We are all clearly aware that homophobia, transphobia and sexism is a persistent issue within every country, but especially countries such as Northern Ireland where the laws are, in all reality, speaking from a perspective of the past.
Yesterday I attended a march throughout Belfast as a protest to put an end to the banning of same sex marriage in NI.
Northern Ireland is the only country in the UK that does not support this legislation, and thousands marched on 1st July 2017, as they have for the previous 4 years, in the hopes to change the minds of the government here. Despite 75% of the Belfast population being in favour of same sex marriage being legalised, the government still denied their requests, not 1, but 4 TIMES!
The campaign has had support from high-profile figures like Liam Neeson, Stephen Fry and Graham Norton as well as thousands of people from the community marching for change.
The DUP, a politicial party here, has used a controversial voting mechanism - the petition of concern - to prevent a law change, despite a majority of local politicians supporting the move at the last vote. The party rejects any suggestion that the law is homophobic, insisting that it is instead protecting the “traditional” definition of marriage, which quite frankly is ridiculous - they are living in the past.
^ It is heartwarming to see so many people support the LGBTQIA+ community, even the children of parents, and this can be seen here as some children made a sign (spelling mistakes and everything) which shows that it is not an issue of age, gender, religion or social upbringing - it is an issue of love, and no love should be illegal.
^ Funny signs seen throughout the crowd - bringing a lighthearted attitude to the movement as, at the end of the day, we are still people.