I recall living in rural Limavady for many years, having few LBGT+ people in the area with nowhere safe to socialise nor meet others – homophobia and heterosexism were rife. “I know this has hit the LBGT+ community hard. How do single people cope or attend to their social/emotional needs during a lockdown? What impact does this have? My heart goes out to LBGT+ people who live more rurally and who live with even greater social and geographical isolation. “Having a minority identity can be isolating, and Covid-19 has shut down the few safe places that many LBGT+ have to socialise/meet and emotionally connect. Last year one of our employees shared why Pride was so important to them: Join Belfastlad Tours on a walking history of Belfast Pride on Sunday 15 August – grab tickets here.Īction Mental Health has long been a supporter of Pride events throughout Northern Ireland. Or if you’re more of a history buff there’s even a walking tour you can go on instead. For example, The Big Gay Quiz is happening at Elmwood Hall, QUB on 30 July – grab your tickets here.
If you want to get involved in the flesh there are still some events happening throughout Belfast. Check out Belfast Pride’s social media pages at 1pm and 5pm on Saturday 31 July to watch this virtual festival of Pride. Belfast Pride is bringing you an online parade show featuring short videos from a wide range of people who would usually be marching on the streets of Belfast on Pride Day.
Although June was Pride month globally, here in Northern Ireland Belfast’s Pride falls on 31 July. As expected, this year’s Pride events across Northern Ireland have moved online.