Hey everyone! It’s Emma, your resident tutu enthusiast and all-around lover of life (and sparkly things!), here with a fabulously pink update straight from Barking. Today wasn't just any Tuesday, it was #Tututuesday, and oh my, it was GLITTERING.
Yes, that’s right, Barking went all out for June Pride, and I was lucky enough to be part of the action. I don’t think I've ever seen so many fabulous people all wearing pink and twirling tutus – talk about a sartorial dream! I mean, I’m no stranger to a little pink fluff myself, but this was something else! The vibe was electric – a true rainbow of joy, acceptance, and just plain good vibes.
You know how I love a good theme, and #tutupride was right up my alley! Forget the stuffy, boring connotations some people still associate with tutus. Today, those wispy, floaty delights were symbols of pure joy, expression, and most importantly, pride. And what better way to celebrate LGBTQ+ folks than with a big, boisterous, colourful, and completely joyful party?!
Honestly, I’ve never felt so connected to a community! I may not be LGBTQ+ myself, but seeing everyone dancing, singing, and simply embracing each other's differences in a sparkling vortex of pink made me feel part of something truly special. The joy was contagious! And as an avid disco fan (think sequins, sequins everywhere!), I've always found the music and freedom associated with the 70s dance floor to be inherently queer-affirming. It felt like the whole spirit of disco was alive and kicking, dancing, and spinning in pink tutus!
Before I get into the details of the event, I have to admit that I almost chickened out of wearing a tutu for this celebration! My internal critic was whispering doubts – “What if it's too much?” she hissed. “What if I don't pull it off?” she hissed again. But thankfully, I reminded myself that I’m a seasoned tutu-wearer and ignored her nasty voice! I mean, if you’re going to go pink for pride, you might as well go all out, right?!
The first glimpse of the Pride march filled me with pure glee. From toddlers in tiny tutus to elderly folks strutting in fluffy pink skirts, the turnout was truly something to behold. It felt like everyone had channeled their inner ballerina, dancing down the streets, creating a joyous symphony of twirls, giggles, and enthusiastic high-fives.
As the music pulsed and the sun shone, a wave of sheer elation washed over me. I mean, let’s face it – a whole bunch of people in pink tutus just screams FUN. You can’t help but smile at the pure silliness of it all! But it's more than just silliness, it's about sending a message: We are here. We are proud. We are fabulous. And we’re here to stay!
The main stage in the town square was the focal point of the festivities. Local talent shone through as musicians and performers enthralled the crowd with vibrant sets of everything from pop hits to punk rock anthems, each piece electrifying the atmosphere further.
But for me, the true magic happened during the local drag performance. Oh, those queens and kings – the talent was out of this world! A combination of glitter, attitude, and impeccable stage presence took the crowd to another level. The energy in the air was tangible; you could feel the spirit of self-expression, rebellion, and fierce acceptance, and I can honestly say I haven’t felt that way in a long time.
And what about the costumes? Well, let’s just say, everyone went all out! Think feathers, sparkles, rainbow stripes, body paint, and – of course – an abundance of pink. But it wasn’t just about the fashion; it was about individuality, about expressing who you are and celebrating that. The energy was infectious. It’s amazing how the simplest things – like a fluffy pink tutu – can bring so many people together, and how that simple act of coming together can be so incredibly powerful.
After all, wearing a pink tutu isn’t just about making a fashion statement. It’s about being yourself, being visible, and showing the world you’re proud. And that’s a message worth celebrating, don’t you think?
Later on, after the parade, a series of workshops focused on themes of empowerment and inclusivity brought the crowd together in intimate gatherings. Everything from creative writing sessions to yoga workshops explored what it means to embrace your authentic self. It was truly inspiring to see such a diverse crowd engaged in discussions, laughing, and learning together. It was just another example of how this kind of event goes beyond a celebration; it becomes a genuine experience of connection.
As the sun started to set, I found myself feeling immensely grateful. Grateful for the outpouring of love, the dazzling displays of individuality, and the power of community. It’s the kind of energy that leaves a lasting impression on you. As the final dance number played, I looked out at the crowd and realized – I’m surrounded by true rockstars.
My heart was full. My soul was happy. My closet – which might be overrun with tutus – was thrilled! This wasn't just a #tutupride day. This was a celebration of every facet of humanity; it was about love, acceptance, and embracing what makes each of us special.
I can't wait for next year, because, let’s be honest, I know this will be just the start of something truly amazing. I’m excited to see how #Tututuesday continues to evolve – because who knows what fantastic ideas we can dream up next! After all, when you embrace the unexpected and celebrate your authentic self, the world truly becomes a beautiful and infinitely more colorful place!
And on that note – don't forget to rock a tutu and rock your fabulous selves. You never know who you'll inspire!
Much Love,
Emma x
P.S. Check out my blog post tomorrow! I'm going to post pictures and all the exciting details of the entire event!
Tututuesday #tutupride #BarkingPride #LGBTQ+Pride #CelebrateEveryon #BeYourself #ShineOn #EmbraceTheFluff #RainbowLove