Category: Teenage (11-13), Family Matters.

Ian said: “Pride for me is about visibility, inclusivity and just showing that we are here and we are people,” Peter added: “Pride to me is expressing my true self within a safe environment of people with similar backgrounds and interests,”īirmingham Swifts are actively encouraging new members to apply for their running group. It’s one of the best Prides in the country.” “The Sugababes this year, Steps was last year, which I fangirled over. Everyone comes to Birmingham for it, it’s telling that it’s a really good event. He added: “It’s the right size here, London’s too big, Birmingham has the best Pride for me. “It’s about freedom and demonstrating who you want to be,” James said. James Barnes, Barry Cassidy, Ian Allen and Peter Davies are members of the running group and spoke to BirminghamLive about what Pride means to them. I was born this way, we were all born this way, and we’re just here to live our lives happily.”īirmingham Swifts are part of the huge crowds gathering for Birmingham Pride 2023 in the city centre (Image: Martin O'Callaghan) “It’s important to be visible, I’m just like anybody else. But events like this help publicise our community in a really positive way. “It’s not without its dangers, recently there has been a spike in homophobic hate crimes. It’s one of the nicest places to feel able to walk around as an out and gay man. “Birmingham, for me now, is one of the most diverse and inclusive cities in the United Kingdom, if not the world. I always felt gay but didn’t really know about how to voice it and how to live that life. “I grew up in the era of Section 28, there were no visible gay role models and no support for anyone who had any inkling or feelings about being gay. Growing up in the 1980s, Glen shared how growing up in the West Midlands was very different compared to now. Ideal for people who want to socialise and become part of a community, the group provided a way for Glen to integrate after he came out. Out and About Midlands at Birmingham Pride (Image: Martin O'Callaghan)

The Cost of Living by Rachel Ward