President Micheal D. Higgins marked the beginning of LGBTQ+ Pride Month 2024 on Monday with a warm address on social media.

"Pride is not just a celebration," the statement read. "It is a powerful symbol of solidarity, collectivity, identity and resilience, offering as it does an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together, recognizing that our differences enrich us rather than diminish us, unite us rather than divide us.

"In Ireland, we take great pride in our commitment to diversity and inclusion. In recent years, legal obstacles have been gradually removed, many support structures have been put in place, and awareness and realisation of LGBTQ+ rights have increased significantly.”

President Michael D. Higgins has sent a message to all those who will be celebrating Pride this month and across the summer pic.twitter.com/tvEtWKV4bn

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) June 3, 2024

The President went on to write that while the country has made great progress in recent years, there is still “so much more can, and must, be done if we are to craft an Ireland in which there is real equality, a society that embraces peace, justice, solidarity and equality.

"It must be a concern for us all the many places around the world in which those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender continue to face widespread stigma, exclusion and discrimination, be victims of oppressive laws and ill-informed social attitudes…

"Mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, may I express my sincere gratitude to all those who have tirelessly fought, and continue to fight, for LGBTQ+ rights, whose dedication to creating a society where everyone can live authentically and without fear of judgement or discrimination has played such a crucial role in the pursuit of a more fulfilling, harmonious, just, and inclusive society.”

"Tréaslaím libh is gach beannacht lá is d'on todhchaí,” the President wrote in conclusion, which translates to “I congratulate you and wish you all the best for the future.”

This year, Dublin will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its annual Pride March and Parade, which will run from O’Connell Street to Merrion Square on Saturday, June 29th. The celebration will also include a free festival of LGBTQ+ community and culture from 1pm to 6pm at Merrion Square Park, along with a host of other activities around the city. Learn more about Dublin Pride here.