It's June, and the air is buzzing with the vibrant colours of Pride! I'm Emma, your friendly neighbourhood ballet dancer with a passion for pink, a penchant for tutus, and a big, rainbow heart full of LGBTQ+ love. So, when I heard Hitchin was celebrating Pride this year, I knew it was time to break out my glitteriest, twirliest, most fabulous tutu for a day of pure joy!
Now, if you're anything like me, you understand that a tutu is more than just a piece of clothing, it's a statement, a feeling, a celebration of life itself! So, what better way to celebrate Pride than by embracing the sheer exuberance of a billowing pink tulle? It was practically a tutu manifesto for acceptance, love, and, of course, twirling with a giant smile plastered on my face.
The day kicked off at the Hitchin Market Square, which was practically a rainbow explosion. It was so heartwarming to see people of all ages, backgrounds, and orientations coming together to celebrate love in its truest form. I spotted so many amazing outfits – a guy sporting a rainbow leather jacket, a couple dressed head-to-toe in sparkling pink, even a grandma sporting a "Proud Parent" T-shirt that had everyone smiling.
As I floated through the crowd, my tutu catching the sun's rays like a pink-hued butterfly, I realised this was more than just a parade; it was a vibrant testament to how far we've come. There was an undeniable sense of community, acceptance, and pure, unadulterated happiness that radiated from every corner of the square.
The main event was, of course, the Pride Parade! Oh my gosh, where do I even begin? Imagine a kaleidoscope of colours, music, and joyful laughter swirling into one dazzling spectacle. Every float was a visual feast – from the stunning display by Hitchin’s own LGBT+ youth group to the powerful message of inclusivity from local businesses and organizations.
It felt like the whole town had poured their heart into this celebration. You could practically feel the energy vibrating through the air as people cheered, sang along to disco anthems, and held up rainbow flags high. The joy was palpable – it was contagious. My heart was swelling with pride for my community, my fellow LGBTQ+ folks, and the sheer audacity of everyone coming together to shout out a collective, "We are here, we are queer, and we are not going anywhere!”
And how could you forget the music? A DJ spun vibrant tracks that had everyone grooving, with some fantastic cover bands and solo artists filling the air with their joyous tunes. I even spotted a talented drag queen belting out disco classics, her fabulous performance making me wanna strut my own stuff (which I did, of course, right in the middle of the parade!).
But the true highlight for me was witnessing the smiles and the genuine connection in everyone’s eyes. You could see the shared experiences of struggles and victories reflected in every tear and every laugh. It was like we were all united by an invisible thread woven from acceptance, respect, and the understanding that love knows no boundaries.
The day wasn’t just a spectacle, though; it was an opportunity to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights and celebrate the amazing progress made over the years. Seeing stalls dedicated to LGBTQ+ charities and organisations reminded me that the fight for equality isn't over, but it’s certainly getting easier thanks to brave pioneers and organizations fighting for a more equitable world.
And, of course, it’s important to remember that the fight isn’t just about legislation – it’s about spreading the message of kindness, acceptance, and inclusivity on a daily basis. That's why events like Hitchin’s Pride are so important. They help remind us that love conquers all, that it’s ok to be who we are, and that together, we can build a future where everyone can truly be their authentic selves.
As the sun set and the final note of "Dancing Queen" faded into the evening, I left the square feeling lighter, more empowered, and profoundly moved by the sheer force of love and community. Hitchin's Pride was truly an experience to be cherished, a vibrant tapestry of joy, acceptance, and resilience woven together by the power of the human spirit. It left me wanting to scream it from the rooftops - Love is Love, and you are loved. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a tutu to wash and a dance to practice for next year!
Pride2024 #HitchinPride #TutuPride #TutuTuesday #DiscoQueen #RainbowLove