Belfast Pride bars political parties over puberty blockers controversy

Belfast Pride has announced it will ban the participation of four major political parties—Sinn Féin, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Alliance, and the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)—from its upcoming parade due to their support for an indefinite ban on puberty blockers for under-18s. The decision aligns with similar actions taken by other Pride organizations in Northern Ireland, reflecting widespread anger within the LGBTQIA+ community regarding the potential impact on trans youth. Belfast Pride expressed deep concern over the government's decision, emphasizing the lack of meaningful action to improve trans healthcare services in the region. The organization noted that the failure to include LGBTQIA+ issues in the Programme for Government is particularly disappointing. Sinn Féin's equality spokesperson described the exclusion as a