Now then Manchester, it's very rare I get my riot gear wording out for a good old fashioned rant, but my goodness, behave yourselves.
I am a proud gay woman, I am happy with who I am and how I live my life, and it's taken me a long time to understand that being me is OK, and who I love, is just fine - but more than that, it's thanks to all that came before me, that I am able to be this contented, proud woman.
I am a strong woman, fierce in my choices, my career, my friendships and my loves, so forgive me if my cage is somewhat rattled by the sheer corporate monster that has become pride.
What was once stalwart pillars of the community, bound together, for a greater good and a brighter vision of equality and what a more accepting society could and would grow to be, fighting with voices and banners, with decency and pride, true pride, and honour and love, tell me, please, what has your rainbow cocktail got to do with the LGBT movement, the growth and the future?
Do your cocktails and t-shirts, and painted highways and pavements bring the change and the justice and the inspiration to the generations who fought for a day of safety and acceptance?
Or do they line your pockets under false pretences? Tell me, what donation to the Stonewall charity are you making from the megabucks you pull in this pride weekend in our fair city of equality and truth?
What true gesture will you make to the LGBT community? Will you share in the great works of the LGBT foundation with the money that will laden your pockets with rainbow pride?
The final straw for me today, was a previous employer, a homophobic ass, truly the most short sighted of human's I've had the displeasure of working with, had their business shout on social media how excited they were about this weekend's pride event.
- This, a place where I was called a "big dyke,"
Oh I'm sure your rainbow flags are flying high in true love and appreciation for the LGBT community, and I'm sure you are proud, as we are proud, to live and work in a city so accepting and hopeful.
When you're shaking your cocktails and serving the lovely dykes of the north, just like me, do remember your kind words of support, when you're cashing up on Monday night, with pound signs in your eyes, remember the Stonewall Riots, remember the city of Alan Turing, remember why you decided to share your lovely promotion - for pride right?
I would love to see rainbow pavements all year long, I would. I would love the constant reminder for all who seem to have forgotten what gay pride is all about.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a pint or ten with the girls, shaking me tail feather to Pixie Lott or whoevers hot this year and I've been known to have a debauch night or two over a pride weekend - testament to the very fact that I can. I can go out, I can feel safe, kiss a girl in public, without fear or dread; mostly.
I can be around my peers and involved in my community and feel absolute love for the bravery, honesty and kindness that is the heart and soul of the LGBT community. I am blessed. I am thankful.
For all that came before. To live as we live now.
But don't ask me to sell my soul to a corporate giant who couldn't give a fuck if I was a proud gay woman celebrating liberty and love, I could be a pink elephant for all they care.
I don't want to buy a rainbow t-shirt, bandana, bracelet, shoe laces, eat a rainbow cake, with a multi-coloured pancake, a rainbow milkshake, a cocktail - with a bright pink umbrella in the name of pride. In the name of pounds. Sure.
