'Pride is casting off shame': Colm O'Gorman on a changed Ireland

When the first Dublin Pride march took place, Colm O’Gorman was just 16 and afraid to come out. Three decades later he led the parade. Here, he reflects on 30 years of change – for him and Ireland

Colm O'Gorman at Dublin Pride: a celebration of LGBT* pride that has its roots in protest

I was driving through West Cork last week and was struck by the number of Pride flags flying in towns and villages across the county. As we drove into Skibbereen, we were greeted by a rainbow flag flying high outside the rugby club, and lots of shops along the main street had them displayed in their windows. 

The same thing was repeated in other towns and villages we passed through, and I must say, it really did move me. I know teenage me would never have imagined that towns and villages across Ireland would one day fly the Pride flag, sending a signal of love and acceptance to LGBTQ people in their own places and standing in solidarity with others around the world.