The picturesque seaside town of Portrush, nestled in County Antrim, took a historic stride in the realm of LGBTQ+ acceptance as it hosted its very first Pride rally. The event, which commenced at 14:00 BST, bore special significance as it paid homage to Mark Ashton, a notable gay rights activist who hailed from the town. Ashton, renowned for his pivotal role in the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) group during the 1984 miners’ strike, left an indelible mark on the struggle for equality before his untimely passing in 1987, at the age of 26.
The rally, organized by the recently established Causeway Pride committee, reflected the earnest efforts of Riley McCahon, the committee’s chair, to foster a more inclusive environment in Portrush. McCahon remarked that it was long overdue for the town to embrace a Pride celebration, especially given Ashton’s ties to the locality. They also emphasized that the rally aimed to set the stage for a larger parade in the coming year, intending to bolster the community’s sense of pride and belonging.
For many LGBTQ+ individuals growing up in Portrush, the absence of resources and support groups perpetuated feelings of isolation and shame. Saturday’s Pride rally, which saw active participation from local residents, sent a powerful message of solidarity to the LGBTIQA+ community. Eve Sittlington, treasurer of Causeway Pride, expressed the emotion surrounding the event, emphasizing its potential to alleviate the loneliness that often accompanies queer experiences in more rural parts of Northern Ireland.
The significance of the rally extended beyond local borders, resonating with gay rights activists nationwide. Jude Copeland, who spearheaded the campaign for a memorial honoring Mark Ashton, highlighted the impact of visibility through events like Pride, stressing that Ashton’s legacy deserved celebration and recognition. While Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council works on developing a memorial policy, the rally stood as a testament to public support for a Portrush Pride and the ongoing quest for inclusivity and acceptance.
With the inaugural Pride rally drawing to a close, Portrush and its residents are looking ahead with hope and anticipation. The event marks a crucial step forward, not just for the town but for all those seeking to create a more accepting world where everyone can feel safe and proud to be themselves.
Ashton’s legacy, woven into the fabric of Portrush’s history, will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come, fostering a more compassionate and equitable society for all.