Photo by Hasan Yıkıcı.
Following last year’s success, the Dublin Dyke March returns to the Irish capital on Friday, June 26. The march will be led by a fierce leather-clad gang of Dykes on Bikes, and will leave the Garden of Remembrance at approximately 7pm. From there, it will travel across the Liffey and down Dame Street, before concluding at Barnardo Square, where there will be a set of powerful speeches from activists and community groups alike.
The theme for the 2026 Dublin Dyke March is ‘Resist and Persist’, encompassing a number of key issues, including: opposing war and genocide, countering the far-right, fighting for same-sex parents’ rights, and advocating for a fit-forpurpose trans healthcare system.
Standing strong against war and genocide
Ireland has a long-standing commitment to military neutrality, something that is at risk in the current climate. Amid increasing pressure to dismantle the Triple Lock and become involved with NATO, arms lobbyists and weapon manufacturers have been more present here, quietly helping to normalise war for the Irish public. What's more, Irish airspaces and airports are still being used to actively facilitate genocide. As the US involves itself in six wars across the globe and Israel continues its attacks on Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, the EU is also investing hundreds of billions of euros into priming itself for war. We must continue to stand strong against war and genocide, which are in complete opposition to queer and dyke values. We want the Triple Lock and Ireland’s neutrality protected, the US Army out of Shannon, and a Free Palestine.
Countering the rise of the far-right
In recent years, Ireland has seen an increased presence of far-right activity both online and in physical spaces. While still a minority, they are vocal and regularly spread hate and harmful misinformation and disinformation, often targeting migrant and LGBTQ+ communities. Hate-related crimes and incidents have been rising steadily in Ireland in the last number of years, with race and nationality the main discriminatory motives. We must continue to counter the far-right by maintaining our solidarity and championing acceptance and inclusion. We will not be divided or pushed back into the margins of society. We are stronger together, and love will always defeat hate.
Fighting for parental rights for same-sex couples
11 years since Irish voters said ‘Yes’ to same-sex marriage in 2015, LGBTQ+ families are still not equal. In 2020, the Children and Family Relationship Act was introduced, paving the way for some same-sex couples to both be included on their child’s birth certificate. However, the legislation only goes so far. Many children of LGBTQ+ parents in Ireland, who were conceived through surrogacy or through non-clinical means with the help of a donor, are denied the right to have a legally recognised relationship with both of their parents, leaving them in limbo with serious consequences in relation to medical consent, guardianship, international travel and inheritance. This has to change; all children must have a pathway to a legally recognised relationship with both of their parents.
Advocating for a fit-for-purpose trans healthcare system
With waiting lists spanning 10 years and a pathologising approach to care, it is clear that Ireland’s trans healthcare system is in urgent need of reform. The National Gender Service (NGS) is failing patients in a multitude of ways, whether by refusing or delaying care, prohibiting supportive GPs from administering HRT, or asking invasive and inappropriate questions. Additionally, by framing trans healthcare as
‘specialised’ care, it further alienates and stigmatises the community. Due to the absence of appropriate services in Ireland, many people are forced to go abroad for private treatment and/or undertake DIY hormone therapy. As the government is in the process of developing a new model of care, it is imperative that trans, intersex, non-binary and other gender diverse voices are included in the conversation. Transgender healthcare must be locally available in primary or community care settings, depathologised, and based on informed consent.
After the march, everyone is invited to head to Opium for Dyke Night, a collaboration between Dublin Dyke March, Dublin Lesbian Line and Dublin Pride. The event will kick off at 8pm with an unmissable Dyke of the Year contest, after which, Dublin Dyke March will take over the decks for a late-night DJ set, featuring some of Ireland’s finest talents: Puzzy Wrangler, Rhyzine and Kate Brennan Harding. Tickets are available now via Eventbrite. Join us in the streets and in the club on Friday, June 26, for an evening of community, protest, partying and big dyke energy.
For more information and all the latest updates on Dublin Dyke March, follow @dykemarchdublin on Instagram.