2024 June Pride Month in a Pink Tutu in Coulsdon

Sunshine bathed Coulsdon in a warm glow as the community came together for a spectacular June Pride celebration, and guess who was there, shimmying and twirling in a magnificent pink tutu? This girl! It’s your resident tutu-loving, disco-dancing blogger, Emma, here, ready to paint the town… well, actually, Coulsdon… pink!

Pride Month has always held a special place in my heart. It’s a time to celebrate love, acceptance, and the dazzling spectrum of humanity. This year, I felt the urge to bring a little extra sparkle and a lot of tutus to the party. Why? Because tutus are iconic, whimsical, and unapologetically fabulous, much like the LGBTQ+ community itself!

The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as I arrived at the Coulsdon Town Hall, a rainbow of flags fluttering proudly in the breeze. The air vibrated with the joyous rhythm of disco beats, pumping out of a mobile DJ station – because what's Pride without a touch of 70s glam? I couldn't resist swaying my hips to the funky grooves as I navigated my way through the crowd, my pink tutu catching the sunlight like a thousand little rainbows.

One of the things that really warmed my heart was the diversity of the crowd. Families, young and old, all joined in the festivities. Children gleefully waved rainbow flags, their faces alight with wonder and excitement. There were couples holding hands, their smiles radiating pure joy, and individuals from all walks of life celebrating their unique identities.

And then there were the other tutu-clad souls – a delightful surprise! Turns out I wasn’t the only one channeling my inner prima ballerina. There was a group of young women, rocking fluffy pink tutus and rainbow sequined leotards, a group of drag queens who'd somehow managed to fit six people into a single sequined extravaganza, and a dad and son, each sporting matching, slightly mismatched, purple tutus (that adorable mismatch really took the cake).

But what really made the day so special? It was the spirit of unity. Seeing everyone embrace the LGBTQ+ cause, no matter their background, was truly heartwarming. The atmosphere felt filled with warmth, laughter, and love – the perfect antidote to any lingering prejudice or negativity.

Of course, no Pride celebration would be complete without a delicious spread of food. The aroma of freshly grilled hotdogs and burgers mingled with the tantalizing sweetness of rainbow-coloured cupcakes and cotton candy. I indulged in a bit of everything, guilt-free, of course, because, hey, it’s Pride!

And who better to break in those dancing shoes than the queen of all things tutus? Yes, yours truly took the stage to lead the crowd in a spontaneous ballet class, tutus swirling as we learned basic dance moves. We laughed, we giggled, and we tripped (accidentally, of course, I swear!) – but most importantly, we celebrated our differences, embraced our individuality, and twirled our hearts out.

The afternoon culminated in a magnificent parade, a dazzling explosion of color and vibrancy as local businesses and community groups marched proudly through the streets. It was a glorious, jubilant spectacle, reminding us all that diversity is something to be celebrated, not feared.

And the highlight of the day for me? Watching a group of young kids dressed as superheroes, rainbow capes fluttering, lead the parade with the biggest, most enthusiastic smiles I’ve ever seen. It reminded me why I, as a lover of all things pink and tutu-tastic, believe in celebrating June Pride and fighting for a future where everyone, no matter their identity, can live with pride, joy, and absolute acceptance.

But the day’s celebration wasn’t just about marches, music, and tutus – it was about building bridges, sparking dialogue, and advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate society.

So, to all those who graced Coulsdon with their presence, thank you. Thank you for the laughter, the smiles, and the overwhelming spirit of unity. Thank you for showing the world that pride is not just about rainbows and glitter (though, those are amazing too!), but about love, acceptance, and celebrating our differences.

Coulsdon, you truly were dazzling in pink today!

Now, let’s keep that energy going, because #tutupride doesn’t end with June – it continues all year round! Until next time, stay twirling!