A few weeks ago, I ticked another item off my bucket list and attended my first pride march. It was everything I imagined and more, and coupled with the recent legalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia, I had a lot to celebrate.

So if you’re thinking of heading to pride next year, here’s my experience, pro-tips and sworn testimony.

You Can Never Have Too Much Glitter

Seriously, there was almost as much glitter as there were water bottles. You don’t even need to worry about getting glitter-fied at home; someone will always be there to decorate you on the day.

However the thing about glitter is it’s like sand; you’ll be getting it out of your clothes for years. But unlike sand, it adds a little bit of fab to everything, so I can’t be mad at it.

We’re A Diverse Bunch 

If the number of marchers were any indication, the LGBTQIA+ community is a super diverse one. Young and old, people of colour, and people from all corners of the spectrum came together to march. There really is a place for everyone, and every experience and identity is as valid as the next. 

Stay Cool  

If you Google pictures of Pride, you’ll notice they’re always on beautiful sunny days. Well, that sun also means heat, and if you add all the people crammed into one stretch of road, you’re in for a very hot, very sweaty day.

While bright clothes and a good attitude are musts, be sure to stock up on things to keep you cool and healthy while you’re out there. Fans, ice packs, spray bottles – you’ll thank yourself for anything you bring along.

I learned that the hard way and was basically reduced to a liquid state on the way home.

~ Good Vibes Only ~

Pride is one of those places where the good vibes are through the roof. We’re all here to celebrate each other, so be sure to bring your best attitude to channel into chants, hugs, and woos to dangerously high levels. 

There Are So Many People Out There Who Support You 

One of my favourite things about marching was passing all the people literally cheering for me. While it felt a little bit like being in a human zoo, the statement I was making by being out and proud was affirmed and exalted by all the lovely people there.

As a young queer person, it’s incredibly easy to feel alone, but going to pride showed me there are literally hundreds of people out there who would welcome me with open arms, who would (and did) cheer for my existence. It’s one thing to know there’s support out there, but it’s a whole other thing to see everyone’s smiling faces and cheers in person.

As a young queer person, it’s incredibly easy to feel alone, but going to pride showed me there are literally hundreds of people out there who would welcome me with open arms

We still have a long way to go, but having the knowledge that there are so many people out there on our side makes the push forward that bit easier.

There really is nothing like pride. It’s a time where we can celebrate ourselves, our progress and shout a battle cry out for the future ahead. You may end up physically and emotionally exhausted by the end, but it’s worth it. I would highly recommend it to any queer kids out there, and even allies if you’re down for a big ol’ love fest.

I’m already counting down the days to next year.