Birmingham Pride

There are many ways to be proud during Pride Month. Some are subtle, wearing a flag pin or reading a queer book. Some are louder, and that’s always the approach I’ve preferred. At previous prides, I have attended queer poetry readings, participated in a charity baking marathon and have hosted parties encouraging people to dress as queer icons (I make a fabulous Dorian Grey). But for the last two prides I have been gifted the opportunity to march in Birmingham pride, and it has been a truly incredible experience.

Pride is important to me as a way of honouring those who came before. The UK currently is the safest it has ever been for LGBTQ+ people (although there is still work to be done). This is no accident. It is due to generations of LGBTQ+ people putting themselves in danger in the hopes of creating a better world. Many fought knowing it would not pay off in their lifetimes, but did it still for all future generations. These men, women and others deserve our respect and thanks. I believe marching is a way of doing this, as we are showing people that despite everything we are still here.

As well as the past generations, I think marching is vital for the future. Young questioning people can attend pride and see that they are not alone, that there is a community ready and willing to welcome them with open arms. Unfortunately, many people are not from families that will support them, so it can be vital for these people to know there is support somewhere. Marching in pride gives these people hope, which in some circumstances can be literally lifesaving.

The Pride March and subsequent festival were also just plain fun. Everybody needs a chance to unwind from time to time, especially LGBTQ+ individuals. We hear constant horror stories from our kinfolk all over the world, have to worry if the person next to us is dangerous, we have to try and justify ourselves constantly to a world that a lot of the time just isn’t listening. Pride is a truly safe space, one where you can be sure everybody around you is the same as you. There’s something freeing about this after spending most of your life being the odd one out.

In conclusion, Pride is a unique experience as it is simultaneously deep and emotional, while remaining a fun day out. I would recommend everybody across the gender and sexuality spectrum attending at least once in their life (although I think once you’ve attended one you’ll struggle to stay away). Birmingham Pride in particular is a huge event hosted twice a year. There are some amazing performances and dozens of small businesses you can support while you’re there. I personally am counting down the days until pride 2024!