Folkestone Pride
Last weekend I went to my first ever Pride event and it was absolutely magical, seeing such diversity, love and acceptance in one place was truly inspirational. We should all be allowed to be our authentic selves and love freely, whoever the recipients may be. Pride Month may be over but the message remains the same year-round; LOVE IS LOVE 🤍
Because this event was before the restrictions in England changed it was a little different to previous years, and how I imagine future events will be – but the fact it even went ahead is so great. There wasn’t a parade and we were all encouraged to take masks, sanitise our hands and keep space where possible, with the event itself being a picnic on the Leas with performances in the bandstand. However, the restrictions certainly did not impact the event; the atmosphere was incredible, you could literally feel the buzz in the air! Miss Divour (@missdivour on Instagram) was hosting and did a fantastic job, as did all the performers. The entertainment was varied and captivating from steel pan drums to spoken word and poetry.
Many local businesses were supporting this event, created in partnership by The Chambers, Folkestone Festivals and Folkestone Pride. We popped to Steep Street for a delightfully refreshing iced soya chai latte and to The Nook for some vegan deserts (their chocolate chip cookies are DIVINE!).
Being honest, part of the reason I had never been to a Pride event before this was because I felt like I couldn’t go as I didn’t consider myself part of the LGBTQIA+ community, but I have since come to learn that this is entirely wrong and that part of being an ally to this populace is about more than quietly supporting them; we need to be active in the pursuit of equal rights for this community and spread awareness about the struggles they face. I have spent the past 9 months learning how to embrace my authentic self and be unapologetically me and since working so hard to be true to myself I am so much more aware of how many people are not as privileged.
I learnt a lot this weekend about the issues transgender individuals face which I had no idea about and it has opened my eyes as to how far we still have to go in order to achieve equality for everyone. It is my intention to be an active ally moving forward, which to me involves further educating myself on the subject, having conversations and discussions with others, attending events and actively supporting individuals and businesses from the LGBTQIA+ community.
There are plenty of Pride Events coming up across Kent (and the rest of the UK), so wherever you are based you can find one near to you. Check out www.kentpride.co.uk for more information, and for ease, I have listed the dates and locations below:
Margate Pride: 14th August 2021
Tunbridge Wells Pride: 21st August 2021
Medway Pride: 21st August 2021
Dover Pride: 28th August 2021
Canterbury Pride: 11th September 2021
Gravesham Pride: Date TBC
Swale Pride: Date TBC
Kent Pride: July 2022
We will be at Canterbury Pride in September and quite possibly in Dover as well so if you’re planning to go to either of those or are debating it but would like some company then let us know either down below or on Instagram and we can meet up!
Whoever you are please remember that you are loved and appreciated exactly as you are. Be your authentic self and let your light shine.
Sending you all love and light,
Summer and Livvy
