Pride Cymru is a staple event for the majority of LGBT+ people and allies alike in Wales. First coming to fruition in 1999, the event has continued to grow in popularity ever since. For me and other LGBT+ people, the Covid pandemic and the pause of Pride events left me in a difficult situation. With going out and socialising as one of my favourite things to do (and one of the main ways I connected to the community) three years was a long time to say goodbye.
But this year, the first since 2019, Pride Cymru was back in all its glory. I had the opportunity to head down on the Saturday to take in all it had to offer. Straight from the parade, which hosted the likes of Pinc List features such as Yan White from the Queer Emporium and politician Hannah Blythyn, the atmosphere was incredible. With little opposition, it was the first time in a long time that I felt the entire acronym of the LGBT+ community was present and supportive of one another. While the lockdowns were hell for me, and other people, the pause in our day to day gave a lot of opportunity for people to become educated about issues affecting the wider community.
The mainstage of the event situated just opposite the museum on the City Lawns. With the main line-ups including Mel C, Bimini and Booty Luv, entertainment on the run-up to their appearances consisted of local LGBT+ acts. It was lovely to see so many different types of people have the opportunity to perform on such a big platform. Opening the mainstage was the ever inspiring Zoey, the blogger behind Our Transitional Life. A talented songwriter, singer and jewellery maker, Zoey's presence was great to see and important for so many. It takes a presence to be able to interest a crowd at the start of the day, and Zoey did that with ease.
