2024 June Pride Month in a Pink Tutu in Airdrie

Sunshine, glitter, and a whole lot of pink… that’s what I found myself surrounded by yesterday as I twirled my way through Airdrie’s June Pride festivities. As a ballet dancer and self-proclaimed tutu enthusiast, I wouldn’t miss this for the world.

Let’s face it, a tutu just elevates everything. It's the perfect way to express yourself and radiate pure joy, especially during Pride. There’s a magic in wearing a tutu that transcends fashion, a feeling of liberation, of owning your identity. It's about letting your inner ballerina shine through, and frankly, the world needs more of that sparkle!

The air buzzed with anticipation as I arrived, and there were already dozens of people rocking their own dazzling tutus. This year’s theme seemed to be ‘more is more’, and the sheer variety was breathtaking. Fluffy tulle, sequined sashes, vibrant colours – each one unique and full of personality. It felt like a beautiful rainbow exploded onto the High Street.

It was a far cry from my first Pride, back in 2016, where tutus were still somewhat of a novelty. Seeing this crowd embrace them wholeheartedly was a testament to how far we've come, to the growing acceptance and inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community. We’re breaking barriers, reclaiming spaces, and yes, doing it in style!

And speaking of style, there was a definite disco vibe throughout the day. The music pumping from the main stage had everyone dancing like there was no tomorrow. Even those who wouldn’t normally be caught dead in a tutu were busting out their best moves – a clear indication that this event was more than just a parade, it was a celebration.

As a blogger, I was of course, armed with my phone and ready to capture all the dazzling details. I interviewed some fellow tutu enthusiasts and asked them about their Pride journey. One lady, in a majestic fuchsia creation, told me how the first time she wore a tutu in public was during a Pride rally back in the early 90s. “It felt like a revolution,” she exclaimed. “It was a defiant statement, a refusal to conform.” Today, she saw it as a celebration of progress and acceptance, and seeing so many others embracing the tutu just solidified that feeling.

Another attendee, a young man in a neon yellow tutu, shared his personal journey with me. He explained that growing up, he never felt comfortable with the stereotypes of masculinity and felt trapped in a box he didn't belong in. Then, he stumbled upon a photo of a drag queen in a pink feather boa and a tutu. “It was like a lightning bolt struck me,” he shared. “For the first time, I saw something that resonated with my soul. It was the liberation I was searching for.” From that point on, he made it his mission to express himself authentically, tutus and all.

This day, surrounded by so much love and acceptance, was a stark reminder of how far we’ve come. There are still battles to be fought, but the sight of hundreds of smiling faces, adorned in all colours and textures, showed me just how much we've achieved.

Later on, I ended up getting invited to perform a little ballet routine with some friends. With the disco music thumping, and the air filled with laughter, we danced, spun, and twirled with abandon. I even got to teach a few enthusiastic onlookers a couple of moves. It was absolute bliss, and there wasn’t a single frown in sight.

Pride in Airdrie wasn’t just about rainbows and glitter. It was about the sense of belonging, about celebrating diversity in its rawest, most glorious form. And there is nothing, I repeat, nothing more fabulous than a bunch of people united in their love, individuality, and a whole lot of pink.

This event was a clear reminder that Pride isn't just a month, it's a movement. It’s a commitment to fighting for equality, to speaking out against discrimination, and to championing the right for everyone to live their truth, to express their individuality, and to find their place in this beautiful tapestry of humanity.

And if there's one thing I learned from this experience, it's that there's absolutely no shame in wearing a tutu!

So, if you’re reading this, and you haven't already, find your own tutu, throw on some disco tunes, and get ready to celebrate your own inner sparkle. This world needs a little bit more shine and a lot more twirling.