My First Pride: An Experience to Remember

When my partner cajoled me into attending Birmingham Pride, all I can say is that I was less than enthusiastic. For all my campery and foppery I found that, having had a tough time of accepting who I was and coming out, I did not really feel 'proud'. Having seen pictures and videos of these events in the past, I always associate 'Pride' with the young and vibrant members of the LGBT community, the people who are 'hip' and 'on trend', the people who are loud and proud. Now, whilst some may say otherwise, I do not put myself in that category of individual and felt that I would stick out like a sore thumb or that I wouldn't 'fit in with the crowd'. 

Anyway,  after more persuasion from my partner, I eventually shrugged off my doubts and decided that I would go (if not only to guzzle as many glasses of G&T as humanly possible and make the best of it). Immediately on arrival my 'old fart syndrome' kicked in - I was confronted by the huge crowds which instantly made me want to turn around and get back on the train. I barged my way along past the Bullring and headed for Victoria Square in a sea of rainbow flags and other LGBT paraphernalia. It was only when I stopped to watch the parade that it hit me. I glanced around and actually realised what was taking a place around me. The people in attendance weren't just young. Nor were they just gay. As I paraded down New Street, hand in hand with my partner (donning our matching feather boas) to the cheers of people of all ages, colours and sexual orientations, I couldn't help but grin. I even let out a chuckle. What was this feeling that I was experiencing? No, it wasn't a bout of wind or indigestion, it was something that I certainly don't experience as frequently....it was PRIDE. It was a feeling, for the first proper time in all these years, of the universal acceptance of who I am. 

After the parade, we headed for the street party in the Gay Village where I will admit to guzzling the G&Ts as expected. However, at this stage, I didn't need the alcohol to have a good time. Standing on a street corner in a warm, boozy haze (glass of mother's ruin in one hand, battered sausage in the other) I observed the vibrancy, the mix of people, the bright costumes, the drag queens. It was a moment of sheer bliss and I look forward to attending again next year and getting even more involved. I certainly intend to celebrate and enjoy every minute with the one I love. 

Before attending 'Pride', I had never acknowledged that I was proud to be part of a community or indeed proud of myself for dealing with that struggle we all face - the struggle of being accepted by those around us.This post is not one of my usual random and seemingly irrelevant explorations of  our queer heritage, it is merely an acknowledgment that we should all be proud. Pride is an event worth celebrating and it is my aim in writing this to encourage more people to celebrate it. Next time there is a Pride event happening near you, I implore you to go whether you are a member of the LGBT community or not. Not only is it such brilliant fun but it is also a act of unity and solidarity - if one person comes away feeling proud of their identity where they had not otherwise it surely is all extremely worthwhile. 

Thank you Birmingham Pride....until next year! Cheers darlings!

What was your first experience of attending Pride? Feel free to share your memories in the comments section - I would love to rezd them!