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from March 2008

Being a renowned gobby cow people tend to talk to me about all sorts of things and it seems that everyone has an opinion about Pride. I am so pleased that people are thinking about this summer’s event and planning acts already, hopefully this year’s event will continue to grow and this month should help that. Looking around the region and further afield it’s obvious that there are two distinct options with Prides, either they are completely local, intimate, friendly affairs or they seem to be the all-singing, all-dancing commercial festivals. A quick look at the headlines in the gay press over the last few years shows that many events have been cancelled or lost so much money that they’ve folded - the latest is Cardiff, cancelled because of a lack of people to make it happen. It seems that no-one has the magic answer to what we all want from our Pride, if they did the pattern would be repeated up and down the country. Personally, speaking just for myself here, I love the fact that Leeds Pride is a free event. I wish more people would dig in their pockets and donate a few quid to make sure the events continue, but for me, the idea of a wristband is a difficult one to accept. Don’t get me wrong, I am realistic and know that events cost a fortune to put on and I do appreciate that some committees have little choice in charging up front if the event is to happen at all. I am just very pleased that most of the events in our region are free as this allows access to as many people as possible not just those that can afford it.

You may be wondering why I’m thinking of summer Pride in March? It’s simple, because across the region the planning meetings are happening right now and it’s vital to get involved and have your say on what you want from your events. If something has been really pissing you off about your local event get in touch with the people behind it - there may be a simple solution and most of the organizing groups would welcome your input. I wouldn’t be so crass as to say it’s a case of put up or shut up but Pride is what it is and unlike governments or the BBC program output it’s relatively easy to have your voice heard.

It seems the lgbt community is facing some major challenges: from the far right, from an apathetic public and from being over-marketed. (If I hear one more thing about the bloody ‘pink’ - or worse, ‘rainbow’ - pound I will throw something - I will!) The big question that I am almost afraid to ask, especially in lgbt history month is: with so many of the younger gay guys and girls choosing to socialise in ‘straight’ venues, will we even need a gay scene at all in five or 10 years’ time? Will we want one?

People don’t just talk to me about Pride... oh no... I must know more gossip, more bedroom details and more mindless bits of information than is good for my poor addled brain. I think it’s a drag thing - ask Daisy if you don’t believe me: the minute you slip on a pair of heels it’s like becoming Trisha, Jeremy Kyle and Oprah all rolled into one! (I’ll leave you to add the ‘Anna is so fat...’ jokes!)

Hey, that’s just given me an idea that would solve all the funding issues of Pride... and I always thought blackmail was such a dirty word too....

Anna Glypta