The organisers of Belfast Pride have launched a consultation to garner the opinions of members of the LGBTQIA+ community on banning political parties from this years events. This comes after the organisers of four other Pride demonstrations in Northern Ireland announced bans on the four Executive parties from participating in their events this year following the decisioin to ban the use of puberty blockers for those experiencing gender dysphoria and gender incongruence in Northern Ireland.
In a statement posted online, the organisers of Belfast Pride said that they are "operating in one of the most challenging environments for LGBTQIA+ people" and that they "will not be silent while those in power make decisions that harm our most vulnerable members."
When it comes to political parties participating in events, the organisers said that they "want to foster genuine political allyship" and that "participation in Pride should be earned through demonstrated commitment, advocacy, and policies that protect and uplift our community."
"Belfast Pride recognises that we are operating in one of the most challenging environments for LGBTQIA+ people, where our rights, dignity, and safety are increasingly under threat. As a Pride organisation, we have a responsibility not only to celebrate our community but to stand firm in the face of injustice. We will not be silent while those in power make decisions that harm our most vulnerable members," they said.
"Belfast Pride stands in unwavering solidarity with our trans and non-binary community and strongly opposes the decision of the Northern Ireland Executive to ban puberty blockers in Northern Ireland. Furthermore, we echo the calls by our sector partners for the immediate publication of all evidence used by the Executive in making this decision.
"In recent months, we have listened carefully to the concerns raised within our community regarding political participation in Belfast Pride, including calls for political parties to be excluded from future events following the decision to ban puberty blockers in Northern Ireland. We take these concerns seriously and have actively engaged with LGBTQIA+ organisations to better understand the diverse perspectives across our community. These decisions are not for Belfast Pride to make in isolation—they must be led by the communities we serve. Now, more than ever, we must listen to and amplify the voices of those most directly impacted including trans and non-binary people and their families."
Earlier this week, Omagh Pride announced a ban on political parties participating in their events. This followed similar announcements from Foyle Pride, Mid and East Antrim Pride and Causeway Pride.
"In terms of political parties, we want to foster genuine political allyship—one that is rooted in action, accountability, and meaningful engagement. It is essential that political parties participating in Belfast Pride reflect and uphold the values of our community, rather than using our platform for visibility without true support for LGBTQIA+ rights. We believe that participation in Pride should be earned through demonstrated commitment, advocacy, and policies that protect and uplift our community," Belfast Pride organisers added.
"Pride has always been a protest as well as a celebration. Our movement was built by those who refused to accept injustice, and we continue in that tradition. We call on our community, allies, and political representatives to join us in building a future where LGBTQIA+ rights are not debated or undermined, but recognised, respected, and protected.
"To ensure that Belfast Pride remains a space that truly serves and represents LGBTQIA+ people, we will undertake a process of meaningful engagement with our community. This process will help shape our decision for 2025 and establish a clear, principled standard for political party participation in Belfast Pride going forward."
The orgnaisers said that they will be arranging a range of community engagement events over the coming weeks and will promote these across their social media.
To access the consultation survey, click here.
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English (United States) ·