Photos from the Pride parade in Enniskillen.

Emotional scenes unfolded on Saturday as a large pre-parade crowd gathered at the Find Centre on East Bridge Street, with people coming from Fermanagh and across Northern Ireland.

One group travelled all the way from County Roscommon, proudly carrying a banner reading ‘Bród Roscommon’.

Some local participants shed tears of joy as they reflected on how far Fermanagh had come since the group’s founding in 2022.

Tolerance in this part of the island had often been in short supply for those who dared to be different, and one born-again Christian protester at the Diamond described the march as “promoting Sodom and Gomorrah”.

But for the marchers, this was finally their moment, and they proclaimed: “Our day has come.” It was a day when the phrase, “You’re looking really well”, took on a special meaning.

This historic march had a true community feel, with strong support from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. The Council’s Diversity Officer, Sinn Féin Councillor Noeleen Hayes, delivered an eloquent and emotional speech at a packed gathering later in Enniskillen Castle — the former home of the Maguire chieftains.

Numerous trade union groups also supported the Pride march, which left the Find Centre on East Bridge Street at 12.45pm. Over 800 people, decked out in vibrant colours, traversed the mile-long walk to Enniskillen Castle, where the real celebrations began.

Local Sinn Féin councillors Elaine Brough, Vice-Chairperson of the Council, local MLA Jemma Dolan, and Councillor John Feely were among the large crowd in attendance.

It was a family affair, with many children joining the parade. They marched to the beat of the fitting anthem, ‘I’m Coming Out’ as people lined the streets.

Five drag queens added to the colour and excitement, with the parade led by multi-coloured Irvinestown hotelier Joe Mahon, who walked ahead of two Connect Cancer Connect buses.

Up at the Diamond, various born-again Christian groups — numbering around 30 people — had earlier been preaching that “the wages of sin is death” and that “homosexuality is a sin”.

In an ironic twist, as the parade passed, they played ‘It’s a Sin’, with around 20 peaceful protesters holding banners and flags. One anonymous protester told The Impartial Reporter: “We are sorry to see this Pride march, and we hope it will be vanquished.”

Around half a dozen PSNI officers stood between the marchers and the protesters at the Diamond.

The parade was greeted with loud cheers from the many onlookers, many of whom wore Pride colours, as they made their way towards Enniskillen Castle.

On their style for the day, one local drag queen told this newspaper: “It just came to me when I heard about it, and I went for the Barbie look”.

“This is great because there has been a sea change in attitudes towards us, and while we expect even more next year, the turnout this year is amazing.

“It’s great to see, and I couldn’t get over the number of people out on the streets supporting us. It’s kind of emotional, in my home town.

“This is a real coming together as a community, and I know there is big support for the gay community in Fermanagh.

“This will go down in history, and I only started doing drag six or seven months ago as I have friends who are drag artists.

“I know ‘Panty Bliss’ in Mayo, and ‘Truly Scrumptious’ and ‘Gypsy Darling’, and the weather has turned out great for us.”

He added: “It’s wonderful to see everyone smiling. There are groups from all over Ireland, and it’s great for Enniskillen, business-wise, and brilliant that the Castle allowed us to celebrate here.

“It’s very atmospheric and, being in the Castle, it feels like a safe space for us.”

The large crowd then poured into Enniskillen Castle, where a stage had been set up for speakers, alongside various refreshment stands for the attendees.

“I’ve never seen so many people smiling at the same time,” one Enniskillen wit quipped, “which gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘gay’.”

Another local, listening to the prayers and protests at the Diamond earlier, joked: “They’re praying the gay away in us!”

Sinn Féin Vice-Chairperson of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Elaine Brough, addressed the large crowd, calling it an “historic parade”, and extended the Council’s best wishes to all participants.

“It’s great to see such a large turnout. Fermanagh Pride was officially established in 2022 with five founding members, and since then, you’ve been planning this parade.

“During this time, you’ve gone from strength to strength, organising a wide variety of events with the aim of promoting an ethos of inclusion, diversity, and providing a safe space for everyone.

“This year, you’ve achieved your goal, and the Council is committed to promoting equality and good relations for everyone in the district.

“To achieve this, it places inclusivity and diversity at the core of its services and strives to achieve a shared future for everyone.

“The Council also has a Diversity Champion in Councillor Noeleen Hayes, who raises awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusivity in the district.”

Councillor Hayes reminded the crowd that Pride began as a protest in the US in 1969, and 55 years later, it had reached County Fermanagh.

“You are all part of history. Bringing Pride to Fermanagh is about bringing acceptance, equality, and awareness of the many issues still facing the LGBT+ community today.

“You are saying to everyone that homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination are toxic and wrong. It’s so important that we strive together for equality, human rights, and justice, as we are not there yet.

“But this is also a celebration of our community, a coming together in love and friendship, and being proud of who you are and who you love. This festival is a huge step forward in progressive change.”

Co-Chairwoman of Fermanagh Pride, Shauna Deeney, said she “never thought” she would see so many people.

“A year ago, I was petrified we wouldn’t get anyone to support us. Without Bernie Smith, our Chairwoman, this would not have happened.”

Meanwhile, transgender woman Molly Leonard, the event’s coordinator, told the crowd: “The turnout was beyond our wildest dreams, it was class!

“If you’d told me ten years ago that I’d be standing in front of you all today, making a speech in my home town as an openly proud trans woman, I’d have told you to wise up.

“There have been tears, tantrums, and a lot of setbacks, but above all, this has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and it’s something I will cherish forever.

“Fermanagh Pride took me under its wing at a very confusing time in my life. I had recently transitioned and felt very lost and lonely. I felt like I had no one I could relate to, but I’m so glad Fermanagh welcomed me with open arms. Being trans in a rural area hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. I’m three years into my transition, and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life.”

Molly spoke of being “surrounded by people I adore, some of whom are here today”. “Our trans brothers and sisters, along with our non-binary siblings, are at the forefront of media condemnation, and it’s simply not fair. It’s the first time any of us have lived this life, and we’re all searching for happiness in our own way.

“Trans people aren’t the enemy we’re made out to be; we just want to exist like everyone else. We’re all on our own personal journeys, and those journeys could be made easier with a bit of kindness.”

Her speech was met with loud applause.

The afternoon entertainment featured local talent, a Lady Gaga tribute act, and a performance from drag act SPLAT, featuring Kinawley man Mark Mulligan.

It was a family-friendly day, with something for all ages, including Party Bees, face painting, balloon modelling, market stalls, a teacup ride, and a mechanical bull, along with food vendors.

Later, ‘Pride pre-drinks’ took place at JT Ryan’s bar from 5pm, followed by an afterparty at the Devenish Bar on what was a remarkable day that Enniskillen will remember with Pride.

For more photos from the Pride parade, see this week's Impartial Reporter, out on Thursday.