Ok so interesting title (hope I spelt it right!) and image but sadly not some saucy secret confession...
No, this is a only short pre-emptive disclaimer as thus far I have not received any negative comments. Well maybe a little constructive criticism from one person, and probably quite rightly so.
Main point is I am only me and all the content on this blog are my findings or personal opinions. I make mistakes and I can so get things wrong. I endeavour to be fair and open. Very happy for comments and constructive criticism. I just wouldn’t want anyone to think I thought I knew it all. Far from it, I just struggle along like anyone else but have some observations and beliefs, and want to share.
However, if you’re looking for something more interesting with the title of this blog feel free to look at Bad Kitty pole dancing clothes.
What can I say about Sparkle… Wow.
It’s perhaps the biggest little thing on the planet. Sparkle is the largest free trans event in the world. There are a number of workshops and many surrounding events as well as the focus of the event, the main stage where lots of great entertainment really brought the park to life. I won’t go into the program as you can see that on the Sparkle website. I’ll just give my impression.
I cannot state enough how that small area of Manchester known as the Gay Village, around the main Sparkle site at Sackville Gardens is such an amazing place to be. Sackville Gardens itself was a really lovely location and the weather last weekend was thankfully great too.
In the gardens (a small park) there were loads of stalls. Many selling things like wigs or make-overs but also a stall with the Greater Manchester Police campaigning to abolish hate crime and the Beaumont Society all supporting and promoting the Trans cause.
Sponsors were many but ASDA was a particular stand out if not in visual presence but in terms of importance, at least for me. Mainstream companies getting involved are crucial and the announcement that the National lottery is awarding money to help in the cause is very welcome and a sign that some of the wrongly placed negativity towards Trans’ people is hopefully changing. Similarly whilst I’m not a Corrie fan a big shout out to Kym Marsh who came along and support the event too.
Sparkle seems such a beautiful and yet fragile event. For me personally the big thing other than the main event, was how in the village bars and clubs there was such a mix of people. Trans, Lesbians, Gay, straight - even a few hen parties passed through. Everyone just having a great time. Sparkle was not only about a Transgender celebration but a celebration about empowering each of us to be free to be us without worry regarding usual restrictive gender binary labelling.
Thank you Sparkle ;)
