As a proud & dedicated Straight Ally, I hope to attend Pride in London one year, as well as those of Blackpool, Brighton & Manchester. Last week's Cumbria Pride in Carlisle was a resounding success and I composed the following poem, which I was honoured to perform on stage. I like to think that the words capture nicely the essence as to the need for Pride events. WHY PRIDE? To celebrate diversity, love and tolerance To champion dignity, respect and above all else, acceptance. To educate against prejudice, ignorance and bigotry. To maintain the fight until these ills are banished to history. To reflect on battles won in the name of LGBT rights. To remember that more needs to be done. in order to scale further heights. So next time someone asks "Why Pride?" Look them square in the eye. Then reel off all those reasons before saying with pride "THAT'S WHY".