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In a bold move that underscores growing impatience within the LGBTQ+ community, organisers of Causeway Pride and Mams 4 Trans have issued an open challenge to Northern Ireland's political establishment. The call is for LGBTQ+ members within the five main political parties—Sinn Féin, the DUP, Alliance, the Ulster Unionist Party, and the SDLP—to consider aligning with other parties or standing as independents if current leadership continues to neglect the pressing needs of their communities.
Historically, Causeway Pride and Mams 4 Trans have engaged with these political parties to push for greater inclusivity and legislative progress; however, they have often encountered resistance or token gestures rather than substantive change. This announcement comes as Causeway Pride confirmed their decision to persist with banning Executive parties from participating in their 2026 Pride march. The exclusion is based on repeated political failures in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights, including inadequate progress on banning conversion therapy and enhancing gender recognition laws—key legislative reforms that the organisers are advocating for.
Jim McAllister, a spokesperson for Causeway Pride, stated, "Our patience has run thin. We can no longer stand by as our rights are sidelined for political expedience."
Meanwhile, Sarah Quinn from Mams 4 Trans added, "We need leaders who truly champion our cause, not just during election seasons."
While the SDLP may not technically be part of the Executive, it was not spared criticism, with organisers stating that the party has "not done enough" for LGBTQ+ people. The group's letter articulated a broader concern: that LGBTQIA+ rights should not be negotiable nor subject to political convenience.
The organisers demand concrete actions, laying out four unequivocal conditions that they expect political parties to meet if they wish to see a lift on the ban. These include specific legislative reforms, time-bound commitments—such as pledges to introduce or support particular bills within defined periods—vocal opposition to harmful policies, and meaningful engagement that yields tangible outcomes. Mere gestures such as attendance at events, social media statements, or rainbow branding are deemed insufficient and dismissed as performative.
In a statement to those within the political ranks, particularly LGBTQ+ members, the organisers urged action and courage, suggesting that breaking ranks or even defecting to parties that genuinely uphold LGBTQIA+ rights might be necessary paths forward. The group warned that silence equates to complicity in perpetuating harm against the communities they represent.
The organisers plan to publicly update on this status on 1 June 2026, marking the beginning of Pride Month, by evaluating the parties' responses and documenting any commitments or progress—or lack thereof—in meeting their demands. Transparency will be key, with public records set to reveal each party's engagement with the outlined standards.
With elections looming in 2027, the political landscape is likely to shift. There is speculation that parties may reconsider their stances on LGBTQIA+ issues to secure votes from this increasingly vocal and organised community. This forced, yet necessary stance underscores a call to accountability as the organisers reaffirm their commitment to resist ongoing political failures and champion genuine progress for LGBTQIA+ rights in Northern Ireland.