Reasons to be loud and proud
THERE was sunshine, rainbows and even a wedding in St Peter Port on Saturday as the Channel Islands Pride celebrations returned to Guernsey.
Local couple Freddy Palmer and Becca Morris legally tied the knot in what is believed to be a world first at a Pride event, the ceremony providing an emotional centrepiece to a day filled with entertainment, activities and a colourful parade from Candie Gardens to Market Square.
While it is fair to say that not everyone in our community is wholly supportive of the event, it would appear the detractors made the wise decision to stay at home and the overall mood of the day was overwhelmingly positive.
Even the torrential rain which had been forecast mostly stayed away until the evening.
Pride at its heart is all about celebrating and promoting diversity, inclusion, equity, belonging and self-acceptance, as well as an opportunity to raise awareness of issues affecting the LGBT+ community.
That can surely only be a good thing.
There has been some polarised debate in recent years, primarily around the trans community. But while some of the concerns raised might have validity and be worthy of debate and discussion, it is important to remember that the individuals being argued about are real people with real feelings and deserve to be treated with sensitivity and respect.
And they have every right to feel proud.