[243/366] phantom pride

[cosmolinguist]

The August bank holiday weekend has meant Pride to me since 2009 or so.

I've never gone as a normal paying punter, I've always been volunteering either with the local bi group or with the Lib Dems. It's meant for three (or, lately, two) long days of talking to strangers and herding people in a parade that involves as least as much standing as walking.

It feels weird not to have it but honestly I don't miss it. Especially with yesterday's rain and today waking up to 45°F/8°C temps.

Comments

[jesse_the_k]

Holy shit that's chilly. Were there mosquitoes to die off?

Why is Pride an August thing in the UK? This handy calendar doesn't mention it -- and of course Lesbian Visibilty Day lacks a link.

[ludy]

Prides thoughout the UK happen all through the Summer. London is mid/late June (since 1972), Brighton (also since 1972) is at the beginning of August and Manchester (1985) at the end. Smaller, more recently established, Prides happen on other weekends - sometimes several on one day (but usually neighbouring towns will arrange things so they don't clash).
Because the UK is relatively small many people go to multiple Prides each year (and not just activists going to sit on information stalls!) so having just a single "Pride Month" would increase clashes and cut down on the number of people at any particular Pride. Also we have LGBT History Month in February (since 2005) and some "Pride Month" type activities happen then instead.

[cosmolinguist]

This is such a great and comprehensive answer, thank you. :)

[cosmolinguist]

No mosquitoes here, luckily!

[ludy]

I've been missing my annual Pride trip to Manc-land too...

[cosmolinguist]

Aw it is always nice to see you when you are here.

[otter]

That is chilly for summer!

[cosmolinguist]

Yeah we've had a real cold snap the last few days. It got up to 60 yesterday but it's getting cold at night.

[silveradept]

Ouch. That sounds like brutal weather for a parade, and the "talking to people and trying to get them to do something sensible and not terrible" sounds pretty tough on years when there wasn't a trash fire and a cold snap.