Over a thousand people attended Donegal’s first Pride Parade this weekend

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The town of Buncrana hosted Donegal's first Pride Parade over the bank holiday weekend, with thanks to Inishowen Pride who organised the event. Over a thousand people turned out to enjoy the festivities. https://twitter.com/Donegal_News/status/1533459749458657285?s=20&t=_Noqre9Hkgjzl-ZWwRLjyA Ahead of the parade, Inishowen Pride's Instagram page shared messages of support from David Norris, Mary Lou McDonald and many more, including former Donegal footballer and Irish rugby player Nora Stapleton who spoke about returning home with her family, wife and their 3 sons to enjoy the celebrations. https://www.instagram.com/p/CeZWopTDE7D/ Speaking to the Derry Journal ahead of the parade, spokesperson for Inishowen Pride Jen McCarron said:

The event presents an opportunity to recognize the progress that has been made to treat all community members equally and ensure that everyone feels like they belong.... This event will give a strong, warm message to members our LGBTQ+ community that they are welcome and valued. We anticipate that local families and friends will be there to show their solidarity on the day of the parade alongside visitors and those who return home for the event.

LGBTQ folk from Donegal took to Twitter to share their delight at a pride festival taking place in their home county. Scientist Dr. Shaun O'Boyle wrote:

I grew up in Donegal. I was called every homophobic slur on a daily basis, and I never thought there would be a Pride parade in the county—ever. This is a testament to the strength and beauty of Donegal's LGBTQIA+ community.

https://twitter.com/aidanjmcg/status/1533466789463695361?s=20&t=BY7QVPXHMrH_9RRL29XvZw https://twitter.com/shaunoboyle/status/1533926032776040448?s=20&t=BY7QVPXHMrH_9RRL29XvZw   The parade marked the launch of Pride Month in Ireland, which will see towns, cities and villages all over the country come together to celebrate and support Ireland's LGBTQ community. Header image via Bernadette McLaughlin READ NEXT: Kildare Village welcomes a new café that serves croffles