For the first time in 25 years, Irish LGBT organizations were welcome to march in the nation’s oldest and largest Saint Patrick’s Day parade in New York City. As the group of 330 turned onto Fifth Avenue, tears were flowing as the group proudly represented LGBT groups across the country in the parade. The discriminatory policy that had excluded LGBT groups from the march was lifted for this year's parade, showing extreme progress for the groups goals and success of protests. During the parade, it was clear that New York City was unified, peaceful, and proud of the accomplishments that have been made to enable people of all groups to march together in celebration.
In 1991, a gay organization attempted to march in the parade and had to be shielded and escorted out by police as wild, angry crowds through beer cans at the paraders. Knowing that it took 25 years for this group to be allowed equality and protection in the parade is devastating, but the future looks bright for LGBT organizations whose breakthroughs have granted them equal rights across the United States. This year marked New York City’s 255th St. Patrick’s Day parade. One of the claimed reasons that LGBT groups or individuals were not allowed to march in the group holding banners, or openly representing their sexual identity, was because leaders of the parade didn't want to put the focus on anything besides honoring the Irish heritage. I find this fascinating because focusing on heritage is extremely important, but keeping up with the times and including those of different backgrounds and sexual identities is crucial to the movement and success of the parade, especially in New York City.
Along with Seattle, Pittsburgh, and Washington DC, New York is one of the world's most LGBT friendly and populated cities. In 2015, Ireland became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage on a national level by popular vote which shows the support the Irish have for those members of their community who are LGBT. With this in mind and the liberal population of New York, it amazes me that it took so long for this group to gain the right to march in safety in the parade. If it is about celebrating the heritage of Irish people, part of their heritage includes the struggle for LGBT organizations and the rights they have in Ireland. These rights include same sex marriage, military service, protections against discrimination and adoption. With so many legal rights in Ireland, why wouldn't they be able to participate and show their pride for their culture as well as their love of New York City? I feel at peace to know that from this year on not only the Lavender and Green alliance group, but all other LGBT organizations will be able to march in the parade and be acknowledged, protected and celebrated as any other citizen participating in the parade.
