Today is all about…August 2025

August has been a rollercoaster of sweat, sequins and social stamina. One minute I am fist-pumping at CrossFit, the next I’m “fist-pumping” at Pride. Somewhere in between, I’m being crafty and pretending chores count as cardio.

Talking Points

CrossFit Anniversary

I hated the gym. More specifically, I hated Pure Gym! Every time I went, I had to fight for the equipment. I was also searching for the weights that some fecker didn’t know how to put back on the rack! And going solo meant a lack of motivation, so you didn’t push yourself.

So, I cancelled my membership and signed up for a new gym that was in the process of opening. The works were still being finished. I decided to use the month to try out different things. These included aerial acrobatics and yoga.

My mate suggested that I come with her to a CrossFit class. I did, and I loved it! So I cancelled my new gym membership and started doing CrossFit instead. Eight years later, and I haven’t looked back.

I know CrossFit has a reputation, and I can understand why, based on what I have seen online. However, I have never personally experienced the bad rep it’s known for. The boxes (it’s what we call the gym) that I have been a part of are welcoming. They are positive and friendly.

Why do I do it?

Going to the gym on your own takes a certain level of motivation, and I didn’t have it. Booking into a class meant I’d committed to attend, and that drove me to go.

Yes, Pure Gym did classes, and I tried them. However, I felt uncomfortable; it felt clicky, and there was a lack of teaching. You were expected to know what to do, and I didn’t.

At CrossFit, the coaches actually coach you. They teach you how to perform the skills properly, and everyone supports one another.

What I love about CrossFit is the variety. Strength, cardio, gymnastics. Each class is different. Granted, you may not enjoy every single one, but you turn up and you do it.

And finally, it’s the people. Over the years, I’ve met so many great people and built some brilliant friendships and bonds.

X-Stitch Pride Pins

I will be honest. This year, I have not done much cross-stitching. Although I did take some time out, I completed a batch of Pride Pins. These were made to raise money for the LGBT Foundation.

I stitched a small batch and sold some last month in time for Salford Pride. I spent the rest of July and the start of August batch stitching for Manchester Pride. I can’t count. The plan was to make 50 badges. I ended up with 60!

Not only did I make the pins, I also designed card backings to make them look all profesh and stuff.

Not to blow my own trumpet or anything, but they have sold well. I even sold out of one style. I still have a few left, and I am close to hitting the £500 target I set.

Fingers crossed, the final push gets me past the marker.

Pride

This year, my engagement with Pride events has been a bit lacklustre. I’ve not attended as many as I usually would, and it’s left me feeling somewhat disconnected from the season.

Salford Pride – Pink Picnic

Last month was Salford’s Pink Picnic, which has always been a staple for me. I’ve gone religiously over the years, but this time I gave it a miss. The recent changes made by the organisers felt tone-deaf, ignoring community feedback and stripping away what made the event special.

I had planned to write a full post about it, but time got away from me. I just hope lessons are learned and the heart of the event is restored next year.

Manchester Pride

Manchester Pride was the first event I managed to attend this year, albeit just the Saturday. I walked in the Parade again with the Gay City Bowlers, which was a highlight. The day itself was alright; good company, decent vibes, but it lacked the spark. I barely explored the non-ticketed areas, apart from the rides. It’s started to feel more like a busy Saturday drinking session than a Pride celebration.

I still refuse to buy a ticket for Pride due to past controversies. Instead, I choose to donate directly to LGBT+ charities. That’s my way of supporting the community while the event remains in its current commercial state.

There has also been some legal noise around Manchester Pride. They allegedly refused entry to those without tickets. This happened despite the area being a public pathway. Manchester Council is investigating, and I’m curious to see what comes of it.

Didsbury Pride

Now this was a breath of fresh air. Didsbury Pride, a smaller community-led event, gave me everything I needed: warmth, friendliness and a relaxed atmosphere. The travel was a bit of a slog. However, once there, it was lovely to catch up with friends. It was enjoyable to spend the day together.

The layout this year was much better, with more space to socialise. When the rain came down, the canopies made it a little cosy. It was another reminder of how different community events feel compared to the larger commercial ones.

And yes, I will never forget the drag queen dressed as a banana. They belted out Lady Gaga’s ‘Abracadabra’ with the lyrics changed to ‘I’m a banana’. It was absolutely bonkers and brilliant.

Next year, I want to make a conscious effort to attend more grassroots Pride events. They offer something real: connection, joy and authenticity. Pride should be about community first, and that’s where I’ve found the most meaning.

‘Today is all about…’ photos