Participants at this year’s Belfast Pride were in for a real treat writes Laura Barr with the unexpected arrival of six-year-old Noah Hughes to the main stage.
Noah from Belfast was attending the Pride festivities in the city centre, which saw over 12,000 people take to the streets along with his mum, Naomi, his dad and his younger sister.
Noah’s costume and lively dance skills caught the attention of Tina Legs Tantrum, Belfast based Drag Queen, who was on stage performing. She made her way off the stage and down to the crowd and invited Noah to come up and dance.
Excitedly, Noah made his way to the stage where he wowed the crowd with confidence, dancing and positivity.
Speaking to Ni4kids, Noah who loves to dance said: “I didn’t feel nervous or scared, I just felt so happy and excited. The most exciting part about the day was going up on stage.”
Noah has attended five Pride Parades his mum explained and is dealing with his newfound fame like “water off a duck’s back”.
“He loves to sing and dance always dressing as his favourite characters which includes, Lady Gaga.
“Noah loves the colour, energy and of course the drag acts because he can connect with their creativity and entertainment.”
Naomi added that Noah has some excellent role models in the LGBTQIA+ community and within his own family.
“I felt so happy, proud and delighted that my son felt seen” said Naomi “he really did live his best life all day.”
“These opportunities just give him the validation he can sometimes seek. His dad and I are extremely proud to encourage diversity, understanding of others, and inclusion.
“We believe that creative expression should always be encouraged and we should always listen to our children and hear what they are really saying.”
