Should St. Patrick’s Day parades have LGBT contingents?

“Yes. I’m all about diversity. If LGBT people who are Irish want to show pride in both identities, they should have every opportunity to do that. It’s not like St. Patty’s Day is so sacred that it can’t have an LGBT theme to it.”

“Yes. I support equality for all. Years ago, the Irish were dis-criminated against in this country. Remember the NINA [No Irish Need Apply] signs? How quick some people are to forget. Of all people, why would the Irish choose to oppress another minority group? Why can’t we all just get along?”

“No. Let the Irish have their day. Let the LGBT community celebrate their pride in June. I don’t see the point in turning the St. Patty’s Day parade into a cause celebre for LGBT rights. To do that, you risk turning off potential supporters.”

“Yes. As a queer woman, I fully support LGBT-inclusive St. Patty’s Day parades. It strikes me as mean-spirited to deny LGBTs the right to march as an organized contingent. It’s not the charitable thing to do. The LGBT community has a right to be recognized.”