2024 June Pride Month in a Pink Tutu in Whitley Bay

It's officially June, and that means one thing: PRIDE! 🏳️‍🌈 The air is buzzing with excitement, the sun is shining (mostly), and everyone's wearing their brightest colours. But this year, Whitley Bay had a special flavour of rainbow – and it was a shade of pink! 💖

Now, I'm not just a ballet dancer, I'm a proud, passionate advocate for love, acceptance, and, well, everything glitter and sequins. And honestly, what screams both those things louder than a pink tutu? Nothing. It's basically the outfit of champions, the epitome of self-expression, and it's about to be my costume of choice for the entire month.

This June, Whitley Bay turned up the volume on Pride celebrations with an incredible weekend jam-packed with colour, joy, and a dash of sparkle – thanks in no small part to the glorious pink tutu I insisted on wearing. It was the perfect accessory for a vibrant weekend brimming with everything from dazzling performances by local talent to workshops on activism and LGBTQ+ history, and, of course, the spectacular Pride parade that snaked through the town, drawing a kaleidoscope of people from across the region.

I have to say, witnessing that parade was truly moving. To see the rainbow flag waving high in the air, and seeing everyone - young and old, families, friends, and lovers – standing together in celebration, celebrating love in all its glorious forms, well, it filled my heart with an impossible amount of warmth. And of course, no pride parade is complete without a good dance party, and that's where my pink tutu truly shone.

Now, I can't deny that a pink tutu might seem a little unconventional for a pride parade, especially one in a seaside town like Whitley Bay. But that's the thing about Pride, isn't it? It's about embracing everything unique and beautiful about who we are, expressing ourselves freely, and celebrating love in all its colours, shapes, and sizes.

But it wasn't just the parade. It was the entire atmosphere of acceptance and inclusivity. There was a sense of community and belonging that permeated every corner of the festival. From the LGBTQ+ market showcasing local businesses, artists, and performers to the talks and workshops raising awareness about issues still facing the community, the weekend was truly a testament to how far we've come, but how much further we still need to go.

And here's where my pink tutu came into play. See, the whole point of this Pride celebration was to be unapologetically myself, a loud and proud dancer in a bright pink tutu, dancing in the streets with a smile as wide as the North Sea.

Let's be real, a pink tutu, especially a massive one, demands attention. And that's exactly what it got! It broke the ice with strangers, started conversations, and invited people in. I mean, have you ever seen a child's face light up when they spot a bright pink tutu twirling in front of them? It's infectious!

So yeah, this Whitley Bay Pride, I went all-out. I even donned a matching pink feather boa! Let me tell you, those feathers were seriously fantastic for amplifying the joyful, shimmering vibes. It's like everyone else had a colour they loved, but I chose to take it up a notch - that "pink to the point it almost bleeds" kind of level!

You know what? Everyone embraced the pink! The love, the positivity, and the sheer joy of the event shone through everything, including my bright pink tutu. This was about far more than just colour, it was about bringing everyone together in celebration of love in all its forms.

From a dancing-in-the-streets-on-a-Saturday perspective, I must say, Whitley Bay certainly knows how to party! From the iconic Whitley Bay Dome, transformed into a pulsating dance floor, to the live music acts echoing throughout the streets, it was non-stop music, laughter, and joy.

And in between it all, I couldn't help but get caught up in the moment, feeling a surge of pride that extended far beyond my tutu and into every corner of the community. It felt good, right? Because when everyone can celebrate being exactly who they are without fear or judgement, we're all winners. It's like we're all taking a giant leap together towards a brighter, more colourful future where acceptance and love are the driving forces.

If this was the soundtrack to my weekend, let me tell you, it was absolutely blasting with disco beats, vibrant rhythms, and that feel-good vibe. A blend of modern electronic dance and those classic Pride anthems – think the Spice Girls, Kylie, and Donna Summer (always Donna Summer!). It was all about uplifting vibes, a powerful mix of joy, and pure celebration.

I don't want to bore you with all the details, but believe me, the music truly added a powerful layer to the celebration. Every single beat made it all the more obvious - this wasn't just a party; this was an affirmation of self-expression, a beacon of acceptance and diversity shining out across the whole of Whitley Bay.

For all you fellow pink-loving tutu enthusiasts out there, I'm looking at you, let me tell you, my bright pink tutu didn't disappoint. It spun and twirled all day and night - a real spectacle, honestly! It became an instant symbol of hope and empowerment for anyone watching.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed and a little discouraged sometimes, even in 2024, knowing that the fight for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community isn't over yet. But, these incredible celebrations were a reminder of why it's so important to keep the momentum going, to continue celebrating love, acceptance, and all the amazing things that make our community so vibrant and colourful.

So here's to Whitley Bay Pride, and to all the pink tutus that made it sparkle!

Here's to pride, self-expression, and to standing tall, twirling high, and dancing hard all month long! 💖

P.S. You can catch my next post all about how to pull off the perfect Pride makeup.