Tributes continue to pour in to Sean Morrin, the leading Derry gay rights campaigner who died suddenly on Saturday last.
The late Sean Morrin.
Sean (48), a founder member of the Rainbow Project and Foyle Pride, was an active human rights and trade union activist.
Foyle MP Mark Durkan said he was “deeply saddened” by Sean’s death, describing him as “a tireless campaigner who worked to better lives.
Mr Durkan said: “He was an articulate advocate of rights and an effective exposer of wrongs and cultivated pride to challenge prejudice and mobilised awareness with his telling, compelling manner.
“Sean wanted everyone to be able to live their life in the light, true to themselves, respectful of others and proud as equals. He used his powerful mix of candour and humour to spell out uncomfortable realities and to set out more comfortable awareness.”
The Foyle MP said Sean was not just a strong public campaigner but also a “sound counsellor” helping many individuals and families.
Mr Durkan added: ““The difference he made, the understanding he generated and the confidence he built were not confined to the gay community but were about enabling all of us to have fuller, better, happier lives.
“He didn’t just want people to be liberated and proud in their sexuality – he wanted all of us to be free from prejudice, fear and intolerant shame.
Mr Durkan concluded: “Sean brightened our life and broadened our understanding. His sad death robs us – but his honest, hopeful life has left a legacy of betterment. He made a real difference for the reality of difference, and stood up for the integrity of the individual. We can all remember him with pride.”
Mayor of Derry, Cllr Martin Reilly said Sean worked tirelessly in the community on behalf of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
He added: “He also worked as a volunteer with the Rainbow Project to help find new owners for unwanted and abandoned pets.
“Sean was a very popular person in Derry who worked tirelessly for the gay community campaigning for equality. His death will have a huge impact on the local community and my sympathies go out to his family and friends at this very sad time.”
