Simon Werdstann had only just gotten back from the 2019 Creative Arts Expo in the SICR when he recieved the news from one of his friends that New Derusmia has been chosen to host Pride 2019. This was a surprise to Simon, but a welcome one to be sure. Best of all, they were hosting the whole thing in the town of Noyba, a mere 20 minute drive from his hometown in the Southern Teritorries. As soon as Simon landed, he called his girlfriend back home not only to announce his arrival, but to also ask if she had wanted to go to the Festival with him. She agreed, and 24 hours later, the pair arrived in Noyba by bus.
Noyba had about 200,000 inhabitants, and was a simple, albeit, slightly chilly town, located in the lower parts of the Southern Teritorries, towards Quintelia, filled with ordinary houses, and ordinary inhabitants. Not today it was. Today, the town was essentially draped in decorations, all in the colours of the rainbow. Vendors of all types, food, drinks, and souvenirs, lined each walkway and road, most of which had been closed off for the festival. The air smelt of freshly made foods, such as barbecued meats, sweets of all kinds, and the national specialty, pastries such as meat pies. Speakers were stationed at every corner, blasting music, and bright lights of every colour were already going off, despite the fact it was only the late morning. Businesses were filled to the brim with customers from all across the world. Somewhere in the near distance, truckloads of fireworks were being set up by countless workmen, and police officers were beginning to get on duty, stationing themselves 20m across from each other. Almost every bus, cab, and train in the area had been assigned to bring people from the airport, train station, and such to Noyba. People of all nationalities and dialects were already beginning to arrive.
Meanwhile, in the Noyba Main Park, a large crowd had already amassed, patrons were setting up tents, shelters, and towels on the grass in front of a large stage, “Large enough to fit a small orchestra.” Simon thought to himself as he and Veronica made their way to the town center. The youth, the mature, and even the elderly were beginning to gather in Noyba Main Park. Simon turned his head to Veronica just before sitting
President Ebston Feish and his family waited in a tent behind the stage, waiting for the Noyba Clock Tower to strike noon. He stood, looking at his palm cards one final time before he stood up on the stage. He began to repeat the whole speech quickly in his mind, right until the bell chimed. He kissed goodbye to his wife and children, and went up the stairs at the backstage personnel’s signal. The music volume on the speakers was lowered, and a voice announced that the President would now give a speech. With the announcement made, Ebston stepped out onto the stage sporting a rainbow coloured tie, and began to speak.
“Greetings, thanks for coming out here today, despite it being a bit chilly. Today, I want to start off this speech by saying this. I believe that those who are LGBT+ should have the right to step outside their homes, and not to be judged, be discriminated, or to be abused. They are no more or no less more human than us, so what good reason is there to do these hateful things? Friends, we have come out here today not only to celebrate the LGBT+ community, but to celebrate everything they have done for us. These LGBT+ people are fully developed members of society, who share the same goal as the rest of us, the betterment of all humanity. I’d like to thank you all for listening to me today...” He took a deep breath, and continued. “Of course, Pride isn’t specifically about the LGBT+ community. It’s also about being about who you are. Nobody what discrimination you get, no matter what. In fact, if you take away anything from here today, take away that. Always be proud of who you are. You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone.” After taking a deep breath, he raised his voice for all to hear. “Now, with that being said, I declare Pride 2019 open!”
The crowd began cheering, and through the cheering, the President managed to say:
“Now, I present to you, Krimeon’s very own, Madonna!”
The crowd only got louder as he stepped off the stage to let Madonna perform, and went backstage, where he could breathe for a moment before socialising with the spectators.
Simon, having just witnessed the President speak, has stood up and applauded, and so did his companion. Once Madonna has stepped on stage, Simon went to find snacks, while Veronica stayed to watch. Just before leaving, Simon bent down to speak to Veronica, and told her: “Y’know, in this park, was the site of the first same-sex weeding in the nation? Just thought I might tell ya that.”