04 Feb 2024 Pride March in St Kilda
It is always amazing to me how I can end up in the right place at the right time, seemingly by accident, but I am not 100% sure there isn’t some form of design behind this story.
My friend Lina let me know in our group chat this morning (on my way to St Kilda) that the Pride March was on. ‘How serendipitous!’ I said. (with a rainbow flag emoji)
My first stop was to procure some form of beverage. And I was tonguing for some kind of non-alcoholic soda water. Bitters would have been nice, but I am not so keen on the sugar hit!
I went to the Bottle-O and got some Lime and Yuzu soda. Then, because they didn’t open by hand, I went to the super to get a bottle opener and a bag to carry the bottles in.
My walk then took me to the community garden across from Luna Park. I saw a man wearing a red shirt and green shorts (or the other way around), and this reminded me of my sexual assault and abduction, so I wobbled for a bit, and ended up sitting under the shade of a tree in front of the garden to have a good ‘ol cry about it!
Phone battery dying fast
When that was processed (for now), (and I had written several blog articles), I decided to head home but stopped at Sister of Soul to get a takeaway tea in my keep cup.
When I got to the bus stop, I found that there were a lot of people waiting, and the traffic was moving slowly. I didn’t feel right about lingering, so I started walking up the street. The next stop was sunny, with no seating and some guy in a yellow kit and walking stick. Urgh!! – I figured I would move on.
At the next stop, a French man was telling me that he had waited for the bus for 45 minutes, and was going to be late for work. My heart went out to him and I suggested the tram, which became my idea. I thought I would walk to the west side of St Kilda (just south of St Kilda Junction). I could see the roads were blocked off, and as I got closer to Fitzroy Street, I could see lots of colourful people in the Pride Parade!
It was so colourful, and there was some lovely band music, as well as cars, flags, banners, umbrellas and gayety all around. It made me realise how this community of people are such thoroughly DECENT people, with KIND hearts. I saw floats from the Animal Liberation Party, Oxfam, and other organisations that I can’t remember now.
Perhaps the trans and queer community have kindness in their hearts because they know first-hand what it is like to be marginalised and discriminated against, for something part of their identity that they have NO CHOICE in.
Love all around
I loved seeing the parade so much. However, a friend called, and I moved through the crowds to be able to hear him better. As I walked up the street I saw a colourful tram with its signage celebrating 2024 Pride, (always nice).
When I finally arrived at St Kilda Junction (which is ABSOLUTE SITUATION for pedestrians, and EXTREMELY SCARY AND DANGEROUS), I considered catching a tram into the city and heading out again, as one would probably arrive sooner. However, I saw a bus shelter, which had seating and shade, which was what I was looking for the whole way!
While I was waiting for the bus, a woman with a Pride in the Parks shirt walked past with her dog, who ran quickly to the shade, as soon as they saw it. The woman splashed the dog with water and she shook all over me, which was nice!
It is very hot out there now! We were all suffering with it to some extent, but presently the bus came past, and I was happy to get home and plug my phone in and look at the picture of my love that forms the inner skin, and always makes me happy too!
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