On the 24th May I went to my first pride event of the year, one I had not been to before,, Chichester Pride. This is a new pride event that has been going for the last four years, and I thought as it is more local to me than Reading or Pride in Surrey, it would be a good one to participate in.
It was really fantastic to be able to take part in the pride parade, as it marched through the city from Priory Park to Chichester College, via North Street, The Market Cross and West Street, and brilliant to see members of the public show their support for the LGBTQ+ community while we were marching. Upon arrival at Chichester College, it was great to listen to speeches celebrating the community, in particular the trans community, which is under threat from the recent supreme court ruling.
Once the parade had finished it was time to enter the pride festival in the college grounds, and I have to say it was well worth the £12 admission fee. The entertainment was brilliant, including local drag queen acts, including Cherry Liquor, star of RuPaul's Drag Rae UK, Kitty Scott-Claus, tribute acts including Lady Gaga & George Michael, plus local performers including Brighton Gay Men's Chorus.
I had such a good time, yesterday, that I am planning to go again in 2026. If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, I would recommend that you go along to your local pride parade, and show the world that you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, or if your are an ally, especially with the ruling from the supreme court affecting the trans community, show the world that you support the LGBTQ+ community.