Hey everyone! It's your girl, Emma, back with another blog post. As you know, I am a huge fan of pink, tutus, and of course, anything that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. And what better time to combine all these passions than Pride Month? This year, I took my love for all things glittery and colourful to the streets of Chorley, Lancashire. Yes, you heard that right - the heart of Lancashire, a town with more than a touch of charm and a community spirit that knows no bounds.
It all started on a sunny Tuesday morning. My calendar was colour-coded with a deep pink reminder – "Tutu Tuesday!" This was my mantra, my mission, to bring some pink pride to Chorley.
But let's rewind a bit, shall we? Why the Tutu? Why the pink?
As a professional dancer, I have an eternal love for tutus. They're like miniature clouds of fluff that float and twirl, embracing you in a whirlwind of joy and beauty. It's more than just a costume; it's a statement, an expression of freedom and artistic expression. Plus, they're just SO ridiculously fun to wear!
But this year, I wanted to make it special, make it about more than just dancing. Pride Month is about celebration, visibility, and showing love and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The rainbow flag is a powerful symbol, but sometimes, I feel, we can get lost in the rainbow.
So this year, I decided to make Pink My Pride.
This wasn't a statement about rejecting other colours or the rainbow flag. It was a nod to the beautiful diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, and the fiercely strong, individual colours that shine brighter than any one hue. Pink is a colour associated with femininity, love, and compassion, and it seemed like the perfect colour to embody my message for this Pride.
Now, back to my Tutu Tuesday. The day dawned clear, and the streets of Chorley were alive with anticipation for their annual Pride festival. My pink tutu, with its generous layers of shimmering tulle, felt like a fluffy beacon of sunshine, attracting smiles and giggles as I waltzed through the marketplace.
People's faces lit up as they spotted me - little girls with their families, curious teenagers, even elderly couples holding hands - all giving a wave, a smile, a knowing nod of approval.
"You look amazing!" a teenage boy with a rainbow flag slung over his shoulder exclaimed.
"You're giving me a real 70s disco vibe, love! Totally loving the look!," beamed a grandmother in a floral dress, tapping her foot to the upbeat music pumping through the loudspeaker.
Suddenly, a young woman with a confident swagger and a fierce expression stopped in her tracks, her eyes locking with mine. She had a rainbow flag painted across her face, and her hair was a magnificent mess of blues and greens.
"This is amazing!" she said, her voice tinged with an undercurrent of genuine joy, "You are rocking the pink, sis. We need more of this - unapologetic pink power!" She extended her hand for a fist bump. I met her with a fierce "You got it!" and we high-fived, solidifying the bond of our collective pride in the shared love of our colourful identity.
My day wasn't just about flaunting my outfit. It was about engaging, connecting, and sparking conversations. I talked with countless individuals – a young trans man who spoke about the challenges he faces, an older couple who reminisced about their fight for equal marriage rights, a group of friends sharing stories about their experiences coming out.
These were personal, sometimes challenging moments, yet every single one filled with warmth, understanding, and shared human experience. Each interaction fuelled my own commitment to promoting equality and understanding within our communities.
And then, the music began. It wasn't just the usual Pride anthem playlist. I saw DJs with vibrant sequin jackets and feather boas blasting a mix of disco classics. The whole marketplace, the market stalls, even the elderly ladies selling flowers in their floral print aprons were swaying, their feet tapping to the rhythmic beat.
It was like a giant, pulsating heartbeat, an echo of unity that resonated across the square. People young and old, diverse and beautiful, danced, laughed, and celebrated the strength of community and the joy of belonging.
Suddenly, the music shifted to something slower. A couple in their 80s, their hands entwined, took to the dance floor. They moved gracefully, their faces reflecting a lifetime of love, joy, and a hard-won acceptance of who they are. They were beautiful, their connection undeniable, their love a testament to the strength and resilience of human spirit. I, in my pink tutu, found myself mesmerized.
Pride wasn’t just a fleeting moment; it was a feeling, a tangible energy radiating outward from the hearts of the people, engulfing the square. We were united not just by the rainbow colours, but by a shared understanding of acceptance and celebration of our differences, a recognition that love is a powerful force, and that our diverse, vibrant community is a thing to be treasured and protected.
My pink tutu had become more than just a costume. It had become a symbol of inclusivity, an expression of defiance, and a declaration of the unshakeable belief in love and freedom.
By the end of the day, my feet ached, my face was flushed with laughter and excitement, but my spirit felt buoyant, my heart full.
You see, a simple, pink tutu can hold a world of meaning when you wear it with a belief in the power of joy, the embrace of difference, and the beautiful, resilient spirit of Pride.
It's amazing what a little bit of glitter and a whole lot of pink can do, especially when you share it with the world.
Until next time, stay fabulous, and never let anyone dim your shine.
tututuesday #tutupride #pinkmypride #lovewins #pride2024 #chorleypride