Cork Pride gets set to hail its heroes

It’s boisterous, colourful, and celebratory, but also underscored by a serious message — this week, Cork Pride celebrates its heroes: People persecuted for taking a stand on sexuality.

The non-profit organisation, which advocates for the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, last night launched its week-long festival, beginning with a discussion on marriage equality dominated by political heavyweights, including Fine Gael Cork South Central TD Jerry Buttimer, the founding member of his party’s LGBT group and Fine Gael’s first openly gay TD.

Festival spokesman JP McCarthy said the ’Celebrating Our Heroes’ theme was a tribute to those who had made sacrifices on behalf of the LGBT community.