FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Clare Pride 2023: Stand Up, Stand Out, Stand Proud – Uniting Communities in Celebration of Diversity

Ennis, County Clare, September 11, 2023 – QuareClare, Clare’s LGBTQIA+ advocacy organisation, is delighted to announce Clare Pride 2023, a week-long celebration of unity, inclusivity, and love taking place from September 18th to September 24th, 2023, in the vibrant town of Ennis. This year’s theme, “Stand Up, Stand Out, Stand Proud,” emphasises the importance of coming together and celebrating our unique identities while promoting acceptance and unity.

The highlight of Clare Pride 2023 is the inaugural “Pride March for Unity,” a historic event that will wind its way through the streets of Ennis. Led by the iconic Ennis Brass Band, this march symbolises the unity of our diverse community. We invite everyone to join us on this momentous occasion, as we stand together, proud and unapologetic.

The Pride March for Unity will culminate in front of glor, where an exciting Open Day will unfold. Featuring music, entertainment, and a diverse array of businesses and organisations dedicated to the values of inclusivity and diversity, this Open Day is a testament to the strength of our community and the importance of coming together in celebration.

Following the Open Day, the festivities continue with the Clare Pride Celebration hosted by the sensational Triple Threat Performer and Ireland AM presenter, Paul Ryder. Known for being a trailblazer in Dublin’s LGBTQIA+ community for nearly fourteen years, Ryder has made an indelible mark, particularly with his character, The Ringmaster, which launched the iconic Ringmasters Drag Race. The celebration which will also include performances by The Circus Ponies, The Wild Geeze, and Miss Lavelle promises to be a highlight of Clare Pride 2023, offering a night of fabulous entertainment and empowerment for all.

But Clare Pride isn’t confined to a single day; it’s a week-long festival of events and activities both within and beyond Ennis. To access the full list of events and detailed information, please visit www.QuareClare.ie.

QuareClare and Clare Pride are thankful for the support of Clare County Council, which has demonstrated its commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community by promoting diversity and inclusion throughout Clare. Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Cooney, expressed his enthusiasm for Clare Pride: “I would like to wish the organisers of Clare Pride every success with this year’s festival. The Pride flag will be flying at Áras Contae an Chláir throughout the week as a show of support. Clare County Council is committed to inclusivity and diversity in line with our equality and human rights public sector duty. I encourage everyone in Clare to show their support for Clare Pride and check out the programme of events and activities.”

At the heart of Clare Pride is QuareClare, an organisation dedicated to promoting LGBTQIA+ visibility and acceptance in Clare. QuareClare’s mission is to create a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies. The organisation’s work goes beyond the annual Pride celebration, offering support, resources, and a sense of belonging throughout the year. Chris Koble, Chair of QuareClare and Co-Chair of Clare Pride 2023, shared their thoughts on the significance of this year’s celebration: “Clare Pride 2023 is more than a celebration; it’s a powerful statement of unity, a celebration of love, and a testament to the strength of the LGBTQIA+ community in Clare.  It embodies our commitment to fostering unity and celebrating diversity throughout Clare. It’s a joyful affirmation of love and acceptance, creating space for individuals to boldly express their authentic selves. This week’s events are centred around a powerful message: our voices are heard, our identities are celebrated, and together, we forge a path towards a more inclusive and understanding future.”

For more information about Clare Pride 2023 and QuareClare, please visit www.QuareClare.ie/pride23.

For news, photos and media related to QuareClare and Clare Pride 2023, visit www.QuareClare.ie/press

Media Contact:
Chris Koble
Chair, QuareClare
Co-Chair, Clare Pride
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 089 279 0603Facebook: QuareClareLGBTQIA
Instagram: QuareClareLGBTQ
Twitter: QuareClareLGBTQ

Photo Caption:
No Repro Fee: Pictured at Áras Contae an Chláir ahead of Clare Pride 2023, which takes place from September 18th to September 24th, 2023, were (l-r): Cllr Pat Daly, Mayor of Ennis Municipal District; Bernie O’Gorman, Co-Chair, Clare Pride 2023 Steering Committee, QuareClare; Cllr Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council; Cllr Donna McGettigan, Cathaoirleach, Shannon Municipal District; Chris Koble, Co-Chair, Clare Pride 2023 Steering Committee, QuareClare; and Elaine Dalton, Member, Clare Pride 2023 Steering Committee, QuareClare, and Women’s Collective Ireland – Clare. Photo: Eamon Ward.
Available for Download: https://www.quareclare.ie/files/press/ClarePridePhoto2023.jpg