Gay Pride parade first for Derry

Published Saturday, 28 August 2010
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Londonderry was alive with colour on Saturday as its first ever Gay Pride parade wound through the streets.

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Thousands turned out to take part or watch the event, which followed the route of the 1968 civil rights march. It travelled from Waterside Railway Station to the city's Guildhall.

Colour and fun were the themes of the day, as many dressed up for the occasion.

"I think it's a great success and loads of people turned up, which is brilliant," one participant told UTV.

Another added: "We don't harm anybody, we don't do anything to any other people. We just want to live life the way we want to live life."

Derry has seen a number of homophobic attacks in recent years, but the UK's City of Culture for 2013 has now proudly celebrated another historic first.

But while a counter demonstration by a small number of protestors did little to dampen the spirits of those taking part, it was clear not everyone welcomed the event to the city.

Rev Ian Brown told UTV: "Based upon the word of God, there is nothing here to celebrate. It is rather an occasion for shame."

© UTV News
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6 Comments
Barry in Derry wrote (630 days ago):
Derry is really shining this year!! Well done to all that organised this event. Well done to the participants and well done to the gay community for being proud - just as we should xx
OldSod in Fermanagh wrote (632 days ago):
Well done to the folks who organised the Gay pride march. Time to de-mystify gayness/ homosexuality and debunk some of the stupid prejudices out there.
Amber in Canada wrote (633 days ago):
Of course.. People are ridiculous, obviously someone had to call it shameful. Why is everyone so concerned with what people do behind closed doors?
GERRY D in DERRY wrote (633 days ago):
BRILLANT!!!! WELL DONE EVERYONE!! NOW LETS MAKE NEXT YEAR BIGGER AND BETTER!!! GREAT DAY OUT WELL DONE FOR ALL THE EFFORT AND HARD WORK IT PAID OFF!!!!!!!!
Leigh Nicholson in Prince Edward Island, Canada wrote (633 days ago):
"Congratulations to the organizers and participants in the first Derry Pride. It's wonderful to see just how many Pride events are happening throughout our world.
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