I've Got Pride!

Back when I was in hospital I discovered that Leeds annually hosts a LGBT Pride Parade. When I was bed ridden I could think of nothing better and more enjoyable than a day long party with friends and experiencing a social scene that is accepting of everyone! I had to go, no matter how ill I was. Maybe I could have a rainbow flag draped over my wheelchair? A gay cyclist in a wheelchair (sounds like some sort of insulting joke).

Fortunately I have been healthy for a few weeks now and was able to go along with a few friends!

Having never been to an LGBT parade before I was unsure as to what expect. Would it be really outrageous? Would be there hateful individuals? Would I be tripping over lesbians that look like Justin Bieber? Would I feel uncomfortable? Would I see anyone attractive? Am I gay enough for such a thing?

Well I can honestly say that it was the best thing I have done this summer! It's an amazing atmosphere where everyone can be their true self among others that you would normally worry might make a derogatory comment to you. Some individuals go further than that, they really go to town with their outfits and it's clear there has been a lot of though behind their threads for the day. Some outfits were literally threads but that's by the bi (pardon my spelling pun).

It was only when we stopped in McDonalds for lunch that I realised that it's an amazingly simple concept but it has such a huge impact on citizens. I believe the concept is that for one day you have a great all day long party where nothing is said about who you are holding hands with or what you're wearing, you let people celebrate their sexualities and take pride in doing so.

I looked out of the window and saw so many people that were embracing life in a way that is sadly barely seen in the society we live in. I got a feeling of great happiness in that I can walk down Briggate St and have a banner saying "I'm Gay" on because in some countries this would lead to imprisonment, torture or possibly death. But I also felt a great sadness in that we have to wait an entire year before we will see this great occasion again where you have no worries about walking through Leeds holding the hands of a same gendered person. This was certainly one factor that was advertised today rather frequently: The new Russian Homophobic Legislation. I feel proud to live in a country where from next year we will be able to have equal marriages because for far too long the stigma of being gay and having to accept a "civil partnership" has been (I believe) belittling couples and their relationships with each other.

Whilst the day was slightly wet and cold at the end, I thoroughly enjoyed the day and it was fantastic to be part of it. Throughout the day I tried to collect as many rubber wristbands as was possible without seeming manic. Tom's LGBT Band Count = 24 (Was 26 but 2 were donated to a lesbian couple). I wish that I had been able to go clubbing afterwards and have a great evening to round off what was a great day, but next year I shall definitely do that!

Today changed my mind, whoever we are, wherever we are in the world we should be able to take pride in ourselves and our sexualities. I've Got Pride!