Welcome to Pride 2022

Our Editor and Co-Admin Elle Turpitt Welcomes You All to Our 2022
Pride Month Celebrations

Usually when I sit down to write an introduction to one of our events, I try to keep it full of, well, pride, and joy, and excitement for what we have coming up for you, our dear readers, in the month ahead. Hopefully that’s what came through in my 2021 Welcome message. This year feels different. This year is incredibly different, but that’s not to say the message last year is gone. It still applies; our door is always open if you feel you have something to say, or need a boost, or want somewhere to showcase your writing, etc.

But as I sit here writing this, I feel drained, and exhausted, and angry. Here in the UK we have just had our local elections; they’re small, voting for the councillors who will run various councils up and down the country. But no matter how they spin it, the Tories are now facing something I don’t think they fully realised was possible; they lost a hell of a lot of seats. Labour didn’t fare too well either, and it’s a way, right now, of sending a message to those two parties in the UK government: the people are not happy with how things are. Without going too much into the politics, Welsh Labour – who very much are a different beast to the UK party – held firm, proving most people do trust Mark Drakeford, and may have their issues with Welsh Gov, or the councils, or other aspects, but know we do currently have a decent captain steering this small ship, at least.

That’s good though, isn’t it?

Well yes, but we still have a Tory government. There is still a cost of living crisis, and we are seeing more and more attacks against trans folks, from all levels. As we head towards Pride, it feels like we are truly regressing. Meanwhile, in the USA, there’s a huge threat to reproductive rights. And if anyone says “oh well, that’s America”, fuck off? We can still be concerned and worried and upset for our American friends, and angry on their behalf, too, and know that this won’t be the end. Anti-abortionists fund the GC movement. There’s increasing anti-trans laws in the States, and the same people are operating in the UK, under a slightly different guise. And the current US president has shown that even if you have the ‘right’ party in the highest office, that can sometimes mean jack shit.

Things are really fucking depressing right now, okay? They are bleak, for everyone. 

Here’s what we’re not going to do: we’re not going to feel guilty for taking joy where we can. We need it. We’re not going to feel guilty for indulging in self-care, whatever guise it takes. We can’t do everything. Maybe you’re a fighter, maybe you’re a person who tends the fires. Maybe your activism is online based, or maybe you simply do whatever you can, when you can. All are valid. Be kind to yourself, and to others around you who are suffering. Listen. Listen to each other, listen to people who have less privilege than you do. Remember privilege comes in many forms.

In terms of submissions, this is the quietest number of submissions we’ve ever received. And I understand – people are tired. Focus is elsewhere. But we’ll continue to bring you whatever content we can this month and beyond. And if you have something to say, as always, our doors are constantly open – whether it’s related to horror and dark fiction, or something else. We’re here. If you’re a writer, we’re happy to host spotlights and promo material, or check our Media Review Policy and submit your work to use using our dedicated form. 

Something we trialled this year – we asked in our submission guidelines if people would like to include a link to their own Ko-Fi or Patreon, or to a LGBTQIA+ friendly charity of their choice. We hope, if you particularly like a piece, you consider donating to the creator or charity. Or pass a donation to your own favourite, especially smaller, local, grassroots organisations.

Don’t feel guilty for having and seeking joy. We’ve seen an uptick in positive queer media, despite the constant attacks against our community. We have more open queer characters on screen and in books. Though we don’t yet know the full details, we have a trans woman featuring prominently in Doctor Who! We still need to do the work – we need more diversity, but things are improving. We have shows like It’s a Sin and Pose, doing important work in bringing our history into the mainstream. We also have some excellent contemporary media coming out – Heartstopper, it feels, has taken the world by storm, and shows like Sex Education continue to reflect the diversity and inclusion teens embrace. And that’s just TV! Yes, mainstream films can and should do better, but we are getting there. Our community might be under attack, but there is a continuous push forward, despite the feeling otherwise.

We promise to continue making Divination Hollow a place free of harassment and abuse, free of bigotry, and to continue learning and listening. We want everyone to feel they have a place here, whether it’s our wonderful readers, our team, guest contributors or the authors who submit their work to us, we strive to embrace diversity and promote marginalised voices wherever we can.

To add, from my wonderful co-admin Ellen, “although we hate to have to rally to protect with cause, we are emboldened  and inspired by the unwavering bravery of support from LGBTQ+/BIPOC folks who refuse to give up despite the surmounting obstacles, we will continue to provide honesty and support and inclusion as protest and pushback for the haters but also support the good that’s still here and happy. That’s why we do what we do, and why our “house” is so big so no one has to feel brushes aside or on the outskirts!”

On a personal level, this year in August, I will be attending Pride Cymru – my first Pride event since coming out as bi. Cardiff, my city, made me so freaking proud when it was voted the 8th most LGBT+ inclusive place in the world, coming in 2nd for the UK. Though it’s not a surprise – not when we have the fantastic shop Queer Emporium sitting on one of the busiest of the city’s high streets. When I walk past on a nice day, and see it full of folks sitting outside, having a coffee or something to eat, my heart fills with joy.

It might feel bleak at times but there is always something positive. And despite the bigots, we continue to fight, and create, and embrace joy. We stand together. We always have. Fight the fight where you need to, but rest, too, and celebrate. 

And remember - our door is always open; feel free to use it, whenever and for whatever you need.

As part of our Pride Month celebrations, we asked our contributors to provide a link to a charity of their choice.

Elle chose Trans Aid Cymru and we would ask, if you are able, if you could please consider a donation to support their work.