In 2023, I went to Pride festival in London. I go every year, though I never find a partner or mates to go with.
This is why that year was so important for me.
Hand on heart, I am a Disney and musical theatre nerd. Now, it so happened one of my favourite singers was going to be performing, Idina Menzel. (The original Elphaba in Wicked, also voiced Elsa in Frozen before anyone says who).
That was why I chose to hang around there, instead of other stages. So there I was among the crowds of thousands, packed in to see the lineup of Idina Menzel, Rita Ora and Adam Lambert.
The atmosphere was intense, but I felt strong.
I had my Turning Red panda – MeiMei stuffie with me. Whenever they asked us to wave our flags I tossed it in the air, getting the hosts attention. Why was that the one with me? Cause Turning Red was so wonderfully pro diversity.
Anyway, the energy fuelled day is going on, and it gets to 4pm when Idina Menzel comes on stage.
I was inches from the barrier separating press from the public where it felt like a moshpit.
There was such joy around it. Lots of people were whistling, screaming, cheering. Some people had dressed up in Wicked or Frozen cosplays, others were just in pride wear.
Idina started off explaining why she is an ally, and the madness gets even bigger.
The point that really made it was when she dedicated Defying Gravity to all who felt lost, scared or alone. This hit me to the core cause these these are feelings I’ve dealt with so much.
There was the legend encouraging people to come out and be even more colourful. The mood was beautiful as everyone supported each other. But for me, hearing that left me crying, and as I wiped away the tears it seemd as though she was looking straight towards me.
Why did these words matter? For years I tried to fit in and conform to society. All that got me was a broken part of myself, instead of being free to follow my own heart. Yes, I have heard the same thing many times, and I keep trying.
And now, here is what I want you to do. If you are someone who has also struggled with identity and finding yourself as an adult, then know you are not alone. It’s not too late to find yourself either.
Gimme a subscribe cause I will tell you how.
Beth writes 