World’s Smallest Pride Returns To Batt Close
June is the time to celebrate the global LGBTQIA+ family. From the largest cities to the smallest towns, people gather in solidarity to host events that uplift the community and show Pride. Batt Close in the UK is preparing to celebrate by putting on their fourth Pride march this weekend; this street hosts the smallest and shortest Pride march in the world!
You can never be too big or too small to have Pride
Batt Close in Rugby, Warwickshire is home to around 40 people who gather every June to put on a Pride march down their short 80 meter street. These neighbours all contribute their time and energy by making their own costumes and decorations, chalking the pavement in rainbow colours and putting rainbow bunting on their homes.
This tight-knit street of neighbours not only march in solidarity, they play games and eat Pride cakes and raise money for LGBTQIA+ charities. This small show of community spirit and Pride has resonated around the world. One resident named Rachel Bunce says, “For us, Pride begins at home, and its message of community and inclusivity is one that certainly resonates among us all as neighbours. Batt Close Pride is for everyone – whether part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally – and it shows that our community is a safe space for us all to be ourselves,” reports BBC.
Ben Goodwin is a resident of Batt Close and he says, “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!”
At this year’s Pride parade, the residents will be joined by local drag queen Rubella Vaxine for the first time. Rubella, known to her friends as Miss Ruby V, is excited to join the shortest Pride march and says, “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 LGBTQIA+ 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 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.”
