A podcast about the murder of a gay RUC officer has been nominated for three British Podcast Awards, while a Q&A event about the six-part series sold out earlier this week as part of Belfast Pride.
The BBC’s Blood On The Dance Floor, investigating the INLA killing of Darren Bradshaw on May 9, 1997, was released last year.
The podcast details how the LGBT community fought back against prejudice during the Troubles and also reveals the extent to which homophobia was rife in society at the time — including within the security services and paramilitaries — and the role it played in 24-year-old Mr Bradshaw being gunned down in The Parliament, Belfast’s only gay bar at the time.
The unsuspecting victim was shot in the back at close range as he enjoyed a drink on a night out in the Dunbar Street venue.
This year’s Belfast Pride theme — Love Your Mind — is centred around mental health and the ongoing crisis within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Murdered RUC officer Darren Bradshaw
Belfast Pride co-chair Kirsty Mulholland said the board’s decision to centre the theme around mental health was “unanimous”.
“We wanted to highlight something practical for the community that would truly make a difference to people’s lives,” she said.
“Being LGBTQIA+ doesn’t automatically mean that a person will struggle with their mental health, but it does mean that they are at a higher risk of experiencing poor mental health.
“Being LGBTQIA+ doesn’t cause these problems, but being on the receiving end of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and other forms of discrimination can,” she added.
The 2023 Pride Parade through Belfast. Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press Eye
“Lack of acceptance, even rejection by friends and family, lack of access to gender-affirming healthcare, isolation, bullying, discrimination — these things can all have a significantly negative impact on a person’s mental health and sense of wellbeing.
“There is a crisis in the mental health sector, but there are fabulous charities that will help people both inside and outside the LGBT community,” she said.
“We will have those charities and organisations present at the parade and also at the party event at Custom House Square, where people can find out information.”
The Rainbow Project director Scott Cuthbertson said the charity receives around 80 referrals per month, adding: “It’s a long-term issue with regards mental health waiting lists…
The 2023 Pride Parade in Belfast. Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press Eye
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“This now means we, The Rainbow Project, have a growing waiting list of people accessing our services.”
Scott said the charity recently had to close one of its mental health projects due to a shortage of funding, and warned more support was needed.
The Custom House Square event will see ex-UTV presenter Julian Simmons make his debut as a DJ, blending retro 90s classics with modern hits.