Following the fitting announcement that the tireless LGBT+ rights activist and beloved artist Will St Leger will be the Grand Marshall at this year’s Dublin Pride, he told Peter Dunne of his love for his community and his determination to share the U=U message.

Photo by Hazel Coonagh.

The inimitable Will St Leger is a familiar fixture on Dublin’s queer scenes. Whether recognisable for his provocative street art, his live music performances or his voice on the radio, he is synonymous with LGBT+ life in the capital. He is equally recognisable for his tireless activism and his struggle to achieve equality for his queer family, whether through sexual healthcare access, equal marriage or a greener planet.

And now the man who has done so much for his community will be celebrated as they celebrate, leading the Parade, or, as this is Will after all, the march, on June 29, as we reclaim O’Connell Street and pass the GPO from which the rainbow flag will fly.

In the run up to what will no doubt be a monumental day, Will spoke about the early beginnings of his activism.

“From the time I was 16 I was involved in environmental activism. I’d always admired Greenpeace from when I was a kid. They always seemed to be on the frontline - the actual, physical, putting yourself on the line. There’s a lot of bravery in that. Being an activist has challenged a lot of fears I have about being an active citizen. It doesn’t matter how many times you do it, there’s always butterflies in your stomach because you are essentially a person going against a corporation or a government. You’re speaking to power in a non-violent way.”