belfast pride 2006 blog

Andrew Muir  

Pride blog, 5 August 2006

Midnight 

It’s now Saturday 5 August 2006. The day of Pride has dawned. Another day in another year but this day is special. It’s the day I am recognised as being a valued citizen of Northern Ireland. A day when lesbian, gay, bi and trans people plus their friends and family members can legally parade in Belfast City Centre to celebrate diversity and demonstrate that it’s ok to be gay. All those people who are fearful to self identify as queer can view the parade and gain reassurance that being gay is in fact good.  

To me, Belfast Pride is about celebrating that Northern Ireland is truly moving on from its past and into a bright colourful new future. About demonstrating that strife and division is the past and difference, diversity and celebration of such is the future. 

This year my partner is accompanying me on the parade for the first time. My political party is also coming along. No protests are planned. 

A lot has changed since 1996 when I reluctantly joined the parade half way through its course. Two years ago my mum jumped out from the audience in Royal Avenue and said hello, I was so happy. In 1996 I would have been petrified.  

Let’s hope its dry tomorrow. 

10am

Just woken up. Radio Ulster report great weather forecast for today. Fab! 

BBC News online have an article on the parade with Roger Poole (Chairman of the Parades Commission) positively welcoming the parade but referring to it as “a colourful and positive celebration of all lifestyles which co-exist in the city”. Since when was being gay like choosing what to wear out of the cupboard? Being queer is not a lifestyle, it’s about much more than a mere add on to my life. 

5pm

Just returned from the Parade. It was fun but hot and humid.

Lots and lots of people on parade including many many young people. Things are changing rapidly with only a few stern faces on the parade from onlookers and no protest. Yes, no protest. Just a hymn service prior to the parade.

The Party in the Square was packed. Representation from the Equality Commission etc. but not from the police nor the other services e.g. Fire and Rescue Service.

As a the parade gets bigger and better ever year a bigger location for the post Pride party will probably be required.

I again feel proud to be gay and a valued citizen of NI.

The question that does however need to be asked is whether Pride will exist in the long term. This was the sixteenth Belfast Pride. Will there be a 50^th?

With people like PA (pictured right) getting older will there be a radical politicalised people to keep pride going.