Today marks the first Belfast Pride Parade since a historic vote on same-sex marriage.
Thousands are expected on the streets of the city for today's LGBT celebration.
And for the first time ever, the Pride flag has been raised over Belfast City Hall.
For the first time ever, the Pride flag has been raised over Belfast City Hall! Well done to Mayor of Belfast, John Finucane for helping to raise it and to Mary Ellen Campbell for proposing it to Council. #RightsNow #bproud2019 https://t.co/XCxx9LYonV
— Belfast Pride (@belfastpride) August 3, 2019
Last month Westminster voted to introduce gay marriage in the North if Stormont isn't restored by October 21st.
Ciaran Moynagh, from Love Equality NI, says it was long overdue.
“We in Northern Ireland sat and watched the joy and outpouring of love Ireland had in 2015, and we really did feel left behind.
“There is no assembly or government or people doing legislation or work in Northern Ireland at the moment. We looked to Westminster to bring about change and they delivered for us.”
(left and right) Chair of Belfast Pride Sean O Neill and Sinn Fin's Mary Ellen Campbell present to Belfast Lord Mayor John Finucane with the first Pride flag that will fly from City Hall, following a flotilla of boats bringing Rainbow flags ahead of the Belfast Pride parade on Saturday.The Taoiseach says the annual Belfast Pride Parade shows Northern Ireland at it's best.
Leo Varadkar who's taking part in today's march says it's not orange or green - it's rainbow coloured - and the best of Britishness and Irishness.
He's joined a record 60-thousand people marching for equal marriage rights in the North.
