dean victor eastmond

Viva la rainbow flags. The masses oozed into London streets under sweltering heat to enjoy one of the world's largest LGBT festivals in the world - following New York and San Francisco - Pride in London. Having only been to one pride, Birmingham Pride the day after Ireland voted yes in the marriage referendum, and having one of the best weekends of my adult life, I had big expectations from London Pride.

I was not disappointed. The amount of happiness and pride - excuse the pun - was phenomenal. Since getting with my boyfriend, I've been opened up into a world full of the most welcoming friendship group, making the whole weekend better. Champagne and good company made me realise how grateful I am for what I have, what I am and what I'm becoming. I can't thank them enough.


Though close attention to the parade wasn't paid, what I did see what awe inspiring and reduced my soppy other half to tears (sorry Adam). Though it was a little annoying seeing companies jump onto and ride the pink pound, the inclusivity and happiness was infectious. I think I've caught the gay.

Pride made me realise how far I've come with my sexuality through the years. A few years ago, I was being told that I'd never achieve anything in a school not exactly happy about my sexuality, yet there I was, stood hand in hand with the one person who means the world to me, celebrating who the eff I is.

Disclaimer: UKIP's Pride float does not represent who I am. By bastardising Stonewall's infamous slogan of "some people are gay, get over it" with "some gays vote UKIP, get over it," I did feel a little sick. Some gays are politically ignorant, I'll get over it.