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saveourearth2018-09-02 08:34 pm
ourearth) wrote in saveourearth2018-09-02 08:34 pm
Let's proudly not melt, shall we? [Mingle]
Date: 31.8-9.9.2018
Characters: Open
With the end of the eternal summerheat in sight, the last gasp of summer festivities start in Mossgate. The first signs come when the flag above the town hall showing the town coat of arms is removed and replaced with the bright and beautiful pride flag. Anticipation is high in the LGBT+ areas of town, and the traditional pride pre-parties take place in the LGBT+ venues on Friday and Saturday nights. Bunting starts to go up along the main streets of town, and volunteers are gathered for meetings and rehearsals. Any latecomers who still wish to volunteer are invited to turn up and make themselves known at this point (especially anyone with a valid first aid certificate!)
Pride officially opens on Sunday, with special free walking tours of the notable LGBT+ venues and sights around town twice a day, as well as open lectures at the universities featuring such topics as “Defining ourselves: deconstructing LGBT+ labels” and “Not just Stonewall: a brief history of LGBT+ activism”. Interested parties can sign up online using the local theatre's website, where they will also be able to browse the special LGBT+ program for the week (which, unfortunately, is not free, but those volunteering at any point over the week will be provided with two free tickets as one of their perks – either to be used alone for two events, or with a companion for one). The twice monthly LGBT+ book club is holding a special taster event on Wednesday evening, and the comic store is also holding special events each evening, focusing on a different LGBT+ character or author each night. Some of the religious institutions in the town are holding special LGBT affirmative services, and some are also holding drop in sessions. The RSPCA holds a pride themed dog show. Certain beauty stores, hair salons and barbers are holding trans-friendly sessions and workshops, some outside of normal working hours (although some are only accessible by signing up in advance). During the evening, there will be LGBT+ pub quizzes and special LGBT+ events up and down the high street. And, of course, plenty of other stores will also be taking advantage of the pink pound and the locals will notice the sudden influx of rainbow products, especially in the touristy shops along the beach front.
The main event is the pride parade, held from 11AM on Saturday, starting at the town hall, progressing along the main beach front road and ending up at the Green from around 2PM. It's a massive event, equal to Brighton or Manchester, with plenty of floats and sponsors. All along the parade route, flags, bunting and ribbons float in the sea breeze and barriers have been placed to keep the audience from getting under the feet of the walkers, dancers, prancers and stompers that will make up a part of the parade's diverse make-up. The parade itself is made up of an interesting mix of local businesses and big name sponsors; the local walking society walking behind Absolut vodka, the WI walking ahead of Skittles, and the local scouts being proceeded by Stonewall and followed by the Conservative Party.
There is one unforeseen thing happening this year though that will be throwing everyone into a tizzy for a bit: In between the last security check and the head of the pride parade arriving at the spot outside the town museum, someone has managed to sneak a giant cake in the way of the parade. The parade will come to an abrupt stop for almost half an hour while rumours run wild about the reason for which the parade has stopped, ranging from a terrorist attack to a romantic proposal. Eventually, the cake turns out to be entirely harmless, is removed and the parade continues. But news of it spread soon, and it is moved to a square where people are allowed to take pictures with it. It is, of course, heavily advised against trying to eat from it. Just that it doesn't explode doesn't mean that it meets food safety standards...
The Green has once again been set up with stalls for sponsors and local businesses, including charities like the RSPCA and the Samaritans. Those out for freebies won't be disappointed, with stickers, badges and sweets being handed out left, right and centre, especially by the representations of political parties who are doing their best to build some trust back up with the population. The local reproductive health centre also has a stand, handing out condoms, dental dams, and advice.
A dance area and a DJ have been set up around the bandstand, and with several bars having build temporary extensions, the party will go on well into the night, although the parade officially ends at nightfall, when there is a fireworks display. After the fireworks, the Green is temporary cleared, and after it reopens, only those with ID proving themselves to be 18 are allowed back inside. There is, however, an alternative, alcohol free party held in the town hall for any ages.
Pride officially concludes on Sunday evening with the Kings and Queens ball, an extension by tradition that is held in the Hive. With the bar cleared out to make a second dance floor, there is a flamboyant tie dress code, (as long as it's smart and fabulous, you'll be welcomed), and while tickets generally sell out months in advance, Alexander keeps a few to one side for late comers, and volunteers are (again) provided with two as part of their package. When the bell finally tolls at 2AM, and the last partygoers are sent home, Mossgate will return to it's usual, quiet self (but the glitter will take some time to clean up completely).
[ooc: Eating from the cake will give characters a plot echo. It will also make them high and give them indigestion the next day.]
Characters: Open
With the end of the eternal summer
Pride officially opens on Sunday, with special free walking tours of the notable LGBT+ venues and sights around town twice a day, as well as open lectures at the universities featuring such topics as “Defining ourselves: deconstructing LGBT+ labels” and “Not just Stonewall: a brief history of LGBT+ activism”. Interested parties can sign up online using the local theatre's website, where they will also be able to browse the special LGBT+ program for the week (which, unfortunately, is not free, but those volunteering at any point over the week will be provided with two free tickets as one of their perks – either to be used alone for two events, or with a companion for one). The twice monthly LGBT+ book club is holding a special taster event on Wednesday evening, and the comic store is also holding special events each evening, focusing on a different LGBT+ character or author each night. Some of the religious institutions in the town are holding special LGBT affirmative services, and some are also holding drop in sessions. The RSPCA holds a pride themed dog show. Certain beauty stores, hair salons and barbers are holding trans-friendly sessions and workshops, some outside of normal working hours (although some are only accessible by signing up in advance). During the evening, there will be LGBT+ pub quizzes and special LGBT+ events up and down the high street. And, of course, plenty of other stores will also be taking advantage of the pink pound and the locals will notice the sudden influx of rainbow products, especially in the touristy shops along the beach front.
The main event is the pride parade, held from 11AM on Saturday, starting at the town hall, progressing along the main beach front road and ending up at the Green from around 2PM. It's a massive event, equal to Brighton or Manchester, with plenty of floats and sponsors. All along the parade route, flags, bunting and ribbons float in the sea breeze and barriers have been placed to keep the audience from getting under the feet of the walkers, dancers, prancers and stompers that will make up a part of the parade's diverse make-up. The parade itself is made up of an interesting mix of local businesses and big name sponsors; the local walking society walking behind Absolut vodka, the WI walking ahead of Skittles, and the local scouts being proceeded by Stonewall and followed by the Conservative Party.
There is one unforeseen thing happening this year though that will be throwing everyone into a tizzy for a bit: In between the last security check and the head of the pride parade arriving at the spot outside the town museum, someone has managed to sneak a giant cake in the way of the parade. The parade will come to an abrupt stop for almost half an hour while rumours run wild about the reason for which the parade has stopped, ranging from a terrorist attack to a romantic proposal. Eventually, the cake turns out to be entirely harmless, is removed and the parade continues. But news of it spread soon, and it is moved to a square where people are allowed to take pictures with it. It is, of course, heavily advised against trying to eat from it. Just that it doesn't explode doesn't mean that it meets food safety standards...
The Green has once again been set up with stalls for sponsors and local businesses, including charities like the RSPCA and the Samaritans. Those out for freebies won't be disappointed, with stickers, badges and sweets being handed out left, right and centre, especially by the representations of political parties who are doing their best to build some trust back up with the population. The local reproductive health centre also has a stand, handing out condoms, dental dams, and advice.
A dance area and a DJ have been set up around the bandstand, and with several bars having build temporary extensions, the party will go on well into the night, although the parade officially ends at nightfall, when there is a fireworks display. After the fireworks, the Green is temporary cleared, and after it reopens, only those with ID proving themselves to be 18 are allowed back inside. There is, however, an alternative, alcohol free party held in the town hall for any ages.
Pride officially concludes on Sunday evening with the Kings and Queens ball, an extension by tradition that is held in the Hive. With the bar cleared out to make a second dance floor, there is a flamboyant tie dress code, (as long as it's smart and fabulous, you'll be welcomed), and while tickets generally sell out months in advance, Alexander keeps a few to one side for late comers, and volunteers are (again) provided with two as part of their package. When the bell finally tolls at 2AM, and the last partygoers are sent home, Mossgate will return to it's usual, quiet self (but the glitter will take some time to clean up completely).
[ooc: Eating from the cake will give characters a plot echo. It will also make them high and give them indigestion the next day.]
no subject
"As long as you're fine with it, I wouldn't mind at all."
And it warms his heart that she considers him a friend.
no subject
"So, how have you been?" She looks a little contrite. "You've been checking in with Ben and me about Stuff but I never really asked how you were doing."
no subject
He gives a light, yet wry smile.
"Work is work. Though I do spend a lot more time waiting for responses than I used to."
Given his tone, he doesn't seem to consider it all that serious an issue.
no subject
"We need find you another hobby," She teases, "Otherwise you might waste away from boredom one of these days."
She places her own treat down for a Guinea pig that ventures near her before turning back to Walter.
"How does that whole thing feel anyway? The whole speed thing compared to others?" She clarifies curiously.
Webmind: Have fun with words, mun~
"Excuse you, I do get out some," is his first, slightly joking, reply.
But when was the last time you went out specifically to meet people? And that leads to thoughts of Jim, and what he could be doing today, and-
Walter takes a steadying breath.
"It's like, I have a thought, and it still feels like 'normal' speed, but everything else takes longer to happen. Nerve firings are fine, but if I think about it too much... there's a gap, a dissonance, between myself and the world around me."
As he talks, he lifts the hand not occupied with the rabbit, as if for effect.
"So, theoretically, I could make myself talk as fast as I think, but it'd do crap-all for making myself understood. It'd sound like gibberish."
Webmind: Stretching Vocabulary where ever they go
"Could you?" Sadie asks curiously, "Talk that fast now?"
Blame the Project Gutenburg binge-read. XD
"Drawing might be good. I've had more than my fair share of crocheting in the past, however."
Before he'd realized he was a he, he'd tried many, many things.
Sadie's other question draws him back to quietness. He really could do it, he thinks as he looks around.
But...
"I dunno if I should right now; might startle the rabbits," he says. The bunny by his side stops eating and just stares at him.
Webmind's reading is too highbrow for the likes of me
"Of course, it'll probably be more fun to try out when there aren't others nearby." She lets it go as it obviously is making Walter uncomfortable and that's the opposite of what she wants. "I think Spot wants to be picked up." She gently nudges her older friend's attention back to the rabbit.
XDD Same, really. And that's a nice name~
He nods - and then smiles, much more at ease, after Sadie's next suggestion.
"'S that what you want, hm?" he asks, picking up the rabbit in a way that provides proper support.
The food is left to the side for now.
no subject
More of the rabbits and guinea pigs are gathering towards them and Sadie starts dedicating most of her time to nudging them in Walter's direction, the memory of things like 'This rabbit's skin would be worth Fifty Gil.' more easily avoidable as she does so.
"I've got some of those volunteer tickets to that Ball on Sunday, normally James would go with me but...Well, he's still a little angry that I didn't tell him about my eyes and stuff. Anyway, do you think Ben would go if I asked him?"
no subject
But this is animal parenthood they're discussing, not human. Talking of small blessings...
As all the animals start coming their way, Walter starts laughing. There's a pause, and sympathetic look, when Sadie explains about James:
"Has he found out?"
The laughter returns, however, when Sadie asks her question.
"Yes," is his answer - and he quickly makes himself calm down, lest he give the wrong impression.
"I'd be very surprised if he said no to you, let's put things that way."
no subject
Sadie's gaze drifts down to her lap, "Yeah he did, he was there when I got my waterbreathing. He knew I should have started drowning but obviously I didn't so I had to tell him." She shrugs her shoulders, "He's mad because I didn't tell him about something so important, which I get so I'm giving him time too cool off."
The immediateness of Walter's answer about Ben draws a confused frown from Sadie, "But he doesn't like crowded places, why would he say yes?" She asks in an excellent display of interpersonal density.
... There's a scene in Wonder that you're going to love.
Internally, Walter agrees that that's probably the right option for James - pity he can't tell his own sister while she's out pursuing her degree. Too much literal distance...
So he moves on to the next question.
"If he asked you out to some place you weren't sure about going, would you say yes?"
Hopefully Sadie would process more than the first half of that sentence.
Ooooooooooo
Despite that there is a small smile on her face, "I'm kind of glad James knows, even if he's angry now...I didn't like keeping it from him, I'd never had a secret from James before." She doesn't voice it, realising her privalage, but having someone who isn't also experiencing changes was going to be a god send.
"Of course!" Sadie exclaims, "But Ben's the type to not even ask if he thought I wouldn't like it, and would say yes in reverse. I don't want him to have a bad time because he felt he had to say yes." She tries to explain herself with a frown.
:>
"For most of us here, when it comes to hiding or being open, if just on the small-scale right now, for safety... I'd say the truth works best."
That went for many things in life, honestly. Buuuut time to go back to the other subject!
"What if he'll have a good time because you're there? That can be an option, too."
He's not going to let himself wink twice in a row, but that's basically what he's thinking here.
no subject
Sadie thinks for a moment before determination settles onto her face. "I suppose that's true. Right! I'll ask him to be mu Plus One."
no subject
"We'll be behind you, I swear it."
And then he grins brightly again at that look of determination.
"There you go."
no subject
"It could be a lot of fun! And if it stops being fun we could just leave..." She'll phone Ben once she's done for the day.
aaaa. ;a;
He gives the rabbit ear-scratches - and receives a panicked look from the bun before he remembers to slow down.
no subject
"Sorry Walter, my break's over... Feel free to stay as long as you'd like okay?"
no subject
"Absolutely. I don't mind keeping these fellows," he says, looking down again at the rabbit, "company in the least!"
He might wander over to visit the cats later, of course, but that's not now.
no subject
"I'll see you later Walter."