It’s June in Salford, the air buzzing with a contagious energy that only a city ready to celebrate Pride can offer. The sunshine, the smiles, and the unbridled joy… all make this the best time to be living, breathing, and twirling! As a dancer with a penchant for pink and a love affair with all things tutus, I’m living for every second of it, and let me tell you, June Pride in Salford has got the ‘feel good factor’ in overdrive!
I mean, seriously, what’s better than dancing your heart out, glitter dripping down your face, while basking in the sunshine of acceptance and celebration? The answer? Absolutely nothing! So I grabbed my favourite, shimmering pink tulle tutu (it’s actually from a vintage store – the quality is just unbeatable), dusted off my favourite pair of sequined platforms (because a little sparkle never hurts!), and joined the party.
Salford, you know, is a truly magical place for Pride. It's got a big heart, a love for individuality, and a history of being a place where everyone can be themselves, loud and proud! As a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, I couldn't wait to join in the festivities and help bring a little glitter and grace to this vibrant community.
The whole city feels like it's vibrating to the rhythm of disco. There's a pulsing energy everywhere you look: from the colourful banners decorating the city streets, to the friendly faces adorned with rainbows and glitter. And don't even get me started on the music – every shop, every pub, every corner of Salford seems to be pulsating with joyous melodies. Think funky beats, infectious laughter, and all the feels. It's a total kaleidoscope of joyous, inclusive magic, and it makes my soul soar!
My first stop was the Pride Parade, and oh boy, it was a sight to behold! Thousands upon thousands of people filled the streets, waving rainbow flags, sporting glittery attire and beaming with pride. It was such a potent cocktail of love, celebration, and joyful activism that I couldn’t stop myself from twirling with abandon, my pink tutu catching the rays of the summer sun. It’s impossible not to be swept away by this joyous tide of humanity.
I've always felt that tutus are a powerful symbol of freedom and self-expression, so I made it my personal mission to spread a little tutu love in the heart of the celebrations. My aim: to make people smile, laugh, and remember the magic of a good twirl. After all, isn't Pride about expressing yourself authentically, without judgement and with pure joy? This is where my Tutu Pride philosophy truly takes flight!
From impromptu choreographed dance battles at the stalls selling delicious artisan vegan pizzas to my personal favourite – a delightful group sing-along of disco classics accompanied by my most elaborate, heart-stopping grand jeté - my little tutu made a whole lot of people happy. And who doesn't love that, right?
My "tutu pride" mantra gained momentum throughout the day. Even the mayor took notice, striking a winning pose in his rainbow-themed attire alongside a couple in their full Pride glory, with their little dog, dressed in a mini tutu, sitting contentedly in between them. That image, the pure, unbridled joy emanating from every corner, made me realise the depth of our connection as a community, regardless of background, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Pride allows us to come together as one, to celebrate each other and stand united in a collective shout for inclusivity, love, and acceptance. We’re all part of something special, a wave of human compassion surging forward, demanding our rights, our freedom, and a chance to truly ‘be ourselves'.
This was not just a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community; it was a celebration of being human, of sharing joy, of recognising and embracing the power of diversity. We danced, we laughed, we held each other’s hands as a tangible manifestation of our shared unity. It was powerful, it was liberating, and it was truly unforgettable.
But Salford Pride was not just a day of pure jubilation. It was a moment for reflection and solidarity. It served as a potent reminder of the ongoing battle for equality, the fight against discrimination, and the continued need for vigilance and activism.
At one point, while perched on a makeshift stage crafted from bales of hay, I met the sweetest couple, Sarah and Amy, whose unwavering commitment to advocating for the LGBTQ+ community ignited a spark within me. Their shared love story is a testament to the resilience and triumph of human connection in a world which sometimes seems to forget its most basic truths - that love conquers all!
As the night unfurled and the stars started to shimmer, I joined the party at the famous ‘Gay Village’, a vibrant hub bustling with laughter, music, and a joyous atmosphere that made me feel infinitely at home. This magical space is a monument to inclusion and diversity, an oasis where you can be your most authentic self and connect with a community who truly gets you.
This year's Salford Pride will forever be a moment etched into my heart. From the thrilling pulse of the parade, to the heartfelt serenade of the ‘Gay Village’, Salford gave us an unforgettable lesson in inclusion, love, and self-expression.
And to the entire community: You make Salford such a beautiful, inspiring place! Keep dancing, keep shining, and keep inspiring. You deserve nothing less.
Now, excuse me, while I go try on some new tutus, prepare for the upcoming festivals, and dream up even more magical, glittery moments for the rest of June. After all, a tutu a day keeps the rainbows in the sky.
#tututuesday #tutupride
