From our Roving Reporter, Marie Predki
We arrived in Sunderland just after 1pm with good weather for photography, not too sunny or cloudy and dry for a welcome change. We had assumed the event would be situated in the park next to the Winter Gardens but when we turned the corner, it was rather quiet. We wandered a while and eventually heard music in the distance. We finally found what we were looking for in Park Lane. We have been to the Northern Pride event in Newcastle which is held in the Leazes Park and is a fabulous event. Tom was a little disappointed to see that this event was very close to the town centre and on first impressions looked a tad low key. We soldiered on regardless and within 5 minutes, we were surrounded by our rather more enthusiastic fellow DPS members - Tony Griffiths, Ian Stafford, George Chissell and Rob Birrell who had all been there since 11am and had followed the parade which was held from 12pm. They did a good job of firing up our enthusiasm and the lens caps were removed ready for action.
There were so many colourful characters in the crowd and most were happy to be photographed. I was very impressed that Ian knew all of their names! The main stage event was hosted by Ophelia B and Miss Trixie - fabulous frocks, makeup and hairdos. I'm sure these chaps could teach us girlies a thing or two about fashion, hair and makeup! The headline act was Scooch (Eurovision Song Contest entrants 2007 with "Flying the Flag"). Other acts included I'm So Pink (Pink tribute act), Envy (mega-tanned boy band) and Bears Aloud (Girls Aloud drag tribute act) who were absolutely hilarious.
I took a leaf out of Ian's book and managed to find out a few names myself. I met some amazing people - Frank, 62, always knew he was gay but coming from a mining community, he was afraid to admit to it and married and had two children. He "came out" at 48 when his wife died. And Tom, 58, who had a framed picture with him of his male friend who had died of cancer two years ago. His regret is that there weren't events like Sunderland pride when he was younger.
My husband Tom was encouraged by the ongoing mentoring of our fellow DPS members and was not only asking people if he could take a photograph of them but also getting them to move to a position where he had a decent background for his image. Surprising what people will do when you ask nicely. One young girl insisted he wait until she finished her cigarette because her mother didn't know that she smoked!
Ian, George and Rob disappeared mid-afternoon. Tom and I didn't leave until 6.15pm so although we were the last ones to get there, we were also the last to leave. Even diehard Tony's car had gone. We would declare the first Sunderland Pride event to be a great success and I am sure it will be bigger and better next year. Great atmosphere and a great people. If you want to check out more information about this event, the website is www.sunderlandpride.co.uk and also there is already a video clip on youtube with guest appearances from Ian, Rob, Tony and George - http://youtu.be/PHNi8DG-Zyk . Watch out for both Northern Pride and Sunderland Pride on next year's Durham PS Hot Dates list - you won't be disappointed.
Marie Predki
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