2024 June Pride Month in a Pink Tutu in Consett

By Emma, the Tutu Queen

Okay, everyone, it's June, which means one thing - Pride Month! And in Consett, we're not just celebrating it, we're dancing our way through it, and guess what? I'm leading the charge, in a pink tutu, no less!

Now, some of you might be thinking, "Emma, a pink tutu? Really?" And you know what? That's exactly what makes this all so awesome! Think about it:

• Pink: It's bold, it's flamboyant, it's the colour of sunshine, bubble gum, and, most importantly, celebrating your true self!
• Tutus: They are symbols of grace, strength, and confidence, and, frankly, they make me feel absolutely fabulous. They scream: "Look at me! I'm here, I'm proud, and I'm dancing to my own tune!"

But before I get all misty-eyed and tearful about the power of a tutu (which happens a lot, believe me), let's get down to business!

This June, Consett has planned a week-long celebration of pride and inclusivity. We've got everything from vibrant street parties with live music, family-friendly events, and even a special drag brunch at the local cafe. Let me tell you, that drag brunch was epic, with glitter bombs, lip-syncing, and some serious hairspray artistry. I'm not saying I threw back a few mimosas, but the confetti got stuck in my hair… just sayin'.

The Power of the Pink Tutu:

So, you might be asking, how did I become the "Tutu Queen of Pride" (the name kinda stuck after my debut at last year's Pride celebrations - no complaints here!).

Well, it all started with my grandma. Now, she's the coolest grandma on the planet (and a fantastic knitter). Every year, she’d knit me a new tutu for our local carnival, and I would dance my little heart out, feeling like a princess with the world at my fingertips. She was the first person to teach me that self-expression doesn't have rules, it just needs to feel good, and it can come in all shapes and sizes – including tutus, especially pink ones.

When I started taking ballet, the pink tutu became my armor. It represented everything I believed in: strength, resilience, and believing in yourself no matter what. You see, the thing about ballet is that it's more than just pirouettes and leaps. It's a metaphor for life, a chance to express emotions, stories, and the beauty of human experience. And believe me, it can be a very tough journey!

But even through all the ups and downs of life (and believe me, there were some tough days!), the tutu was my constant companion, reminding me of who I am and what I want to stand for. It was like a little shield, deflecting the negativity, while still letting my inner sparkle shine through.

Tutus and Inclusivity

Now, some people might think that focusing on something like tutus is trivial in the face of important issues. But to me, it’s all about connection!

When we talk about equality and inclusivity, we're not just talking about legislation and policy changes; we're talking about how we relate to one another, how we create spaces where everyone feels comfortable and celebrated, and how we find joy in the differences that make us unique.

And that's exactly what Pride Month is all about – celebrating every aspect of who we are, loud and proud. Whether you're into tutus, sparkly suits, a good singalong, or just want to be surrounded by love and acceptance, Pride is the place to be.

Dancing into the Future

Consett has been on an amazing journey, transforming into a vibrant and welcoming town, full of diversity and community spirit. And you know what? That journey isn’t about just changing laws or policies, but changing hearts and minds! It’s about building connections, having open and honest conversations, and, of course, dancing to some fantastic tunes while you're at it!

This year, the local LGBTQ+ community has taken pride in planning their most elaborate events yet. We're seeing record numbers of people coming together, and not just the usual suspects. We're seeing families, children, older adults, and everyone in between, all coming together to show their support and create a world where everyone feels loved, accepted, and valued.

Here's to the Future of Consett!

So, whether you're twirling in a pink tutu, strutting your stuff in your rainbow gear, or simply celebrating in your own way, this Pride Month, Consett is inviting everyone to join the party!

And if you do come to Consett, be sure to look out for me in my pink tutu! I’ll be the one with the biggest smile, the sparkliest eye shadow, and maybe even a few confetti bombs – ready to dance with you all night long!