City celebrates gay culture
by Marie Hobbins
GAY pride is alive and well in Limerick, which will be obvious when
this yearis festival - Limerick Gay Pride 2008, provides a welcome
splash of colour.
The theme of the festival, which runs from September 7 to 14 is "I
Love Limerick” and speaking in the Absolute Hotel, Limerick Pride
chairperson, Paddy Doyle stressed that the festival is an opportunity
for everyone to celebrate diversity.
"Gay culture has really contributed to the life of Limerick through art,
music, dance and pure energy and Pride 2008 is a showcase of all
these talents”.
Headlining the festival at La Boutique in Dolanis is chart topping
songstress, Limerickis Youire a Star 2008 winner, Leanne Moore who
said: "Limerick is a city that gets a lot of stick for no good reason but
events like Pride 2008 shine a light on the city and showcase all that
is positive and unique about its people. I love Limerick, itis a part of
me as I am a part of it.”
The festival kicks off on Sunday afternoon, at the Hunt Museum with
a fundraising Garden Party and Art Auction, with Deputy Jan
O'Sullivan (Labour) wielding the gavel. Then a week long calendar of
film and theatre events gets underway. Alternative Miss Ireland
winner and reigning queen of Limerick, Sheila Fits Patrick treads the
boards with actor Myles Breen in an adaptation by Theaspach
Theatre of Brian Merriman's play,The Midnight Court. There is also a
night of cabaret and comedy at Baker Place on Thursday, September
11 hosted by Limerick's Madonna Lucia.
A highlight of the week is the Rainbow Ball at the Absolute Hotel on
Friday, which is followed by the 2008 Pride Parade, that will
commence in Pery Square at 1pm on Saturday.
"Last year, Limerick held its first Pride Parade and the city welcomed
us with warmth and well wishes. The festival swelled my pride in my
city and has spurred on the festival committee to make this year's
event bigger and brighter,” said Paddy Doyle.
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