Hi,
Continuing with the beverage related puns, you may wish to prepare a beverage of your choice, get comfy; this might be a bit of a long one 🙂
Pride 2025
After last year’s first visit, I was keen to go again. Partly for Child 2.0 as I’m his dad, partly for me, and partly for the community. The latter being trans folk and Nottingham Chameleons. No, I did not go in Lynn Mode, but perhaps there’s something in a middle aged white bloke wanting support for a community he doesn’t necessarily look like he’s part of. Well – books, covers, judgement, etc 😉
I’m not a person of colour, I’m not disabled, I’m not gay, and I’m not female (trans femme? you can argue about labels) – but I get it. The folk who fall into those areas, your rights are unequal and that’s not okay!
No, I didn’t really get any snaps of the crowd because I bumped into Alison and Sarah…. and we did a lot of chatting while marching 🙂 Ah, you can take the lady out of Chams, but not Chams out of the lady 😉 There’s a few streams on YouTube if you want to watch the march go by.
I did see Tania and other trans folk with the huge flag. They were someway up the procession from us, so we wandered along, waved, and had a good time. I’m afraid my grumpy cis-bloke mask did slip as we passed the Lord Roberts and Steps were belting out the Bee-Gee’s cover, Tragedy. As I was camping it up down the road, I happened to spot a person waving from their apartment window, so encouraged folk to wave back. A brief moment of shared silliness and support.
I thought I spotted Nadia Whittome in the crowd, but I wasn’t 100% it was her. As political parties were banned, I guess that would have been an attendance on a personal capacity. Given the current iteration of Labour are pretty much bringing in Section 28 2025 Remix to target trans people, I’m glad to see Nottingham Pride continuing with the ban on MPs.
Talking of support, how amazing to see so many organisations, shops, and businesses all with pride rainbows or ‘love is love’ slogans on flags, window displays, etc. A general ‘boo’ to the Council House, who had a giant gammon magnet – sorry, I mean “the England flag” – with nothing Pride related visible. C’mon folks, get with the programme!
Someone gifted me a pair of rainbow dice earrings and also some ADHD squirrel ones too. I did offer the Every Lovely Mrs J them, but she said she had enough, so I shall keep them just for fun. The others, I have a thought on who I might offer them too.
I hung around a bit to listen to the speeches and heard the announcement about a new Rainbow Quarter. Or, as most folk in the crowd laughed along with, finally admitting that part of the city is beautifully fabulous and defiant. Funny, Nottingham’s history is one of rebellion and ‘sticking it to the Man’ – just go and have a read around the timeline of the Civil War, Luddites, etc. We may not be a big city, but our queer folk have been quietly – and not so quietly – getting on with it for decades. Long may that continue until we are equal & free.
[ Meanwhile, this from Good Law Project and the leaked documents where the EHRC have been exposed about their data review. That and MPs stating the new head is not, in their view, a suitable appointment. ]
A trip out
With the school holidays underway and a three week gap between Chams meetings, I was wondering if it might be a ‘long hot summer’ of enforced bloke appearance. However, with the Ever Lovely Mrs J and Child 2.0 wanting a day trip to some historic sites, I agreed to dog sit and whatnot.
Of course, what does a genderfluid person who’s completed their chores midweek do, when offered the option of a morning to be themselves? Well, no prizes for guessing that I had crossed my fingers that Lady Luck may smile upon me.
Now, I am a few days away from a visit to the DeWookification building, so I’m doing that thing where you have to amend your choice of outfit. That or fold, shave the lower legs, knowing that you won’t get a long-term benefit from the wax. So, I chose troos and a new (to me) top with my sparkly wedges.
Despite an 9.30AM start, I wasn’t ready until gone 10.30. I guess that’s the mix of finding what I wanted to wear, unpacking the Thursday Night Bag, and keeping an eye on the hounds. I decided to pack a ‘bug out bag’ in case my family where back before I was. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. Oh, and having your own CCTV cam that watches the drive can be a useful safety check while out. Do remember to delete the footage of you going and returning, mind 😁
I parked on a side street rather than a multi-storey and used RingGo to pay for the parking. That was at the downhill end of Lower Parliament Street, but this meant I could retrace some of the Pride Route and go through the newly decided Gay Quarter. I had hoped to pop into the bookshop and see if I could find a copy of CJ’s book about Nottingham’s queer history…. However, the oh-so-helpful Lynn Jones’ distract-o-matic tw**-nav kicked in and I moved on to my next task.
Not exactly exciting, but I had to visit the bank. The local branches have closed near us and as I had some cash to pay in, it was this or the local Post Office. Last time I tried the latter, it took days to clear and I needed a paying in book. Something I’ve not seen since I was a size 14 – so, yeah, a while ago! 😉
Monies paid in, I wandered up Friar Lane and on to Maid Marion Way. Now, you can say many things about Nottingham, but we do like to keep the Robin Hood references subtle and well hidden 🙃 Still, at least we’ve been lucky, and not themed our city streets after the rogue’s gallery of disgraced 70s celebs or slavers from yesteryear! Oh, and if I’m wrong the latter, do tell me.
I was heading into that part of town as I’d seen mention of The Pride Shop. I wanted to see what the venue was like and, if possible, maybe support a community and local business at the same time.
The restaurant next-door was closed, so without any light, it made for a make-do selfie point. Not the best, but sometimes a reminder of getting out helps me. Reminds me that I don’t just exist on-line and twice a month. Not that being out is some massive statement, but I do think everyday visibility – not that I manage that – is important.
Anyhoo, it seems The Prideshop is a café/store/bookshop, and the cookies looked amazing. As I was saving myself for lunch at home, I didn’t sample them, but maybe next time. Bless them, they had two pots of tokens where you could ‘pay it forward’ by buying someone a coffee. Well, that’s today’s Random Act of Kindness sorted💖
I had a good long chat with one of the owners. Partly because talking to new people is really interesting, and also because I didn’t have anywhere else to be. He explained that they had a meeting space upstairs, and I’ve got their business card to ask about that. No, I’m not planning anything. I do like to keep my eye open for useful spaces as you never know when you might need to call on one.
Oh, talking of community stuff, I noticed the Events Board and I asked if it would be okay to pop a wee advert about Chams on it. That’s a yes, so I need to get my designing hat on, and create a small pin-up leaflet for their board.
I could feel my phone buzz as I started to go: that would be the warning of only so much time before my parking ran out. On the way back, I bumped into Jonathan – of Male Femme fame – who was looking amazing in their fluffy jumper & pink jeans. I think neither of us were expecting to see each other, and I’m afraid I did interrupt their enjoyment of a very tasty looking cream cake. Sorry about that, J! 🙂 We had a quick chat and caught about things.
I had enough time to pop into New Look (in case none of the snaps came out) and a look around Boots. I am after some more DermaBlend which I use to cover my tattoo up if I’m out. I have run out – and so had Boots. It’s not urgent, but certainly something to keep an eye out for.
After that, I was pretty much back to the car, so I checked the home-cam and headed back to Jones Towers. I am now all cleaned up with the doggos fussed & walked.
Both outings have topped up my T Batteries nicely, so I think I’ll be able to keep the pressure valve under control. Small mercies, eh?
L x
So glad you got time for a wander around, Lynn. And looking right for the part, too.
Well done for getting to Pride. It’s interesting that there’s to be an officially recognised LGBT quarter in your city, but sad too in that it’s necessary. One day, everywhere will be welcoming and friendly … or rather return to being so, as it generally was 10+ years ago. Still, it literally puts the community on the map.
Have a nice weekend
Sue x
Thanks Sue. There was the usual pre drive jitters and self doubt of ‘why am I doing this?’. I guess it’s part of trying to be everyday and just part of regular life.
Plus I think it’s a good thing to push yourself and not give in to not bothering. I did think about the latter, but knew I’d just be cross at myself for not taking the time and effort to do so.
As to the Rainbow Quarter, I think it’s a good thing that the area is being recognised and I am hopeful that with that, comes some ‘soft power’ of a voice at the table, support for activities, and an acknowledgement that queer people have been here a long time – and will continue to be as well.
Here’s to a relaxing weekend for all. Nearly nap time as well 🙂
Well done for Pride (both you and Notts generally) and glad it worked out and you found people you knew to chat and march with. It is heartening the number of shop that participate and show support with Pride flags and displays along the route. Fun freebie earrings too. (ADHD squirrels? You’ll have to unpack that one.)
And how good you also got a day out. Looking good there, missus. We still have and use paying in books (well, L, ‘cos she doesn’t do internet banking). I have a tube of Dermablend, but I can’t remember if I got it from Amazon or Superdrug. A Pride cafe/store/bookshop sounds like a little slice of heaven, especially with cookies.
Seeing the support and recognition in Nottm was a good thing, especially in the current climate. It doesn’t seem long ago that folk were saying “oh, Pride is just a big party” and now look at how quickly the tide has turned against queer people.
The squirrel thing seems to be an in joke from what I can tell. There’s a brand pun – if that’s a term – of the AC/DC logo that references said tree rodents. Plus, the old kids’ film, Over The Hedge has a squirrel character that moves and talks at ninety to the dozen. I wonder if he was an influence? IMO, there’s a beautifully funny scene in which he’s given an energy drink during the escape plan. It makes me laugh every time I see it. It’s probably on YouTube by now.
Thanks for the kind words re the outfit choice. I can only apologise to the anti everything brigade for daytime dressing and going against preconceptions with no heels and I’m in trousers 😉 I’ll fix that next time 😁
I do prefer internet banking, although it’s not great if you have to deal in cash at any point. At least you can do cheques and transfers, so that makes things easier.
Perhaps it’s a good thing I’m not near the café as there’s books and cookies aplenty!
While you are commenting about the British flag, kindly remember it was the same flag flown by the West Africa Squadron, why is this important. That was the bit of the Royal Navy that did a great to halt the slave trade.
https://archives.history.ac.uk/1807commemorated/exhibitions/museums/chasing.html
I find it annoying that the flag has been desecrated by chinless wonders and their lackies for their own trivial purposes
Thank you for the link to the history. That’s both troubling and good to learn about. Again, another part of history that wasn’t covered in school.
I feel the flag was somewhat of a dog whistle and a missed opportunity to show solidarity with maligned queer communities.
Grayson Perry hosted a programme about Englishness and the conversation around the flag came up. Yes, there’s a selection of ‘Engerlund’ thugs who use it to promote various levels of unpleasantness. The usual Bigot Bingo of hating anyone who isn’t white, cisgender, straight, and thick as pig poo. I forget the source but I do remember the burn of “for the master race, why do they look so unevolved?” 🔥
It’s that violence and hate – along with the jingoism around the Union Jack – that, for me at least, has both hijacked and tainted those flags. A far cry from the pride I felt in watching the London Olympics and the amazing variety of people and cultural highlights of being British.
Going back to Perry’s programme, he interviewed a chap who organised a St George’s Day event. Bless him, the chap was very inclusive and old school at the same time (people are wonderfully complex). His view was around people who had made England their home and that all were welcome. That it should be a celebration of what we can do as a nation.
If anyone’s thinking -ahem- that I’m “an enemy of people” or “a citizen of nowhere”, I believe Brits – on our good days – are kind, welcoming, cheeky to those we like, and polite by default.
Like all countries we have a few Skeletons in the cupboard, such as the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_War being a very bad example.
I just tend to think we as a country have done more good things than bad things and I will try to ignore the ‘Engerlund’ thugs who have devalued flag so much
Given the UK had both an empire and waged war with nearly every country – I think Belgium missed out – I’m not sure I could call it. I’m now thinking of an odd moment of Britannia facing the Trial by Osiris; the one where a person’s heart is weighed. Not that it’s done mythical figure’s fault, but the collective outcome of the dark triad of personality traits in leadership. See also the problem with absolute power.
Pride sounded like a nice day, believe Sally was in the march somewhere too.
Sounds like a fun trip out – the trousers do aid in blending at least, I notice very few cis ladies wearing dresses during the days at the moment. They are not something i’ve dared do though, I worry about showing. Leggings and a long tunic are my preferred if i want to hide my legs 🙂
Izzy
Yeah, it was a good afternoon out and good to see some old friends.
Unfortunately I didn’t see Sally, otherwise I’d have said hi and marched with her. I was going to post something in the forum and mention it on the Thursday prior. However, Chams was quiet due to summer holidays, and the forum post didn’t quite land. Maybe I need to get more organised next time.
Yes, dressing to blend in, inasmuch as wearing what I’m comfortable in. What feels like a much more complex set of social rules of what you can wear when, where, and your age. Too dressy, too mumsy, too muttony, too much, too tight, too loose, etc. 🙄 Or, knickers to critics and wear what you feel okay in 🩷
Oddly hotter days seem to lead to more maxi dresses or long skirts. I would imagine chub rub shorts are needed, as my linen trousers are a little loose.
Nice to run into you, Lynn. A surprise, yes, but a nice one. And thanks for the compliments. I liked your outfit too 🙂
As it happens I got one in FiveLeaves a few minutes after we parted. There’s a second volume due some time too, but the first (1960-1990) will probably be the most interesting.
Hi Jonathan. A pleasant wee chat, yes. Despite two gender fabulous people in a small city street, oddly no one was suddenly turned to ‘the trans side’ and western society didn’t halt. 😁 A lucky escape perhaps. Maybe Pride had built everyones’ immunity up.
Thanks for the suggestion about the book. That and the correction that it’s Five Leaves, and not Fig Leaves. That would explain why I couldn’t find it. I’ll definitely have a look next time I’m about, as I do fancy a read.
I guess the 60s to 90s will cover most of the activism and progress. I’m curious about post 90s, as that’s when I started to get out & about. If we do another 30 years, that’ll cover some of the history for Chams.
As CJ pointed out in an interview, there’s a lot of oral history that goes. Folk move away (or pass on), groups change, organisers do too, etc. With that in mind, I added this to the Chams web site, so it’s not lost:
https://www.nottinghamchameleons.co.uk/history/
It’s always good to top the T batteries up, so I’m glad you got the chance. And nice that you bumped into Jonathan who I remember as Jenalex from our days as members of the UK Angels forum.
Pride sounds like it was a good. These events are more important than ever, given the troubling times we find ourselves in.
Thanks Deeanna. Yes, some time out& about certainly helps. Disappointing that rights and the attitudes of certain political types have regressed so aggressively and so quickly. Pride is very much required, I feel.
Thank you for the name check. I remember seeing Jenalex when I would visit the site, but no idea who that was. Small world huh? 🙂
Hi Deeanna 🙂
Yes, I tended to use “jenalex” on trans forums – a contraction of Jennifer Alexandra, a feminized version of Jonathan Alexander. It felt appropriate to use a femme name, to place myself on the trans spectrum, rather than a male one, which would elicit the response “what’s that bloke doing here?!” whether spoken or not.
But of course Angels has packed in now and most other forums too. It’s a shame. I much preferred the ongoing history of a forum to the blink and it’s gone world of social media.
I did read Joanne’s comment about closing the forum and while that’s upsetting, I think I get her reasons.
The Chams forum is still active and we’re discussing the impact of the new legislation.
Sounds like Pride was a full mix of catching up, people-watching, and soaking it all in—even without going in Lynn Mode. Love that you still found little ways to be part of it, from the flag waves to the rainbow dice earrings. (I have pink/blue d20 necklace you can take out and roll. Love it!)
Yes, thanks Michelle. Good to be out and trying to represent parents of trans teens. That and a good chat with old friends.
Not sure I’ll be sporting the dice earrings in Dad Mode, as they are a bit much. As they are unworn, I’m going to offer then to a friend who’s a fellow RPG geek.