St. Patrick’s Day is often seen as a time for festive parades, green beer, and a full embrace of Irish heritage. But for many in the LGBTQ+ community, the holiday comes with a complicated history. While it can be a fun, inclusive day to celebrate culture and community, it also has a history of exclusion, appropriation, and problematic stereotypes. So, how can LGBTQ+ individuals and allies participate in St. Patrick’s Day without falling into the holiday’s more problematic aspects? Let’s break it down.
The Pros: A Day of Celebration and Community
1. A Reason to Come Together
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest party holidays of the year, and for the LGBTQ+ community, any reason to gather, celebrate, and enjoy each other’s company is welcome. Many queer-friendly bars, clubs, and organizations host themed events that make the day feel inclusive and joyful.
2. Embracing Irish LGBTQ+ Identity
The day offers an opportunity to recognize and celebrate LGBTQ+ Irish people, both in history and today. Figures like Dr. Lydia Foy, a trans rights activist in Ireland, and Panti Bliss, the renowned Irish drag queen and advocate, remind us that Irish culture is deeply intertwined with LGBTQ+ progress.
3. A More Inclusive Parade Culture
For many years, major St. Patrick’s Day parades—particularly in cities like New York and Boston—excluded LGBTQ+ groups. However, after decades of advocacy, many of these parades now allow LGBTQ+ contingents to march openly. This shift is a win for visibility and inclusion, making participation in these events a meaningful act of progress.
The Cons: The Problematic Aspects of St. Patrick’s Day
1. A History of Exclusion
Although many St. Patrick’s Day parades now welcome LGBTQ+ groups, this wasn’t always the case. Organizations like the Irish LGBTQ+ group Lavender and Green had to fight for years to be allowed to march in major parades. Even today, some conservative groups still push back against queer visibility in Irish cultural celebrations.
2. The Stereotypes and Appropriation
Much of the mainstream St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the U.S. is centered around exaggerated Irish stereotypes—drunkenness, leprechauns, and an over-the-top use of the color green. For many actual Irish people, this caricatured version of their culture is offensive. As a marginalized community ourselves, LGBTQ+ individuals should be mindful of participating in celebrations that mock another culture.
3. Excessive Drinking Culture
St. Patrick’s Day in the U.S. has become synonymous with heavy drinking, and while partying can be fun, it’s important to recognize that not everyone wants to participate in an alcohol-fueled celebration. LGBTQ+ spaces, in particular, should be mindful of creating environments that are welcoming to those in recovery or those who simply prefer sober gatherings.
How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Respectfully
1. Support Irish LGBTQ+ Voices and History
Rather than just throwing on a green outfit and drinking all day, take some time to learn about Irish LGBTQ+ history. Support Irish queer artists, writers, and activists. A great way to do this is by following organizations like Dublin Pride or reading about Ireland’s journey toward marriage equality.
2. Choose LGBTQ+ Friendly Events
If you’re going out, pick a queer-friendly St. Patrick’s Day event. Many LGBTQ+ bars and organizations host alternative celebrations that emphasize inclusion and respect for Irish culture. Opt for spaces that welcome diversity rather than reinforcing outdated stereotypes.
3. Avoid Cultural Appropriation
Be mindful of how you dress and engage with Irish culture. Wearing a fun green outfit is one thing, but dressing in leprechaun costumes or using fake Irish accents can come off as offensive. Treat the holiday as an appreciation of Irish culture rather than a costume party.
4. Drink Responsibly or Go Sober
St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to be about excessive drinking. Consider celebrating in alternative ways—hosting a movie night featuring Irish queer films, attending a cultural event, or simply enjoying a festive meal with friends. Many cities now have alcohol-free St. Patrick’s Day events that focus on community and tradition rather than partying.
5. Support Irish-Owned and LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses
If you’re heading out to celebrate, make an effort to support Irish-owned businesses—especially those that are LGBTQ+ friendly. Whether it’s an Irish pub that welcomes the queer community or a local shop selling authentic Irish goods, putting your money into businesses that respect diversity is a great way to honor the holiday.
Conclusion: A Thoughtful Celebration
St. Patrick’s Day can be a fun and inclusive holiday if celebrated with awareness and respect. By recognizing its history—both the good and the bad—and making choices that uplift LGBTQ+ voices and Irish culture, we can ensure that our participation is both joyful and meaningful. So, whether you’re marching in a parade, attending a queer-friendly event, or simply taking a moment to appreciate Irish LGBTQ+ history, make this St. Patrick’s Day one that truly celebrates community and inclusion.