Watch this Northern Ireland gay bar react to same-sex marriage vote

“We as a community fight every day to be accepted and hopefully this is a battle won in a much larger war on discrimination and hate that we suffer on a day-to-day basis.”

Same-sex marriage has been legalised in Northern Ireland. Source: AFP

It was this week announced that both abortion and same-sex marriage would become legalised in Northern Ireland, with a last-minute bid to stop the law change failing on Monday.

It was a momentous occasion for campaigners, who had spent years fighting for the changes - particularly given Northern Ireland was the last remaining region in the UK not to recognise same-sex marriage. So, in typical Irish fashion, members of the LGBTIQ+ community in Belfast crowded into a local gay bar to count down to midnight on Monday, when the new laws would technically come into effect.

The gay bar, called Maverick in Belfast, threw a countdown party hosted by local drag queen Titti Von Tramp - with scenes of celebration reminiscent of New Years Eve.

According to Queerty, Von Tramp shouted into a microphone: “We can love who we want to love … and they can do nothing about it! We are equal! We are proud to be who we are!”

“Last night was an unforgettable occasion,” Aaron Eakin, a spokesperson for the bar, told Queerty. “I think we all knew this was a special moment in history and we wanted to share it with our LGBTIQ+ community."

Eakin continued: “The atmosphere was absolutely electric. Our hostess, prominent Belfast Drag queen Titti Von Tramp, did a countdown to midnight with her own ‘very unique’ commentary. When the moment actually arrived, the cheers were deafening.

“There was just a feeling of pure joy and relief. Although it was a party atmosphere, it was actually very emotional and a moment we will all treasure.”

Speaking to Queerty, Von Tramp added: “We as a community fight every day to be accepted and hopefully this is a battle won in a much larger war on discrimination and hate that we suffer on a day-to-day basis.”

Drag Race UK contestant Blu Hydranga, the only representative of Northern Ireland on the reality program, celebrated the news on social media.

"By midnight tonight Marriage Equality will be legally recognised in Northern Ireland!", she tweeted.

In a nod to the region's conservative roots, she also highlighted the backlash to the new laws.

"People on my Facebook [are] changing their profile pic to black and saying it’s the darkest day," she commented.

"No it’s not, it’s the most rainbow day I’ve ever seen!!!"

It's almost been two years since same-sex marriage was legalised in Australia. Relive the journey on SBS On Demand.