I think it’s the first healthy relationship I have ever been in and I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am. I have never experienced love quite like this. This year I am going to be spending Pride at home, in my support bubble with my first ever (and hopefully last) girlfriend. Supporting a charity that works with homeless and disadvantaged LGBTQ+ young people, was an absolute no-brainer and I am proud to be working with Matalan on this campaign. Transphobia, racism and other forms of non-inclusion still exist in LGBTQ+ spaces, which is why this year it is more important than ever for me to donate, learn about and work with charities who strive to ensure that nobody is left behind to experience oppression, especially from those who claim to be allies. Recently coming out as queer has not only been a personally liberating experience but it has also encouraged me to educate myself further on the history of Pride and the need to examine the prejudices within our own community. In preceding years I have been a firm ally of the Pride movement, but this year my voice emanates on a more personal level. Danielle Vanier, this is by no means my first celebration of Pride, this is the first year where I’ve found the courage to live my whole truth.
