Around 20 people took part in the Quaker contingent at Dublin Pride on 27^th June, walking together behind a rainbow banner which says: “Quakers – peace, equality, community.”

The day began with a Meeting for Worship and refreshments hosted by Eustace Street Friends – a meaningful and grounding way to start the day before joining the parade.

As in previous years, the occasion was both enjoyable and purposeful – a chance to celebrate alongside thousands of others while publicly making the case that Quakers offer a safe and open space to all who seek one.

It was a moving day for those who took part, with Friends receiving a warm response from the crowd throughout the parade. One man made his way through the crowd and onto the street to say to us, “Quakers have never been on the wrong side of history”.

Taking part in Pride is both a public demonstration of our equality testimony and is affirming to Friends who are LGBTQIA+. With an estimated 100,000 spectators lining the route, a great many people saw our banner and now know that Quakers are a welcoming and inclusive community that accepts and welcomes people regardless of their sexual orientation.

Once again, the day leaves us reflecting on the same question as before: if our streets can be a place of such openness, joy and acceptance for one day each year, what can be done to help make it so for the other 364 days of the year?