Details
In 1991, one hundred brave people marched down Royal Avenue in Belfast, waving homemade banners and placards that proudly declared: "We're here, we're queer, and we ain't going anywhere!" This marked the first-ever Belfast Pride, a historic moment for the city’s LGBTQIA+ community.
Since then the LGBTQIA+ community have faced challenges, prejudice, and discrimination amidst the ever-evolving Northern Ireland and global landscape. At the same time celebrating numerous steps forward for equality. As we face an uncertain future, including new laws threatening our rights, the attempted erasure of the Trans community and increased intolerance, we reflect: how has 'pride' changed over the years to become a celebration of visibility, positivity, and inclusion for everyone?
A Queer Dander looks at the history of pride in Belfast by interviewing a small but representative selection of the community on reflecting on the concept of Belfast Pride within the wider context of Northern Ireland, how it came to be and what role it needs to play in our futures.
Curated by Thomas Wells with support from filmmaker Niamh McCann, and commissioned by Belfast Pride and the MAC, the project includes contributions from Ruth McCarthy, Richard O'Leary, Electra, Shogher Doghramajian, Tina McCombe, and Charlie Beare, with special thanks to The Rainbow Project, Boombox Belfast, editor Shaun Doogan, Rebecca Laverty (National Museums NI), PRONI, and NI Screen Digital Film Archive.
Meet the Artist
Thomas Wells
Thomas Wells (he/they) is an artist and curator based in Belfast. Their work centers on socially engaged practice, especially around LGBTQ+ experiences. Originally from Manchester, they’ve been working in Northern Ireland since 2017 and are a member of the Turner Prize-winning Array Collective. Thomas founded the queer arts platform SAM’S EDEN and in 2024 became an artist-in-residence at Platt Hall, Manchester.
For more information visit Thomas Wells' website.
Image info
'Dyke Bitch from Hell' acquired by the National Museums Northern Ireland from Tina McCombe personal archive. A custom leather jacket with studded detail.
