Today’s #TakeBackPride is in memory of Declan Flynn, who was 31 years old when he was murdered in a Dublin park by a gang of 5 men who set out to “bash a queer” in September 1982. His murder became the catalyst for the gay rights movement in Ireland. All five of the men who beat Flynn to death were given suspended sentences for manslaughter and walked free.
The verdict sparked outcry, leading to the first ever gay rights march in Ireland. 400 people protested against violence against homosexuals, lesbians, and women.
Today marks Dublin Pride parade 2023. 40 years have passed since that first gay rights march. Yet instead of honouring Declan’s memory, Dublin Pride have chosen to erase the fight of those brave LGB people in 1983 against police and male violence.
Let’s not allow Dublin Pride to rewrite our history. If you are celebrating pride this weekend, keep Declan’s memory alive and remember the brave men and women of the 1983 Fairview March.
