Write a commentThe colourful and proud Pride in Newry Parade saw thousands parading from McClelland Park in Newry through the city streets on Saturday.
Organisations as diverse as Tescos, Shimna Integrated College, Barnardos, Alliance, SDLP, Sinn Fein, NIPSA and the Palestinian Peoples Group joined Newry Rainbow Community, The OutLaws, Gender Jam, Bi Ireland, The Rainbow Project, Belfast Pride, Action on Mental Health and many more in a display of support for the LGBT community.
Following the parade Newry, Mourne and Down Council Chairman, Mark Murnin spoke at a concert back in McClelland Park. Cllr Murnin thanked members of Newry Rainbow Community for all their work in making the event happen.
Speaking after attending the Pride in Newry parade MLA Megan Fearon added “It was great to see such large numbers on the streets of Newry today, in a wonderful display of unity and determination to win the fight for equality of opportunity under the law.
“That means equality for all our citizens, but particularly for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. It’s a disgrace that the right to marriage equality is still denied by the DUP and facilitated by the British government.
“We still have a long way to go before reaching full equality and it’s important to remember that Pride is first and foremost a protest and a fantastic platform to raise awareness.
“The vibrant, colourful and loud message from today’s Newry Pride parade is that the ‘north is next’ and Sinn Féin will continue to campaign to ensure that this becomes a reality.”
Slieve Gullion Councillor Pete Byrne called for greater understanding and acceptance for the LGBT Community. "Again the NRC have done an incredible job in showcasing everything that is great about Newry and our district. The colour, diversity and warmth of this years Pride is a credit to the organisers and to all who turned out to take part or just enjoy the day.
"Visibility for the LGBT community has never been more important, by simply being seen and heard we allow for greater understanding and acceptance in our society. We must continue to foster a place which allows people to live authentically."
Cllr Byrne concluded "While the fight continues for equality under the law, we all have a responsibility to ensure the inclusion of our LGBT brothers and sisters in society whether it be in our homes, schools or workplaces. People have always shown to be ahead of our politicians, let’s not wait for them to catch up, let’s continue to deliver a message of hope and acceptance in all of our communities."
