Shetland’s Pride Festival, which is the largest northerly celebration of its kind in Britain, has thousands taking part.
Many people from the community participated in the colorful event at Lerwick.
It attracted attention from all over the globe and several visiting drag queens traveled by ferry from Aberdeen to perform at the sold-out variety show.
The Islesburgh Community Centre will host local musicians and burlesque dancers.
The parade featured rainbow colors lining town’s shop windows, and included members of the emergency service, Vikings, and a samba group.
In celebration, children and pets also wore rainbow costumes.
Gilbertson Park is hosting a Pride Village with live music and family events.
Each stall will highlight the support they have for the LGBTQ+ community by local organisations such as Shetland Women’s Aid and NHS Shetland.
A pop-up Pride shop was bustling ahead of the festival, with people purchasing Shetland Pride merchandise including puffins and rainbow Shetland ponies.
Kerrie Meyer, the founder of Shetland Pride said that it was an historic moment 50 years after the UK’s first Pride march.
She stated, “It’s wonderful that people can now say, “hey, I am gay, I am bi-sexual, and I’m trans,” and this is great for everyone.
“The community has been so supportive.
“We’ve received so many congratulations, but I haven’t done it for me. I’ve done it to Shetland.”
She spoke out about the significance of the occasion and said: “At 74, it’s probably my last song, who knows. I wanted to do something for Shetland, and I feel proud to be able to do it. I feel humbled.”
Jay, who identified as bisexual and not-binary, also participated in the parade.
Jay stated, “It’s great for all of the people in the community to get together and do things like this.”
“Shetland has seen a lot LGBT people but we have never had any representation.
“It’s finally wonderful to have the chance to be me.”
