Latest news with #PrideBrunch
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Armagh All-Ireland winner Mark Shields says coming out as gay was a 'daunting task'
Mark Shields hopes speaking about being a gay inter-county footballer will be of benefit to young Gaelic games players struggling to express their sexuality. At the GPA's annual Pride Brunch, the 2024 All-Ireland winner with Armagh spoke openly in front of an audience for the first time about being gay. He is the first active male inter-county player to speak about being gay since Cork hurler Donal Óg Cusack. "I feel it's just important to tell my own story of 12 - 15 years playing inter-county, my experience of coming through the ranks, being a senior inter-county player in the male GAA environment," Shields said in a video published on the GPA's social media accounts. "It was a daunting task coming out, whenever it was, about 10 - 12 years. The culture has changed within society, within the group in Armagh. I feel that I can express myself more. The group are more accepting. "The language used around the group is changing. There's people standing up for people, for myself in the group, whereas maybe that didn't happen that much before. I think the culture is changing within the GAA itself." Shields said that some of the language used in changing rooms in the past would have been "hurtful". He added that having the type of support he feels is now available would have made his situation much easier a decade ago. "It's been excellent to have allyships and people advocating for it in social media, and around GAA set-ups, and the GPA," he said. "I hope speaking out and telling my story will help that younger player, be it male or female, non-binary to express themselves in the GAA environment." Shields advised anyone struggling with their sexuality to find someone they can trust. "For me, it was process," he said "I had to find someone I trusted in, that was my sister; I spoke to my sister a lot, and would have a close relationship with her, my partner as well. It's finding that someone you trust and you want to express yourself to them. "I found that very helpful whenever I was trying to tell my story and trying to come out. They were the ones that stood by me throughout and supported me whenever I felt down or low in the dumps or in a dark place. "It doesn't have to be in front of a group; it can be a one-to-one conversation with someone. That's how I found it easier, to have that walk on the beach, in a forest or just chatting to someone over a coffee. That was the easiest way for myself."
Forbes
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Celebrate D.C. Pride In Style With This Star-Studded Drag Brunch
Long renowned as a bastion for LGBTQ+ acceptance, Washington D.C. has served as the setting for iconic campaigns spanning from the 1975 Gay Pride Day to the 1987 Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights—and today, The District is continuing its lengthy legacy as the host city of WorldPride 2025, with a wealth of engaging events taking place from May 17th to June 8th. While experiences span from late-night dance parties to community workshops, visitors can enjoy food-filled festivities with a trip to the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, with The Queens Are Calling: World Pride Brunch! set to take place on June 1st. A Pride-inspired take on the property's beloved Sunday brunches, this lively event is designed to captivate the senses from start to finish, with a star-studded lineup of RuPaul's Drag Race alums scheduled to take the stage throughout the day. Diners can look forward to spirited lip-syncs and jaw-dropping outfits from three distinguished queens, with participants including Season 8's Kim Chi, Season 10's Miz Cracker, and Season 11's Plastique Tiara—and once the performers have finished their shows, brunch participants are welcome to stick around and enjoy a high-energy set by DJ Tezrah, an award-winning artist that's been active in the D.C. music scene for over a decade. While each performance is certain to wow diners, the brunch also offers the added bonus of high-end breakfast fare, with a specially-designed menu crafted by some of the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC's top talent. Upon arrival, guests can dine on dim sum, hand-rolled sushi, eggs Benedict and other savory dishes crafted at the behest of Executive Chef Sajish Kumar Das, while Pastry Chef Jillian Fitch is set to serve up a wide range of baked goods to enjoy as well—and to sweeten the deal, each ticket includes unlimited spirits and Veuve Clicquot, ensuring that you'll have plenty of liquid refreshment to keep you going throughout the event. Beyond brunch, overnight guests can also make use of the many high-end amenities found across the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, with ample opportunity to kick back and unwind amidst the raucous festivities. While World Pride Brunch is scheduled to take place in the elegant Seasons restaurant, visiting spirits aficionados are also welcome to check out Bourbon Steak, an esteemed venue that offers mixology classes and a wealth of decadent dining options—and of course, no stay is complete without paying a visit to the on-property spa. Equipped with steam rooms, saunas and a two-lane lap pool, this polished space is gearing up for WorldPride with IV drips, HydraFacials, and eye and lip perks all available before the parade begins on June 7th. With 2025 marking the 50th anniversary of Washington, D.C.'s first Pride gathering, this year's festivities stand as a testament to the tenacity of the LGBTQ+ community across all fifty states, with visitors coming from far and wide to celebrate queer culture in the nation's capital. While there's a truly diverse range of events to enjoy throughout the duration of WorldPride, the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC promises to deliver a spirited event that's equal parts dazzling and delicious. As you plan your upcoming trip to The District, be sure to save some room on the itinerary for World Pride Brunch, with captivating performances, fine dining and endless bubbles all available in one fell swoop.
