As someone born and bred in Ballymena, there are actually lots of wonderful, kind and generous people there. But, unfortunately, the church presence in the town tends to be quite entitled and self-righteous. The current MP, the TUV, Jim Alister, has been a consistently proud and vocal opponent of efforts to ban conversion therapy, preferring to protect the “rights and privileges” of churches and others to engage in such loathsome and damaging behaviour. He has also spoken of his personal disgust towards gay people. And of course he stands on the shoulders of Rev Ian Paisley and his infamous “Save Ulster From Sodomy” campaign in the 1970s”. Both of these “defenders of tradition” shamelessly used their opposition to LGBTQIA+ rights as a touchstone to prove their Christian evangelical credentials. And both of them have been solidly supported by the heavily churched people of Ballymena.
It is time for a new voice to be heard in Ballymena! A voice that values and affirms inclusion for diversity and difference in the name of Jesus Christ. A voice that chooses care and compassion over stigmatising isolation and heartless abuse. Next year’s parade needs a significant presence from Christian’s At Pride, perhaps more than any other Pride parade that has taken place in this wee country of ours. It is time to be a voice for the voiceless and to give hope to the hopeless!
SAVE THE DATE! 🫶🏻
Join us as we make history in Mid & East Antrim. 🥰
Saturday the 28th of June, is international pride day and what a perfect day to celebrate the 1st Mid & East Antrim Pride celebration in Ballymena in 2025.
We will be sharing more information in the coming weeks & months as we make this a day to remember for all in our community. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
#MEAPride
#LoveOverFear
(Feed generated with FetchRSS)
