It’s half past midnight, and I’ve just finished packing the car ready for the journey down to Brighton Pride tomorrow. Brey Willows and I spent the past three hours lugging all manner of wonderful LGBTQ Bold Strokes Books, goodies, and giveaways from the loft ready for the lovely people who’ll be in Brighton on Saturday. We’re really excited to be there for the second year running.
But earlier today I saw a disturbing video on a friend’s Facebook feed about a lovely young gay couple who’d been attacked in Brighton. It’s clear that the vicious homophobic assault has left more than physical scars. Every year I hear questions about the validity and relevance of our Pride events. Every year there are moments like that which show they are still an absolute necessity. A safe place. Somewhere to call our own, even if only for one day. Somewhere to be among people who won’t attack us for our difference.
Bold Strokes Books publish an amazing array of authors who write about LGBTQ characters who have their trials and tribulations, but the boy gets the boy, and the girl gets the girl, and they get the theys all between and along our wonderful spectrum of gender. So when you’re out, really OUT, this weekend at Brighton Pride, come and say hello. We’d love to meet you, whoever you is 🤗