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After a week of events to raise awareness Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr John Maher welcomed everyone to Marina Park Bishop for the Rainbow Picnic 2023, which he called “a day full of fun, family, love and diversity and a flagship event of the Cork LGBTI+ Awareness Week” and spoke of his own “pride in raising the Rainbow Flag at city Hall as a gay man”. The event took place next to Páirc Uí Chaoimh where Cork GAA had raised a Rainbow Flag for the first time ever this year. The Army and Gardai were also in attendance also having raised Rainbow Flags.

On a week to raise awareness of homophobia, lesbophobia, transphobia and biphobia Cllr Maher said it was important that hate and discrimination is challenged in this city and everywhere and led  a round of applause and solidarity for the young teenager in Navan.

He ended on a note of thanks to all of the members of the Inter agencygroup who represent our city, public agencies, communities and lgbti+ NGOs, who organise this week

Siobhán O’Dowd – Chair of the InterAgency Group highlighted the seminar on Combatting Hate Crime , and the IDAHOBIT Day Seminar on Healthcare and Housing for older LGBTI+ Community members. Stronger Together earlier in the week.  Siobhan noted that events like the picnic created a different but also important awareness – of the multipolicy and diversity of families and the importance of recognising and including all.

Entertainment at the Marina   included the  Barrack Street Band, the Shandon Ukuleles and Stevie G. There were games and fun for children of all ages facilitated by Cork City Council community Team and a fabulous fairy stories plus the OutLit book club organised by Cork City Library at the outdoor event.