What you need to know about attending your first PRIDE

Bring your family, friends and self to one of the most memorable experiences this year.

So, in the back of your mind you've been playing around with the idea of going to your first PRIDE. You want to see what's it's all about. For me, the first Pride I went to was such an eye opener. It was an enlightening, uplifting day; I had so much fun and it was such a positive affirmation of who I was. 

"Gay pride or LGBT pride is the positive stance against discrimination and violence toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people to promote their self-affirmation, dignity, equality rights, increase their visibility as a social group, build community, and celebrate sexual diversity and gender variance." 

So here's some boring old man advice:

Travel Light.

EVERYONE IS STICKY AND SWEATY SO YOU WILL BE IN GOOD COMPANY.

If you are only going for the day you don't need to bring a suitcase. Have a small satchel or backpack but remember you want to keep your hands free and not be worrying. Also don't be bringing your expensive camera gear. Want to be able to freshen up? If it's a hot sticky, sweaty day; everyone else will be sweating too so don't worry. BUT, a small roll-on deodorant and a tester bottle of scent works well.

Avoid Pocket Disasters.

WEAR SOMETHING THAT HAS A ZIPPY POCKET PREFERABLY ON THE INSIDE.

Don't have your pockets crammed full of shit you don't need. (Remember you are travelling light). Don't have anything you cannot afford to lose like your passport, wallet or bundle of credit cards. Leave them all at home especially if you are only going for the day. Bring the cash you will be spending and maybe a little extra. This way you are not worrying about having your pockets picked. Don’t be waving your phone around. Stick it in the tightest pocket you have and experience the day through your own eyes not the screen of your phone.

Be prepared for hugs.

IT TAKES A WEIGHT OFF YOUR SHOULDERS

A common theme at Pride is Free Hugs. Spread Love not Hate. 

It is an opportunity to let your hair down and an opportunity for love and friendship to be openly shown. Don’t be surprised if an angel or nun runs up to you for a hug. What happens on holidays stays on holidays (or Pride). Just take it in your stride and embrace (literally) this display of exuberance and life. Obviously don’t do something you feel uncomfortable doing but for some people it might be the first time they hug someone of the same gender and it’s a fantastic experience. Yes, honestly, something as simple as a hug can lift a weight from your shoulders.

Be comfortable

ITS A LONG DAY SO BE COMFORTABLE.

Wearing a full leather outfit sounds amazing but might get uncomfortable. You will regret wearing those amazing boots you bought last year and haven’t had a chance to try out. You will regret bringing your heavy raincoat in case it rains. Wear comfortable clothes. If you will be doing a lot of walking or standing wear comfy shoes (Sketchers are my go to) and talc is worth its weight in gold. Yes. Honestly. If it rains, don’t worry, everyone else will be wet too. Remember the song...

It's raining men, hallelujah, it's raining men, amen
I'm gonna go out to run and let myself get

Absolutely soaking wet

It's raining men, hallelujah

It's raining men, every specimen

Tall, blonde, dark and lean

Rough and tough and strong and mean

Be prepared to see the unusual.

IT’S AN EYE-OPENER ALRIGHT.

You will see some people wearing (or barely wearing) some unusual outfits. TO YOU, some of it might be repulsive and some might be intriguing. Remember Pride is all about people being comfortable in who THEY are and showing to the World their inner self. Some people travel to Pride from different countries and show a side they wouldn’t show on their own high street and that’s ok. Just roll with it. If you see something that intrigues you, ask the person all about it. It’s a great ice breaker. If you want to explore the leather/fetish scene in Ireland check out GEARED IRELAND. They organise great events all year round. 

We are family.

PRIDE IS A FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT

(Photo source)

Pride is a fun-filled, colourful carnival of music, dancing and high spirits. (Hold off on the drink until later in the evening). Previously it was a day of protest, now-a-days it’s a family friendly day out. For young LGBT people to see 1000’s of people supporting who they are is fantastic. 

WE ARE FAMILY is the theme of the 2018 Dublin Pride and it will be a celebration of love and togetherness. News that Mary McAleese will be attending with her family this year is amazing. If a family member or friend is going to Pride offer to go with them. What might seem like a small gesture at the time is a huge affirmation to them and it shows them that you accept and love them.

Finally, have fun, scream, shout, sing, wave your flag and enjoy yourself.

John The Captain Ryan