opens in Millenium Court Arts Centre in Portadown on July 5, and will run until the end of the month. There are a range of special events happening as part of the exhibition programme, including curator and tactile tours and a special Jordan Howe x Lady Gaga Remix Night. See here for more information.
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Donegal Bay Pride
On Saturday, July 6, Donegal Bay Pride will host its first-ever parade in Bundoran. Expect live music and entertainment, as organisers hope to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all the family to enjoy.
Cairde Sligo Arts Festival
Taking place from July 6 to 13, Cairde promises to transform Sligo into a vibrant hub of colourful and exciting festivities, showcasing music, theatre, dance, literature, family-friendly events and more. The programme will be housed in venues across the county, as well as in the streets, forests and beaches. To view the full programme and book your tickets, click here.
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The Tides of Monumental Gesture
This new group exhibition comes from the Museum of Everyone in partnership with Luan Gallery. With a diverse mix of exhibiting artists, it traverses a sea of queer and multicultural perspectives and strandings on the island of Ireland. The Tides of Monumental Gesture runs from July 9 to September 8, with the official opening taking place on Friday, July 12.
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Trans Joy: A Panel Performance and Podcast Recording
The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) and LGBTQ+ charity ShoutOut are teaming up to host a wonderful panel performance and podcast recording on July 11. The event will feature discussions from trans and non-binary artists and activists on the future of the community, journey towards liberation and joys of trans life. This a free-entry event and booking is not required.
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Trans and Intersex Pride
On July 13, Trans and Intersex Pride will take place in Dublin. This annual community-run event is more important now than ever, as transphobia has become increasingly prevalent throughout society in recent years. Marchers will gather at the Garden of Remembrance at 12pm, calling for improved trans healthcare, intersex rights and queer liberation, as well as pushing back against the far-right.
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Pillow Queens at Iveagh Gardens
On July 13, queer Irish favourites Pillow Queens will be playing their biggest headline show to date in Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens. The band will be joined by special guest Morgana, and a limited number of tickets are still available!
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EmpowHER
Also on July 13, Mistify is hosting a night of art, techno and live performances in The Sound House. It’s part of the group’s new Empower initiative, dedicated to showcasing underrepresented artists. For this first edition, Mistify is handing the stage over to female-identifying creatives, and tickets are on sale now!
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Summer of Soul
Returning for its second instalment, Summer of Soul is an anti-racist gig hosted by ROSA (Social Feminist Movement) in Dublin’s Crowbar Terrace. It will take place on the evening of July 18, featuring an incredible lineup celebrating the diversity of Irish society. Tickets are available here; get yours before it’s too late.
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Gauche Market
On July 21 a selection of spooky crafts, homeware, art, and jewellery will be on sale in Wigwam at this “Summerween” themed market. There will also be tarot reading and a monthly book swap at the event, which is open from 12 to 5pm.
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Pride Céilí
On July 24, Belfast TradFest is hosting a queer céilí event to coincide with the city’s annual Pride celebration. The fabulous event taking place in The Black Box will feature music from the Close Brothers Céilí band and dances called by Ronán Eastwood. Get your tickets here!
Exclusive Webinar: Dr John Kennedy + GCN
On July 24, join Thérapie Fertility for an exclusive webinar on shared motherhood, egg freezing and options for LGBTQ+ family creation. The online event will be facilitated by GCN and feature the expertise of Dr John Kennedy. Register for a free ticket here.
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Handsome Devil special screening
Dublin International Film Festival is hosting a special screening of hit gay film Handsome Devil this month, with cast and crew in attendance. The one-off event takes place in the Light House Cinema on July 25, get your ticket here!
Faoin Tuath
Faoin Tuath is a new Queer Sheds festival for LGBTQ+ people to connect beyond the city, featuring practical skill-sharing workshops, talks, live performances, DJs, traditional music sessions, film screenings, shared meals, and much more. It takes place in the Common Knowledge Centre from July 26 to 28, with booking available here.
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A Record of Tenderness
Richard Malone’s A Record of Tenderness runs in The Dock in Carrick-On-Shannon from July 27 to October 5. The solo exhibition sees the queer imagination take centre stage as labour and class are explored through sculpture, performance and film. Find out more here!
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Our Haus Party
As part of Cork Pride, the fabulous Haus of WIG trio Naomi Diamond, Donna Fella and Shaqira Knightly are teaming up with Our Haus’ Letycha Le’Synn, Mia Gold and Liam Bee for a spectacular night not to be missed. They will be taking over Kino Events House on Washington Street for a visual drag show on Saturday, July 27; tickets are available here.
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Wexford Pride Community Symposium
Wexford Pride’s first Community Symposium will take place on July 27 in Red Books, Peter’s Square. Tickets are €10 and all proceeds will go towards supporting Pride At The Prom, a second-chance prom coming later this year. Secure your spot at this link.
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These are just some of the incredible queer events happening across Ireland this July. If you think we’ve missed one, get in touch at [email protected].
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