OPINION | Why my first Birmingham Pride left me wanting more

Birmingham Pride is back this weekend and I’m once again looking forward to joining in a celebration of the city’s LGBT+ community, their achievements and marking ‘A Generation of Pride’, this year’s theme.

Last year, I had the pleasure of interviewing some of the great artists taking part in the 19th Birmingham Pride, as famous acts such as Union J, Example, Jess Glynne, Jimmy Somerville and Ms Dynamite celebrated a year when same-sex marriage became legal in Ireland by popular vote – during Birmingham Pride weekend itself – a year after becoming law in the UK.

Andreas Stelly joins revellers outside the Council House in Victoria Square during Birmingham Pride last year (Photograph: Adam Yosef) — Andrew Stelly joins revellers outside the Council House in Victoria Square during Birmingham Pride last year *(Photograph: Adam Yosef)*

I also caught up with human rights activist and veteran LGBT+ campaigner Peter Tatchell, and joined hundreds of men, women and young people on the Pride parade as they held up banners celebrating their right to equality and acceptance.

Andrew Stelly meets and interviews Peter Tachell at Birmingham Pride (Photograph: Adam Yosef) — Andrew Stelly meets and interviews Peter Tachell at Birmingham Pride *(Photograph: Adam Yosef)*

Needless to say that last year’s Pride was off the radar, it genuinely was one of the best weekends of my life. The buzz around the place and the people I met (many of whom I still talk to a year on), there are so many fantastic characters and individuals who attend Pride each year.

Andrew Stelly discusses the film 'Pride' with Gethin Roberts, an original member of the Gays and Lesbians Support the Miners (GLSM) group (Photograph: Adam Yosef) — Andrew Stelly discusses the film ‘Pride’ with Gethin Roberts, an original member of the Gays and Lesbians Support the Miners (GLSM) group *(Photograph: Adam Yosef)*

Popular cabaret artists in Victoria Square with Andrew Stelly at last year's Birmingham Pride (Photograph: Adam Yosef) — Popular cabaret artists in Victoria Square with Andrew Stelly at last year’s Birmingham Pride *(Photograph: Adam Yosef)*

White Dee, aka Deirdre Kelly, joined Andrew Stelly at Birmingham Pride 2015 (Photograph: Adam Yosef) — White Dee, real name Deirdre Kelly, joined Andrew Stelly at Birmingham Pride 2015 *(Photograph: Adam Yosef)*

For me, what makes Birmingham Pride so special is that, not only do we get people from all over the country attending, but also many people from other countries. I met people from the USA, Ireland, India and Germany last year and I hope to meet more people from other backgrounds this time around too.

There’s a real nice feeling to Pride, there’s no trouble, it’s just a lovely atmosphere, lovely people, from all walks of life. Speaking to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community, they accept everybody at their event. It celebrates freedom which, to me, is a really huge thing.

This year, I will be at the front of the march from the get-go, just like last year. And once again, I will be sharing the 20th Birmingham Pride celebrations to the world for media outlet I Am Birmingham.

Andrew Stelly joins the Birmingham Pride parade last year (Photograph: Adam Yosef)

Andrew Stelly gets stuck in during Biringham Pride celebrations in the city last year (Photograph: Adam Yosef) — Andrew Stelly gets stuck in during Birmingham Pride celebrations in the city last year *(Photograph: Adam Yosef)*

Andrew Stelly with revellers in the city's gay quarter during Birmingham Pride (Photograph: Adam Yosef) — Andrew Stelly with revellers in the city’s gay quarter during Birmingham Pride *(Photograph: Adam Yosef)*

I look forward to meeting with all of the acts performing on the many stages over the weekend, all of the people who attend the Pride festivities, the organisers and, of course, my team.

See you on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th May for the twentieth Birmingham Pride. Come and see me, grab some photos and videos! I love meeting the people, see you all there!

Get your tickets and find out more about Birmingham Pride at www.birminghampride.com.