My alarm went off at 8.30 on Saturday morning. I’d already laid out my clothes and packed a small bag, so was soon heading towards London Bridge. I arrived at 10.00 and the place was swarming with gays in a variety of attires. Feathers, wings, casual, bright and even a young couple wearing matching outfits… sickening!
I met up with my friends and then missed two trains waiting for the rest. Dave said getting a group of gay men together was like herding cats; summed it up perfectly.The train was already full when we embarked and the door closed on my leg before people managed to make space for me. So there we were, 10 or so gay men forced to stand shoulder to shoulder next to the door. For a 75 minute journey I thought this would be hell, but it was actually really fun. We even camped it up for the straight couples heading to Gatwick – whether they liked it or not!
The atmosphere of Brighton Pride hit us as soon as we stepped on to the street. Droves of people were chanting, cheering and singing with the passing parade. Men, women and kids of all sexual persuasions were there revelling in the carnival. I guess there will have been some protesters to the event, but on the mile walk to the park, we saw nothing but happiness and love.
We arrived at the park while the parade was still in progress so it was relatively quiet when we got there. Beers in hand we walked around the huge area to the bear tent which would be our home for the rest of the day. It wasn’t long before everyone we knew had gravitated to where we were and the party began. Throughout the day we danced, laughed, laid on the grass, hid from the 10 minutes of rain and drank many beers. We even devoured a pulled pork and apple sauce sandwich from the Hog Roast. (It was as delicious as it sounds!)Whist queuing for the toilet, I met a mid-twenties guy who told me this was his first pride. He had travelled with a straight girl from a small village in Surrey. He wasn’t out to any of his family or friends (except this one girl) and was so excited to be there. It reminded me of my first pride all those years ago. Coming from Wakefield in Yorkshire, I felt alive for the first time. It’s hard to imagine not being an out gay man now. Living in London means I can be who I am and not have to hide the real me anymore. The man from Surrey said this had opened his eyes to what his life could be like and now wanted to move to Brighton. I really hope he does. No one should be forced to live a half-life because other people can’t understand or accept us for who we really are.
By 19.00 my legs had begun to hurt. All that standing and dancing had taken its toll and I knew it would take another two hours before I would be back home. So I said my goodbyes and headed out of the park. As I walked through Brighton I saw so many people – gay and straight – Donny rainbow colours. Even the straight bars had put rainbow flags and balloons around the doors and windows welcoming in everyone. I know they do this to grab passing trade and make money, but they still have to be accepting and to me, the sight was heart-warming.
On the train home, same-sex couples were holding hands without fear of persecution. Many of the passengers including an Asian family sitting next to me, were proudly displaying pro-gay stickers they had picked up from the park.
As we arrived back in London, dusk had begun to settle on the city and I smiled. I love living here. I have some amazing friends and yesterday even made a whole lot more. Being gay isn’t a curse or a reason to feel ashamed or unlovable, it is just who you are.
Pride happens around the world every year and will continue to do so for as long as it is needed. There is still far too much hate, prejudice and injustice towards the LGBT community, but luckily a lot less than when I came out. After seeing so much love and acceptance it gives me hope for a better, more integrated future. There is a lot of love out there.
Happy Pride everybody!
#TerryGee