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PRIDE 2026

Celebrating PRIDE 2026 and promoting LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland through inclusive support, health information, community engagement, awareness campaigns and resources.

Dates: June to September 2026

Theme: Take DoxyPEP with PRIDE

Produced and published by: Public Health Agency, Communications and Health Improvement teams, Community & Voluntary Sector & Health and Social Care Trusts.

Hashtags:

  • #TakeDoxyPepwithPRIDE2026
  • #PRIDENI2026

Target Population: Population-wide, with focus on individuals and communities supported by statutory, community and voluntary organisations.

Be part of this campaign:

Sexual health resources and services in Northern Ireland: 

Access the toolkit below for key messaging, ideas on how to participate and promote PRIDE 2026, marketing materials (including social media posts, digital posters and banners):

  • Event toolkit messaging, objective, ideas on how to participate, FAQs

    The toolkit below is available for download in additional resources section of  PRIDE 2026 on the Sexual Health NI website.

    The communications toolkit was designed to help individuals, community groups, advocates, and organisations to actively engage with and promote PRIDE 2026 across Northern Ireland.

    With a focus on raising awareness of DoxyPEP, this campaign aims to ensure people understand what it is, how it works, and how to take it effectively. It also emphasises the importance of education, prevention, and treatment in improving sexual health outcomes. This year’s theme encourages the use of DoxyPEP in response to the rising incidence of sexually transmitted infections, particularly syphilis and chlamydia.

    The Toolkit contains ready-to-use content (social media posts, images and posters) for Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, websites.

    PRIDENI 2026 objectives

    • To increase awareness of DoxyPEP
    • To improve understanding of correct use
    • To promote informed decision making
    • To encourage prevention-focused behaviours
    • To address rising incidence of certain STI’s
    • To reduce stigma around sexual health and STI prevention
    • To raise awareness of how DoxyPEP treatment helps stop transmission – if you take it effectively
    • To strengthen engagement with priority communities
    • To ensure consistent messaging across partners

    Campaign alignment with Sexual Health Action Plan objectives 2023-2026

    • Obj 2: Reduce transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
    • Obj 5: Create a culture of openness about sexual and reproductive health and empower people with the information they need to make informed choices.
    • Obj 6: Establish effective mechanisms for optimal communication and collaboration with stakeholders and service providers.

    How to participate

    Promotional strategies to help you engage your audience and boost participation during PRIDE NI 2026.

    Collaborate with partners
    Partners play a key role in extending the reach and impact of the ‘Take DoxyPEP with PRIDENI campaign.

    You can get involved, below are practical ways you can participate in PRIDE 2026 as part of the campaign:

    • Share campaign messages across your social media channels, websites, newsletters and internal and external communications.
    • Use the campaign toolkit – distribute approved posters, messaging, and resources to ensure consistency and accuracy.
    • Support PRIDE events and outreach activities – host or attend events, workshops, and information stalls to raise awareness of DoxyPEP and sexual health.
    • Display campaign materials in your spaces – promote posters, leaflets, and digital assets in community spaces, clinics, and venues.
    • Engage communities in conversations – encourage open, inclusive conversations about DoxyPEP, STI prevention, and sexual health
    • Signpost to GUM clinics and sexual health services – direct people to GUM clinics and other services for advice, testing, and access to DoxyPEP.
    • Collaborate with other organisations to extend reach and ensure messaging is accessible to diverse communities across Northern Ireland.
    • Promote to help reduce stigma by supporting non-judgemental, sex-positive communication around prevention and care.
    • Provide feedback – Share insights and learning to help improve current and future campaigns.

    Host, support or attend PRIDE events

    • In-person: Attend PRIDE events, host community workshops, panel discussions, information stalls/tables or outreach activities to facilitate open conversations, collaborate with healthcare professionals to raise awareness on the importance of DoxyPEP. Where to get it, how to use it and who can get it.
    • Virtual: Organise webinars, live Q&As, virtual peer talks focused on PRIDE theme Take DoxyPEP with PRIDE.

      Evaluation and impact

    • Share how you use the toolkit and report on social media engagement, hashtag reach, website visits, downloads, and event participation on your channels and platforms.
    • Collect feedback from participants to measure awareness and engagement and send us some quotes.
  • Frequently asked questions

    What is DoxyPEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis)?

    DoxyPEP (Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an antibiotic in a pill form taken after unprotected sex to help reduce the risk of certain bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It won’t protect you from viruses like HIV or hepatitis B.

    Which STIs can DoxyPEP help prevent?

    DoxyPEP has been shown to reduce the risk of

    • syphilis,
    • chlamydia.

    How does DoxyPEP work?

    It works by preventing bacteria from developing into an infection if taken soon after potential exposure.

    When should I take DoxyPEP?

    It is taken after unprotected sex, ideally within 24 hours (and no later than 72 hours), as advised by a healthcare provider.

    How to get DoxyPEP?

    DoxyPEP should only be taken following advice from a healthcare professional.

    Are there side effects?

    As with all medication, some people may experience mild side effects while taking doxycycline. Most commonly it can make you feel a bit sick and can cause a rash in the sunlight. It is advised to take it with plenty of water and use a high protection sunscreen (SPF 30-50) if you are in bright sunlight. Read more about side effect here. A healthcare professional can provide advice.

    Does DoxyPEP interact with any other medicines?

    Yes, it does. Please let your healthcare professional know if you take any regular medications or herbal or diet supplements at your appointment.

    Who can use DoxyPEP?

    DoxyPEP may be offered to people at higher risk of STIs. Speak to a sexual health professional to find out if it is suitable for you.

    I have symptoms of a sexually transmitted infections (STI) – do I need to be tested if I’ve taken DoxyPEP?

    Yes. Although DoxyPEP offers good protection against chlamydia and syphilis it is not 100% effective. Studies estimate it to be about 70-90% effective in protecting against both infections. If you have genital or anal symptoms, please book an appointment for testing at your nearest GUM clinic:

    I have been in sexual contact with someone that has an STI – what should I do?

    If you have had sex with someone who has an STI (including syphilis) it is advised to get tested – How do I get an STI test? – Sexual Health NI.

    Is DoxyPEP safe for everyone?

    Doxycycline has been used for a long time and is safe for most people to use. Please tell your health professional if you have any medical conditions so they can check if it will be safe for you. At the moment there is limited evidence for how effective DoxyPEP is for people with a vagina so it is not routinely recommended for cisgender women, trans men and non-binary people with a vagina. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

    Do I still need regular STI testing?

    Yes. Regular testing is an important part of maintaining good sexual health, even when using DoxyPEP.

    Do I still need to use condoms?

    Yes. DoxyPEP is one prevention option and does not protect against all STIs or HIV. Condoms remain important for overall protection.

    Where can I get more information or access to DoxyPEP?

    Contact your local GUM clinic or sexual health service for advice, testing, and support.

  • Web banner, poster, email signature and social media posts

    These digital materials were designed to promote PRIDE 2026 for use by public, professionals and in public spaces, clinics, schools, universities and workplaces – available to download under PRIDE 2026 on the Sexual Health NI website.

    • Poster theme: PRIDE 26 – Take DoxyPEP with PRIDE
    Poster name How to use
    PRIDE poster A4 Optimised for sharing on social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X)
    Click here to download email signature

     

    Click here to download web banner

    		 Add to websites, newsletters, email footers to spread the message.
    Click here to download A3 poster
    Click here to download A4 belly poster

    Social media graphics to be used during PRIDE 2026

    Ready-to-use content (posts, images) for Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, websites.

    Hashtags to use

    • #TakeDoxyPepwithPRIDE2026
    • #PRIDENI2026

    All graphics will be made available to download from the campaigns page on the Sexual Health NI website: PRIDENI 2026 on the Sexual Health NI website.

    Date Graphic Caption
    tbc    
    tbc    
    tbc    

     Tagging

    X Facebook Instagram
    • @healthdpt
    • @commonyouth_
    • @PositiveLife_NI
    • @DepartmentOfHealthNI
    • @commonyyouthbelfast
    • @TheRainbowProjectNI
    • @PositiveLifeNI
    • @department_of_health_ni
    • @common_youth
    • @therainbowprojectni
    • @positivelife_ni

     

  • Scheduled events organised across the Trusts and regionally

     BHSCT Area

    Date Organisation Location Details of event
    25 June ICNI Dance Addiction Studios in East Belfast Part of their new series Open Conversations: Film, Rights & Cultural change. Informing Choices will be hosting a special screening of Pride marking 35 years of Belfast PRIDE. Pride tells the true story of an unexpected alliance between LGBTQIA+ activists and striking mining communities, a story of solidarity, resistance, and collective action that continues to resonate today.

    Following the screening Joe Walsh (HERe NI, LGBTQIA+ Heritage Project) will be on stage for a facilitated conversation, followed by audience discussion and reflection.
    22 July 2026

    5-8pm

    		 BHSCT GUM/TRP Belfast LGBT Centre, 23-31 Waring Street, Belfast, BT1 2DX Full STI & Rapid HIV/syphilis testing clinic
    25 July 2026 Belfast PRIDE Festival 2026 Start: Custom House Square

    Finish: Victoria Street

    		 Theme Love in Every Colour

    Parade starts at 1pm with the parade build-up starting from 11.30am
    25 July 2026 Belfast PRIDE Festival 2026 Big Fish, Donegall Quay Pride Village – information stalls, children’s entertainment, bouncy castles, music and quiet space all in alcohol and smoke/vape free environment.
    25 July 2026 Positive Life Nat West Bank, Donegall Square East Information stall inside bank marking collaboration between Positive Life/NatWest promoting Sexual Health is for everyone. There will participate in the parade also.
    12 September 2026 Trans Pride Belfast

    SHSCT Area

    Date Organisation Location Details of event
    15 August Lurgan PRIDE Lurgan Parade
    22 August Newry PRIDE Newry Parade

    WHSCT Area

    Date Organisation Location Details of event
    13 June Omagh PRIDE OMAGH Parade
    18 July Fermanagh PRIDE TBC Parade
    29 August Foyle PRIDE Derry/L’derry Parade

    NHSCT Area

    Date Organisation Location Details of event
    20 June Mid & East Antrim PRIDE Ballymena Parade
    1 August Causeway PRIDE TBC Parade

     SEHSCT Area

    Date Organisation Location Details of event

    REGIONAL

    Date Organisation Location Details of event
    TBC ICNI Videos and podcase as included in SHAI~L PMR March RR ICNI

     

  • Press release

    Access the press release on PHA’s corporate site news page in July.

  • Additional resources

     

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