We have come a long way. Today my home city hosts one of the biggest PRIDE events anywhere! Laughter and smiles, brightly coloured costumes, make up and wigs, dressing down, dressing up, banter, bitching and love in equal measure on open display. Harmony and respect enveloping the city for a weekend. It’s a time to gather in the baking summer sun; with our friends, families, loved ones and strangers alike to party, dance, inevitably get royally drunk and celebrate life. Our lives.

I remember a time when it wasn’t so good or fun. It’s true I’ve been arrested for being gay. It’s sadly true that I have lost friends when they found out. It’s true that I’ve been bullied and blackmailed about my sexuality and the secret I hid for so long. It’s true I’ve had to endure slurs and open hostility. It’s also true that when I did come out, I eventually lost my job as a result too. A time where police entrapment and abuse was state sanctioned. Raids on clubs and parties was still the norm. Where ‘queer bashing’ was part of the Saturday night ritual of ‘normal’ folk while out and about. When the wider society expected and condoned such draconian and viciously unwarranted action. But I survived it, no better than that- I flourished.

We have moved on. Thank god. Laws have changed and sanctions have been put in place. But even so, these new long awaited ‘rights’ and protections unfortunately have not, cannot change the minds of all people. While we celebrate our freedoms today we all should be mindful of all the people out there, particularly the young, who are still suffering repression and discrimination, fear perceived or all too real. Those who still live in confusion and fear of who they truly are driven either by the society around them or because of the battles they have within themselves. Fear of being judged harshly, fear of losing the things that mean the most to that person still. Fear of their life as they know it ending. Not just in other parts of the world but here, at home too, maybe someone close to you or just around the corner? We all have a duty to continue to show compassion and patience. To demonstrate to those still in fear and uncertainty gently, that they are not alone; that courage, honesty and pride in yourself, whoever you are and whatever you are, is worth everything. It’s not an end but the beginning of everything. Something special and valuable and cherished.

So we put on our party clothes and head out to join the festivities and celebrate. Many will get blind drunk and take the piss out of Britney. Some will pass out and some will forget the whole day. Some will quietly say nothing, but will be silently encouraged to take the next step in their own journey. Today we show the world and those who still need our strength and inspiration- I am happy with who I am. I love myself. I can love whoever I want. I am PROUD of who I am!

LET’S PARTY!! See you out there and stay safe.