Happy Pride month

June is a month to celebrate Pride and the LGBTQ+ community and to remember that the good fight for equality still has to continue.  Times have moved on, and things are so much better than they were over three decades ago when I first became an ally. My Uncle was born in the mid-'30s and was gay. In Canada, it was not until 1969 that legislation passed to make same-sex sexual activity decriminalised. But there was still a stigma. Sadly, my Uncle did not feel he could come out of the closet until the early '90s when his mother died. We were delighted when he told us the truth, and not even a little surprised, he'd been bringing his partner to family dinners and events since the early '70s! I was heartbroken because he was only able to live his authentic self openly for several years. He was then diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died shortly after. I always felt there was a strong correlation between keeping his secret and becoming ill. I hope that nobody has to live an inauthentic life because of their sexual or identity preference; this is why I take my role as an ally for the LGBTQ+ community seriously. Happy Pride! A month to celebrate diversity. 

Pictured is my new favourite mug purchased from my local Pride charity in Swindon.  

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