#23 | Pride is protest

Following on from last week’s episode where we highlighted objections to a growing corporate presence at Dublin Pride, we delve deeper into its origins as a form of protest. Aside from being a big celebration, the need for pride to exist as protest is still there. Glenn and Steph are joined by Sadhbh of Queer Action Ireland, a group whose presence at pride highlighted some of the contradictions posed by the foregrounding of multinationals such as YouTube, Facebook and Air BnB.

All too often, the assumption is that the battle is over because the referendum on equal marriage was passed. Recent events show us clearly that homophobia, transphobia and other forms of bigotry did not simply evaporate overnight once the votes were in. Some of the more marginalised entities within the LGBTQI+ community still face all sorts of challenges such as access to vital mental health services and a sex education programme that is fit for purpose. We were blown away by the heightened importance that QAI place on intersectionality.

Also with us and extremely well placed to comment on matter surrounding Pride is the new President of the Union of Students in Ireland, Síona Cahill. We get the lowdown on her aims and ambitions for the next 12 months and ponder some of the biggest challenges facing Third Level students, namely the battle against tuition fees, student housing provision and building a common understanding of consent on campus. Síona also paints us a picture of the trojan work that goes on in students’ union circles that is often difficult to communicate to students who ask where their €5 annual membership fee goes.

We also look at America’s increasingly bizarre but telling response to the candidacy of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and we look at a demonstration that took place earlier this week highlighting the overwhelming need for Dublin City Council to upgrade a run-down block of apartments.

Exit track – ‘Shame’ by The Eskies