A pride virgin! After coming out earlier this year what better way to celebrate than to have the opportunity to join REALBrighton for the Brighton Pride Parade. Having grown up in and around Brighton but never attending a parade, unbelievable I know, I had no idea what to expect. Preparations took place all week squeezing in shopping trips in my lunch breaks and personal grooming & beautification in the evenings!

I calmed my nerves the night before with a few drinks in town but after not remembering how I got home I awoke bleary eyed in the early hours to get myself suitably adorned for the Big Day. My fellow wheel-walkers for the REALBrighton float arrived and soon after we set off to Madeira Drive where the floats were gathering.

There was such a great buzz in the air as we passed some of the floats where last-minute preparations were being made and dance routines being refined. Everyone was complimenting each other on their great outfits as we dusted ourselves in glitter and baby oil! With much anticipation our float finally arrived after the many hours the guys had spent decorating it, and it looked fabulous!

A few last minute touches were made and before long the team were all on the float, the music was pumping and we were making our way into the float queue. As we headed towards the start of the parade the crowds grew much larger and I was somewhat nervous but with all the smiles and clapping from the crowd that soon faded and we were having a good old boogie.

We made our way along the seafront and I couldn't believe the overwhelming support and appreciation we were getting. Onlookers spurred us on even more, "you look great", "what a brilliant float" among the many kind comments. Then as we turned up into West street I paused and had to take a deep breath as I began to understand the immensity of what I was taking part in, the whole street was lined with thousands of people, and all their eyes were on US! We danced like crazy, the sun shone bright and we had a fabulous time. I popped into the crowd occasionally to hug some shouting friends, went mental whenever "Lola's theme" was played (how many times did that tape loop?), chatted with the crowd and tried to soak up the atmosphere.

I had never appreciated why it was called 'Pride' before; my first few steps on the gay scene were tentative but the unbelievable friendliness and warmth of the people I have met and new friends I have made in Brighton have brought me a happiness I thought not possible. Not only happiness but acceptance too, in a society where too many are still bigoted against gay people it was so refreshing to have so much support from the public and it was then I realised why it was called 'Pride'. We were proud to represent our community, proud to be from Brighton, proud to be who we are and I felt proud of myself.

It goes without saying what a good time we had, a big thank you to the guys and gals on the float for looking after us and keeping us suitably refreshed! Thanks to Sam without whom none of it would have been possible and thank you to all those who watched and supported us in the parade, my pride cherry has been well and truly popped!