As the days darken towards the end of an unprecedented and difficult year, a bit of joy and colour will be brought to Galway when Galway's LGBT+ community hosts Winter Pride.
Winter Pride will mark a season of events all across the month of December aimed at the LGBT+ community as well as friends, families, and allies. Like many during the pandemic, Galway's
LGBT+ community have seen many vital services, support networks, and community spaces lost, or had to adapt to the Covid-19 restrictions. "The winter months can be a difficult period in the best of times, and this year will be tougher than ever," said Galway Pride chair, Cllr Owen Hanley [pictured below].
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"Many of the challenges we all face under the current circumstances are made more difficult for those members of the LGBT+ community who aren't safe in their homes, who might not be welcomed or respected by their family, or who don't get the basic support their need to live their lives as they are."
'An opportunity to stay connected'
However, Cllr Hanley said Winter Pride will give the community "an opportunity to stay connected" and socialise with a series of online events. "We have over a dozen events planned as well as a dedicated online social space that will provide a genuine chance to share the festive season as a community," he said.
Winter Pride will see panel discussions on LGBT+ issues, discussions on issues that affect society at large, Irish language events, entertainment, table quizzes, and movie nights.
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"For many, Winter and the Christmas period will be the highlight of the year, for others it can mean a huge amount of stress and anxiety. For many it's a mixture of both," said Cllr Hanley. "Our hope is that when you're looking for an escape or a bit of a breather over the next few weeks we'll have a virtual hot chocolate waiting for you."
For full details of Winter Pride follow Galway Pride on its social media @GalwayPride.
