invited to be in LGBT+ marching band for Pride parade

[Eemz]

I just got invited to be in an LGBT+ (and allies) marching band for the Pride parade in Limerick, Ireland in July. It'll be the first time that's been done in this country afaik. I know the folks organising it (and evidently they know about me) so it would be the real deal not some hodge podge of randomers with bugles.

I'd love to do it!! And definitely dressed, of course. But I have flights & accommodation already booked for the "Sparkle" event in Manchester UK that weekend. I am seriously thinking about cancelling...

[Helen_Highwater]

Eemz,

Sparkle would undoubtedly be a wonderful experience. It has become a regular on the calendar, almost a go to event. That said, it'll be there next year.

This event in Limerick however gives you potentially something different, a chance to say. "I was there" when folks reminisce and look back fondly upon the first event. In supporting the Limerick event you help create a hopefully successful event that then gets repeated year after year, Ireland's sparkle. If it fails then it wouldn't be for lacking support on your part. If it succeeds, then wear your badge of honor with Pride, Pride, get it! That's the humour.

[Crissy 107]

Eemz, I think if it were me I would go to the event in Limerick. Like Helen said you have a chance to help get that event off the ground.

[Beverley Sims]

Try local first and Sparkle next year.

That is the way I would go.

Never turn down an opportunity to join local friends, you may not be asked again.

[Meghan4now]

Make sure your flats are good for walking. I had a 4mile hoof my first pride, and that was just from the parking garage to the booth. Not even the parade. I thought I was clever wearing flat and carrying my heels. But the flats rubbed on my bare skin and gave me blisters. The next year I donated a first aid kit with band-aids to the booth.

You should have a blast!

[docrobbysherry]

Do u play an instrument?

[Eemz]

Yes you're right. Thanks for the help all.

The background is that one of our military bands marched officially in the Dublin parade for the first time last year, which made the news. Being gay isn't a problem in the Irish military and individual members had paraded in uniform in previous years, but this was the first official participation.

So a high school bandmaster in Limerick came up with the idea of trying to put together a band composed entirely of people who identify as LGBT+ for their parade this year, plus allies as needed to make up the numbers. I know him & his partner from various jazz gigs. I think they had me in the "potential allies" category, so he got a (pleasant) surprise when I told him I'll do it, but only if I can wear a dress LOL

Sherry - ha ha yes I play sax & trombone, and most other large brass instruments if they're left lying around long enough.

One practical note is that I've never tried playing any of them with lipstick on. Hmmm. Must test that out this weekend.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Eemz , As long as you are out it sounds great. >Orchid ..OO..

[docrobbysherry]

It's exactly the same as playing with chapstick on! Can't recommend it! (French Horn player here!)

[Eemz]

Hmmm OK. That's not ideal then. I'll try my Maybelline matte ink over the weekend and see how that goes. If not then I'll just have to go without lip color (oh the horror!)

[Jenny22]

"One practical note is that I've never tried playing any of them with lipstick on. Hmmm. Must test that out this weekend."
Let us know how the lipstick test went, Eemz.