Hey, fabulous friends! It's your girl Emma, and oh my goodness, did Strood deliver on Pride this June! As you all know, I'm a bit of a tutu fanatic, and my heart simply leaped when I saw the call for a Tutu Tuesday takeover on the high street. And let me tell you, the town was a whirlwind of pink, glitter, and good vibes, all set to the beat of disco anthems. It was pure joy!
Now, I have to admit, I'm usually a bit nervous about going out in my tutus – sometimes you get a few side-eyes. But in Strood, on Pride Tuesday, I felt like a princess in a fairy-tale world! The energy was infectious, everyone was smiling, and nobody cared about the "tutuy" looks they were getting. It was like the whole town embraced the spirit of fun and embraced inclusivity, and, yes, a little bit of sequins and tulle never hurt anyone!
Right from the get-go, the atmosphere crackled with excitement. We had DJs blasting out all the disco classics, the likes of Gloria Gaynor and Donna Summer. People were dancing in the streets, rainbow flags flapped in the breeze, and even the pigeons seemed to be bopping along to the beat! The whole vibe was just exhilarating - pure celebration of who we are, without judgment or pretense.
It was fantastic to see such a mix of people from all walks of life joining in the fun – young and old, couples, families, even furry friends with their rainbow collars strutting their stuff. There was a real sense of community spirit, with stalls offering all kinds of Pride-themed treats and trinkets. I snagged a fabulous pair of sparkly rainbow-fringed earrings from a local artisan who, believe me, knows her sequins!
But for me, the true highlight of the day was the parade. Honestly, the sheer creativity was awe-inspiring! From the incredible LGBTQ+ groups showcasing their unique identities to individuals just showing off their love of all things pink and sparkly, it was a visual feast. There were a few people even sporting DIY tutus - not quite as flawless as mine, but that's the beauty of Pride, right? Everyone gets to express themselves however they choose!
Speaking of tutus, it was amazing to see so many different styles and colours – fluffy tutus, short tutus, even some men rocking their best tutus, because, hey, tutus are for everyone! One of the cutest things was watching a little boy, maybe four years old, twirling around with a homemade tutu fashioned from a bed sheet!
But it wasn't all about tutus, obviously. We had a fantastic Pride Market, filled with all kinds of exciting vendors. I stocked up on rainbow merch and a few handmade Pride-themed mugs – gotta show off my love for the LGBTQ+ community even in my tea-drinking moments!
Of course, no Pride event is complete without the important reminder of what we are celebrating. There were inspiring speeches from local activists and politicians, sharing powerful messages about love, acceptance, and equality. It was heartwarming to see people listening attentively, and truly understanding the fight for LGBTQ+ rights isn't just a party – it's about real, meaningful progress.
In conclusion, Strood Pride's Tutu Tuesday was an absolute blast! It was a reminder that Pride isn't just about a month of celebrations – it's about being proud of who we are, embracing diversity, and celebrating our individuality all year round. We may have had a few laughs about those tutus, but ultimately, they represented something so much bigger – a shared sense of community and the unwavering belief that we are all beautiful and worthy of love.
As I left Strood, my heart full of sunshine and glitter, I knew one thing for sure – I couldn’t wait for the next Tutu Tuesday. Until then, remember to rock those rainbows, sparkle bright, and let your true colours shine! #tututuesday #tutupride
Post Scriptum: Want to share your own #tutupride photos and experiences? Tag me on social media - @EmmaDoesDance. Can’t wait to see what fabulous outfits you guys created!
