Over 300 young people from across Youth Work Ireland’s Proud Spaces group travelled to Dublin for march in Dublin Pride. They came together under a banner of colour, creativity, and courage. The energy in Dominick Street, was electric, buzzing with music, movement, and powerful messages from young LGBTQI+ people determined to make their voices heard.
These young activists weren’t just celebrating Pride; they were protesting for progress. Armed with hand-crafted banners, they brought powerful visuals and slogans to the city, symbols of solidarity, resistance, and the vibrant diversity of LGBTQI+ youth.
The young people marching came from Youth Work Ireland’s Proud Spaces LGBTQI+ youth groups, which span rural towns, villages, and communities across the country. Proud Spaces is more than just a programme—it’s a youth-led model that creates safe, inclusive environments where LGBTQI+ young people can feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Dr. Patrick Burke, CEO of Youth Work Ireland, emphasised the critical role youth work plays in the lives of LGBTQI+ youth:
“We’re proud to celebrate the power of youth work at Pride—but let’s be clear: this vital work remains underfunded and undervalued. If the government truly wants to honour Pride, it must commit to sustained investment in youth services. Every LGBTQI+ young person deserves access to inclusive, rights-based youth work—no matter where they live.”
Despite the challenges, the tone of the day was overwhelmingly positive, empowering, and full of hope. From the energy of the parade to the connections forged between young people from different counties, the message was loud and clear: young people want equality—not just in words, but in action.
Youth Work Ireland is the largest provider of LGBTQI+ youth work services in rural Ireland. Through Proud Spaces, youth workers provide safe and welcoming environments where young people can explore identity, express themselves, and build community.
And for one bright, bold Saturday in June, over 300 of them took to the streets—not just to march, but to lead.