LEEDS PRIDE 2.007

Anna Glypta's - Pride Survival Guide

As a survivor of numerous Pride and Mardi Gras events I thought I'd put fingers to keys and offer a few words of advice on how best to get through the faaabulousness that is Leeds Pride.

1. PREPARE - I know Pride is on a Sunday and that's generally the day that most of us are in bed recovering from the excesses of the night before and don't crawl out from under our duvets until Eastenders but for one day getting ready early is important. You want to make sure you have credit on your phone for texting all your friends the latest gossip about who you've seen with who. Pack a brolly - This is the UK we're talking about after all. Pack some Sun Cream - Well, a girl can dream.

2. OUTFITS - As this years Pride has been given a James Bond theme get your outfits planned early. That lovely tuxedo jacket might not go with those dayglo shorts after all. And as for the Drag Queens, get to those shops early girls: we wouldn't want fights over that last Pussy Galore catsuit now would we?

3. DRINK - Having a good time is what Pride is all about. Getting legless and throwing up in the middle of Lower Briggate isn't! No one wants a drag queen telling you not to drink so I won't... all I'll say is that if you end up looking like a twat you've only got yourself to blame.

4. SCENE STAFF - Don't forget the staff at all the venues will be working themselves silly making sure you have a good time so do tip them or get them a drink, remember you may have the day off but for the staff at ALL the venues it is a hard day's work and many of them will only get to experience Pride from behind the bar or DJ box or on the door of their respected venues. This also applies to the Mesmac team and any of the organisers.

5. PHOTO'S - There will be a lot of media people about, both local and national as well as a few thousand people with camera phones (us gays are SOOOO technologically gifted!). If you are with someone you shouldn't be or with an absolute minger avoid the urge to pose. It WILL come back to haunt you.

6. AVOID - Putting your hands down strangers pants. This one is really only meant as a reminder to self actually!

7. GO FOR IT - One of the best things about any Pride event is the excuse to let your hair down and just party. This is one of the few times where everyone should feel comfortable with being able to say I'm here and I am PROUD of who I am. I cannot urge you enough to get involved and just go for it, whether as a steward, on a float, walking, watching or just partying hard. There is a lot of truth in the old adage - The more the Merrier!

Enjoy Pride!

Anna Glypta xXx
Anna Glypta is Resident DJ at The Viaduct, a columnist for SHOUT ! and one of the Leeds Pride team.