Belfast Pride | Diverse, Equal, Proud

Belfast Pride Awards

Voting is now open in the Belfast Pride Public Vote Awards. The shortlist for the Community Assessment Awards is also available below. The winners of the Belfast Pride Awards 2023 will be announced at the Belfast Pride Launch and Awards on Friday 21st July 2023.

The Belfast Pride Awards are back for another exciting Pride season. The Annual Belfast Pride Awards recognise the contributions of a broad range of individuals, employers, organisations and charities who support and campaign for change for LGBTQIA+ people in Belfast and across Northern Ireland. This year, following community feedback and consultation, we are taking a different approach to the Belfast Pride Awards. Our 15 awards will be broken up into two categories:

Public vote

Voting closes on 20 July 2023

Independent community assessment

The shortlist for The Belfast Pride Independent Community Assessment Awards is set out below. In each of these categories, a criteria has been set. For a nomination to be valid, a longer nomination form must be completed. Organisations and services are encouraged to self-nominate for these awards. The application forms will each be assessed by our independent community panel and the top 5 applications will be shortlisted for the award. Belfast Pride will work with shortlisted nominees to promote the work they have been shortlisted for. The Belfast Pride award will be presented to the application that receives the largest score from the independent community panel. Awards in this category are:

Belfast Pride Award for Activism
Employer of the Year
Innovation in community services
Politician of the Year
Working in Partnership Award
Pride Ally – Business
Pride Ally – Unions
Pride Ally – Community

The shortlist for The Belfast Pride Independent Community Assessment Awards is set out below.

Belfast Pride Community Assesment Awards - 2023 Shortlist

Working in Partnership Award

Reclaim the Agenda

The nominee has provided practical support to LGBTQ+ events including Trans Pride, the Ban Conversion Therapy rally, the Pride Village and most notably, Songs for Solidarity. This has included the use of gazebos and PA systems, as well as logistical support in setting up events. At Songs for Solidarity, Reclaim the Agenda provided the majority of volunteers setting up the event and stewarding it. They also contributed significantly to the costs of the event. Reclaim the Agenda has repeatedly shown solidarity with the trans community, through social media posts, the IWD programme and hosting and attending events. Speakers at IWD over the years have included Here NI, Youth Action Out and About group, Gemma Hutton, and Karen McShane.

Hate Crime Advocacy Service

The Rainbow Project works in partnership with The Migrant Centre, Leonard Cheshire and Victim Support NI to assist and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. Although it is a new partnership, it has had such a positive impact in such a short time. I am nominating the HCAS not only for the life changing effect they have had on LGBTQIA+ victims of crime, but because I believe there is so much more work that needs to be done. If the HCAS were to win the Belfast Pride Working in Partnership Award, the visual impact would show the victims of crime that there is help available and that LGBTQIA+ people deserve to unapologetically exist without fear of abuse and violence.

Women’s Policy Group

The Women’s Policy Group Northern Ireland is a platform for women working in policy and advocacy roles in different organisations to share their work and speak with a collective voice on key issues. It is made up of women from trade unions, grassroots women’s organisations, women’s networks, feminist campaigning organisations, LGBT+ organisations, support service providers, human rights and equality organisations and individuals. The WPG has responded to various consultations and produced research reports which specifically highlight the experiences of LGBTQ+ women, and trans women in particular. Here NI, the Rainbow Project, Cara Friend and Transgender NI have all engaged with the WPG at various times to various degrees. The WPG is evidence of effective partnership working raising the voices of the most marginalised by sharing resources and focusing on human rights. the terms of reference for membership are explicitly trans inclusive and the WPG has written to Prime Ministers and Party leaders to state that the women’s sector in NI is trans inclusive.

LGBTQIA+ Heritage Project

The LGBTQIA+ Heritage Project is a joint project with HereNI, The Rainbow Project and Cara-Friend. The LGBTQIA+ Heritage Project has been collecting oral history in the form of podcasts to uncover and preserve forgotten stories. The LGBTQIA+ Heritage Project has developed a range of projects.

A brand new documentary, ‘The Troubles I’ve Seen’
An LGBTQ+ history club which meets regularly in Belfast and Foyle
LGBTQ+ searchable online archive
An LGBTQ+ Heritage Trail in Belfast with accompanying QR codes
An LGBTQ+ heritage film club which has shown a range of LGBTQIA affirming and cult classics
An LGBTQ+ Heritage E-module/app with an accredited LGBTQ+ heritage course
A dedicated LGBTQ+ Heritage website

Sporting Pride

The 10 volunteers who make up Sporting Pride work
relentlessly with the ambition of making Ireland the most inclusive sporting community in the world. We have worked with Ireland’s Minister for Defense, Culture and Sports, Northern Ireland’s First Minister, The European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation, Gay Games, Sporting Ireland, NI Sport, Cara Friend, Swim Ireland, GOSHH, TRPNI, Canoeing Ireland, Rowing Ireland, LGBT Midlands project, Dublin Lesbian Line, Union Street Bar, The Maverick, Triathlon Ireland, Irish Sailing, MTU, Belfast Met and Ulster University. We have also spoken on Ireland AM TV, BBC Radio, Radio Failte, The Irish News, Belfast Live and The Guardian to put the message of LGBT Irish sports in every house in the UK and Ireland.
We have provided opportunities supporting over 10,000 LGBTQ people to take part in healthy social activities and started getting National Governing Bodies to show up and march at Prides and other events across the country to show support for their LGBT members and open doors for others.

Pride Ally - Community

Queerspace NI

Queerspace has adopted an increasingly intersectional and collaborative approach in outreach and delivering peer support. It has carefully nurtured relationships with other charities, businesses and sector organisations to deliver additional support and social opportunities for its members. Queerspace has been a changemaker by increased online presence during the nomination period, addressing key issues of concern for the LGBTQIA community and signposting people to appropriate services. Queerspace has shown leadership in the area of trans rights by consistently sharing messages of trans solidarity. Queerspace has collaborated with AnotherWorldBelfast to deliver sustainable events and learn more about Belfast and queerness. Queerspace has engaged with other organisations to deliver events, such as the LGBTQIA Heritage Project. Queerspace has received no grant funding during the period, yet has boosted funds through various organic fundraising opportunities. It has provided welfare support to marginalised queer people and those on very low incomes, including asylum seekers.

Shirley and Stephen McPherson

Shirley and Stephen are genuinely inspirational and incredible people. When members of our community are under attack, they reach out with support. They constantly stand up for all LGBT people but especially the trans community. They have shown incredible dedication to spreading their positive message and providing support to parents. Their help to the parents of trans kids has improved the lives of those trans people whose parents they have enlightened with how to best support their children. Their story has inspired parents of trans kids to be better and do better meaning that young trans people have a better, more supported experience when they come out/transition. They have shown true allyship to other parts of the community by supporting fundraising for Belfast Pride and supporting those attacked by homophobic trolls. They bring positivity and light wherever they go.

Women’s Policy Group

The Women’s Policy Group Northern Ireland is a platform for women working in policy and advocacy roles in different organisations to share their work and speak with a collective voice on key issues. It is made up of women from trade unions, grassroots women’s organisations, women’s networks, feminist campaigning organisations, LGBT+ organisations, support service providers, human rights and equality organisations and individuals. Over the years this important network has ensured there is good communication between politicians, policymakers and women’s organisations on the ground. It published the Women’s Manifesto in 2016 enabling women to highlight their priority issues to all political parties. This document has been very useful in opening up dialogue with parties and helping them to make better party policies when it comes to women’s rights and equality. This work continues and a new women’s manifesto was launched in April 2023 for the Local Council elections.

Elaine McConville

I have known Elaine for a number of years from going to the Kremlin/Union Street to Maverick. Every time I see her she is very welcoming and friendly. She’s constantly putting her staff and customers before herself. And always goes out of her way to help others.
Elaine is constantly looking out for the community and has a people first approach to her job. She makes everyone feel safe and that they don’t have to worry about any type of harassment. Elaine runs the only club night in Belfast which is dedicated to woman’s sexuality. She continues to
make sure that this night is successful and enjoyed by lesbians and allies.

Elaine McConville truly is an unsung hero of our community who helps to keep our community spaces safe, free from harassment and is always looking out for those she can help regardless of their circumstances or the situation. She leads with a people first mentality day and night, in the undertaking of her job at The Maverick Bar and in her personal life, and that is why she should be nominated for this award.

Helen Crickard – Reclaim the Agenda

Helen is the co-ordinator of Reclaim the Agenda. She has personally ensured that practical support for Trans Pride, the Ban Conversion Therapy protest, Songs for Solidarity and other events have been in place, as well as leading Reclaim the Agenda as a trans inclusive feminist organisation. Helen ensures that LGBTQ+ voices are included in every aspect of Reclaim the Agenda’s work and the International Women’s Day programme.

Helen has facilitated events like Songs for Solidarity practically by making bookings, arriving hours before to set up gazebos, putting flags on poles and decorating the square and then staying behind to take it all down. Most of the public events we have had which are reactionary in nature would not have been as impactful without Helen’s work – like the Trans in the Ban protest. As the project lead at Reclaim the Agenda, Helen has ensured that LGBTQ+ people are included in events and on platforms, and makes use of RTA social media to show support for Trans Day of Visibility, Pride, and trans inclusive feminism more generally.

Pride Ally - Unions

Irish National Teachers Organisation

I am nominating my union because I believe that we are fully engaged in bringing change, inclusion, acceptance and celebration to our education system, both for our educators and our students. Our Equality Committee and our regional Equality Representatives work relentlessly to keep the debate current, at the forefront and reflective of the needs of all our teachers. We aim to make schools a safe and accepting environment for all. We lead by example, we reflect on and respond to the needs of our students.

Unison

Unison are a large trade union representing public service workers including community and voluntary workers. Unison have rolled out trans ally training, launched the ‘our journeys’ short film on trans people’s experiences in the North West and financially supported events such as Songs for Solidarity, as well as in person.

Pride Ally - Business

Aaron Aiken

Aaron has provided a lot of aid to the drag community in Belfast by helping them to expand their social media reach and by promoting their businesses on his own page through photography. He also works at Libertine and has many friends in the drag community. He has used his page in large parts specifically to highlight the beauty of the drag community in Belfast and has been a champion of said community for many months now. Aaron has shown that he is dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community by creating a safe space for those within it, doing photoshoots and making sure his clients feel safe and comfortable expressing themselves as they are. This work has helped boost the confidence of young drag performers, and helped make them feel more comfortable presenting themselves as they want to a wider audience.

Allstate Northern Ireland

Established in 1998, Allstate NI provides high quality software development services and business solutions in support of its parent company, The Allstate Corporation. Allstate is Northern Ireland’s largest IT Company with 2,400 employees across their sites in Belfast and the North West. Allstate NI values each individual and creates an environment that encourages open dialogue in a collaborative context. Across all business areas and management levels, we ensure that recognition is integral at every stage. From our in-house recognition system, to team events and performance bonuses, Allstate is committed to promoting a culture of Respect, Recognition and Reward.

Citi

Citi has shown a long-term dedication to LGBTQIA+ equality and inclusion within the organisation and externally. We have taken actions to improve the cultural and institutional outlook of the organisation to improve the lives and experiences of our colleagues, often leading conversations within our industry. Working across teams at a local, regional, and global level, Citi brings together knowledge and experience across our HR, Diversity Office, and Senior Leadership teams, alongside local Pride network chapter to ensure that contemporary issues facing LGBTQ+ people are championed by the organisation. Recently, this has included campaigns around Self-ID, highlighting our trans-inclusive and gender-affirming healthcare options. We have used our platform to raise awareness of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, anti-trans rhetoric in the media, and improvements needed across our education system regarding appropriate RSE provisions.

The Mac

The Metropolitan Arts Centre, usually referred to as the MAC, is an arts venue in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and is home to all kinds of exhibitions, theatre performances, and experimental works. The MAC is a cultural hub and a vital shared space in Belfast. Over the last year, the MAC has helped to platform Queer Arts and support wider participation in the arts. All of the activities listed below and more have been made possible because of funding for the MACtivate programme which brings the MAC together with its associate partners: The Rainbow Project, Alliance for Choice, Action Mental Health, Participation and Practice of Rights and Extern to reflect current approaches towards integrating collective activity and making community empowerment more visible in the art world.

Maverick

I am nominating the Maverick as they are, in my opinion, the most inclusive gay bar in Belfast. Hiring of trans & non-binary performers. Proud promotion & hosting of Trans Pride.

Innovation in Community Service

Dr. Carol Emerson

Dr Carol Emerson of Royal Victoria Hospital GUM clinic. For her constant focus on GBMSM when recent sexual health strategies often sideline their high risk of contracting HIV and other STIs. Her dedication to PLHIV. Her quick and hard response to Mpox. Her support of PrEP even in the face of criticism from DUP and other sex-negative political parties and/or funders. Her work within the GUM clinic has gone unnoticed for many a year. However, in this last year, her quick and firm response to Mpox. With Belfast RVH, GUM having the first available vaccines to high-risk individuals (at least to my knowledge) and several walk-in vaccine clinics for others. Her continued work with PLHIV in the Belfast GUM clinic.

Lee Cullen

Cara-Friend was founded in 1974 as a voluntary support service for the LGBTQIA+ community in Northern Ireland and is one of the oldest LGBTQIA+ organisations specialising in youth work in the Great Britain, Ireland and Northern Ireland. Today, we deliver or coordinate LGBTQIA+ youth services across the whole of Northern Ireland, in addition to the Belfast LGBTQIA+ Youth Centre, InfiniT(rans)Youth Project and PathwaysNI ‘LGBTQIA+ Pathways Into Children’s Publishing’ Project. This is due in no small part to the efforts of Lee Cullen, in their capacity as the Head of Youth Services in Cara-Friend. Lee had started his employment with us as our ‘Belfast Area Youth Officer’ in September 2015, and moved into the ‘Head of Youth Services’ position in November 2019. Throughout the years of working in Cara-Friend, Lee has pushed the boundaries of what we do to ensure we do the best for the LGBTQIA+ young people we service.

Mental Health Advocacy Service

The LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Advocacy Service launched in 2023 to provide essential support for the LGBTQIA+ community and help The Rainbow Project and HEReNI deliver vital mental health support to those who need it. This project brings together the expertise of the two organisations to provide holistic wrap-around services and practical resources to improve awareness, knowledge and confidence in promoting and supporting the LGBTQIA+ Community. The LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Advocacy Service aims to help increase awareness and support for the mental health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ people and their families throughout Northern Ireland. The project is a milestone in its approach to the wrap-around care of both the clients and families, as well as offering a wide range of services and support.

Mermaids NI

Mermaids NI have made big steps forward in the last year. As well as the original parents support group held monthly in Belfast, we now have groups meeting in Fermanagh, Newry and the North coast. In addition to this, we now have a volunteer group of parents who have engaged in events to promote awareness – e.g, freshers week, walking at and having stalls at Belfast Pride, Mid-Ulster Pride, Derry Pride and Omagh Pride and volunteering at Out on the Roof. Last November, our parent volunteers started a youth group for our older kids aged 14+ who now meet monthly in Lisburn. This was followed by a youth group for our younger children aged up to 14 who meet monthly in Belfast. These groups fill a huge void for Trans kids, allowing them to meet and engage with kids going through the same issues and it’s been wonderful watching them make friends, become more confident and really benefitting their mental health.

Rainbow Refugees NI

Rainbow Refugees NI (RRNI) is a new community group formed in June 2022 by an ad hoc steering committee, all of whom are queer and have considerable experience working and volunteering within the Refugee and Asylum Seeker (RAS) and LGBTQIA+ community sectors. RRNI’s initial goal was to create a safe space for LGBTQIA+ RASs to participate in Belfast Pride, with anonymity so not to be outed within their ethnic communities. Selected by the Pride Festival committee to lead the 2022 parade, they epitomise “Community – United in Diversity”. Twelve RASs walked, danced and sang along the parade route, wearing hand-made masks, supported by fellow queers, activists, and allies. It was ambitious, colourful, risk-taking, joyous, and they had a clear message: “Refugees are Welcome Here!”

Award for Activism

Jo McParland

Cara-Friend’s LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Schools’ Charter has been developed to assist schools in creating a positive, safe and welcoming environment for all young people. By addressing issues relating to sexual orientation and gender identity at all levels within an educational institution, the Charter encourages LGBTQI+ inclusion, the celebration of diversity and a sense of belonging for every child that may feel alienated from their peers at school. Jo McParland is the Education & Training Manager at Cara-Friend, and has led the development and delivery of the LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Schools’ Charter from a small-scale pilot in 2016.

Laura Lavery

Laura is a keen LGBTQ+ and women’s rights activist. She has been lead of her workplace Pride networks over the past 10 years. In this role, Laura consistently worked to highlight issues facing the LGBTQ+ community both in the workplace and within our community. As well as this, Laura was an active contributor in the WWP network before taking up the co-chair role. She has been successfully carrying out this role for almost 4 years.

Leo Lardie

Trans and Non-Binary Rights and Healthcare, Sexual Health/ HIV awareness and activism. In today’s society, it is becoming more and more difficult to be a transgender or non-binary person. The constant fear of having rights taken away, not knowing what sports one will be allowed to compete in and even simply leaving the house becomes more of a risk. Having someone who continually supports, encourages and stands up for those who can’t is so important. Leo’s work has been endless, just like the support he gives. He brings out the best in people and gives nothing but his whole heart and soul into the work he does for the trans and non-binary community of Northern Ireland. With the threat of transphobic rhetoric growing at an alarming pace, it’s important to give a platform to the voices that are being drowned out and ignored. Leo Lardie’s voice is something that you very rarely miss, even if you’ve bad hearing but it’s all for the better.

Jude Copeland

During the nomination period, Jude has been an activist in Queerspace, the LGBTQIA Heritage Project, the Portrush for Mark Ashton Campaign, Working with Pride and Rainbow Refugees. During the award period, Jude has been particularly active in sharing local queer history both online, at LGBTQIA Heritage Project events and in workplace events. Jude has focused on a number of areas, including the deaths of gay men during the conflict. This has led to increased awareness in the area which has led to a podcast series on Darren Bradshaw. Jude led a memorial for Lyra McKee and organised a number of lunch and learns for employers. Jude has continued to lobby for a blue plaque for Mark Ashton and this has recently been given the go ahead. Jude spoke at Outing The Past History Conference to a number of historians and activists. Jude does the comms for Queerspace. This has led to increased awareness of a number of issues locally and an increased presence for Queerspace. Jude has contributed to Working With Pride and helped organise a number of events for organisations like Songs for Solidarity and the Brianna Ghey vigil.

Gareth Lee

Queerspace is nominating Gareth Lee for Award for Activism as he has consistently worked to improve the lives of LGBTQIA people through campaigning and organising and collective action. He has shown selflessness in attending meetings and volunteering his time through Queerspace and also with the LGBTQIA Heritage Project. Gareth has been an activist for almost 25 years and has neither sought recognition nor reward for his work. He has dealt with a number of serious issues on behalf of people and has done so with great care and sensitivity. This includes during the nomination period. He has engaged with other organisations, such as the Ulster Museum to ensure that queer history is captured and preserved. Gareth has looked for opportunities to engage with queer refugees and connect them to appropriate services and support.

Employer of the Year

Allstate Northern Ireland

Anthology NI Ltd (Kremlin and Union Street)

Anthology NI Ltd – we are the largest employer for an LGBT+ business in the country and have been for over 20 years. We are constantly aiming to improve the lives of our LGBT+ staff and customers with regular training and involvement from outside companies. We are an open and inclusive company who strive to create a safe and friendly working environment for all involved at all times.

Citi

Kainos Software Ltd

Kainos has demonstrated a commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive work environment for LGBTQ+ employees. They have implemented policies and programs that support diversity and inclusion, such as training on Inclusion, Diversity, Equality & Equity, Unconscious Bias and Becoming an Ally (for LGBTQ+ specifically). They have also established an LGBTQ+ employee network group called Xpression, which provides a supportive network for employees to connect and share their experiences, offer support and community. Kainos has made it clear that all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, will be treated equally and will not face discrimination or harassment. This policy is the same globally, throughout EMEA, across the Americas and for our homeworkers in APAC. Additionally, Kainos has shown its support for the LGBTQ+ community outside of the workplace, through various partnerships.

Revolución de Cuba Belfast

I would like to nominate Revolución de Cuba Belfast for employer of the year award. The scale of the business and the inclusivity it has is something we are very proud of. 46% of our management team identify as party of the LGBT Community. In numbers, that is 7 out of 15 members. A pretty big number for such a predominant city centre venue. The company and management put an incredible focus on staff well-being, offering 24/7 access to an online doctor, 24/7 access to a Professional Crisis Service and paid counseling services for each of our team. The business also has a team well-being committee focused on ensuring inclusive events, that allow the team to recharge, relax and have fun, are a regular part of the calendar. We are very proud of the business we run and think recognition for our efforts as an employer should be highlighted.

Politician of the Year

Cllr Michelle Guy

I would like to nominate Michelle for here allyship as a politician. She tabled a motion at LCCC to support the banning of conversion therapy, her speech being one of the most personal and sensitive I have witnessed at council. Additionally, in her role as deputy Mayor, she hosted a round table with members of the LGBTQ community and community sector organisations. This, even though small in nature, highlighted the need for support for LCCC for LGBTG residents. This even covered all of the issues set out in the criteria above, including workplace discrimination, housing, healthcare, hate crime and young people issues.

Mal O’Hara

I am nominating Malachai O’Hara for this recognition because of his steadfast dedication to the Queer community both in and outside of elected politics. Over the past year, Mal has used his position as a Belfast Councillor to advocate for LGBTQ sector organisations re. community funding and recognition through Belfast City Council. He has also been advocating for the community in the media against a backdrop of anti-lgbtq rhetoric from right-wing sources, pedestrianisation of Union Street and leading the Green Party.

Eoin Tennyson MLA

Young MLA who always stands up for the LGBT+ Community