A decade of Yes: Community, connection, and the Irish story at NYC Pride

Ten years ago, Ireland made history.

In May 2015, Ireland became the first country in the world to pass marriage equality by popular vote, and with it, the legalisation to allow same-sex marriage. Just a few months later, in July 2015, the Gender Recognition Act was signed into law, allowing transgender people in Ireland to have their gender legally recognised through a simple, respectful process.

These political milestones transformed what it meant to be seen, to be protected, and to belong for the nation. Now, a decade later, that spirit of dignity and progress continues to ripple far beyond Ireland’s shores.

This June, the Consulate General of Ireland in New York marked these anniversaries with a month of Pride celebrations, bringing together the Irish and Irish-American LGBTQI+ communities and allies that call this city home.

This Pride Month is especially important for Ireland. It’s a moment to reaffirm our commitment to LGBTQI+ rights globally, even as those rights come under pressure in many parts of the world.

These events gave our community the space to come together, remember, and celebrate. Throughout the month, the Consulate hosted three films that sought to reflect not just on the progress made in Ireland, but on the lived experiences of LGBTQI+ people in Ireland.

The diaspora holds stories just as vital as those at home, and this milestone was an opportunity to elevate and honour them. It is in recognition of the work of LGBTQI+ civil society and the importance of their lived experience that we included community voices at each of our screenings.

We culminated this sense of reflection with annual participation in the New York City Pride March.

Set against the backdrop of the march, we asked our community what 10 years of marriage equality meant to them - putting into words what it means to be part of something bigger. A community that’s proud of their identity, proud of where they come from, and proud of how far LGBTQI+ equality has come at home and abroad.

From long-time organisers to first-time marchers, what emerged as we marched down Fifth Avenue, was deeper than commemoration: it was a shared story of resilience, joy, and connection.

As we move forward, the message is clear: Pride is not just a month, it is an active movement. Ireland is proud to stand with LGBTQI+ communities worldwide.