Ógra Shinn Féin
In Belfast City, on 2nd August, 2008, Ógra Shinn Féin activists marched behind a banner, while Sinn Féin’s Tom Hartley officiated as First Citizen and Mayor, joining over 6,000 people marching on the streets of Belfast to celebrate gay pride.
Arriving at 12pm, a party atmosphere was already building and it was clear that we were in for a good day, especially with a fine appearance from the usually anonymous sun!
Gays, Lesbians, Transgender and people and activists in solidarity, gathered to enjoy the craic, have a day out, but most of all, to celebrate their individuality!
A topic on many people's lips was the recent controversial comments made by DUP MP MLA, and chair of Stormont health committee, Iris Robinson.
Many people seemed buoyed to turn out in their numbers to show solidarity, and to show the mentioned bigot, dubbed wicked witch of the north for the day, that her comments will NEVER deter the sterling work done by Belfast gay pride.
I was handed a red ribbon, signifying that I oppose the stigma attached to persons who are HIV positive (I would have preferred a t-shirt but can't complain!), as this is a major issue amongst the gay community, and definitely something which needs to be tackled.
Perhaps the health committee chair could take a leading role?!
Even the rain, when it made a brief appearance, did little to deter the marchers' enthusiasm, and they just blew their whistles louder!
Small clutches of protestors waved signs quoting bible phrase, but they were shown the detest they deserved by the marches, who were mainly applauded by the ordinary citizens of Belfast.
Some controversy last year about a banner saying 'Jesus is a fag', thankfully did not repeat itself.
Back to the square and a large party ensues. I let down my hair, knowing that I have played the important part, and my journalistic skills need not be fine tuned to summarise the carnival! I met with many people, some even admitting to me that it was their first time at pride, and having a great time teasing me about my southern accent!
Success! I get my euros changed and I'm staying on for a MASSIVE party.
The rest is a blur!
Would I go back next year? DEFINATELY!!
12 comments:
Brilliant to see a chara!
Definatly there for the whole day for Pride '09!!
0:45
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBtXJk5lylQ
Great display in the face of such bigotry from Irish. Maith thu to Belfast Pride, and to Ógra and all other political groups in attendance.
Jim
Very colourful march. SF could take a leaf out of the pride organisers book when it comes to mobilisations. ;)
Pól
have to say straight activist, with respect, its a little offensive you feel the need to identify yourself as straight!can you not be satisfied posting a positive comment, don't worry all the gays wont be jumping to conclusion (we have a way of telling anyway lol)just show solidarity!
Ross, what are you on, a little offensive to say that your straight.
Come of it!
The person was obviously just signifying that straight people too can join in with Gay Pride in solidarity.
They even posted a video link with reference to the Ógra banner being carried.
The gay community are not easy offended as was shown by the recent pride parade, where they poked fun at aul Iris, wicked witch of the North. And Fair play.
Metrosexual Marty
a/s/l ross plz bbz?
how r those 2 boiz carryin the osf banner? Fitt as fuk hi!!
Lee
here Ógra got some cheer!
FFS! that ross fella really winds me up at times. is it now offensive or even a hate crime to state that one is straight?
I hope its a case that this lad isn't the full shilling because if this was the veiw of everyone involved in the gay pride celebrations then their case is drastically flawed, and i would not support such an initiative.
COP YOURSELF ON ROSS!!
By the way, i posted a comment regarding my veiws on transexuals being included in the celebrations which was obviously not approved by the blog administrator. Are we now censoring the veiws of activists in order to avoid heated discussion, i thought that was what this blog was about? At least we'll always have a heated debate following ross's outrageous comments!
There was no such comment on transsexuals censored.
And could the anonymous poster please identify themselves if they wish to get contraversial comments posted.
Does the gay pride festival cover transexuals?
couldnt attend (wasn't trying to avoid it) had to go watch Tyrone beat mayo sorry!
Seán
lets see your name anonymous so u and i can talk over our differences, you obviously cant read properly, and you call my intelligence into question?! I'll be more than happy to enter into a debate with you in Derry, before you get personal look at what I'm saying, it was that I didn't see the nescessity of identifying oneself as straight!! I show solidarity with my muslim comrades in Britain yet I dont need to identify myself as Christian born, I just show solidarity!! As the Basque saying goes Bokorra Bakarra :- One people one struggle. Think the next time you question the intelligence of a person who can speak 4 languages, and has an Arts degree!
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