Big Sexy Talk

3.01: (Joe Walsh) - Pride, Protest and Progress

Informing Choices NI Season 3 Episode 1

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0:00 | 29:21

To mark 35 years since the first Pride parade in Belfast, this episode of Big Sexy Talk was recorded live following a special screening of the film Pride as part of Informing Choices NI's Open Conversations: Film, Rights & Cultural Change series.

Host Ruairi Rowan is joined by Joe Walsh, former Heritage Project Officer with HERe NI, to reflect on the history of Pride in Northern Ireland, how LGBTQIA+ communities have changed over the past three decades, and why preserving LGBTQIA+ heritage matters.

Together they explore Pride as both a celebration and a protest, the role of community and solidarity in advancing equality, the importance of sharing LGBTQIA+ stories, and the progress that has been made alongside the challenges that remain.

Whether you're interested in Northern Ireland's social history, LGBTQIA+ rights, or the conversations that continue to shape our communities, this episode offers a thoughtful reflection on the past, present and future of Pride.


Useful links

  1. HERe NI  
  2. The Rainbow Project                                                                             
  3. Cara Friend                                                                                                             
  4. Sexual Health NI


BBC Sounds

People on this episode