This Pride blog is written in Partnership with KEEN & contains product links. However all words, stories & opinions are authentically my own.
Going to pride is one of the most liberating, empowering and validating experiences I’ve ever had. You are surrounded by a community of people like you, and those who love and support you.
Whether it be watching the march, dancing in a park with friends, or having conversations with local organisations and activists, there is something for everyone at Pride.
The first time I went to Pride I didn’t know what to expect. How to prepare, what to wear to Pride, and generally what you do when you are there.
Having joined Pride events in 7 cities around the world, I’ve had different highlights and learned different lessons every time.
So in this blog I will share my greatest moments from Pride 2022 across London, Brighton & Disneyland. And I’ve shared some tips help you to prepare for any future pride events you might be attending.
I’ve written a separate post to guide organisations in participating in Pride events in a respectful and authentic way (How To Avoid The Trap Of Rainbow Washing This Pride). This post is for the LGBTQ+ community and allies who are preparing for pride.
My Greatest Moments From Pride 2022
Being Together In Person
After celebrating online and virtually for the last two years, we finally got to recognise pride in person together again. Nothing beats the feeling of looking around and seeing thousands of people who are part of the same community as you. Or who are there to support and celebrate you. Lock-downs and cancelled Pride events could easily lead to feeling lonely and isolated. But finally we get to see our community again in person.
There is nothing more affirming than turning a corner to see a Pride March fill the streets of a giant city, knowing that everybody is there in support of who you are.
Lesson Learned
It’s always better when we’re together. Enough said!
Day 2 At Brighton Pride
An unexpected highlight for me at Brighton pride was the Sunday. Where we saw Bjorn Again & Cat Burns on the main stage, and wandered around the smaller tents and stalls in the park. The reason we bought tickets for Brighton was because of Christina Aguilera as the headline act. But in reality it was such a popular set, that we spent a lot of it squished like sardines and craning our necks to see her. Fast forward to the next day, entering the park on Sunday. A lot of people had only purchased one day tickets, and so the park was significantly quieter.
This meant that when the ABBA tribute band took to the stage, we were super close. And importantly, we had plenty of space to dance. I have never felt joy like it. Dancing in the sunshine to all the classic tunes, surrounded by amazing friends and community. (throwback to the wonderful ABBA Museum in Stockholm).
Lesson Learned
Pride events will always advertise their headline acts to draw in a big crowd. But look beyond the main stage at who is performing in the smaller tents, and on the second day of Pride. Sure they may not be Billboard Chart Toppers, but that doesn’t mean they won’t put on a great show.
And on a similar note, look beyond the bright lights and music to engage with the community stalls that are often attending too. We had a great time wandering around an emptier part of the park, learning about different community organisations and speaking to lots of interesting people.
Looking Good & Feeling Great
So much about preparing for Pride is focused on the outfits and what you might wear. Pride is an opportunity to express your most authentic self, and wear what makes you happy. I loved planning what to wear for each, and seeing what others wore too. While Disneyland Paris Pride was certainly more family-friendly. However, Brighton pride was a place for people to truly express themselves and their body confidence.
As someone who has not always felt comfortable in the clothes that they are wearing, I absolutely love Pride as an opportunity to wear what makes me feel most me. Not to mention, the glitter and the face paint and the fun hairstyles to match!
I wore different outfits to Disneyland Paris Pride, London Pride and Brighton Pride, but one thing remained constant throughout. COMFORTABLE SHOES!
Lesson Learned
Whatever dressing authentically looks like to you, pick an outfit that you will be happy wearing all day. Pride often starts from around 11 am in the morning watching the March. And it can go on until the small hours of the next day.
I’m not just saying this because this blog post is written in partnership with KEEN. The Elle sandal was by far the best footwear of choice for Pride 2022. It went with every outfit. And I walked 40,000 steps in 2 days at Brighton, without a blister or ache in sight!
I think the true testament to the importance of the right footwear is the fact I had to swap shoes with Kirsten at the end of the night. As she couldn’t bear to wear her shoes any longer. And my feet were completely fine!
(Check out this link to grab yourself a pair of Elle Sandals too!)
Seeing Parents & Families At Pride
The first time I ever went to Pride (in 2016), I cried when I saw kids. Because it had never occurred to me that LGBTQ+ people could also have families until that moment. And so now, whenever I see parents & kids at Pride, it always gives me an extra burst of all the good feels. Whether it’s two mums or two dads with their kid, being the representation I always needed to see. Or parents who are allies bringing their LGBTQ kids along to support them, it gets me every time.
My favourite moment of Pride 2022 was standing in the crowd at Disneyland Paris beside a dad and his kid, wearing a “Proud Dad “T-shirt and covered in glitter. My heart could have burst.
I sadly got COVID this year and missed our local Pride in Edinburgh. But it always means so much to me that my mum has attended with her work over the years too.
Lesson Learned
Pride is a place for the LGBTQ+ community first and foremost. It is a place of protest and to celebrate our identities. But it is also a place where allies can show their authentic support. Particularly parents of kids who have perhaps recently come out. It can be so empowering and affirming to see that you are not alone.
Our Pride Accommodation
The accommodation we stayed in for Pride 2022 was both a high and low, depending on which city I think about. Whilst we stayed in incredibly budget accommodation in Brighton, it was perfectly located nearby the beach and the start of the epic March. Whilst at Disneyland Paris Pride we stayed in the brand-new Marvel hotel, which was epic in every way. Whether you are a superhero fan or not, it’s an absolute must. While one was budget and one was shiny new, they both won for the same reason; they were within a 10 minute walk of the main event.
Lesson Learned
Whether you’re going to Pride on a budget, or treating yourself, the location of your accommodation is key. Pride can be a long and tiring day, and cities get incredibly busy for public transport and taxis. So if at all possible, try to find accommodation right on the doorstep of the event. This means you can maximise your time celebrating, and minimise your time trying to get to and from the place. If you are attending Disneyland Paris Pride, I would recommend booking the hotel as part of a package with the tickets, for the most cost-effective options.
Watching The Pride March (or Disney Parade!)
Pride is so much more than just the March, but it is a big part of it. There are a lot of different opinions about corporate businesses being a part of pride, but it’s always a great opportunity to cheer on different local organisations and people who are marching through the city. One of my highlights for pride this year, was where we stood to watch the March.
In London we watch the pride parade from the very starting line. Unlike previous years when we have been squished in Trafalgar Square unable to see much, watching it from the very beginning had multiple perks.
1 – We could see everything that was happening and 2 – Everybody was setting off with full energy and enthusiasm (something that’s hard to maintain for the four hours you will be marching if you are walking London pride).
In Brighton, it was even better. I hit peak happiness as we stood watching the March, dancing to the music, all to the backdrop of blue skies and the beautiful beaches. It was one of the most scenic pride routes I’ve ever seen.
In Disneyland, it was less about our location & more about the sheer joy that came from watching Disney characters & staff dancing through the park in the most prideful way. The music, the happiness, the colour. It was everything.
Lesson Learned
Pick your march viewing point carefully. In both London and Brighton we could easily have been crammed in a street, unable to move or see much, but our experience was quite the opposite with plenty of space and perfect views. So plan ahead of time, and pick a less popular point for maximum enjoyment of the day.
And there you have it! My greatest moments of Pride 2022. Above all else I am grateful to be living in a place where I can attend Pride at all. It’s not the case everywhere in the world. And we must remember that whilst the dancing, singing and sunshine is great fun, Pride is above all else a protest. There is still work to be done before we have true equality and acceptance for EVERYONE in the LGBTQ+ community in every part of the world.
Thank you very much to KEEN for sponsoring this post and for their commitment to diversity and inclusion all year round.
