It’s coming to the end of Pride Month, and we asked League members to reflect on what Pride means to them. It’s been a tough few years for the LGBTQ+ community and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight, but we have space and love for all. And you know that Twitter post that’s been doing the rounds about how there shouldn’t be cops at Pride, just a roller derby team skating around knocking over homophobes? Slip into our DMs and we can see if we can come to an arrangement…
I’ll leave you with our members’ thoughts on Pride:
“This year will be my first celebrating at a “real life” Pride event, rather than in the comfort of my own home (i.e on Instagram) and I’m so so excited to be ready to go to a live event as a participant. I feel very privileged to have been able to get to this place in my life, having been afforded the safe space to grow, knowing that so many people across the world still, in 2023, don’t have that “luxury”.
We need Pride so that we can all share this feeling and come together in celebration and love, educating those (especially those in positions of power - whether that power be in government, family, or employment) who don’t understand what it is to be LGBTQ+ or to love someone who is. ”
“Pride for me means a couple of different things. On one hand it was going to a Pride event where I was first myself after coming out, but also every year it feels like I’m letting the community down because I don’t really do much engagement other than Pride. But overall I am glad to go, even with the sense of missed opportunities.”
“Pride is the celebration of the strength of those who came before to allow me to exist without having to fight for my space. It is also my time to help create that safe space for those coming behind us.”
Next month we’ll be walking and skating in the MardiGla Pride march. You’re welcome to join us - just send us a wee message in advance!