Roll on Belfast Pride 2007

Belfast Pride passed off peacefully yesterday. Despite claiming I was going to hide and not march, I did end up sweeped along for a little while at least. Even the threatening grey Belfast clouds couldn’t rain on our parade.

The protestors who so fervently screamed at us last year didn’t want to be friends anymore, promptly turning their backs as the parade passed. In contrast, it was nice to see the first lesbian couple to marry under the Civil Partnership laws there, as well as many varied gays – showing just how diverse a community we really are.

At this time of year the gay community is more visible than ever, and thus we face many more questions than ever. Some see this as negative, but I see this as an opportunity to explain our traditions and our culture, in an attempt to promote better understanding.

However, at the same time, it’s important to stress that the gay community isn’t for everyone. It’s understandable if Belfast’s Queen drag Queen, Baroness Titti Von Tramp, gyrating against a fence, isn’t your thing. I sometimes find it all a bit much too, but then, escapism is what Pride is all about to a certain extent. Isn’t it?

Anyway, enough of me, here’s some photos of the event itself….