Professor Pride Nominations

Professor Pride is an annual competition run by 8 Rays Leitrim to recognise the contributions of people to both the LGBTIQ community and the wider community around Leitrim and the surrounding areas.

Professor Pride will take pride-of-place and help to lead 8 Rays Leitrim’s float in the annual Northwest LGBT Family Pride.

WHO WILL BE PROFESSOR PRIDE?

Professor Pride will be selected by a panel at a competition event, based on these criteria:

• Their ideas for fundraising and awareness raising over the coming year. This could include nominating a charity that we can support, types of events, sections of the community to reach out to…
• Their willingness and capability to speak on behalf of 8 Rays Leitrim and our wider community. As such, they should strive for the dignity, equality, diversity and inclusion to which we all aspire.

The outlines for these ideas can be submitted as part of the application process, and contestants will be asked about their ideas on the night of the competition.

The competition may also include more light-hearted games and questions, so a sense of humour is a bonus! Costume is not essential for the competition, but it’s a great opportunity to dust off the glad rags!

WHAT ARE THE PERKS?

• The selected Professor will have the opportunity to put forward their idea for the theme for the 8 Rays Leitrim float in the Northwest LGBT Pride parade (held in Sligo every August), and is also the “centrepiece” for the float.
• All candidates are encouraged to participate in making the float, and marching with the Professor in the Pride parade.
• The selected Professor will be guest of honour at all 8 Rays Leitrim events over the year of their Professorship.

WHAT ARE THE DUTIES?

• Professor Pride will be an advocate for LGBTIQ people in Leitrim and beyond. As such, they are the public face of 8 Rays Leitrim.
• The Professor, their personal stories and experiences act as a starting point for public discussion of the issues affecting our community, both locally and globally.
• They will take an active role in 8 Rays Leitrim planning and events, and publically lead fundraising and awareness raising activities.

 WHO DECIDES?

A panel of 3 judges will be appointed from 8 Rays Leitrim, Northwest LGBT Pride and a “neutral” third person. They will look through the application forms in advance, ask questions of the candidates and gauge audience response on the night to select the right person. THE JUDGES’ DECISION IS FINAL, but all candidates are encouraged to participate in making the float, joining the Professor in the parade and applying again next year!

HOW DO I ENTER?

Fill out the application form as soon as you can, and make sure you’re in Paddy’s Bar, Main Street, Carrick on Shannon on Friday, 10th July 2015 (Please note that the date/time and venue has been postponed and the application process opened longer). Bring all your fans and supporters – we want to hear the audience roar!