A Queen's University student has unfurled a Pride flag at her graduation which took place at the same time as thousands marched through Belfast city centre demanding marriage equality in the north.
Ciara Cinnamond (23), from Newry, a Politics, Philosophy and Economics graduate, showed her support for Saturday's march by carrying a rainbow flag across the stage at Queen's University's Whitla Hall as she graduated.
Ciara at Saturday's graduation. Video: Ciara Cinnamond
"I knew that I would be graduating on the same day as the march for equality and despite not being physically present, I wanted to be there in spirit at least," she said.
"I was at the march last year and to be surrounded by so much love, strength and happiness was incredible.
"I wanted to take that feeling of solidarity across the stage with me. What I did at my graduation was only one small incident in a far greater campaign aimed at getting equal marriage for everyone.
"I want the opportunity to marry the person that I love and in that moment, I marched too."
Northern Ireland remains the only part of the UK and Ireland where same-sex marriage remains outlawed.
