Chair of Foyle Pride steps down

The chairperson of Foyle Pride, which celebrates the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community in Derry, is to step down. Shá Gillespie (pictured) said she had taken the decision to make way for “new blood.” Ms Gillespite has been at the helm of the Foyle Pride Festival since 2010, building on the celebrations of Pride in Derry since 1993. Shá has worked over the last five years to make Foyle Pride the huge event it has become in the city, drawing people from all over the world to celebrate with the LGBT community in style and stand up for fundamental rights. In 2012, Shá won the prestigious Volunteer Ireland Award for her outstanding contribution. The Volunteer Ireland awarding body said she had 'single-handedly and against the odds, without funding or mainstream support, built a core volunteer team, put a programme in place and delivered' what has been hailed an 'internationally acclaimed festival promoting the rights of LGBT people in Northern Ireland'. On stepping down, Shá said: “After reflecting on yet another hugely successful Pride in Derry, I have decided to step down as chair. “I do believe it is time for new blood and young folk to step up and make their voices heard. I have had the most incredible journey, met some truly amazing people who helped in the struggle to change things here in the city and beyond. “I had the pleasure of working with some fantastic individuals on several committees. I am very proud of what I have achieved here and me being a blow-in from Donegal too! “It has been an honour to be part of history with the first Gay Pride Parade in 2010. I met some amazing activists who came to Derry to speak at our festival, Kasha Jacqueline Bombastic Nabagesera from Uganda, Dónal Óg Cusack, Mike Jackson ,Ailbhe Smyth, Bernadette McAliskey, Eamonn McCann to name but a few.” 'We still have a bit to go in the fight for equality, but if we stand strong together we will triumphant!' Meanwhile, the Foyle Pride annual general meeting will take place at the Rainbow Project LGBT Centre at 20 Strand Road from 8/00pm to 9.00pm on December 8 next.