Pride, visibility and the right to get it wrong
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
By Ross Fingland, Underwriting Administrator
It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since I sat down to write about Pride month and queerness in 2023 and most important of all, Kylie Minogue Prosecco, but here we are again!
There’s always something rather scary about holding a mirror up to yourself, and then deciding to put it all down on paper for everyone to read, but I wholeheartedly believed that putting a voice and a story out there, in a world that’s already so full of noise was the right thing to do, and lord was I RIGHT!
The support and reaction to my words was a little mind boggling, but almost 12 months on I’m back with the remix.
Visibility
Recently, I was given the opportunity to visit the Shawbrook offices in London and lend my Scottish twang on a wonderful LGBTQI+ panel which was all in the name of coming out.
The first, and ultimately the most important question I was asked was why did I want to be included on the panel? Well, aside loving the sound of my own dulcet tones, the Queer community is still finding its voice, and in a sometimes all too scary world, I believe that the most important thing we can be is visible.
Visibility is the key to survival, which might sound dramatic but it’s true.
Some people will still question why we need Pride events in 2024, and the truth of the matter is there are people who believe they are better off not being here, than being who they truly are – and that is, quite frankly, unacceptable.
Stereotypes take a long time to break down, but by being seen and counted people learn that they’re not alone. We come in all shapes, sizes, colours, and versions – we did take the rainbow after all.
But something else that we have in our arsenal, our not-so-secret weapon, is our allies.
Allies
Our best Judys, allies of the community, call them what you want, but these are the people who stand by you, but also aren’t afraid to call you out when you’re being less than reasonable.
I’ve been blessed with the most amazing friends and allies on just about every point of the heteroflexible scale – it certainly means it’s never boring, let’s put it that way, but what makes a good ally?
Personally? Those of us that stand for basic human decency, respect – you know the drill. More importantly though, those who aren’t afraid to ask questions, learn, broaden their understanding.
Getting it wrong
Will you get something wrong? Oh honey, you best believe you will – and that’s ok! But just remember to listen, don’t over apologise, and don’t force yourself out of your own comfort zone.
This is of course, just my opinion.
As for me this Pride month, I’m going to reflect on another 12 months of my little gay life, and the lessons I’ve learned and celebrate.
Celebrate who I am, who I love with those I love, and most importantly some Minogue (probably a few shots of tequila too – for good measure of course. What could possibly go wrong?)
For all my hes, shes and theys out there … You are seen and you are loved.
For all the allies out there, check out your local prides here*;
Pride Events | Largest LGBTQIA+ Events Platform in the UK (pride-events.co.uk)
And who knows, might even catch you there! Glasgow Pride might be a sunny 20th of July day. If it’s not? That’s what the tequila is for.
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