Manchester Pride

Who doesn't love spending time with friends having a drink and enjoying the atmosphere together. That's what Manchester Pride is, a good time with your friends, it is no longer the message it once was, no longer the shout for equality, its just a piss up with a lot of bright colours, half naked people and a fair amount of rain.

My first Pride was 6 years ago, I remember being nervous and excited at the same time, I was joining the gay community, and back then it did feel more like a community, loads of stalls, lots of people talking about lots of things, now I feel its lost that.

The parade felt more like an excuse for advertising, either for a company or for a service, I.E. we are a gay friendly service, carry on using and trusting us, don't get me wrong some of that is good, for example the Police and other front line services.

One last complaint I have about this year's Pride, the main stage. A friend and I went to Baa Bar briefly to get some shots, came back and found that the entire main stage had been fenced off, not one way in, nor one way OUT! If you wanted out of the main stage you literally had to Que to get out. When we saw this we were quite disgusted by it, we both agree'd that if something went wrong in the main stage it had the potential to be something similar to another Hillsborough, and I don't say that lightly, after all my friend was from Liverpool.

All in all though, Curtis and I enjoyed our 3 days at Pride (we could not hack 4), we saw our friends, had some drinks and had a laugh... it's just a shame that Pride has sold out!

Walking the path to PRIDE

Sorry for the lack of updates lately, I have been immensely busy with my new job. Anyway as it is coming up to the largest LGBT event of the year in Manchester this weekend (PRIDE) I though I had better make a post.

So an update on me and Curtis; We have finally stopped arguing so much about money, I reckon this is because I have a job now, it couldn't have been easy on him supporting us both for 3 months. Things are getting back to normal now, plans for the wedding are creeping back into my mind, as well as plans for the home as our lesbian flatmate is moving out, I'm redecorating the spare room and I have found a new sofa I REALLY want! Anyway I digress.

So, PRIDE! Specifically the big weekend, also known as a four day piss up. I cannot wait for this. This year we have some friends travelling up from Wales and Liverpool and so that will be amazing, plus the playlist this year is awesome, Pixie Lott, Sugababes and Alexandra Burke, (oh and some band called Blue).

As fun as PRIDE is each year we cannot forget what its all about. We have to remember that we are gathering for a reason, for a purpose and that is that we want complete equality without prejudice from anyone. Whether that is something any minority group will ever receive who knows, all I know is that we will keep fighting for it. (Even if that means having an amazing time with our friends)

Also folks must remind all those going to PRIDE that the HIV candle lit Vigil will be held on Monday 29 August, 21:00 in Sackville Gardens.

Don't forget either to watch the parade, me and Curtis had never seen it and then last year we decided to go and we LOVED it! Especially considering afterwards I met Sir Ian Mckellen.





AMAZING!

So upcoming posts will include the likes of our funniest fights, our lowest moments, our absolute highest points and where we aim to be by my birthday next march.

Peace and Love :D
xxxxx