The Mayor of Waterford says he's hopeful that the Pride flags will not be vandalised again, once they're raised tomorrow (Monday).
The Equality Minister, Roderic O'Gorman is coming to the city to do the honours alongside Councillor Damien Geoghegan.
Mr O'Gorman told the Irish Examiner: “I’m delighted to be visiting Waterford, a city that for so long has shown such strong support for the LGBTI+ community. Irish people want to live in a compassionate, progressive, and caring country, where everyone is valued and included. Pride of the Déise exemplify that, and I look forward to raising the Pride flag with them.”
His visit comes after a difficult few weeks for the LGBTQ+ community in Waterford following the destruction on two occasions of the Pride flag outside the Menapia building on the Mall.
However people in Waterford have been expressing their solidarity with the Pride movement by flying the flag and painting iconic landmarks such as Misery Rock, which is now re-christened Pride Rock - and lighting up the City Council buildings.
City Hall #Waterford #Pride #PrideMonth2021
Photo: @NoelBrowne5 pic.twitter.com/HIoJUo36Nw— Waterford City & County Council (@WaterfordCounci) June 18, 2021
The flag at Tramore Amusement park
Something happening on the rock face overlooking #Waterford this morning 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️
(thanks to the sender for the pic) pic.twitter.com/tkCd9wV9VA— Eoghan Dalton (@EoghanDalton) June 19, 2021
The sun is shining and the rainbows are flying! Happy #Pride from all at Waterford Treasures!!!
🌞🌈 pic.twitter.com/8MTmPBtngb— Waterford Treasures (@WFORD_Treasures) June 19, 2021