Author: Mrs SVJ

Win WWVP Wine

Posted on by Mrs SVJ

Our Official Nibbles Sponsor, Gays Who Wine, are giving away this beautiful hamper for you to enjoy over Wales Wide Virtual Pride Weekend from July 24 to 25!

We at LGBTQymru are delighted to be working with this prestigious company, who offer an ever-changing space for the whole community to come together, to meet new people, chat and catch up with friends, all over a good glass of wine and a nibble.

So how do you get your hands on the Hamper then.

To enter simply:

Find us on Facebook here, then

👍Like the Gays Who Wine Competition post
👫Tag someone you’d share your wine with!
🤳🏽Make sure you’re following our page
♻️Share for a second entry

You can also enter the Competition over on our Instagram channel

Check that out here.

The Competition closes, & winner will announced on Friday 3rd July.

Gays Who Wine are just one of the many exciting companies, we at LGBTQymru, are working with, as we bring you the first-ever Wales Wide Virtual Pride.

Are you a sole trader, small company, or big business who is also committed to keeping our LGBTQ+ community connected – especially in these troubling, often turbulent, times.

If so, as we celebrate Pride Month, why not visibly show your solid support by sponsoring us – and/or curating a competition of your own.

For more information, please contact Ffion Grundy, our Fundraising and Sponsorship Officer here – LGBTQymru@outlook.com.

Or please feel free to donate directly to our Go Fund Me page here.

Keeping Our Qymru Connected is the absolute focus of us respected activists and allies, who are passionate about working together with all our queer family to keep us cohesive – especially in these uncertain Corona Virus times.

Wales Wide Virtual Pride is free for all to watch, and take part in – across Wales, and wider. So any donations made by you, however large or small are very genuinely and gratefully received.

And as a completely not for profit organisation, LGBTQymru will give back all monies raised directly to the communities we serve – especially our grassroots groups.

Many thanks to those who have donated already – including Principality Building Society, Andy Garland Therapies, Coleg y Cymoedd, plus the many generous individual donations.

Wales Wide Virtual Pride, named on the Forbes List Of LGBT Digital Pride Events 2020, is an unique online event that will celebrate the whole of our community across the whole of our country. It will bring together all those living the LGBTQ+ life, in Wales, and our allies too of course.

Pride Season, with its events throughout the season, are the highlight of the LGBTQ+ calendar. And with our community feeling even more disconnected and dispersed, as we see our social events suffering those Corona Virus cancellations, now is the time to show solidarity. 

We want you to do just that, and we are calling on all Prides, LGBTQ+ community groups, charities, acts, organisations, and anyone else who wants to get involved.

So please come and join us for a weekend of fun, entertainment, information, and education for all the family.  
We have already lined up acts and artists, quizzes and queer films, debate and drag queens, messages from Ministers and make-up tutorials, plus so, so much more.

All the Welsh Prides have been invited with Barry, Bangor, Rhondda, Llantwit Major, Valley, and Powys already confirmed. Other groups on board include Glitter Cymru, Bi Cymru, and Iris Prize LGBT Film Festival.

Massive thanks to those who have joined us so quickly – realising that this is the time to support and lift our LGBTQ+ family…exactly like a community should do.

We are proud that part of what makes the Qmmunity in Wales so special is its visibility, talent, and readiness, to make sure everyone is connected, even in the most difficult of times. 

We know that this has never been more important for those of us living the LGBTQ+ life – especially our Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic queer family fighting the Black Lives Matter battle.

‘A better community is within REACH’ Panel Discussion, will look the need to provide spaces, platforms and opportunities for our LGBTQ+ siblings of different Races, Ethnicities, And Cultural Heritages (REACH).

Our Trans Family, are also facing an extremely uncertain time following the UK Government decision to scrap plans to allow trans people to self ID despite public support.

Our panel discussion, ‘I Am Who I Am,’ will look at the lived experience of being trans in Wales

Others include: ‘Can I Get An Amen’, centred around faith ‘A Life in Drag looking at the History of this art form. A much needed conversation around LGBTQ+ mental health, and, ‘Surviving The Scene,’ looking at the support available for those living with HIV in Wales.

Sign up to the Panels, our packed programme, of fringe events throughout the week, and all the exciting entertainment over the two dayer, by following on Facebook.

And please come speak to us about Sponsorship if you want to make your visible mark on what promises to be one of the digital Prides of the year.

Donations, however big or small, can be made from now right up until the end of July through our Go Fund Me page.

Wales Wide Virtual Pride is an one-off occasion dedicated to keeping our LGBT+ Community connected – and show the rest of Wales, and wider, , and the wors how we work together so well.

So, Sponsors, Spectators, Participants, and Party Goers, please get involved.

See you on the Screen.

Speak soon.

Mrs SVJ

#LGBTQymru #WalesWideVirtualPride #KeepingCymruConnected

Find out much, much more, about the
Fundraiser by following @LGBTQymru on all the Socials. Click here to get the first-ever Wales Wide Virtual Pride in the Diary.

Wales Wide Virtual Pride is a free event run by a not for profit organisation who believe in giving back to our community. If you can help with any donation, or sponsorship, please visit our Go Fund Me page.

LGBTQymru, are a collective of passionate activists and allies dedicated to keeping our community connected – especially in these uncertain Corona Virus times.

Contact our LGBTQymru Team directly here.

(c) mrssvj.co.uk

Sue Vincent-Jones, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. Writing as Mrs SVJ, she blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.

One of Wales Arts Review 100 Women Writers of Wales, the dedicated community supporter, passionate arts lover, and award-winning queer activist, will keep you “informed, entertained and inspired.”

Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.

Shop Local Love

Posted on by Mrs SVJ

Well, there was me in March waxing lovely and lyrical about the shop local love we have for our terrific town.

And then just a few dark days later… boom! Our businesses shut up shop as that crazy Corona Virus, with its Lockdown limits, crashed into our beautiful Barry.

Who knew.

Certainly not me as I blogged about the rather real renaissance happening as us Barry buyers started to embrace the sense and spirit of #ShopLocal.

In my view, we were having a bit of a mercantile lightbulb moment.

More and more canny community consumers were starting to someway reject the super straight, strictly business supermarkets, and look more to our doorsteps for our great goods and super services.

And then it all went pandemic Pete Tong as we were forced to shuffle in the slow quarantine queue at those said supermarkets, and crucial corner shops, that were allowed to keep the shutters up.

Respect to those Barry businesses, who could, and did, adapt. I ordered another iconic towel from lush Louis at Barrybados, picked up a pot of paint awkwardly from Aspirations, and kept a semi skin care regime, and my sanity, thanks to the lovely Laura at Aura Beauty.

Commiserations to those who just couldn’t keep the cash tills ringing – especially those in the hardest hit hospitality sector.

How much have I missed my long flowing locks courtesy of Kutz and Co, my much-loved high maintenance beauty by Blush, those cheeky coffee dates at awesome Academy, and the many more marvellous places I frequented on a regular basis – in Barry, and beyond.

But now every day more and more of us locals are already making the deft decision to buy goods and gear in our shops for economic, ethical, environmental, or essential reasons.

And to boost Barry business post Covid 19 of course.

We all know that it’s totally true, that any hard-earned cash handed over in the High Street goes straight back into our cracking community – those living local, and trading in our town.

In fact, recent research suggests that a thriving and prosperous town centre not only sees about 63p in the local economy, but also starts a hike in our house prices too.

So, as we pretty sharp purchasers rightly realise, supporting those already working and living in our town through local shopping loyalty is a given.

But what about all those erstwhile entrepreneurs out there too.

Seeing our community-minded clientele supporting their birth-town businesses makes savvy shop-keepers minded to experiment with the sale of more creative commodities, and encourages innovators to market their new product or service.

For me, there’s also, another fairly fashionable reason for staying loyal locally, and that’s the chance to build a one-of-a-kind neighbourhood.

A trendy train of thought I know but look at our sort-of near neighbours Treorchy trumping us to be crowned winners of the best ever High Street in the UK.

Their quaint and quirky commercial shopping area,  that offers the staples and the surreal, is crammed full of the character needed to stand out in the consumer crowd.

I reckon our very own High Street Quarter could give the Rhondda Fawr Valley a run for its money – I’m not so sure about the seen better days Holton Road.

Although, to be honest, I tend to shop more local in the latter area than the former, as I strongly stay true to supporting shops and services I have loved since back in the day.

Truth be told, I always use the town’s talents from seamstresses to stylists, builders to beauticians, craftsmen to cobblers, drivers to drycleaners, mechanics to medics, and tattooists to traders.

Let us also not forget those that have maximised the relatively recent revival in our much-maligned town’s tourism fortunes – looked forward to going to that Goods Shed!

That brilliant and bold development is very warmly welcomed. But, for me, we should also strive to keep stressing the connected strong shop local spirit that keeps our whole town cohesive.

I’ve often warned about the threat of us becoming a ‘Two Sides Town’ so, in my view,  encouraging those nice newcomers and would-be Waterfront dwellers to spend in our shops, and on our services, is one of the smaller steps towards community cohesion.

And look, not only can you newbies hop on the bridge between you and Holton Road, you can now also stroll surreally through our lovely lit up Hood Road tunnel.

Yeah, yeah, I know you can get everything everywhere. Mix and match does it for me – shop local where I can, nip off to a national chain where I can’t…and look to the web now and again. It’s a start!

Also, before I get a gob full, I also totally get that we have to have the actual traders selling the goods and services for us to shop in some areas.

High Street has it sussed, Park Crescent is holding its own but, in my view Holton Road has a hard revival and regeneration battle ahead – my own fond farewell to Paul Gentiles may be worth a mention here.

Surely something can be done to make this once cracking centre not so dark, dank and depressing, and also help boost business for those traders still selling there.

Perhaps we can tap into the recently revealed Transforming Towns initiative that crucially contains £90 million in the project pot.

This includes cash for; town centre regeneration projects, to tackle empty and dilapidated buildings and land, a town centre loans scheme to bring vacant and under-utilised buildings back into use, and green infrastructure and biodiversity.

Call me controversial but, for me, a much-wanted Barry Heritage Centre there might make a definite difference too – but that’s another story!

Whatever the fateful future holds for our beautiful Barry, staying loyal locally by supporting our shops and services is more than just a slick slogan, it’s a way of life that makes sense.

#ShopLocal is about the spirit…not just the soundbite.

Speak soon.

Mrs SVJ

#BarrysBoldestBlogger

(c) mrssvj.co.uk

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.

One of Wales Arts Review 100 Women Writers of Wales, the dedicated community supporter, passionate arts lover, and award-winning queer activist, will keep you “informed, entertained and inspired.”

Are you a Barry business, town trader, or solo seller, going over and above in these testing Corona Virus ‘new normal’ times. Contact Mrs SVJ here for a frothy coffee and a cheeky chat to see how we can help tell your tale too.

There are also a number of Wales Wide Virtual Pride sponsorship opportunities available, for those who want to visibly show their support for our diverse community – reinforcing that your business really is open to all.

Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.

Our Corona Virus Diaries

Posted on by Mrs SVJ
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Welcome to the Corona Virus Diaries – not a phrase I thought I’d ever be typing anytime soon at the fag end of February.


Or even in early March, if truth be told, when most of us were shrugging our shoulders and saying, “Just a bit of Flu innit.’

Well, we got that wrong didn’t we – and then some, as we made a makeshift mask, battened up the nation’s hatches, and went home instead of the usual large.

For nearly fourteen long, lingering, weeks, with all of my personal life’s pleasures closed down, I have passed the time with one of my only passions not fallen prey to the pandemic police.

Basically I have blogged – about drag of the lonely Lockdown, the disconnect of the queer quarantine, the bonkers behaviour of some of our isolation nation.

And how I have spent my days stuck to the screen instead of gigging with gusto, cwtching with company, living it large in London, taking flights of fancy to foreign cities, and just feeling the love of the free spirit that I am.

I’m not going to lie to you, work is now the worst. I’ve finished my stint on the rapid Welsh Government Covid 19 response, and am stuck in my study daily.

So, let’s be honest and call it what it is. It’s not working from home, it’s living at work.

Although it’s irritatingly ironic that I’m sat in said study in front of another screen on my day off, bashing out my latest blog.

Jesus wept, it all kicked off in Ogmore last night didn’t it, with Barry Island feeling the brunt too.

No respect for our ‘there for a reason’ rules, and no love for the Lockdown limits either, I’ve just got to put proverbial pen to paper on that one – watch this space.

Mind you, waxing lyrical has never been so simple and sweet during this vicious virus time, with so many great goings on for me to give my take on.

The behaviour of some of our Barrians alone could keep me digitally distracted for days – the good, bad, and the ugly.

Respect to those though who have stepped up to the Covid 19 mark to keep our community cohesive.

Who knew, that the pandemic would also prove a pivotal moment in our global history by fuelling the fight to finally tackle the racism that our society has shamefully swept under the carpet for decades.

And look at the lush LGBTQymru lot keeping our queer family fully connected in these divisive, and sometime dangerous times, with their passion to Pride Party on.

Who knew, I’d spend nearly four months banging out blogs, on all of the above – bringing them to you with, I hope, honesty, humour, and often humility.

Only seems like yesterday, I started writing about the toilet roll taking twits, and look at me now posting my points on the Barry beach battle that is being fought nightly.

And all for you lovely lot to be entertained, informed and educated, even if just a little bit.

Thank you for your solid support, kind, and, critical, comments, plus the many discussions and debates brought on by the Blogs.

Keeping being vocal Barry.

Speak soon.

Mrs SVJ

#SuesView #BarrysBoldestBlogger

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The Corona Virus Diaries are Mrs SVJ’s take on this pandemic palaver . Click on Arts Isolation Call, Lockdown Love Lost, Let’s Stick Together, Virtual Culture Vulture, Lockdown Lingo Laugh, Stay Strong Barry, Be Kind Barry, Barry Lockdown Blues, The New Normal, Stay Safe Barry, and Barry Goes Bonkers, to read more about our town’s tales in these crazy Covid times.

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Let’s Stick Together was written exclusively for Barry Magazine. You can read the full fabulous edition here.

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Other Lockdown-related content includes; Mrs SVJ’s response to the George Floyd killing, and how our Barry Is Beautiful town stood in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement to Speak Up against racism.

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And how we, Proud in Barry, are keeping our queer community connected in these quarantine times. Mrs SVJ is part of LGBTQymru, the respected, passionate activists and allies bringing our country the first-ever Wales Wide Virtual Pride in July 2020.

(c) mrssvj.co.uk

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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.

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One of Wales Arts Review 100 Women Writers of Wales, the dedicated community supporter, passionate arts lover, and award-winning queer activist, will keep you “informed, entertained and inspired.”

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Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.

My Lockdown Blog Therapy

Posted on by Mrs SVJ

By Aled Lloyd Rees

Like most of us in life, we all either want to be some sort of writer or have that the urge to release our inner novel to the words and become the next George R.R Martin.

I was, I must admit, about to suggest, JK Rowling, as my example author, however, as a member of the fabulous LGBTQ community I struggle to accept her idiotic and ridiculous views and notions on the trans community, even though I was and at somewhat, still am a big fan of the Harry Potter series.

I am not trans myself, however, I fully believe and support my trans brothers and sisters. We are who we are, we can be whoever we want to be and we should not need to justify ourselves to those narrow-minded individuals in this world.

However, this is easier said and done.

But I digress from my initial guest post.

I’ve been writing on and off for a few years. I find it’s a great form of self-therapy for me. Writing gives me a platform to express myself and to release that internal monologue from inside my mind.

Since lockdown, I’ve created my blog called, Justaled.com, with the main aim to publish my life and life experiences to the world.

The blog is designed to be open and honest about the situations that I have personally faced as a single, gay man living in a small village in Wales.


At this stage, you’re probably wondering, this isn’t very exciting, this is a very standard issue for any gay man in Wales and we have all probably shared the same experiences throughout our lives, but then again, have we?

The blog started initially as a private journal but having been a performer and working in the Arts, it soon began to slowly transform into a draft idea for a potential one-man play, but still, it was missing something.

The more I wrote; the realisation became more and more clearer to me.
I am constantly writing, but nobody is reading my work. And the reason nobody is reading my work is quite simple, my writing doesn’t go anywhere, apart from the inner depths of my hard drive.

That’s when I thought, during the lockdown, why not publish my story online, in a platform that I can control, and that’s when Justaled.com was born.

Writing gives me a voice and a platform to express myself.

For those who know me personally, will say that, I am very open, honest and quite frankly aloud mouth sociality, But, when it comes to things such as life experiences, mental health status and matters of the heart I can and have the tendency to bottle these things up.

I truly have the tendency, like most men, unfortunately, bottle up and keep my issues and feelings to myself until my issues and feelings bottleneck.And like a well shook bottle of champagne, my issues and feelings eventually, and of course dramatically, uncontrollably erupt.

I’m 33 this year, and I have already experienced two nervous breakdowns in my life, one of which I’ve recently blogged about and the other due to bullying in the workplace, another post I’m considering writing.

With life and age, I’m constantly learning from my mistakes hence the writing, or to be more precise the blogging of my past and current life events. I truly find it’s a great platform to vent.

To be quite frank, blogging is a great form of therapy…plus, it’s cheaper than going to the Shrink!

Not only is writing a great way to express our emotions and feelings via words but it’s also a great way to be creative and let our mind and imaginations run wild.

A great friend of mine once told me to start writing, but write about what you truly know the best, and fortunately for me, what I know best is in fact, me!

I know me, I truly understand me. I think a lot more of us, from time to time need to take the time to focus on ourselves. It’s not selfish, it’s not vain but we truly need some ‘me time’.

Time to properly reflect on what we need. If someone says it’s selfish and vain then pfff ignore them, unfriend them or whatever, you seriously don’t need them or their negativity in your life.

So… to recap from my standard form of ranting, this guest blog post, from yours truly sums up the following:Get writing, be more open and honest about yourself and your issues, there’s nothing to be ashamed about.

1.Blogging is a great form of self-evaluating if not a great form of venting.

2. Speaking directly to the gentlemen reading this post, gents it’s ok not to be ok, just let it out, talk about your issues and feeling, and if you can’t talk, then write them down.

3. Nobody needs to see your internal monologue, because quite frankly that’s what a blog is, but then again sharing can equally be rewarding. As they say, sharing is caring and your words could be the answers to the questions of another seeking guidance.

Get blogging.

#GuestBloggers#MrsSVJ#BarrysBoldestBlogger

Born and raised in Gorslas, Carmarthenshire. Aled spent 12 years of his career working in Communications and PR for the social housing and third sector in Wales, before heading to a career in the Arts Sector. Aled previously worked at the prestigious Wales Millennium Centre before finding his true calling and home at Theatr Iolo as its Artistic Administrator.

Aled has recently been appointed a Board Member at ITC Arts, London. As well as his day today work, Aled is an avid writer and has recently published his own blog, justaled.com, where he talks about his life as a single, gay man in Wales.

(c) mrssvj.co.uk

Thanks to Aled for writing exclusively for Mrs SVJ – the community blog of Sue Vincent-Jones. Sue is a journalist, editor, and communications specialist who blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a quirky, and queer, girl done good.

One of Wales Arts Review 100 Women Writers of Wales, the dedicated community supporter, passionate arts lover, and award-winning queer activist, will keep you “informed, entertained and inspired.”

Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger can be contacted here.

Welsh Prides Party

Posted on by Mrs SVJ

Barry Pride, who debuted to stunning success last September, are just one of the wonderful Welsh Prides who have confirmed their prestigious place at the first-ever Wales Wide Virtual Pride, on July 24 and 25

We may be out of the closet and still in this house, but the Pride Party is very much on – thanks to LGBTQymru, a respected new collective, who are passionate about working with, and for, all our queer family to keep us cohesive.

Thank you to the majority of our wicked Welsh Prides, from Barry to Bangor, Powys to Valleys, Llantwit to Rhondda, who have already pledged their strong solidarity in doing just that.

Barry Pride was the first Pride event in the town. It took place last year, and brought together members of the LGBTQ+ community, residents, High Street, charities and groups to celebrate throughout this special day.

The event included three themes, to Educate, Celebrate and Commemorate our LGBTQ+ community.

Organiser Hannah Isted said: “We did this with a week long series of activities leading up to the day including a live Q&A, film screening and proudly flying the flag in our town.

“Barry Pride is a way for everyone to come together with a parade and a day of inclusivity and we can’t wait for our next event, and the online one too.”

Rhondda Pride brought the first ever Pride to the Welsh Valleys in 2019. They are committed to bringing Pride to LGBTQ+ people in more remote Welsh communities. And go further than simply a one day Pride event by being an integral part of the Valleys Community.

From charity fundraising (for the local community) to promoting safe spaces and delivering outreach programmes, Rhondda Pride aims to provide support for as many people as possible.

Rhondda Pride is and always will be a free event for everyone to attend. They are committed to promoting LGBTQ+ rights across the political and social spectrum. Rhondda Pride will continue to grow and become a major part of the LGBTQ+ events calendar promoting Rhondda Cynon Taff as a place where equality and diversity are valued and everyone is welcome. 

Bangor Pride was established for 2019 where it celebrated the city’s first Pride, and the first in North Wales for a number of years.

The event aimed to give everyone of the city, student and local alike, the chance to celebrate who they are and come together regardless of age, nationality, first language and, of course, sexual orientation or gender.

As well as having a celebratory tone the inaugural Pride also hosted workshops on important issues for the LGBTQ+ community to make sure everyone could feel comfortable in who they are. Bangor Pride looks forward to putting on many more events in the years to come.

MajorPride/PrideMawr was established in 2018 with an aim to celebrate the diversity in the historic town.
And put Llantwit Major on the map as somewhere inclusive and welcoming to live, work and visit.

The event was the first of its kind in the Vale of Glamorgan, with event spanning across the entire weekend. It is recognised as being one of the many successes of more localised prides across Wales in inspiring inclusivity and visibility. 

Valleys Pride is a family friendly LGBT+ Pride Event run by Project Unity a registered charity based in Aberdare.
They had a vision to bring a wonderfully diverse and inclusive Pride event to Ynysangharad Park in Pontypridd. 

After years of planning, teaming with GTFM, sifting through hundreds of local audition videos, dozens of meetings and thousands of hours, they created the perfect set for Valleys Pride 2020.  

They have local bands and singers of so many genres, comedy, drag artists, family entertainment, all designed to promote awareness, family values, equality and social inclusion within RCT and Merthyr Tydfil. 

Sadly, this event has been postponed to 2021 due to Covid-19 measures but planning is already underway to make Valleys Pride even bigger and better than before. 

Powys Pride’s Chair said: “I have run a LGBTQ+ peer support group at Mid and North Powys Mind, based in Llandrindod Wells. It is a small but important group that offers support, friendship and a safe place for anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+. 

Towards the end of last year, I was thinking that it’s a shame my area didn’t have a Pride festival, there are plenty of LGBTQ+ people even if we are scattered in this rural part of wales. 

I put out a social media post to see the reaction of local people and the response was overwhelming.  We formed a committee and were deep into the planning stage when sadly we had to postpone due to Covid19.  Powys Pride was a huge step forward for Powys and we are looking forward to the future.”

Keeping our Qymru connected is the absolute focus of Wales Wide Virtual Pride. And it is free for all to watch, and take part in – across Wales, and wider.

As a completely not for profit organisation, LGBTQymru will also give back all monies raised directly to the communities it serves – especially the grassroots groups.

Wales Wide Virtual Pride, named on the Forbes List Of LGBT Digital Pride Events 2020, is an unique online event that will celebrate the whole of our community across the whole of our country. It will bring together all those living the LGBTQ+ life, in Wales, and our allies too of course.

LGBTQymru Chair Bleddyn Harris said: “Pride Season, with its events throughout the season, are the highlight of the LGBTQ+ calendar. And with our community feeling even more disconnected and dispersed, as we see our social events suffering those Corona Virus cancellations, now is the time to show solidarity. 

We want to do just that, and we are calling on all Prides, LGBTQ+ community groups, charities, acts, organisations, and anyone else who wants to get involved.”

Please come and join us for a weekend of fun, entertainment, information, and education for all the family.  We have already lined up acts and artists, quizzes and queer films, debate and drag queens, messages from Ministers and make-up tutorials, plus so, so much more.

All the Welsh Prides have been invited with Barry, Bangor, Rhondda, Llantwit Major, Valley, and Powys already confirmed. Other groups on board include Glitter Cymru, Bi Cymru, and Iris Prize LGBT Film Festival.

Massive thanks to those who have joined us so quickly – realising that this is the time to support and lift our LGBTQ+ family…exactly like a community should do.

We are proud that part of what makes the Qmmunity in Wales so special is its visibility, talent, and readiness, to make sure everyone is connected, even in the most difficult of times. 

We know that this has never been more important for those of us living the LGBTQ+ life – especially our Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic queer family fighting the Black Lives Matter battle.

‘A better community is within REACH’ Panel Discussion, will look the need to provide spaces, platforms and opportunities for our LGBTQ+ siblings of different Races, Ethnicities, And Cultural Heritages (REACH).

Our Trans Family, are also facing an extremely uncertain time following the UK Government decision to scrap plans to allow trans people to self ID despite public support.

Our panel discussion, ‘I Am Who I Am,’ will look at the lived experience of being trans in Wales, what we can do to be more supportive, and an insight into the support, both long-standing and new, for trans* individuals in Wales.

Others include: ‘Can I Get An Amen’, centred around faith ‘A Life in Drag looking at the History of this art form. A much needed conversation around LGBTQ+ mental health, and, ‘Surviving The Scene,’ looking at the support available for those living with HIV in Wales.

Sign up to the Panels, our packed programme, of fringe events throughout the week, and all the exciting entertainment over the two dayer, by following on Facebook.

Are you a sole trader, small company, or big business who is committed to keeping our LGBTQ+ community connected – especially in these troubling, often turbulent, times.

Please come speak to us about Sponsorship if you want to make your visible mark on what promises to be one of the digital Prides of the year. For more information, please contact Ffion Grundy, our Fundraising and Sponsorship Officer here.

And/or donations, however big or small, can be made from now right up until the end of July through our Go Fund Me page.

Many thanks to those who have donated already – including Principality Building Society, Andy Garland Therapies, Coleg y Cymoedd, plus the many generous individual donations.

LGBTQymru are also looking for even more local singers and other performers to join the Pride party too. We want you please performers – so sign up here to take your place on the virtual stage by June 29th.

Wales Wide Virtual Pride is an one-off occasion dedicated to keeping our LGBT+ Community connected – and show the rest of Wales, wider, and the world how we work together so well.

So, Sponsors, Spectators, Participants, and Party Goers, please get involved.

See you on the Screen.

Speak soon.

Mrs SVJ

#LGBTQymru #WalesWideVirtualPride #KeepingCymruConnected

Find out much, much more, about the
Fundraiser by following @LGBTQymru on all the Socials. Click here to get the first-ever Wales Wide Virtual Pride in the Diary.

Wales Wide Virtual Pride is a free event run by a not for profit organisation who believe in giving back to our community. If you can help with any donation, or sponsorship, please visit our Go Fund Me page.

LGBTQymru, are a collective of passionate activists and allies dedicated to keeping our community connected – especially in these uncertain Corona Virus times.

Contact our LGBTQymru Team directly here.

(c) mrssvj.co.uk

Sue Vincent-Jones, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. Writing as Mrs SVJ, she blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.

One of Wales Arts Review 100 Women Writers of Wales, the dedicated community supporter, passionate arts lover, and award-winning queer activist, will keep you “informed, entertained and inspired.”

Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.

Barry Arts Call

Posted on by Mrs SVJ
(c) Rhiannon Art

Well, rain stopped play on the great Garden Lockdown revamp this wet weekend, so I promptly put down the paint brushes, picked up the proverbial pen.

And cordially responded to our Council’s call for local artists to showcase their work for a lovely Lockdown Exhibition set for the Summer.

I swiftly submitted my rather playful prose Let’s Stick Together, looking at how our terrific, but turbulent, town came together in the queer quarantine we all found, and still sort of, find ourselves stuck in.

I initially wrote the piece for the latest edition of the brilliant Barry Magazine, and then included as the latest Blog in my much-read, and much loved, Corona Virus Diaries.

Others lyrical waxings about these crazy Covid times include; Barry Lockdown Blues, Virtual Culture Vulture, Lockdown Lingo Laugh, Stay Strong Barry, Be Kind Barry, The New Normal, Stay Safe Barry, and Barry Goes Bonkers.

I love writing with a passion, and am absolutely chuffed actually, that myself, and all those other talented Barry, and beyond, artists are now being offered the chance showcase our work in a virtual exhibition.

For once, I agree with the Vale Council – I know stands back in amazement.

But truth be told, we all know the arts have played a key role during this time of social distancing and isolation. They have allowed us to connect, communicate, entertain, educate and inform – but most of all, they have kept our neigbourhoods close and cohesive.

But don’t forget my fellow creatives in our cracking connected community, it’s not all about the Blogs.

Our Arts Central Friends want: visual, performance, written, and any other creative media – a painting, drawing, a song, sculpture, film, photograph, musical performance, dance or mural.

Feel free to submit one piece that you have either made, are currently making, or plan to make, during the long Lockdown.  Participants can use any source of materials and mediums for their creation.

All the accepted work will be displayed virtually, for first, and then. as we move into the ‘new normal,’ perhaps a real-life exhibition experience can be seen.

Now is your time to shine my fellow arts friends.

Please just click on this link for how to showcase your stuff, what rules and regs apply, and what happens next.

And don’t forget to spread the word too. As there are so many artist, singers, writers, painters, poets and much much more out there in our talented town, it would be a shame not too.

I’ve just had a quite bright thought too – brace yourselves as that doesn’t happen that often these days with my quarantine head in the shed.

If you are living thr LGBTQ life in the Vale, then why not also send your submitted entry to LGBTQymru, who are hosting the first ever Wales Wide Virtual Pride on July 24 and 25 – and are also looking for just the same sort of stuff.

Please click here to find out about this exciting event, its ethos, its ambition – and how you could make the most of this of this queer quarantine, and get involved.

Show Your Pride – in our town, and in our communities.

Good Luck.

Speak soon.

Mrs SVJ

#SuesView #BarrysBoldestBlogger

Arts Isolation Call is the latest chapter in Mrs SVJ’s Corona Virus Diaries. Click on Lockdown Love Lost, Let’s Stick Together, Virtual Culture Vulture, Lockdown Lingo Laugh, Stay Strong Barry, Be Kind Barry, Barry Lockdown Blues, The New Normal, Stay Safe Barry, and Barry Goes Bonkers, to read more about our town’s tales on these crazy Covid times.

Let’s Stick Together was written exclusively for Barry Magazine, and published on June 7th 2020. You can read the full fabulous edition here.

Other Lockdown related content written by Mrs SVJ includes her response to the George Floyd killing and how our Barry Is Beautiful town stood in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement to Speak Up against racism.

And how we, Still Proud in Barry and beyond, have kept our LGBTQ+ community connected in these isolated queer quarantine times. Mrs SVJ is part of LGBTQymru, a collective of respected, passionate activists and allies bringing our country the first-ever Wales Wide Virtual Pride in July 2020.

(c) mrssvj.co.uk

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.

One of Wales Arts Review 100 Women Writers of Wales, the dedicated community supporter, passionate arts lover, and award-winning queer activist, will keep you “informed, entertained and inspired.”

Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.

LGBTQymru Makes History

Posted on by Mrs SVJ

We’re absolutely delighted that our Wales Wide Virtual Pride will go down in history.

LGBTQymru are extremely proud to be working with Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, who will be collecting and preserving parts of our unique event for its LGBTQ+ collection at St Fagans National Museum of History.

This is truly fabulous news that our ground-breaking Weekender will be recorded for posterity, alongside other esteemed queer curations – all aimed at celebrating our cohesive community.

Keeping Qymru Connected is the absolute focus the respected activists and allies behind Wales Wide Virtual Pride. They are passionate about working together with all our queer family – especially in these uncertain Corona Virus times.

Wales Wide Virtual Pride, named on the Forbes List Of LGBT Digital Pride Events 2020, is an unique online event that will celebrate the whole of our community across the whole of our country.

It will bring together all those living the LGBTQ+ life, in Wales, and our allies too of course.

Pride Season, with its events throughout the season, are the highlight of the LGBTQ+ calendar.

And with our community feeling even more disconnected and dispersed, as we see our social events suffering those Corona Virus cancellations, now is the time to show solidarity.

We want you to do just that, and we are calling on all Prides, LGBTQ+ community groups, charities, acts, organisations, and anyone else who wants to get involved.

So please come and join us for a weekend of fun, entertainment, information, and education for all the family.  

All the Welsh Prides have been invited with Barry, Bangor, Rhondda, Llantwit Major, Valley, and Powys already confirmed. Other groups on board include Glitter Cymru, Bi Cymru, and Iris Prize LGBT Film Festival.

Massive thanks to those who have joined us so quickly – realising that this is the time to support and lift our LGBTQ+ family…exactly like a community should do.

We are proud that part of what makes the Qmmunity in Wales so special is its visibility, talent, and readiness, to make sure everyone is connected, even in the most difficult of times. 

We know that this has never been more important for those of us living the LGBTQ+ life – especially our Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic queer family fighting the Black Lives Matter battle.

‘A better community is within REACH’ Panel Discussion, will look the need to provide spaces, platforms and opportunities for our LGBTQ+ siblings of different Races, Ethnicities, And Cultural Heritages (REACH).

Our Trans Family, are also facing an extremely uncertain time following the UK Government decision to scrap plans to allow trans people to self ID despite public support.

Our panel discussion, ‘I Am Who I Am,’ will look at the lived experience of being trans in Wales, what we can do to be more supportive, and an insight into the support, both long-standing and new, for trans* individuals in Wales.

Others include: ‘Can I Get An Amen’, centred around faith ‘A Life in Drag looking at the History of this art form. A much needed conversation around LGBTQ+ mental health, and, ‘Surviving The Scene,’ looking at the support available for those living with HIV in Wales.

Sign up to the Panels, our packed programme, of fringe events throughout the week, and all the exciting entertainment over the two dayer, by following on Facebook.

LGBTQymru are also looking for even more local singers and other performers to join the Pride party too. We want you please performers – so sign up here to take your place on the virtual stage by June 29th.

And please come speak to us about Sponsorship if you want to make your visible mark on what promises to be one of the digital Prides of the year.

Donations, however big or small, can be made from now, right up until the end of July, through our Go Fund Me page.

Wales Wide Virtual Pride is an one-off occasion dedicated to keeping our LGBT+ Community connected – and show the rest of Wales, and wider, and the world. how we work together so well.

It is is free for all to watch, and take part in – across Wales, and wider, so any donations made by you, however large or small are very genuinely and gratefully received.

And as a completely not for profit organisation, LGBTQymru will give back all monies raised directly to the communities we serve – especially our grassroots groups.

For more information, please contact Ffion Grundy, our Fundraising and Sponsorship Officer here – LGBTQymru@outlook.com.

Or please feel free to donate directly to our Go Fund Me page here.

Many thanks to those who have donated already – including Principality Building Society, Andy Garland Therapies, Coleg y Cymoedd, plus the many generous individual donations.

Sponsors, Spectators, Participants, and Party Goers, we welcome you all.

See you on the Screen.

Speak soon.

Mrs SVJ

#LGBTQymru #WalesWideVirtualPride #KeepingCymruConnected

Find out much, much more, about the
Fundraiser by following @LGBTQymru on all the Socials. Click here to get the first-ever Wales Wide Virtual Pride in the Diary.

Wales Wide Virtual Pride is a free event run by a not for profit organisation who believe in giving back to our community. If you can help with any donation, or sponsorship, please visit our Go Fund Me page.

LGBTQymru, are a collective of passionate activists and allies dedicated to keeping our community connected – especially in these uncertain Corona Virus times.

Contact our LGBTQymru Team directly here.

(c) mrssvj.co.uk

Sue Vincent-Jones, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. Writing as Mrs SVJ, she blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.

One of Wales Arts Review 100 Women Writers of Wales, the dedicated community supporter, passionate arts lover, and award-winning queer activist, will keep you “informed, entertained and inspired.”

Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.

Barry Is Beautiful

Posted on by Mrs SVJ

Well Barry, what can I say, you did our Black Lives Matter protest beautifully – socially distanced, properly, and peacefully…respect.

Seeing the scores of rallying residents gather on King Square to show their solidarity with our brave Barrians who have fought, both slyly subtle, and boldly blatant, racism all their lives was instantly inspiring and undoubtedly uplifting.

For me, the most powerful moment came when our respected activist and Advocate Hilary Brown asked all who had experienced any form of racism in the Vale of Glamorgan to step to the front – and every single, black attendee did.

Read that again.

Solid proof that there is still a long way to go in the fight for ensuring Black Lives Matter – and as much as white lives too, before someone starts that abhorrent All Lives Matter mantra.

Shame that the keyboard warriors who furiously typed their nonsense at me all week, after I issued my rallying cry, weren’t there wasn’t it.

Well, they wouldn’t be would they, as they are adamant that their white, mostly middle-aged, mostly middle-class, lived-in experience shows them that there is zilch racism here – go figure.

And that, of course, they don’t personally know any racists. Good for them. Although the irony of them arguing with me on my Facebook feed demanding crossly to know who I was ‘banging my drum’ too was kind of telling too.

I make no apology for making my Black Lives Matter views known assertively. I have no regrets about shouting Speak Up Barry to those who stayed silent.

And if anyone wants to delete me, on the Socials, or the Streets, because of it, then I’m good with that too. It’s not politics, it’s human decency. For Christs Sake, when did ending Racism become a debate –

Truth be told, I’ve always been an activist – end of. For me, that means I just cannot help fight for something fundamentally flawed to change. I’ve never been motivated by a need for money, power, or fame, just driven slightly mad by some injustice, cruelty, or unfairness.

So much so that I swiftly shift into full-on mode, fuelled by hyper focus, and a furious drive to make a real difference.

To be fair, I’ve nearly always been helped by like-minded campaigners, and marvellous mentors, along the way. Thank you.

And, yes, on occasion, I have been richly recognised with awards and accolades for the blood, sweat and tears, I have so often shed in striving to see the change I want made.

So what, recognition is really rewarding and hugely humbling, but is more the icing on the cake than the mix that makes it happen, trust me.

It hasn’t always been easy either – phewww, I could tell you some truly treacherous tales. But it has always, always, always, been worth it.

Admittedly, most of my activism has been firmly focused in my LGBTQ+ life. I’ve always been happy to use my writing skills to help promote worthy local causes.

And I have also battled, behind the scenes, against injustice, cruelty, and unfairness.

Sometimes you just have to keep it on the low, stay on track, and crack on quietly, to get the right result.

Other times, you need to scream strongly from the rooftops to make your voice heard – and that is exactly what I am going to do now.

I am going to visibly stand up and say enough is enough as this pivotal moment in history tries to finally right some of those racist wrongs suffered so severely.

And make the future a fairer, more equitable, and kinder place, for our future generations.

I’ve always been non-racist of course, that is a given. But now I am actively anti-racist, and will be protesting peacefully, signing petitions, rocking up to many a meeting, taking the knee, firing off prose to politicians, sorting out my Socials, so I see a truer picture.

And speaking very vocally where I can – through my bold Blog, my other activism actions, or just whenever I see a wrong that needs to be righted.

Shout Out to all my black friends and family too. Please help me educate and inform myself – I’m here to learn as much as I can.

I’ve started with Black History Documentaries already but I know I need to find out so much more.

So please keep me in the loop as I strive to become a powerful and vocal Ally within Barry, and beyond.

I totally get that staying silent, standing by, or just sitting at home, is not the answer that’s needed now – real action, real activism, real visibility, and real change is.

Come join me.

Speak soon

Mrs SVJ

#SuesViews #MrsSVJ #BarrysBoldestBlogger

Barry Is Beautiful is the latest activism Blog written by Mrs SVJ, which includes her response to the George Floyd killing, how our town stood in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement to Speak Up against racism.

And how we, Still Proud in Barry and beyond, have kept our LGBTQ+ community connected in these isolated queer quarantine times. Mrs SVJ is part of LGBTQymru, a collective of respected, passionate activists and allies bringing the first-ever Wales Wide Virtual Pride in July 2020.

Other Lockdown related content includes Arts Isolation Call, the latest chapter in Mrs SVJ’s Corona Virus Diaries. Other Blogs about these crazy Covid times include: Lockdown Love Lost, Let’s Stick Together, Virtual Culture Vulture, Lockdown Lingo Laugh, Stay Strong Barry, Be Kind Barry, Barry Lockdown Blues, The New Normal, Stay Safe Barry, and Barry Goes Bonkers.

Let’s Stick Together was written exclusively for Barry Magazine, and published on June 7th 2020. You can read the full fabulous edition here.

(c) mrssvj.co.uk

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.

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One of Wales Arts Review 100 Women Writers of Wales, the dedicated community supporter, passionate arts lover, and award-winning queer activist, will keep you “informed, entertained and inspired.”

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Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.

Show Your Pride

Posted on by Mrs SVJ

Are you a sole trader, small company, or big business who is committed to keeping our LGBTQ+ community connected – especially in these troubling, often turbulent, times.

If so, as we celebrate Pride Month, why not visibly show your solid support by sponsoring our first-ever Wales Wide Virtual Pride on July 24 and 25.

And see your name synonymous with this groundbreaking and exciting weekender being staged by the brand new collective LGBTQymru.

Keeping Our Qymru Connected is the absolute focus of these respected activists and allies, who are passionate about working together with all our queer family to keep us cohesive – especially in these uncertain Corona Virus times.

Wales Wide Virtual Pride is free for all to watch, and take part in – across Wales, and wider. so any donations made by you, however large or small are very genuinely and gratefully received.

And as a completely not for profit organisation, LGBTQymru will give back all monies raised directly to the communities we serve – especially our grassroots groups.

For more information, please contact Ffion Grundy, our Fundraising and Sponsorship Officer here – LGBTQymru@outlook.com.

Or please feel free to donate directly to our Go Fund Me page here.

Many thanks to those who have donated already – including Principality Building Society, Andy Garland Therapies, Coleg y Cymoedd, plus the many generous individual donations.

Wales Wide Virtual Pride, named on the Forbes List Of LGBT Digital Pride Events 2020, is an unique online event that will celebrate the whole of our community across the whole of our country. It will bring together all those living the LGBTQ+ life, in Wales, and our allies too of course.

Pride Season, with its events throughout the season, are the highlight of the LGBTQ+ calendar. And with our community feeling even more disconnected and dispersed, as we see our social events suffering those Corona Virus cancellations, now is the time to show solidarity. 

We want you to do just that, and we are calling on all Prides, LGBTQ+ community groups, charities, acts, organisations, and anyone else who wants to get involved.

So please come and join us for a weekend of fun, entertainment, information, and education for all the family.  
We have already lined up acts and artists, quizzes and queer films, debate and drag queens, messages from Ministers and make-up tutorials, plus so, so much more.

All the Welsh Prides have been invited with Barry, Bangor, Rhondda, Llantwit Major, Valley, and Powys already confirmed. Other groups on board include Glitter Cymru, Bi Cymru, and Iris Prize LGBT Film Festival.

Massive thanks to those who have joined us so quickly – realising that this is the time to support and lift our LGBTQ+ family…exactly like a community should do.

We are proud that part of what makes the Qmmunity in Wales so special is its visibility, talent, and readiness, to make sure everyone is connected, even in the most difficult of times. 

We know that this has never been more important for those of us living the LGBTQ+ life – especially our Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic queer family fighting the Black Lives Matter battle.

‘A better community is within REACH’ Panel Discussion, will look the need to provide spaces, platforms and opportunities for our LGBTQ+ siblings of different Races, Ethnicities, And Cultural Heritages (REACH).

Our Trans Family, are also facing an extremely uncertain time following the UK Government decision to scrap plans to allow trans people to self ID despite public support.

Our panel discussion, ‘I Am Who I Am,’ will look at the lived experience of being trans in Wales, what we can do to be more supportive, and an insight into the support, both long-standing and new, for trans* individuals in Wales.

Others include: ‘Can I Get An Amen’, centred around faith ‘A Life in Drag looking at the History of this art form. A much needed conversation around LGBTQ+ mental health, and, ‘Surviving The Scene,’ looking at the support available for those living with HIV in Wales.

Sign up to the Panels, our packed programme, of fringe events throughout the week, and all the exciting entertainment over the two dayer, by following on Facebook.

And please come speak to us about Sponsorship if you want to make your visible mark on what promises to be one of the digital Prides of the year.

Donations, however big or small, can be made from now right up until the end of July through our Go Fund Me page.

LGBTQymru are also looking for even more local singers and other performers to join the Pride party too. We want you please performers – so sign up here to take your place on the virtual stage by June 29th.

Wales Wide Virtual Pride is an one-off occasion dedicated to keeping our LGBT+ Community connected – and show the rest of Wales, and wider, and the world. how we work together so well.

So, Sponsors, Spectators, Participants, and Party Goers, please get involved.

See you on the Screen.

Speak soon.

Mrs SVJ

#LGBTQymru #WalesWideVirtualPride #KeepingCymruConnected

Find out much, much more, about the
Fundraiser by following @LGBTQymru on all the Socials. Click here to get the first-ever Wales Wide Virtual Pride in the Diary.

Wales Wide Virtual Pride is a free event run by a not for profit organisation who believe in giving back to our community. If you can help with any donation, or sponsorship, please visit our Go Fund Me page.

LGBTQymru, are a collective of passionate activists and allies dedicated to keeping our community connected – especially in these uncertain Corona Virus times.

Contact our LGBTQymru Team directly here.

(c) mrssvj.co.uk

Sue Vincent-Jones, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. Writing as Mrs SVJ, she blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.

One of Wales Arts Review 100 Women Writers of Wales, the dedicated community supporter, passionate arts lover, and award-winning queer activist, will keep you “informed, entertained and inspired.”

Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.

Post-Virus Concert Call

Posted on by Mrs SVJ

I just want to go to a bloody concert.

Or do I.

Ever since this long, lonely, no love lost Lockdown I’ve been manically moaning to my mates on how I have missed many of my cool music concert moments.

And constantly kicking off about how my happy place, beaten only by my hair and beauty bits, has been snatched away quicker than the butch security Bird searching your stuff as you stand patiently in line just gagging to get to the Bar.

But, truth be told, would I want to make my way to the manic mosh pit now. It was grim enough squashed up against those scores of sweaty, burly, blokes in the old normal so not sure if I could stand, or quite literally survive, the same in these crazy Corona Virus times.

And how could I scream, shout, and sing at the top of my voice if my deep, dulcet, tones were dulled by a makeshift mask. Ummmm, that might not be a bad thing actually if I’m honest. Mind you, they say just because you can’t sing, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t, and I’m sticking with that, thank you.

I’ve been over thinking about this a lot lately, the venues not the voice, as one by one, my book early band nights, with super fan status, have been booted into the long, green, green, grass of 2021.

As were all those eagerly-awaited art exhibitions, longed-for film forays, totally terrific theatre treats, and craved for City Breaks. Gutted.

Reading the dire post-Pandemic predictions of an entertainments industry edging towards extinction then made me fear for the future.

But then I took a swift step back and thought, would I actually go if it was suddenly switched to Gig Girl game on again tomorrow.

Oh my Christ, imagine my next booked Modfather moment…travelling on the Tube…to bustling Brixton…for an overcrowded O2 occurrence. I’d be on my last bloody nerve – even with sanitiser in hand and mask on mush.

Apart from the wonderful distraction of work, and that now seven-hour long Supermarket shop, I actually went out on Saturday for my first event since that fatal fag end of March, and it was well weird.

I went on my daily exercise, no more than five miles, with my face covered, to metaphorically make my voice heard as, here in the town, we Speak Up Barry for the #BlackLivesMatter movement.

Barry did this beautifully – peaceful, respectful, and socially distanced – but I can’t see that happening at a Gallagher Gig, in a Bad Manners mosh pit, or a Happy Mondays happening, can you. Music is what feelings sound like and when emotions run high, it could all go well Pete Tong.

Seriously though, for me, how the whole entertainment industry opens back up, smoothly and socially-distancing safely, giving gig goers, and other art loving patrons, the security to come back confidently, is a real dilemma.

I have no clue to the answer but I’ve definitely put my penny’s worth in to the Music Venue Trust’s (MVT) credible consultation on returning to Live Music Spaces – and I would urge you to do the same here please.

My life without live music is one of weirdest things I’ve had to anguishingly adapt to in this, twelve weeks to date, isolation nation.

Becoming a Virtual Culture Vulture, and staying queer in quarantine with the online Pride has helped.

And whilst I can’t stand this lethargic life stuck on living digital daily forever, I can just about cope until a new, new normal, and possibly a virus vaccine, is in place.

For me, 2020 is a write off really so the world may as well crank up the Christmas Tree and call it a year.

I shall spend the next six months spinning the decks, taking a trip down the Memory Lane of Gigs gone past, and sorting out my singing voice.

Brace yourself.

Speak soon.

Mrs SVJ

#GigGirlReviews #MrsSVJ #BarrysBoldestBlogger

(c) mrssvj.co.uk

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.

One of Wales Arts Review 100 Women Writers of Wales, the dedicated community supporter, passionate arts lover, and award-winning queer activist, will keep you “informed, entertained and inspired.”

Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.