Laura Kay 28th June 2014
I love pride. I love the massive, established festivals which attract big names and crowds; but equally I love the smaller pride events, where Vengaboy tribute bands perform in a field and the parade is just 12 people with rainbows painted on their faces.
There is something about the glorious, garishness of it all, which after many years of trying to resist has warmed my stony heart and taken a special place within it. Because, I am sad to say, I haven't always felt this way. In fact, there was a time not so long ago when I walked in a parade hand-in-hand with my girlfriend, unable to stand the gaze of passersby; finding myself wishing desperately I was stood with them on the other side, looking in.
More:
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/28/pride-more-than-feather-boas-fight-liberation-lgbt