I hope everyone had a great Pride weekend, I certainly did. There’s no doubt that Brighton & Hove Pride is a big party, but it’s also so much more than that.
I remember standing in the crowd watching all those people in the parade wondering if I belonged there. Then when I did join the march some years later it felt like the whole world was watching because it was the first time I’d joined Pride as an out gay man, but of course it wasn’t!
So I’m always really aware that in amidst the noice and flamboyance there are also lots of quiet but important stories also.
And the politics too – we were celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the start of Britain’s journey towards decriminalisation of homosexuality. But in over 70 countries it still is, and eight still have the death penalty for it. There is much more to do.
If you worked over the weekend, particularly in our public services, thank you so so much. I know it must have been a tough weekend for you but I know everyone in our city and beyond are really grateful.
I’m off for a week now, to France with some friends to catch up on some sleep and relax ahead of the challenges ahead. I’ll see you all soon though. Yours, Peter