FOYLE Pride are painting a rainbow path in the Derry city centre as part of its campaign to secure a permanent rainbow crossing in the heart of our city.
There are rainbow crossings across the world and this will be the first in the North of Ireland.
They have two main functions: To show that a city supports the rights of LGBTQ+ people and to act as a functional crossing point.
Rainbow crossings also act as a tourist attraction and landmark.
Foyle Pride calls for a permanent crossing to celebrate all of the achievements the equal rights campaigns have made and to mark the first year of equal marriage.
Foyle Pride is also celebrating the 10th year of the Pride Parade that takes place annually from Waterside to Cityside.
This year the parade happened online and the festival committee are hoping for a permanent marker in the city to brighten the winter months ahead and for years to come – particularly at a time when we cannot come together in person.
The path is supported by the Mayor of Derry/Londonderry, Brian Tierney, who is also backing the call for a permanent crossing in the heart of our city.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, said: “I am delighted to see this rainbow coloured artwork coming to fruition and that Derry is the first place in Northern Ireland to support this global initiative to celebrate the pride movement.
“Foyle Pride carry out crucial work in representing the LGBT community in the North West and in campaigning for equal rights and solidarity with the global LGBT community.
“The Festival has been a wonderful and vibrant celebration of respect and diversity for over 25 years and the parade over the last 10 years has been a fitting climax of those celebrations – attracting thousands of people to the city centre.
“I would like to express my personal thanks to Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon for accommodating this request for the rainbow artwork at one of the city’s busiest pedestrian areas.
“I would also like to give my full support to the campaign for a permanent rainbow crossing to be added on a prominent road in our city so we can show we are a place where the LGBT community are welcomed and supported.”
This is marking the launch of Foyle Pride’s autumn activities.
The start of a series of social media takeovers from members of the LGBTQ+ community in our region and the launch of a Fundraiser to support Foyle Pride 2021 to make sure it is more accessible than ever!
Instagram Takeovers
Want to share your weekend with the world? Foyle Pride is opening its instagram for weekend takeovers once a month for LGBTQ+ people based in or from the North West! Pride week happens once a year but we are queer and here all year round! So let’s celebrate and share your story. Visit the insta at @FoylePrideFest
Want to get involved? Email Foyle Pride at foylpridefestival@gmail.com with your name, instagram handle and tell Foyle Pride a little bit about yourself and what you would like to do with your weekend takeover and audiences of all ages can tune in!
Foyle Pride are interested in hearing from all walks of life, perhaps you are a musician, healthcare professional, educator, farmer, activist, artist, administrator, acrobat, run a small business…a combo of these or so much more! You might use your takeover to highlight an LGBTQ+ campaign, share a performance you are working on or simply say hi and bring us along with you on your weekend!
Foyle Pride look forward to hearing from you!
Foyle Pride Fundraiser T-shirts
Foyle Pride are releasing a limited edition of CELEBRATE THE LOVE Tees for presale to raise money for the festival 2021. Designed by Derry-based Emmet Brown, the t-shirts come in six variations in pink, yellow, blue or white. The confetti-inspired design is a celebration of love, something we all need in this difficult year.
People can buy a Foyle Pride Fundraiser T-shirt from Etsy on pre-sale until 15 November 2020 to ensure enough time for production before Christmas! There will be free collection from Derry or postage worldwide!
You can find the online shop by typing Foyle Pride into Etsy or visiting: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FoylePride
“I really enjoyed my participation in this year’s Foyle Pride Festival. Although 2020 has not been the year which any of us expected, it has allowed us to tap in to our creative spaces and share events and experiences which may not have been possible in a different context.
“I really look forward to building on our festival next year and can’t wait to be back on the streets celebrating with you all’ – Foyle Pride Committee member.
