Phew, well that went bloody well didn’t it.
Truth be told, a fabulous fortnight on and I’m still a little bit buzzing from that absolute digital delight that was the first ever Wales Wide Virtual Pride.
I’m a bit late to the blogging party I know but it’s taken me that time to get rid of all that rainbow glitter – gets almost everywhere doesn’t it.
I’ve also managed to take an on-trend Staycation, stock up on the Quarantini Martinis, and survive a metaphorical kicking from the Welsh Language Twitterati over the BML Penrhyn Protest.
So sorry I’m late – but honestly, I’m worth the wait…and I’m queer, and I’m here now.
The first ever Wales Wide Virtual Pride, which took started at the fag end of the week, and ran right up until the Saturday night, was a stunning success.
The weekend was brought to you by LGBTQymru, a motley crue of activists and allies who were quick to pick up the need to keep our queer community connected in these strange, and sometimes scary, Coronavirus times.
And what an isolation nation party it proved to be.
Throughout the three days this inaugural ground-breaker showcased acts and artists, quizzes and queer films, debate and drag queens, messages from Ministers, make-up tutorials, plus so, so much more.
We had hours and hours of content, 100’s of participants, seven thought-provoking panel discussions, eight community/special interest Prides, four choirs, 11 organisations, and seven politicians.
Over 20,000 LGBT life lovers turned up and tuned in, plus we raised nearly four grand to give straight back to our grassroots groups.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, so much to each and every one of you who supported us so solidly.
Lots of love too, to all the wonderful Welsh Prides, gorgeous groups, outstanding organisations, perfect panel members, and super solo singers who gave their time and talent so terrifically.
You can catch up on any of the action you missed too by liking our LGBTQymru Facebook Page and watching when you can.
I loved the lot of it – from the moment I sat at the screen on the Thursday with my faithful Quarantini Martini in hand, ready to memorise Jess and Jack’s make-up magic.
All through the diverse and fabulous footage of the weekend, until it all came to a crashing crescendo as I danced around the dining room to DJ Chris’s closing tunage.
Bit bizarre really to think that only a few months ago, queer community role model Bleddyn Harris (who I met at the Pink News Awards but that’s another story) tapped me up with his digital dream.
Cue my good friend, the credible Craig Stephenson stepping up to the plate, man about town Jay ‘Fab’ Page popping along, Stonewall Cymru’s Ffion Grundy and Iestyn Wyn joining the party.
And digital and branding gurus par excellence, Tom Collins and Hannah Isted hopping on board.
Last but not least came respected trans activist Sammi Carpenter, and it was time for the lush, little LGBTQymru Team to turn it on.
I’m so super proud to be part of this collective who are from the community, for the community.
Wales Wide Virtual Pride also made history, and helped our LGBTQ family find the lockdown life just a bit easier.
I also hope that we educated, informed and entertained, you with our eclectic mix of memorable moments.
But although we may no longer be ‘out of the closet and still in the house,’ LGBTQymru don’t plan to stop striving to making a difference anytime soon.
After a well-earned short break we are back to the Rainbow drawing board to plot and scheme our next new adventures – with a passion.
Watch this space.
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.
As a founding member of LGBTYQymru, Sue promotes the work of the collective who support, celebrate, and connect our community in Wales. She is also Associate Editor of their magazine – Wales’ first ever queer quarterly online bilingual publication.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.