This blog was originally created for the year I had four Pride events set with the amazing people from Trans Pride Portsmouth, AIM for the Rainbow and Trans Aware Cancer Care.
However, this blog now acts as a useful reminder for what to bring to Pride Events and other protests.
I made myself a list and thought others might benefit from this too. If I forget anything please comment below and I can add it in!
- Map and a plan for where you’re going.
- Tickets for travel (plan and call ahead for access accommodations).
- If travelling by car: fuel, car park details, blue badge, change or app for parking fees.
- Snacks.
- Water / drink.
- Face mask to stop recognition and to support others who are masking for health reasons.
- Money and debit card.
- Phone (power bank and lead).
- Keys.
- Wristbands if you are part of the parade (check with Pride organisers first!)
- Comfy clothes and shoes.
- Suncream and hat.
- Fidgets / emotional support plushies.
- Ear defenders and other sensory tools.
- Mobility aids
- Bathroom items: sanitary pads, tampons, wet wipes, toilet wipes whatever else you or a comrade might need.
- Hand sanitiser.
- A bag for any cool items you might buy.
- Pac-a-mac or umbrella (we live in the UK after all!).
- Small first aid bag.
- Any medicines you may need (let friends / others in your group know about emergency meds or meds you may need help with).
- Signs, flags and other queer memorabilia! I am taking things which I can easily store in my bag afterwards to keep safe on the train home.
Other things which may help
- Sunflower lanyard – a UK initiative which tells people you are disabled / have disabilities which may not be apparent. No checks needed for this.
- Please offer me a seat badge and card. – a free UK initiative which allows people to get a free badge and card which clearly shows the message Please Offer Me a Seat. No checks needed for this.
- Pick a spot to meet in case you get lost.
- Always stay in at least a pair, groups are best.
- Stay hydrated too (I’m sounding more and more like a mum writing this list!).
- There should be accessible loos and quiet spaces, make use of these as and when you need to. If you need them you need them, regardless of diagnosis or not.
- Check accessibility of the parade/protest, including for quick / emergency exits.
Most of all, whatever you do for Pride or other protests stay safe and have fun just because we are fighting for justice doesn’t mean we have to be sullen all the time.