Went to my first ever Pride event yesterday in Sheffield city centre. They’d had other ones previously but I don’t think ever in such an open location, which is probably why I’d not gone before (it didn’t seem very proud being tucked away in some dingy suburban park).
I went with gf and two lesbian friends (who are a couple) and we had a blast! It was waaaaaaay too hot but that just meant more lush topless lads for me to drool over… YAY!
There was a series of stalls in Barker’s Pool square from early on that got a lot of attention and they seemed to have a diverse range of things to check out (including the fountains which they’d adapted to spout pink water… very cool!). Later in the afternoon there was a parade from the square through the student/boutique laden Devonshire Quarter to the regularly used and popular Devonshire Green events space where there was live music for the rest of the evening.
We joined the parade and had the local and national news take pictures and video footage of us, so if you can see us on the BBC website let me know (I’m the fat one in a black baseball cap with a folded up white cane waving a rainbow flag).
We didn’t stay for the later music events (it was just too hot!!!!) which I sort of regret as I fancied a dance, but by that time I was on such a high that it didn’t seem to matter.
I really enjoyed showing my face and having a laugh with friends amongst such a lovely, colourful and diverse group of people. It really felt great being part of something special. It was nice that different types of families with children turned up and took part too as it made the whole thing feel more chilled out and wholesome.
Whether it did or not to other people, for me it really felt like a landmark event for the Sheffield LGBT community… and for me as a proud bisexual male!
