Foyle Pride bans politicians over puberty blockers vote

Organisers of Foyle Pride, one of Northern Ireland's largest LGBTQ+ festivals, have announced that politicians who supported a ban on puberty blockers for under-18s will not be invited to participate in the 2025 festival. This decision follows a December vote by the Stormont Executive, which included Sinn Fein, DUP, UUP, and Alliance, to implement an indefinite ban on the sale of puberty blockers. Foyle Pride stated that the event is a 'statement of resistance' and emphasized that it stands with trans individuals who have been abandoned by political leaders. The restrictions mean no political party banners, advertisements, or attendance from the city's mayor will be allowed at the parade. The Green Party leader noted a divergence of opinions within the community regarding the ban and its implications for Pride events. The Foyle Pride organisers highlighted the need for genuine allyship beyond mere symbolism, asserting that 'Pride belongs to the people—not politicians who betray us.'