Saturday 8th July, a.k.a, London Pride. My first ever Pride and what an experience it was. For those who don't already know, I'm bisexual and have known for a long time now. I've always felt fairly comfortable with my sexuality. For me, it was just a case of 'Ohh, that makes so much sense now' when I look back at my younger, completely oblivious self. And that's probably the case for others too. I've always been an understanding and accepting person and I've always had an open mind which is the main reason why I've been able to accept my sexuality. But unfortunately, not everyone in this world is like that and naturally I was always aware that the LGBTQ+ community wasn't accepted by everyone. Even today, in 2017, homophobia is still an issue. I could never in a billion years understand why two people being in love could EVER offend anybody. It's something that I can't compute or get my head around. Loving someone and being loved in return is the most beautiful thing in the world regardless of your gender. As long as that person makes you happy and you can be comfortable and be yourself around them, nothing else matters. As it says in the title, Pride is about being proud of who you are and who you love despite what society thinks and I can't physically describe how unbelievably happy it makes me to have witnessed so much love, positivity and unity.
There was so much kindness and it's one of the many reasons why I love the LGBTQ+ community and why I'm PROUD to be apart of it. This may sound silly, but I felt safe. Completely safe and accepted. I didn't feel like I was being judged and I didn't feel like I wasn't a normal person because of who I love. The community as a whole loved so loud and proud. London was radiating with colour and I was feeling very overwhelmed with emotions that I wasn't expecting to. I was beaming with happiness all day but I also couldn't help but feel a little sad for those who are apart of our community but live in a place where same sex marriage isn't legal, or are surrounded by people who are not accepting of their sexuality. Having said that, I have so much faith in our community and slowly but surely I believe that we are taking steps in the right direction. We've already come so far, especially in recent history.
The parade felt like it was never ending which despite made my feet ache but I didn't care because it was such a joyous sight. Everyone who watched cheered and the support was not only encouraging but inspiring. Whether you're 110% comfortable with your sexuality and identity or you're not, being at Pride will lift your confidence so much it's unreal. At the end of the day, love always wins. Always. There is nothing more powerful than that sense of unity, acceptance and support within the community and that shines through every single march / parade and event.
Pride is an indescribable experience and I didn't think I could be any prouder of my sexuality and everyone who is apart of the LGBTQ+ community, but it's safe to say that my heart was warmed so much by the love people had for one another, it truly was magical. Love is love and I am beyond excited to attend more Pride events in the future. I'll never be afraid to love because where there is love, there is hope.
I hope everyone who went to Pride had the most magical day.
Lots of love,
Meg X
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