Newry Pride has returned to the city with a parade, live music and funfair stalls at the Quay’s at Albert Basin.
Saturday’s event followed a five-year break attributed to to covid-19 and a lack of funding and resources.
In addition, in what is being seen as a significant milestone for the north, both the chairperson and deputy chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are members of the LGBTQ community.
Speaking about Newry Pride, Chairperson Pete Byrne it was “hugely significant” for the area and “a festival for the whole family”. Deputy chairperson David Lee-Surginor said he was “stoked” about the event coming back.
Mr Byrne added: “Newry pride is a real spectacle of colour, of music, of dance, of just pure joy within the community.
“To have it back is absolutely fantastic. When I first became a councillor in 2016, I was afraid to walk in the Pride parade.
“Now eight years after that, we’re there hosting it as chair and deputy chair of the council.”
Mr Lee-Surginor added: “Eight years ago, we wouldn’t even have things like marriage equality. So there have been massive strides for equality.”
However, both men agreed the LGBT community in the North continued to face adversity.
Pat Byrne said: “Change is slow. It’s slower here in the north, and that’s really, really unfortunate.
“We see people within the LGBTQIA+ community being targeted, especially in the trans community.
“Pride is so important. It is a celebration, but it also is a protest for a fairer, more equal community.”
Jenny Deane, Newry Pride’s event co-ordinator, said it had been a “loss” for the LGBT community in Newry not to have a pride event since 2019.
She added: “Newry Pride is a chance for everybody to come together and celebrate,” she said. “A lot of the time, being in a minority group is difficult. There’s still unfortunately a lot of bullying of the LGBT community.
“Pride is the one day that’s the opposite of all of that negativity.”
Ms Deane, who is an organiser within the LGBT Newry Women’s Group, also highlighted Pride’s ability to help people network.
“There are people from rural communities who don’t have opportunities to meet other LGBT people and have a day out where they can mingle and chat and make friendships.
“It’s a chance for everyone to be there as one big group but also find their wee tribes within that. I think its really important for tackling things like isolation and poor mental health for LGBT people in rural areas.”
