Suzy Byrne (centre, in mauve boiler suit) said of this day: “This was shortly before the law reform which saw homosexuality decriminalised, and at a time when it was still permissible to discriminate against people on the basis of sexual orientation. With little money the float was designed to be as apolitical as possible, and washing machines were put into action dyeing builders’ overalls lighter shades of pink, purple, and blue. Those who built and were part of the float were mainly participants in the GCN community employment scheme. Dublin Tourism, the parade organisers, were helpful and welcoming and inspected the float beforehand, and we joined the majorettes and marching bands and sponsored floats. We were also met with smiles, cheers, and confused silence, but we were there. We had our own form of security including Christopher Robson who walked alongside, which came in useful as we were attacked with rotten fruit and eggs.”

Richard Prenderville, editor of Gay Community News pictured in front of float wearing suit and tie.

Exhibited as part of ‘Living with Pride: photographs by Christopher Robson’, June-November 2021 at the National Photographic Archive

Physical description: 1 photograph : dye coupler transparency ; 35 mm.