Ahead of Darlington Pride, Owen Dickinson, from Newton Aycliffe, who is part of the volunteer organising committee is writing for The Northern Echo about what Pride means to him. The teaching assistant, who is 23, says it's a party, but people shouldn't lose sight of the protest. 

Pride is a party. It’s fun, full of rainbows and lots of singing and dancing. It’s also a safe place. Giving people the time and place to be who they are. Authentically.

But we must not lose sight of what pride really is. It’s a protest, a reminder that not everything is ok. Even now as we round up most UK pride events, we still fight for members of our community. The constant daily attacks on those who are transgender is still, sadly, a part of “normal” societal interactions for many in our community. Even the current conservative leadership election has pushed its roots deeper into the trans “debate” and allowed more anti-trans protestors a chance in the spotlight.

I used air quotes for debate because is it really a debate to allow others to live their life. Free from harm and prejudice. Is it really a debate to vilify someone because they want to live as the gender they identify as?

Even in education, teachers try and teach acceptance and education but parents that don’t understand challenge them. Learning about gay people doesn’t make you gay. It can make you more accepting and might make it easier to accept yourself and your own sexuality. But if you’re straight then learning about gay people won’t change that.

We are at a turning point with the LGBT community in the UK. We are on the precipice of a major positive change with acceptance or reverting to the old “traditional” ways of abusing those who are different.

So, this pride please keep in mind that while its all about fun and celebration we can not and must not lose sight of why pride exists in the first place. Pride and education are so important, so take time out of your day to explain non-binary to your gran. Take time to explain the difference between pansexual and asexual to your colleague who doesn’t quite understand it. Take time to teach your children that its ok to be different, to love the same gender. Education breeds acceptance. I’m a huge believer in that. If you educate, then you help one more person understand. By doing so you make the world that little bit brighter.

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Remember it was first and foremost a protest. As a gathering of a community to show that when we stand together and celebrate, we are amazing.

And I know someone will read this and say, ‘But why aren’t the straights mentioned’. You are more than welcome to join us as an ally. Party with us, protest with us. Stand shoulder to shoulder with your trans brothers and sisters, stand with your non-binary friends and sibling sand show them that you accept them. Anyone can come to pride if they are accepting and loving.

And if you don’t accept the LGBT community then hear this. We are valid. We are real. We are here and we are queer.

So, join us – whether LGBT or ally for Darlington Pride Weekender 2022.

The Northern Echo: Owen Dickinson, a volunteer organiser of Darlington PrideOwen Dickinson, a volunteer organiser of Darlington Pride

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