We gathered on the green, we gathered on Cathedral Steps,
People of all ages, accents colour size shape and sexual orientation,
Warm hearted cheerful people one message on heart & hand.
Civil Marriage Equality for all in this corner of the land.
Soon the streets were full and whistles began to blast
Banners, flags and badges adding colour to Belfast.
Raised high, like a Peacock’s proud display
It certainly was a sunny RAINBOW day!
We were off!
We walked and talked, shared stories
Renewed old friendships and added many new.
We were one big family one thought on our minds:
The introduction of civil marriage for same-sex couples in Northern Ireland.
To give you a taste:
Saturday’s demonstration was organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), Amnesty International and the Rainbow Project.
It was a great rally. Lots of fun was had by all while the anti-gay diehards were sitting at home fuming!
There were plenty of people standing on the pavements in support as we walked along. A great day!
I admire you.
I was quite vocal before the Marriage Equality Referendum down South even though I had no vote, so I could not remain silent when it came to the part of the country I live in.
Over the past 100 years there have been many changes to society which have enriched our lives. Women obtained the right to vote, discrimination was made illegal, equal pay for work of equal value, bi-racial families are common place and now marriage equality. I am thankful to everyone who fought for those changes. I also believe that, just like the other issues, all eyes will be opened and we will wonder why there had ever been a problem in the first place.
Maureen, You came the long route, I found you in the spam bucket.
Marriage equality for all, will not cause the world to end ,,, Politicians and terrorists have been trying for centuries, and still the world turns on it’s axis!
GM the activist – LOL – great pics
I did plenty of flag waving and talking to people around me.
Good for you, GM….I’m very proud of you
Nancy, I don’t need to be gay to stand up for marriage equality rights for all. I did not lose my husband, cancer took him away from me, so for the past eighteen years I have known the loneliness without an Anam Cara – soulmate – to share and care for. We’re all human and need to look after each other.
Well done, GM! I’m all for gay rights. Homophobia IS a social dis-ease.
I agree, Nancy.
Believe me when I say that Northern Ireland’s landmark decision made headline news around the world! Very, very exciting and a wonderful way to lead. Good job! And thank you for the photos. I’m thrilled to see those. I heard the stories, but photos make it that much more real. 🙂
Debra, the Refeendum that made world headlines was for the Republic of Ireland where twenty five of the twenty six counties voted Yes. Here in the Northern Ireland (UK) the road will not be so easy. It will be a Government decision and not a Referendum. Unfortunately, the DUP are the major party in local government and very much against the LGBT citizens. They take little heed of how Northern Ireland appears to the world stage … backward and bigoted.
No, no, no! You were doing it all wrong! You are supposed to burn tyres, disrupt traffic, loot shops, assault dissenters, stone motorists, dance, and make a heck of a racket.
At least, that’s how our citizens set about a peaceful protest.
The other side … followers of the ‘FLEG Movement’ do more than enough of that and have done so for thirty odd years. In less than a month they will be at it again!
Good on you!
Alas,it will be a longer and slower journey to Equality here in Northern Ireland.
Hopefully we will be an inspiration!
The Referendum results rekindled the fire up here and thus the March last Saturday.