Ramiro Lopes and his partner Radek were pictured kissing after the proposal was accepted at the annual celebrations.
The 2024 march was led by Alliance Party councillor Micky Murray, who became the city’s first openly gay mayor earlier this year.
Photos by Kevin Scott
Mr Murray – whose party leader Naomi Long also joined her colleagues at the march – posted a video of himself waving the LGBT+ “progress” flag outside City Hall.
He said it was “incredibly important” for him to be there.
“It’s important that people see the city’s first citizen taking part in the biggest, brightest and most inclusive festival that takes place in our city every year,” he told BBC NI.
“This year’s theme is ‘love your mind’ and this is extremely important to the LGBTQIA+ community as we are negatively impacted by discrimination and prejudice.
“I have been taking part in Belfast Pride for 18 years. This is my first Belfast Pride as Lord Mayor of Belfast and I am very pleased to be leading the parade today.”
The Alliance councillor was joined at the parade by U105 presenter and Belfast Telegraph columnist Frank Mitchell, while an after-parade party in the square was hosted by former UTV continuity announcer turned DJ Julian Simmons.
People with rainbow-painted faces and waving LGBT+ flags gathered to catch a glimpse of the colourful march as it made its way through the streets after 1pm.
A series of groups and floats, representing up to 250 charities and organisations, were joined by NIO Minister Fleur Anderson and Deputy First Minister Angela Rayner for the annual march.
NIO Ministers Angela Rayner and Fleur Anderson meet with representatives from Cara Friend NI
After meeting members of advocacy group Cara Friend NI, Ms Anderson said the day had been an “unforgettable experience”.
“It’s inspiring to see the phenomenal work that Cara Friend NI does behind the scenes every day to support and empower the LGBTQIA+ community in Northern Ireland,” she added.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) also posted photos of its representatives at the parade on Facebook, along with the message: “We were delighted to take part in the Belfast Pride parade today. What a great day to celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion!”
A small number of protesters also gathered outside city hall, holding placards with religious messages.
Watch: Belfast Pride Parade 2024
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill posted on Facebook wishing everyone a “very happy Belfast Pride”.
“I hope you all have a great day. You have pioneered so much positive change in our society over the past few years, and I encourage you to continue to make your voices heard,” she said.
“As Prime Minister, I stand with you in our shared vision of an inclusive, equal and better future for all.
“Stay bold. Stay proud. And most importantly, stay yourself.”
The theme for the 2024 edition is ‘Love Your Mind’, with a range of mental health charities represented in the parade.
Kirsty Mullholand, co-chair of Belfast Pride, said almost everyone in the city had experienced mental health issues, either personally or through someone close to them.
U105 presenter and Belfast Telegraph columnist Frank Mitchell enjoys the parade. Photo: Kevin Scott
“It is a sad fact that poor mental health disproportionately affects members of the LGBTQIA+ community,” she said.
“Being LGBTQIA+ does not automatically mean that a person will have mental health problems, but it does mean that they are at a higher risk of suffering from mental health problems.
“Being LGBTQIA+ doesn’t cause these problems, but experiencing homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and other forms of discrimination can.
“The flip side is that being proud of your sexual orientation can have an extremely positive mental impact.”
