MARTIN M

Quire Belfast

Belfast Pride Entertainer or the Year

Quire Belfast, the city’s premier LGBTQ+ choir, has been awarded Entertainer of the Year at the 2024 Belfast Pride Awards. Celebrated for their dynamic performances and commitment to inclusivity, Quire Belfast has become a beacon of unity and joy within the community. Unlike the other performers nominated Quires members cross into bars, hotels, hospitals, churches, television, radio, town squares, multiple prides and its members represent the wide variety of our LGBTQ+ community. Their diverse repertoire and vibrant shows have captivated audiences, reflecting the spirit of Pride. This accolade recognizes their artistic excellence and significant cultural contribution, marking a milestone in their 20 year journey. The award underscores the choir’s role in fostering a sense of belonging and celebrating diversity through music and as a result the upcoming Quire Recruitment night will bring our membership to over 100. I have been proud to serve as Vice Chair for Quire in their biggest year for growth and one of their most exciting year for collaborations.

Sporting Pride; represented Gary Mc Nevin and myself also had a surprise nomination at the Belfast Pride 2024 awards for the Activist Award. This recognition celebrates their unwavering dedication to promoting inclusivity and equality in the world of sports, marking a significant milestone for the organization and the broader LGBTQ+ community. Throughout the past year, Sporting Pride has made substantial strides in creating safe, welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ athletes. Their efforts have included organizing local sports leagues, hosting educational workshops, and launching impactful campaigns aimed at reducing discrimination and fostering allyship within sporting communities. These initiatives have empowered individuals to pursue their athletic passions without fear of prejudice, significantly enhancing the inclusivity of sports in Belfast and beyond.

Belfast Pride Family Fun Day

Belfast Pride’s Family Fun Day 2024 was a resounding success, with the introduction of tennis and badminton proving to be a highlight for attendees. Held on the grounds of Belfast City Hall, the event brought together families and individuals from across the community, celebrating diversity, inclusion, and the joy of physical activity. The tennis courts were buzzing with energy as participants of all ages took to the game. Out2Tennis Belfast and Shuttle Belfast provided engaging support, ensuring everyone, from novices to seasoned players, could participate. The sessions emphasized fun and inclusivity, allowing families to bond over the sport.

Children and adults and even the Lord Mayor enjoyed friendly matches and conversations, showcasing their new found skills and competitive spirit.

Attendees praised the variety of activities on offer, noting that the inclusion of tennis and badminton enriched the experience. Many families expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn new sports and spend quality time together. The event highlighted the power of sports to unite people and foster a sense of community. Overall, Belfast Pride’s Family Fun Day 2024 was a vibrant celebration of inclusivity and togetherness. The day was filled with joy, camaraderie, and the shared spirit of pride, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

Féile An Phobail Inclusive Rounder’s

Sporting Pride celebrated a milestone event in collaboration with Féile an Phobail, as Tuatha De Danaan hosted the first inclusive rounder’s session at Cardinal O’Donnell’s as part of the festival. The event marked Sporting Pride’s first venture into the Feile following the LGBTQ GAA team turning down the Feile back in 2022. The session, aimed at fostering inclusivity and community engagement, saw a diverse group of participants come together for an afternoon of fun, teamwork, and athleticism. Tuatha De Danaan impressed the local community with great coaching ensuring that everyone, regardless of their skill level or background, felt welcome and included.

Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.

Badminton also drew large crowds, with many families flocking to engage in the fast-paced, reflex-testing game. Experienced players and novices played side by side, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere. The badminton area saw numerous impromptu matches and playful competitions, with plenty of laughter and cheers resonating throughout the day. The introduction of these sports added a dynamic new element to the Family Fun Day, aligning perfectly with Belfast Pride’s mission to promote a healthy, active lifestyle for a healthy mind while celebrating diversity. The event provided a fantastic platform for community members to connect, compete, and enjoy each other’s company in a supportive environment.

Cardinal O’Donnell’s grounds buzzed with excitement as participants learned the fundamentals of a sport deeply rooted in Irish culture. The event highlighted the importance of inclusivity in sports, offering a platform for individuals of all abilities to connect and enjoy the game and I was proud to return to the space where I built up my first team. I was also delighted to see the pride flag raised once again on the GAA grounds.

Sporting Pride and Féile An Phobail’s collaboration demonstrated the power of sport in bringing communities together. The success of this event sets a positive precedent for future activities, reinforcing the commitment to promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity through sport. This memorable day at Cardinal O’Donnell’s was a testament to the unifying spirit of GAA and the vibrant community it supports. I also have to give a shout out to my team Down LGFA that permitted me to host the first LGBTQ+ Pride podcast on the Down LGFA channel with 3 inspiring guests including the Lord Mayor, East Belfast LGFA PRO and the Down LGFA Senior Ladies Captain.