A celebration of the LGBTQIA+ youth community, an online information service and a Lavender Ball are all part of a busy week of events as Limerick Youth Service (LYS) celebrate Limerick Pride 2026.
Organised by young people with LYS, this year’s Limerick Pride, will be a week of belonging, celebration, colour, music and games with all young people invited to take part and join in the festivities.
One of the highlights of the festival, will be the Lavender Ball (formerly the Pride Youth Party) that will take place at Lava Javas Youth Café, Lr, Glentworth St, Limerick on Friday, July 11th from 4-8pm.
Speaking ahead of the event Naomi O’Mara, LYS, said ‘we’re looking forward to a very enjoyable Pride as we show our colours and welcome young people to a place where they can be themselves.’
‘The young people have been very busy organising the week and we can’t wait for the celebrations, particularly the Lavender Ball which is our flagship event,’ said Naomi, youth worker with the LYS LGBTQIA+ Youth Group.
Away from the festivities, young people who would like to access information about LGBTQIA+ supports can speak in a confidence with a Youth Information Worker via an online chat service (see below).
One of groups that have been to the fore in supporting young people is the LGBTQIA+ Youth Group that meets weekly at LYS.
‘The youth group and indeed Lava Javas Youth Café are spaces where young people can meet friends and access support and information on issues such as sexuality and gender,’ said Naomi.
‘Although attitudes have changed there are still young people for whom ‘coming out’ can be a lonely and tough place and this is where our group gives them a sense of space where they can feel they belong,’ said Naomi.
Part of the wider Limerick Pride Festival, the Pride youth events are open to all young people regardless of gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation with full details available below:
For information on the Limerick Pride youth events please contact Naomi at naomo.omara@limerickyouthservice.org or call/text 061-412444.
LYS has a proud tradition of engaging with and supporting young people who identify as members of the LGTBQIA+ Community with more information on groups/clubs available at limerickyouthservice.com.
Established in 1973 by Sr. Joan Bowles, LYS remains committed to connecting with young people and supporting them to reach their full potential.
LYS is a member of Youth Work Ireland and the Irish Association of Community Training Centre Organisations.
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