On 5th September 2015, I attended Totnes Pride.  I had been asked to give a speech and be on a panel about gender during the day.  I had no idea that it would be such a wonderful experience!

Mat and Jon, the twin brother organisers of the event were friendly and welcoming; nowadays I have a worry about how lesbian and gay people will be to bisexuals, so their genorosity was a weight off my mind.

The talented CN Lester was also in attendance.  Their camaraderie during the day was invaluable, especially when I realised I hadn’t eaten in far too long!

It is so rare to go to an LGBT+ event that is 100% free of hassle - no nasty comments from onlookers, no grief from other marchers, and a genuine sense of inclusivity.  Totnes Pride had all of that.  I’m impressed by the fact that in a very white rural area, I was made to feel so at home that I didn’t want to leave at the end of the day.

LGBT+ people in rural areas may experience isolation, but if this event is anything to go by, when they come together, they put big cities to shame!