Pride celebrations look a little (a lot) different this year but we’re trying to put a positive spin on the change and use this time at home for good. Community is at the heart of everything we do and we love how Pride brings people together whether that’s outside or inside. Although Pride as we know it is cancelled this year, connecting with your fellow LGBTQIA+ community or showing up as an ally isn’t. We caught up with friends of RI, Jade, Jonathan and Danielle to find out how they’re taking the Pride changes in their stride, how they’ll be celebrating and what Pride means to them. Take a look …
Tell us who you are?
I’m Jade Laurice, an artist, content creator and entrepreneur.
Why is Pride important?
Pride is important because it’s a whole month of paying homage to the ones who paved the way and a time to bring awareness and create visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community.
How do you find your own Pride?
I found my own pride when I realized my truth and influence was my power and my activism was something to be proud of.
How will you be celebrating and showing Pride this year?
I’ll be creating content centred around Pride to bring awareness, donating to small independent LGBTQIA+ charities and simply speaking more of my own truth
How can we all be better allies to the LGBTQIA+ community?
The first steps are to listen, educate and help bring visibility to the community. Remember it’s more than just a rainbow flag and parties. Find out how you can help even in the smallest way!
What one thing in your home screams Pride?
Definitely my rainbow pride wings that will be making an appearance this year with or without a parade or march!
Your go-to Pride look is...
Comfy rainbow tomboy fits! I want to be able dance, stay out all day and night but also be seen! So, anything colourful!
Pride in three words?
Visibility, diversity & equality.
Tell us a secret...
Cheeky! Half the pictures on my phone are of my pussy cat because he’s the only man in my life.
Tell us who you are?
I am Jon Barakat, a plant based, fitness obsessed, fashion loving barrel of laughs from Birmingham. Living my best life by not taking it to myself too seriously.
Why is Pride important?
Pride is a celebration of everything the LGBTQIA+ community has achieved and a reminder of how far we have to go. It is a time of visibility and self-affirmation. Pride for me is a nod to the lost boy I was from the man I have become.
How do you find your own Pride?
My Pride came not only from accepting who I am but from finding out what I was good at, what I enjoyed and pursuing my dreams. Nothing makes me prouder than being able to say that I have no regrets in life and I am proud of what I have achieved and who I have become.
How will you be celebrating and showing Pride this year?
I will be celebrating Pride this year in the same way that I do every day! By being unapologetically myself and supporting my fellow LGBTQIA+ family members.
How can we all be better allies to the LGBTQIA+ community?
I think we have all learned in recent times that is no longer enough to be a silent supporter of any minority, movement or cause. We should all speak out about things we believe in and call out homophobia, transphobia and any other form of prejudice. It’s time we stood up for ourselves, for others and made our voices heard.
What one thing in your home screams Pride?
The one thing in not only my house but in my life that LITERALLY screams Pride is my mum. She has always been the most supportive parent and is my biggest cheerleader in every aspect of my life. I wouldn’t be my true authentic self without her support over all the difficult years.
Your go-to Pride look is...
When it comes to pride I think the general rule of thumb is the bolder the better. As long as you’re feeling fabulous the only thing people will notice you wearing is your confidence!
Pride in three words?
Love, unity & acceptance.
Tell us a secret...
I think I’ve done enough sharing for one day and after all secrets are secrets for a reason!
Tell us who you are?
I’m Danielle Vanier, I’m 34 and I live in London.
Why is Pride important?
In my opinion, Pride is a symbol for the ongoing fight to gain fully accepted LGBTQIA+ equality, in this country and worldwide. It is important because so many people still face so much prejudice for simply existing.
How do you find your own Pride?
For me, I personally found my own Pride last year when I decided to do something I had always wanted to do. I started dating women and I haven't looked back. I feel proud as hell to finally be living my truth.
How will you be celebrating and showing Pride this year?
I will continue to educate myself on the origins of the movement, find ways to help others who are in need, donate to charities such as AKT and celebrate Pride Inside with my beautiful girlfriend.
How can we all be better allies to the LGBTQIA+ community?
Education is key. Understanding why Pride began is still so vital, support queer activists/authors/content creators online and via donations/sales. Everyone must understand that trans lives matter and they shouldn't be excluded from your Pride celebrations.
What one thing in your home screams Pride?
My rainbow picnic wine glasses.
Your go-to Pride look is...
Anything as long as it goes with white trainers!
Pride in three words?
Celebration, education & unity.
Tell us a secret...
I'm currently working on launching something very exciting!