ON PRIDE: Jamie Manton

Stories help us to understand others and ourselves. The arts are pivotal in giving stories a platform where they can be shared and celebrated. And, it is so beautiful to see the growing representation of LGBTQ+ stories and LGBTQ+ people across the entire bandwidth of the mainstream arts. This dialogue has helped to slowly remove toxic ignorance within our community and empower those who identify as LGBTQ+, and those who are still on their journey. This ‘journey’ can be one of great pain and difficulty for many, especially if the needed knowledge and support isn’t accessible.

As a kid, I was targeted and bullied for being ‘gay’, because I liked to act and sing. This was before I was old enough to identify my sexuality. Everything attached to the word ‘gay’ seemed negative and painful. I can’t be gay. The fear and the shame of it.

Queer as Folk on Channel 4 was a total revelation. Thank you Russell T Davies. Locked up in my bedroom at the age of 17, I was totally gripped by this series. It was my first experience of seeing the queer community being represented. They were in their absolute element! I didn’t see misery! I saw a buzzing community that was loud, colourful and joyous! But most of all… proud of their identity. Maybe I can be gay.

These stories hold so much power. They provide refuge, they educate and they empower. The people who tell them become advocates. May this representation continue to grow. Love and strength to all of those who are on their journey. Happy Pride!