One of the organisers of Co Donegal's second ever Pride parade has hailed the "family and community" atmosphere of the event held in Buncrana at the weekend.
Elizabeth Curran, one of four organising committee members, told Belfast Live that smaller, local Pride events can prove more "impactful" than those in more "cosmopolitan" cities.
Thousands of people took part in the parade at the weekend or lined the streets for only the second ever Inishowen Pride.
Read more: Omagh Pride parade to be moved forward this year to coincide with international celebrations
Elizabeth said: "A lot of people, years ago, would have left small towns because of fear and rejection.
"This year and last year we've had a lot of people coming back who hadn't been back in the town for maybe 30 or 40 years."
She continued: "We've had older people coming back who were so overwhelmed with the whole town being done up with flags and bunting, all the local businesses, and they just couldn't believe that it is the same town.
"I think that hit home more than maybe a big city where it's a lot more cosmopolitan, where you can go around holding hands, but this is a much smaller community.
"With the whole fear of rejection and everything, I think it's a lot more impactful to see it in your own town."
She estimated thousands attended "along the streets and in the parade", adding: "We were so overwhelmed with the number of people who turned out because there were a number of other big events on."
She continued: "The biggest thing with Inishowen Pride is that it's all about famiy. After the parade, we had a band playing and then we had a DJ so there was a real festival atmosphere.
"I got talking to someone I hadn't seen in years and they were saying that it meant so much more to see parents, kids, famiies out supporting brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles. Everybody was there and it was like a total family, community Pride. He said it just meant so much more and that was so good to hear."
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