‘We need to stand proud’: Pride organiser speaks out over online abuse
Last updated 29th Aug 2026
The woman behind the first ever Pride parade in the Scottish Borders has spoken about the abuse she has received in the run-up to this weekend’s event - which is being described as a celebration of the LGBT+ community.
Fay Sinclair says the hostile reaction she has received online highlights why it's important.
It comes just weeks after she shared her own experiences of homophobic bullying as a bisexual teenager.
"We hope that (this event) will bring a lot of colour and fun and celebration to Galashiels but there's a more serious need for Pride in the Borders as well," the local councillor told Greatest Hits Radio.
"We've seen a rise in anti-LGBT hate crime over recent years across the country and, actually, I've had a little flavour of that myself this week.
"I put a post on social media about the fact that Scottish Borders Council is flying the Pride flag for Pride happening for the first time, and I got about 500 comments within the space of a couple of hours - some of them quite nasty.
"I have to say most of them though were not local. This is coming from around the world."
But she added: "I think it demonstrates why we need to stand up; we need to stand proud as who we are and celebrate the fact that LGBT people are in all of our communities across the Borders."
Galashiels Town Band is set to lead today's procession, which gets underway at midday.
Leaving Albert Place towards Bank Street Gardens, it will return to the Volunteer Hall via Channel Street and Market Street.
There will also be live performances throughout the afternoon, followed by a ceilidh at MacArts in the evening
A dedicated youth space will be available at the Great Tapestry of Scotland, which is also hosting an exhibition throughout the week exploring LGBTQ identities in the tapestry building.
Councillor Sinclair - chair of Scottish Borders Pride - says the event is open to everyone, including LGBTQ+ people, their families, friends and allies.
"It's a celebration," she added. "And it's about visibility and solidarity with the community."
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Councillor Sinclair said the repeal of Section 28 - which prevented local authorities from “promoting homosexuality” in schools - had felt like a significant change, with Scotland becoming more inclusive and diverse.
She said her own school experience involved a lack of discussion or teaching about LGBTQ+ issues, as well as homophobic bullying.
She recalled being subjected to lewd comments from boys and being shouted at and spat at by a girl on a school bus who believed she was a lesbian.
She said there had been “nowhere” for her to turn for support at the time.
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Organisers say Saturday’s Pride is about recognising both the progress that has been made and the work that remains.
The event is also intended to raise awareness of issues facing LGBTQ+ people and provide a visible show of support across the Borders.
In a further show of support, Tesco Galashiels has offered to provide a safe space for anyone attending Pride.
The store says people can use its toilet facilities before the parade, meet with others, wait for a bus or taxi, or seek help if they feel unsafe.
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