It’s a few days after Nottingham Pride now. I’m still coughing up glitter, have no voice and half the walls in my house have pink face paint on them...
My third Pride in Nottingham feels like it’s been the most successful one yet. I have to admit, I – like many others – watched while TERFs (Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminists) take to the front of the parade in London in horror. While there had been some fear that other smaller Pride marches could potentially be targeted, thankfully Nottingham Pride passed in a peaceful and joyful fashion.
The organisers are estimating that 2018 has seen the largest Nottingham Pride, with roughly 7,000 people in attendance. It certainly felt it as we stomped from Lister Gate to Broad Street singing, chanting and waving rainbow flags. There was no missing the parade and it was fantastic to see people lined up to watch everyone go past, including many young people accompanied by parents, grandparents and families.
At times, it feels like the LGBTQ+ community in this city can be very silent and hidden. We have lost so many of our valuable gay and gay-friendly venues this year (Lee Rosy's will live on!) which are invaluable to the community.
It’s not just about increasing the visibility for the community but also, the support and community services available in Nottingham
One of the vital parts of Pride is visibility. It’s not just about increasing the visibility for the community but also, the support and community services available in Nottingham. Among those marching included Nottinghamshire Police, the Nottingham Trickies (Forest supporters), Notts Trans Hub, Notts University, NHS and many more. The end of the parade saw Co-Op Funeral Horses with rainbow feathers.
The stalls and stage were set up Broad Street again this year live music from X Factor star Amrick Channa, as well as Toyah Wilcox and Rob Green. Businesses all over Hockley got into the spirit with rainbow flags, free sweets and rainbow shots on offer.
The party continued into the night with what felt like the biggest selection of evening events that Pride has had in years. At everywhere from The Maze, to Rescue Rooms to DirtyFilthySexy’s official afterparty Nottingham Contemporary, there was somewhere offering drag, pride and colourful events.
While I’m still recovering from the night that was and still is shimmering from the glitter, I feel a sense of incredible pride at the weekend, which I haven’t always felt at the parades. There was a real strong sense of belonging and feeling supported, and I only hope next year is just as fabulous.
Nottinghamshire Pride took place in Nottingham City Centre on Saturday 28 July
Nottinghamshire Pride website
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