Sligo Gay and Lesbian Parade to become annual event

sligo | rights, freedoms and repression | news report Tuesday August 29, 2006 12:15 by RAY

A Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgendered Pride Parade is to become an annual event in Sligo.

The first L-G-B-T parade in the town on Saturday was attended by about 70 people.

It was organised to highlight such people in the Northwest and to prove they are ordinary human beings.

One of the organisers Hayley Fox Roberts, says the response to the parade exceeded their expectations.

It was opened by Sligo Labour councillor Declan Bree.

Launching the event Cllr. Bree, said that the racist and homophobic views of a minority of people in the local community will not be tolerated, must be tackled. He added that he was aware that lesbian, gay and transgendered people in the North West have been forced to endure harassment and bullying, and even physical abuse because of their sexual orientation.

The Labour Cllr. insisted that the days of paying lip service are gone, and it was now time for the Irish people to promote social inclusion in all aspects, if we want to be regarded as a modern and progressive society.

http://www.oceanfm.ie/onair/sligoleitrimnews.php