A celebration of love, equality and colour- Belfast Pride is hoping to exceed its record of 55,000 supporters this Saturday with the annual LGBT+ parade.
Organisers hope to keep community spirit at the heart of the parade, which will set off from Custom House Square at 1pm on 03 August, and the public are urged to step out and show their support.
The Pride Festival this year coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising in New York, a turning point for the movement. The theme of the festival is ‘Rights Now’, as same-sex couples continue their struggle for equal marriage legislation in Northern Ireland.
Sinn Fein MLA Emma Sheerin has encouraged local residents to support the parade and march in solidarity with the party and Northern Ireland’s LGBT+ society.
Ms Sheerin said: “Society is changing north and south; no more should couples who are in love be denied the right to get married.
“Pride is celebration of our LGBTQI+ community, but also a fantastic opportunity to send a loud and colourful message that Belfast stands against inequality and discrimination.
“Join us on Saturday, the parade will be assembling at 1pm at Custom House Square.”
Among the over 100 organisations set to parade through the city are a delegation from BBC NI, the PSNI and UTV. Ulster Rugby also recently stated its intention to attend, saying: “We are working hard to promote equality and inclusiveness in rugby, and our presence will reinforce that Ulster Rugby is a safe space for all players and volunteers in the LGBTQ+ community.”
The route will flow through Belfast City Centre, with marchers heading down High Street, making a loop through the city centre along North Street, Royal Avenue, Donegall Place, Chichester Street and back up Victoria Street towards the Albert Clock.
(JG/CM)
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