The Belfast Pride festival, which began last Friday, features a variety of cultural events and discussions, culminating in a parade that emphasizes the theme 'Love in Every Colour.' This year's event has attracted around 8,000 participants, with a total attendance expected to match last year's figure of over 80,000. Organizers highlight the festival's dual role as both a celebration and a protest for LGBTQIA+ rights.
Nazir Uddin, participating for the first time, expressed that the event symbolizes a fight for freedom and safety in expressing one's identity. Notably, this year's festival operates without corporate sponsorship, relying instead on public funding and community support, reflecting a shift in how the event is organized and funded.