World's smallest Pride parade returns to Warwickshire street
This weekend, residents on one Warwickshire street will come together once again to celebrate Pride Month by holding one of the world’s smallest – and shortest – Pride parades.
Around 40 residents on Batt Close – part of the Rochberie Heights development in Rugby – will march together for 80 metres along their street. Each household is busy creating costumes and decorations to make their road shimmer and sparkle in Pride colours on the afternoon of Saturday 10 June.
Batt Close resident, Ben Goodwin, aged 38, said:
“We may be small in size, but Pride Month is a big deal for us! We’ve had several planning meetings and the excitement level for this year’s Pride is already sky high. I feel that everyone will be upping their game this year in terms of the outfits and accessories they will be wearing for the parade. I cannot wait to see everyone processing down our street in their colourful best!
“We are so lucky to live within a community that celebrates love in all its forms – creating a safe space where everyone can thrive and truly be themselves. On Batt Close, Pride truly begins at home, and we have bonded over our shared values of community, equality and inclusivity.
“However, we also recognise that here in the UK and around the world, life for LGBTQ+ people continues to be scary. With this in mind, it’s never been more important for us to come out and show our commitment to those who can’t celebrate Pride as freely as we do. I know that they’ll all be in our thoughts this weekend, and we hope to use our voices and speak up in solidarity with all members of our beautiful and diverse global community.”
The celebration is truly a collective endeavour by everyone who lives on the street, from youngsters helping create a rainbow crossing in chalk to each home providing enough bunting to engulf Batt Close in flags and rainbows.
For the Pride parade itself, they will be joined for the first time by local drag queen, Rubella Vaxine – known to her friends as Miss Ruby V – who will lead the neighbours as they stomp their way along their short street.
Leicester-based Miss Ruby V, aged 42, said:
“I am thrilled and honoured to have been asked to lead the Batt Close Pride parade this year. Times are tough for everyone at the moment, not least the LGBTQ+ community, but I know that nothing will stop the Batt Close residents from coming out and spreading their uplifting message for all to see.
“I love a good Pride parade but normally I need an ice bucket and a lie down after walking one in in my heels – so a procession at just 80 metres long is right up my street! However, I am under no illusions – it may be little, but I am expecting it to be just as fierce and fabulous as a larger Pride event.”
Following the parade itself, the neighbours will take part in various activities, including a high heels race for the adults and creative activities for the children. Meanwhile, each household will contribute dishes for a multicultural buffet that includes curry, barbecue and a Pride-themed cake.
Furthermore, a charity makeup event will see each household compete to apply a member of their family in their best ‘quick drag’. Miss Ruby V will pick the winner and all proceeds shall be donated to Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity.
Ben added:
“This really is the best street in the world! It is so empowering for me to live in a community full of allies who believe that everyone deserves to live free and equal. We know that the rights we have fought for can just as easily be taken away, so to be joined in the fight by visible allies is truly humbling.
“Amongst the glitz and glamour, Pride continues to be a protest and we all realise that none of us are free until all of us are free.
“I wish everyone could live on a street like ours and we would really encourage communities that can to host their own grassroots Pride celebrations. It’s a huge amount of fun but also spreads a positive message that goes much wider than your own postcode.”
This is the fourth time the residents of Batt Close have hosted Pride on their street and those living there hope to continue holding the event annually.