#14 - First Pride (Leeds Pride 2016)

I'm writing this a tad late, I know, but it is hard to get yourself to write a blog post after spending a long day running after Big Macs. So here it is.
Sunday I went to my first Pride. Leeds Pride specifically. I've been intending to go for several years but unfortunately things kept coming up. This year was my first chance and I took up the opportunity immediately. Travelling to Leeds from Birmingham and back again by coach in a single day.
The atmosphere was intense and I don't think I've ever been around so many accepting people in my life.
My mum was also on one of the parade buses so it was great to see her having fun throughout the festival.
Pride is a big weekend long event in Leeds and, unlike Birmingham Pride, it's a free event. Honestly, I can't wait until next year.
The bit I won't forget however is right when we showed up they were reciting names. The names of the Orlando shooting victims. Something that will for a long time cut deep in the LGBTQ community. However, the host said "This is why we still need an LGBTQ movement."
It was a reminder that we all still have work to do to bring equal rights and remove prejudice, even in a progressive country like the UK there is still a lot to be done.
It was a great day though. Would definitely recommend.
Bring on Leeds Pride 2017.