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So overall pride this year was a huge success, even with the heavens opening and soaking us before the march even started moving. But it goes to show that even that could dampen people’s spirits that day. The gay community was out in force and even when the rain started falling and everyone was in the middle of the street waiting, everyone began dancing and making the best of a cold and wet situation.
In the gay kink community I am known as Koby an “Alpha Pup” which basically means I am a dominant in my relationship. This year was my first ever pride but instead of watching from the sidelines I dived straight in and joined the march in some of my pup gear with all the other pups and handlers.
The parade itself was one of the best events I have been to and the buzz and thrill of wearing what you love with crowds of people cheering you on and asking for photos with you gives you such an amazing high which words can’t explain.
I myself was amazed at just how large the kink community is and how many different groups and associations actually exist and are everywhere in the UK with many lying undiscovered by people who are in the same position as me a couple of years ago, when I thought I was into “weird” kinky things but was unaware of the millions of people out there all around the world into the same weird stuff I am into.
Our group at Pride was made up of around 50 people in total and we had everything from rubber to leather pups and handlers wearing full rubber suits to small leather shorts. The group was located between the Breeches Leather Uniform fan club and the SM gays so the attention our part of the march got was amazing as you would imagine.
When all the photos, cheers and crowds ended half of us decided to go in search of food so decided the best place to go was gay central, Soho. We stayed in character and wore our gear on the walk there from Scotland Yard but we struggled to get there because we were stopping for photos with people some adults and even kids wanted pictures with the strange dogs. When we eventually got to Soho the next problem was who would take 20 people in rubber and leather and some half naked people? A nice little Italian place down Old Compton Street called Amalfi, who were more than happy to have us and even opened the down stairs area for us all to sit as the upstairs was over flowing. After food we all split up slowly and went to various places around London but for me it was back to my friend’s house for a wind down and some more food.
I would recommend to anyone to take part in an event or if they have never seen one to attend one and experience the atmosphere. My sexuality had always been a secret to my friends and family for a very long time and still is to a few of them now which I am happy with, but an event like pride reminds me of that the world is not against me and that there are so many people out there that will always help and support you.
What I have gained from the event is fantastic, not only was my confidence lifted but I made so many new friends from all different places around the UK. My only problem now is I have to wait a whole year to do it all over again.
