Pride Parade 2023

I debated writing this blog post, as I am sensitive to how others may perceive certain matters of the world and may not see eye to eye on it. I also didn't want to come off as uneducated or misinterpret any information that may offend or insult anyone in any manner. So, heed this warning that this celebration is my own perspective and I wanted to share my thoughts as a proud ally of the LGBTQIA+ Community.

On July 1st, 2023, people from around the United Kingdom and its surrounding areas came together to celebrate love, and the pride that is felt from loving who you love. I have never been to Pride in the United States, which is usually celebrated in June, so I figured I would see it for myself while spending my time in London. I made my way to Piccadilly Square, which was part of the parade route, stopping to watch performers singing and dancing, and passed colorful booths and banners with different communities being represented. It felt like Mardi Gras and Carnival melded together into a wonderful festival. People in bright vibrant colors and beautiful makeup, dancing and walking the closed off streets free of cars. It was quite a sight to behold! It was the perfect day for it too, full of sunshine and warmth.

I made it to the square and stood pressed against the barriers that faced the parade route, just waiting for the procession to come our way. Around me, strangers socialized and made friends in the crowd, with like-minded people who just loved love and wanted to celebrate it all, together. It is an amazing thing, what an impact such an event can have on perfect strangers from all walks of life. I loved observing it all around me. The energy, the atmosphere, it was just happy. No strings attached.

And so the emcee announced the parade was on its way, and then motorcycles flew past with people waving flags and banners! The crowds were cheering and whistling, just reveling in the joy around us. And I? I took lots of photos of what I could in the thick crowds of people!

Right behind were all kinds of people in colorful costumes and signs with messages, "Love Who You Love", "Loud and Proud", "We are not Criminals". It was powerful and moving, especially after what the communities have faced in the past few decades. There was even awareness for the support of Ukraine, with a strong and stunning goddess flanked by her warriors.

And for two hours after that, I watched all kinds of groups walk the streets together, hyping up the crowd and just had a great time being there. I have never seen anything like it, and I was so happy I got to see it in person! What an experience!

As always, if you happen to be in town at the same time as this momentous occasion, I highly encourage you to check it out for yourself! The festivities were from 9 am to 6 pm this year, with performances around London as well as the parade.

Cheers!

-Mikayla