Pride

I try to make each blogs title unique. Might well have posted this before but you know what it doesn't matter because the message remains the same.

By the time you read this Pride month will be in full swing and I will have been to my first Pride event of the year.

The hate has already started though. I am so not bothered about those that reference straight pride or indoctrination or protect the children. Why? It's just noise not evidence based. If you want to discuss LGBTQ rights bring it on. I'm game for that particular argument.

It's interesting though who hates.

There are two theories behind those who are triggered by a flag etc and it's either they are suppressing their own feelings so lashing out or dig a little deeper and you'll find many layers of different types of bigotry.

Why therefore does Pride matter?

I was originally going to title this as "hate" but decided to be more positive.

Pride is needed because

- I can't walk down the street/ get the train/ bus or just live my life absent of abuse. I could regale you with many a story about how I've been abused or dodged abuse but I want this to be positive. I can assure you that such incidents exist. 

So my first pride event this year was Pub Pride. Pubs across the country hosting LGBTQ activities in the first weekend of pride month. Mine had an excellent drag queen so big up the Pied Bull for hosting a fantastic night.

I went incognito per se. I just wanted a good night at my local albeit a Pride night. I've got a very busy summer coming up with speeches, presenting, networking so I just fancied something low key and enjoying my own company.

I am proud that I was asked three times to join a group because I was on my own. I didn't want a fuss. Eventually I chatted to a few groups and thoroughly enjoyed the night.

That's how Pride works. We look out for our communities.

The bigger stuff now kicks in. I think I've a free Saturday in October lol.

Warrington Pride next week. So looking forward to it. I've helped in a small way with my experience elsewhere and I'm going to be doing a bit on stage with the parade, walking with the parade, being interviewed and partying hard into the night with friends. The latter is important as they are mainly non LGBTQ.

That's how being an ally works. They will have a fabulous night celebrating my community. That means so much to me.

After all this I'm off on holiday for a break and recharge. LGBTQ friendly of course but plenty of vitamin D.

It got asked recently why other than being me do I go that bit further and advocate for LGBTQ rights.

I so want to make a difference.

I want to be visible.

I want to educate 

I want to remind the world we are just trying to be us. 

So try and put barriers in our way. 

We won't give in. 

We will fight our corner relentlessly.

This is what Pride means to me.

Support, Representation, Resistance.

Pride was and remains a protest.

I intend to make a difference.

So when you see a progress flag think on....

Every community is on that flag. We all deserve respect. It's not a choice and ideology or opinion. It's us being true to ourselves.

See you at a Pride near you soon.

Amanda xx