Omagh has first-ever Pride parade

History has been made in Omagh today (Saturday) as the County Tyrone town hoasted its first ever pride.

The idea to bring the event to the area formed by two friends - poet Cat Brogan (36) and community organisier Lorraine Montague (34).

Both had lived most of their adult lives outside Omagh and, like many, chose to come back home as a result of COVID.

A Pride parade seemed a great place to start and a way for the whole town to celebrate diversity, inclusion and equality.

There was a full line-up of performers and speakers today included: Derry based, all-female queer band Cherym, whose song featured in the closing credits of the Irish LGBT film ‘Dating Amber’.

A representative from the Police Servicee of Northern Ireland’s LGBT+ network also addressed crowds from a trailer stage in South West Collge car park.

The Rainbow Project was represented by Dean Lee who, as well as being a counsellor, has also set up NI’s only BAME-specific LGBTQI+ group.

Local speakers include trade union activist Amy Ferguson, transwoman Chantelle Mitchell, anti-conversion-therapy campaigner Oisin Donnelly and yoga teacher Marella Fyffe.

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• Omagh
• Tyrone
• Pride