The organisers of the first pride event to be held in Ballymena say they stand with the local migrant community and that the ‘show must go on’ ahead of their upcoming parade.
Mid and East Antrim (MEA) Pride will be celebrated in Ballymena for the first time on Saturday June 28.
The town has been at the centre of a series of racially motivated attacks on a number of homes and businesses this week.
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MEA Pride organisers have said that they are currently monitoring the situation and are in contact with the relevant bodies regarding what recent disturbances could mean for their event.
They are not affiliated with the local council and do not receive public funding.
However, secretary Eilish Boschert told The Irish News that they are intending to go ahead with their pride parade as planned and said that it was a welcome space “for everyone”.
“We just want to be clear that this is an event for all LGBTQ+ people, of all nationalities, creeds, cultures, religions, beliefs,” she said.
“We stand firmly with migrant communities; we stand firmly with the local community.”
Ms Boschert added that she understood that many migrants in the wider Mid and East Antrim area may feel fearful of being visible in the wake of recent attacks – especially those who are also members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Our main priority as MEA Pride is to keep participants and onlookers safe.
“We understand the fear; the fear of not wanting to be visible, not wanting to be seen, the fear of possibly being targeted.
“We want to provide community for everybody; we want to provide the space for everybody. So, if the parade is not the space for them to do that – let us know.”
Organisers have invited any migrants who would feel more comfortable attending their ticketed after-event to contact them privately for arranging free admission.
“We are determined that the show must go on,” Ms Boschert said.
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“We believe that if we allow ourselves to be cowed by these violent mobs, then they have won.
“It is so important to remain visible, both as an LGBTQ+ group and as an ally to Mid and East Antrim’s migrant communities.
“If they don’t feel comfortable standing up right now for themselves, then we must be able to stand up for them.
“We certainly intend to make sure that we send the message on the Pride Day, that we stand in solidarity with the migrant communities.”
She added that the fact that the parade will be taking place in the town is “nothing short of historic” given the area’s conservative history.
Four counter-gatherings have been organised by church groups to coincide with the event.
