The Consulate General of Ireland in Boston and the Irish International Immigrant Center along with the Irish and Irish-American community of New England, will march behind the banner ‘Irish For Pride’ in the Boston Pride Parade on Saturday 9th June 2018. It will be the first time that the Consulate and Irish organizations right across the New England region will come together to formally participate in the Boston Pride Parade, now in its 48th year.

2018 also marks the 25th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Ireland, the 3rd anniversary of the Irish Marriage Equality Referendum and centenary of the parliamentary vote for women in Ireland. Many Irish who immigrated to New England before 1993 did so because Ireland had not yet become the inclusive society it is today. By participating in Boston Pride, the Irish community of the Northeast will be demonstrating its commitment to the pursuit of equality, reflecting on the journey which Ireland itself has undertaken and celebrating what has been achieved at home and in New England.

Consul General Shane Cahill said, “Irish For Pride is a milestone event for the Irish community here in Boston and beyond. It is a demonstration of the hallmark of the Irish in America – that commitment to community, to equality and to fairness. It will be a truly great occasion filled with color, music, dance and celebration. It is a real testament to our community to see so many of our Irish organizations come together to support each other, to support equality, inclusivity and diversity and to hopefully to have a lot of fun at the same time.”

On ‘Irish For Pride’, Ronnie Millar, Executive Director of the IIIC said, “Boston Pride is a brilliant opportunity for the immigrant community to celebrate, to unite, and to show that all are welcome and valued. We look forward to walking as part of Irish for Pride to promote greater equality, inclusion, and diversity.”

The March will start at 12:00 on Saturday 9th June from Copley Square and end at City Hall Plaza. There is no limit on the number of people, young and old, who can march with ‘Irish For Pride’ and with special branded T-Shirts being provided for all participants, there will be strong green contingent visible through the City on 9th June.

Irish Bostonians interested in participating can use a free to sign up via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/irish-for-pride-boston-pride-parade-2018-ti.... The first 100 people to register will receive a special ‘Irish For Pride 2018’ T-Shirt and memorabilia.
Information will also be available under the ‘News and Events’ section of the Consulate General’s website (www.dfa.ie/boston) and on Twitter @IrelandBoston
"Irish For Pride" is proudly supported by:
Consulate General of Ireland
Irish International Immigrant Center
Amherst Irish Association
Boston Friends of the Gaelic Players Association
Boston Irish Business Association
Charitable Irish Society
Eire Society
Enterprise Ireland
Irish American Partnership
Irish Cultural Centre of New England
IDA Ireland
Irish Film Festival, Boston
Irish Network Boston
Irish Pastoral Centre
US North-eastern GAA Division
Solace House
TCD Boston Alumni Network
The Ireland Funds
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, New Bedford