The above image of 21 year-old Ballina boy Bradley Brock being fierce in the face of hatred during Mayo Pride went viral over the weekend.

Brock told website Daily Edge that he felt “empowered” when he saw protestors carrying signs with grammatically incorrect slogans like ‘Respect also Christian belief and morality’.

“I felt empowered when I saw them,” said Brock. “Because I know they won’t stop us, they can’t stop us and it will not change who we are.”

I’ve never seen someone so beautiful and joy filled. #MayoPride #beSound #ireland #MayoIsLovely

A post shared by Alison Spittle (@alisonspittle) on Jul 22, 2017 at 9:43am PDT

Some attendees questioned the logic of the protestor’s arguments:

Protesters at #MayoPride did not dampen anyone’s spirits today. Not sure exactly how their Christianity isn’t being respected ? pic.twitter.com/T3oqH9RDxD

— Bella FitzPatrick (@Bellaknit) July 22, 2017

But positivity abounded in spite of the naysayers. LGBT mental help support group Shout Out were present to soak up the wholesome Pride vibes.

A great day had by all! Happy Pride to Mayo! Congratulations on their first pride parade! #MayoPride pic.twitter.com/UyZf2Emjka

— ShoutOut (@ShoutOut_IE) July 22, 2017

Comedian Alison Spittle, who took the original photo of Bradley Brock, snapped a selfie with Brock and used the opportunity to promote his drag services.

Hey, so the photo of @bradleybrock slaying at #MayoPride blew up over the weekend. You should follow, @bradleybrock, he’s making a life for himself in rural Mayo, working as a make up artist, keeping it culchie and never compromising who he is. He is an absolute hero and a credit to Ireland. If you run a drag night or any night that can accommodate sexy dancing with a chair, please book @bradleybrock. Thanks x

A post shared by Alison Spittle (@alisonspittle) on Jul 23, 2017 at 11:51pm PDT

And of course, you can’t have a Pride parade without marching….

1st. Mayo. Pride. #mayo4pride #mayopride #rainbowflag #castlebar #mayo #ireland #brantrock

A post shared by Michael Patrick Breen (@mikey_in_mayo_and_galway) on Jul 23, 2017 at 2:26pm PDT

….or an enormous rainbow flag.

1st. Mayo. Pride. #mayo4pride #mayopride #rainbowflag #castlebar #mayo #ireland

A post shared by Michael Patrick Breen (@mikey_in_mayo_and_galway) on Jul 23, 2017 at 2:40pm PDT

A Tweet from GCN contributor Oein DeBhairduin lays out the reason #Pride remains so important:

LGBT+ Travellers walking in #Mayopride

Who’d of thought the day 🙂#LGBT #Solidarity

— Oein DeBhairduin (@oeiny) July 22, 2017

Did you attend Mayo Pride? Was it great? Share your pictures and comments below!