FERMANAGH’S first Pride parade will take place this September, it can be revealed.
The committee from Fermanagh Pride have today (Thursday, March 12) revealed their plans to host a Pride festival on September 6 and 7 in Enniskillen.
The Chairperson of the group, Bernie Smith said: “Being able to host this Pride in our home town is a dream come true.”
Fermanagh Pride has been organising events with the aim of raising enough money to be able to host the county’s very first Pride over the past year.
Describing the symbolism of being able to host this event in Enniskillen, Miss Smith said: “I moved away when I was younger out of the fear of Coming Out to those closest to me.
“It has been such an emotional rollercoaster, coming back to Fermanagh and being welcomed with open arms.
“It is a significant change in attitude that just wasn’t present when I was growing up. The town has become so much more inclusive, with different cultures and traditions thriving.”
She added that she believes the Pride festival will bring tourists to the town.
“As a predominantly tourist town we now have something for everyone, with Pride set to bring an influx of people to the town.”
Geraldine McGovern, Wellbeing Officer for Fermanagh Pride, said: “It gives the opportunity for LGBT+ individuals to be visible and openly celebrate their identities.
‘Celebrate’ “In previous years, the LGBT+ community in Fermanagh have had to travel to other counties to attend Pride events; it is now time for us to host Pride and celebrate in our own native county.”
She added: “Unfortunately, there is a lack of services for the LGBT+ community in Fermanagh.
“We want to create a safe space where individuals can be proud of who they are in their own community.”
She hopes that Pride in Fermanagh will offer an opportunity for both LGBT+ individuals and their allies to advocate and celebrate together and to raise awareness of issues affecting the LGBT+ community.
Other events will be hosted in the lead-up to Pride, explained Miss McGovern: “Fermanagh Pride are currently planning a number of events over the course of the year.
“Fermanagh Pride is taking part in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year, and are welcoming members of the public who would like to join us in this parade; we do ask for anyone under 18 to be accompanied by an adult.”
Looking forward to the parade, she added: “This is a very exciting opportunity for us to increase visibility for the LGBT+ community in Fermanagh.”
Other events include a Eurovision watch party to be hosted on May 11, as well as wellbeing events as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
For further updates on the work of Fermanagh Pride, see the Facebook page, Fermanagh Pride.
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