My Top Ten Tips for Staying Safe During Pride - Luke Boss

Aug 27

3 min read

1. Put Your Safety Before Anyone Else's Expectations

If you're planning on bottoming and you're worried about eating beforehand, remember that your safety and wellbeing come first. If you need to eat, then eat.

Many people worry about accidents, but staying fuelled and hydrated will help you stay safe, sober, and enjoy the day for longer. A small travel douche kit can be useful for peace of mind if needed.

If you decide to eat lightly, make sure you've at least had something earlier in the day, even if it's just breakfast. Drink plenty of water and soft drinks throughout the event.

At the end of the day, your safety is more important than pleasing someone else.

2. Use a Traffic Light System for Boundaries

Before you go out, think about your Green, Amber, and Red boundaries.

🟢 Green

Things you're definitely happy to do.

My examples:

Snog Jason Statham (or a lookalike!)
Get black glitter in my beard

🟠 Amber

Things you might be open to depending on the situation, who you're with, the environment, and how comfortable you feel.

My examples:

Drinking Jägerbombs
Walking around in a jockstrap
Going back to someone's house if I feel comfortable

🔴 Red

Things that are completely off the table.

My examples:

Snog Nigel Farage
Certain types of sex

"No" means no. No ifs, no buts.

3. Stay Connected With Your Group

If you're attending with friends, it's perfectly okay to split off and do your own thing.

Just let people know where you're going, stay contactable, and check in occasionally.

Knowing someone can reach you if needed helps keep everybody safer.

4. Make Sure Your Phone Is Fully Charged

A charged phone is one of the most important things you can take with you.

If you have a portable charger, bring it. If not, leave home with your battery at 100%.

It's also worth knowing which venues have charging points available, such as REM Bar.

5. Keep Your Essentials Safe

Think carefully about where you're keeping your:

Phone
Wallet
ID
Bank cards
Medication

Many Pride events have bag restrictions and crowded spaces can attract pickpockets.

Secure pockets, zipped bags, or body-worn pouches can make all the difference.

6. Learn the Entry and Exit Routes

Before heading into busy areas, take a moment to understand the layout.

Some streets may be closed off or become very crowded. Knowing where the exits, quieter streets, and crossing points are can help reduce anxiety and make it easier to move around when you need a break.

7. Know Where the Calm Spaces Are

Pride can be overwhelming for anyone, especially if you're neurodivergent, anxious, or simply need a breather.

Places such as the Neuroqueerz Calm Space, located near Canal Street, provide a quieter environment away from crowds and loud music. Whether you need five minutes or a couple of hours, don't hesitate to use these spaces.

8. Wear a Lanyard if It Helps You

If using a lanyard, sunflower badge, or any other accessibility aid would make your day easier, use it proudly.

Sunflowers look fabulous with rainbows, and many people will be more aware of your need for personal space, patience, or support.

9. Remember That Consent Applies to Everything

Consent isn't just about sex or drugs.

Whether it's touching someone, taking photos, buying drinks, sharing personal information, or engaging in any activity, consent matters.

No means no, and enthusiastic consent should always be the standard.

10. Do a Risk Assessment of What You Bring

Before leaving home, think about:

How likely something is to get lost or damaged
How difficult or expensive it would be to replace
Whether a cheaper alternative would work

For example, noise-cancelling headphones might be essential for your comfort, but it could make sense to bring a less expensive pair if there's a risk of losing them.

A little planning can save a lot of stress later.

Most Importantly...

Pride is about being yourself, celebrating your community, and having fun. Look after yourself, look after each other, and don't be afraid to take breaks, set boundaries, or ask for help when you need it.

Happy Pride! 🌈✨