Bit late to the Party on this one!
Story of my life really…last to arrive, last to leave and I can be ‘out, out’ for days on end if the mood takes me – in more ways than one!
But I really can’t let Pride Season 2019 pass without a big shout out to Pride Cymru, our flagship Mardi Gras Festival that gets bigger, better and bolder every year.
So although it seems like a distant Rainbow memory now, I had an absolutely queertastic time and want to say a big thanks to those who made that Party possible – for me and thousands of others.
Day started well when my pink Civil Service Pride T Shirt ripped in half. Note to self, never ask a drunk woman to cut the sleeves off the Tee you might need to wear a few weeks later…oops.
But I quickly moved into adapt and overcome mode, grabbed a racy red PRISM polo, and headed for the ‘Diff, also resplendent in my special Rainbow socks and clutching, as always, my obligatory Raver’s whistle. Make some noise!
Met the Civil Service Crew met in the (P)Ride My Bike Cafe in Cathays for a strong coffee and a cheeky croissant. And then I had a lovely little send off on my final day as PRISM Co Chair.
This was completed with a heartfelt tribute from the great and good plus a presentation of a cake with the piccie of me on my Number 10 Night Out on the front.
Formalities over, banners gathered, cameras clicked, and it was time to strut our stuff in the Parade. I, as always, am so Proud to march through the streets of our capital city with friends, colleagues, allies, fellow L’s, G’s, B’s, T’s and indeed anyone who identifies however the bloody hell they want.
Totally supportive turnout as always – thank you to all who marched in solidarity and to all those who showed up on the streets.
Long story short, it was then a quick nip back to Barrybados, hot but happy, to dump the Beemer, spray a bit more glitter on, grab a clean Rainbow number and hop on the train just in time for the Pride Cymru Party.
And what an electric atmosphere there was. The team pulled out all the stops to make their 20th Anniversary Celebrations a night to remember. We’ve certainly come a long way from the Coopers Field fun of the very late 90’s.
What a fabulous crowd full of hope and happiness all buzzing with the vibe and feeling the love from headliners Texas.
Fair play, the well-oiled Pride Cymru machine really knocked it out of the Park getting them to close the show.
Who doesn’t love a bit of Sharleen on a sultry Saturday Summer evening.
Thank you to everyone behind the scenes who made this happen, and to everyone in front of the scenes who turned up and turned on.
We are still queer, we are still here and more than ready to roll next year.
Love is Love – and I’ve got a heartful of it for Pride Cymru.
Always queer, always here.
Speak soon.
Mrs SVJ
Sue Vincent-Jones, writing as Mrs SVJ, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. She blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.
Queer News is where Sue writes about her LGBT life – the happy times, and the hot issues. This includes all the volunteer work she does in the queer community, and her role as a founding member of LGBTQymru.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.