Author Topic: Pride 2019  (Read 3762 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline fuwapanzer

  • Basically New Zealand
  • **
  • Posts: 223
  • this man GUCCI'D down to the SOCKS but need $4 🤨
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Federation of Kaimaya
Pride 2019
« on: July 01, 2019, 12:02:22 PM »
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.”

Offline Norgeras

  • World Power
  • ****
  • Posts: 542
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Neu Uburzis
Re: Pride 2019
« Reply #1 on: July 05, 2019, 01:02:17 AM »
Orion wasn't much in the mood for a Party when his Airship sat down. He had school lessons all the way since they left from Neu Uburzis, and his calendar was booked full for the next weeks already. He would be barely having time to spent with his family.


"Great. Where did they dig out that musical fossil. A Pyramid in Clysperis?" he groaned as the speakers greeted him, bleating madonna's playback over the field.

It was the first time any official delegation from Neu Uburzis entered Derumsian soil, so he put on his best diplomatic cemented smile, sat his wreath on his head and a rainbow toga over his silk tunic before making his way over to find Derumsia's President.

Crossing past happy couple all around, hugging kissing and having their hands where they probably shouldn't be in broad daylight Orion wished he could just sink into the ground and not be around. It just made him feel the more miserable about the fact he'd never have a choice. Three Bodyguards made sure he could make his way relatively quickly, aside from keeping potential threats away from him. He reached the Stage and made his way over to at least announce himself to the president. Well, technically he was waiting for the host to greet the guest.



Meanwhile on a smaller stage, the Uburzian Band Feuerschwanz had found their own audience. The Band had picked a place to perform close to a local Mead Vendor, before blasting their first song of the day to the crowd. Somewhat nefarious for being nothing but a band for drunk festival fans, Orion had hopes they where they right pick to bring along for the ride.

It didn't take long for the Vendor to struggle with keeping the golden liquid flowing.

Offline Libby

  • Order Of The Pen
  • Global Superpower
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,062
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Lodja/Kaitaine
Re: Pride 2019
« Reply #2 on: July 07, 2019, 08:36:59 PM »
The first official overseas visit by the Queen of Lodja and the new Crown Princess of Lodja wa to Pride. Both Klara and Roksana had of course attended many prides in Lodja but never the large international one and never as anything other than just members of the public. Klara had even insisted that the pair not wear the formal attire the status of a Lodjain Queen and their wife demand for a foreign visit, instead both had opted for jeans and T-Shirt. The music wasn't quiet up to their taste, Madonna should have retired years ago. Roksana remembered being younger and dancing around in her bedroom to the so called Queen of Pop, but times had changed and sadly too had the voice. Klara meanwhile while being ten years younger had also grown up with the music the legacy being so large. However as they sat side by side on the grass in the park it kind of missed something.

They planned on heading around the stalls, finding something to eat and seeing what else the organisers had lined up but then Lodjain artist Jessie J came on so they waited until the end of her set before wandering off to find some food.

Offline KrisNord

  • Order Of The Pen
  • World Power
  • ****
  • Posts: 560
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Nya Åland/Ui Cenneslaig
Re: Pride 2019
« Reply #3 on: July 07, 2019, 09:51:06 PM »
It had been around six years ago that Krista and Willa had set up the first Global Pride event in what was when the Union of Nordic People. A lot had happened since then, first the pair had married and Krista had become Krista Rosendahl-Sunbrek, actress and First Lady of the UNP. Willa had become Willa Sunbrek-Rosendahl the first openly lesbian leader of the UNP. Then had come the division of the nation and then the great disaster that had seen Willa die. It was in the aftermath of that tragedy that Krista had set up the Sunbrek Foundation in order to ensure Pride had continued to be a global movement and not just a one off event.

She was pleased to see it come to a nation that hadn't hosted it before and that is was still so well supported. She'd heard of how Queen Klara and her wife were attending and hoped to bump into them later. She was however a little disappointed in the day. The street celebration and concert were naturally great but little was mentioned of the victories over the last year. The Trans community supported with additions to the MCUR even though her own nation hadn't signed the document, their own laws on LGBT+ issues being even more supportive. There was also no mention of work still to do, the Ecclesiastical State still had laws against Sodomy while Tamora banned same sex marriage totally. These were things that should still be addressed and instead the event just seemed like a big party. Krista stood watched a few bands from the wings and then made her way into the festival grounds.

Offline fuwapanzer

  • Basically New Zealand
  • **
  • Posts: 223
  • this man GUCCI'D down to the SOCKS but need $4 🤨
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Federation of Kaimaya
Re: Pride 2019
« Reply #4 on: July 14, 2019, 07:59:53 AM »
Ebston has been socialising with the public, shaking hands, small talk, etc, when he spotted a young, blonde boy in Uzurbis clothing.

“Could it really be?”

He finished his conversation and made his way to him. He straightened his suit, he combed his hair using his fingers, and did his best to look official. Two other bodyguards followed.

He stuck out his arm and greeted him.

“Greetings! I believe you’re Orion, Emperor of New Uzurbis. Welcome to New Derusmia, I hope your journey was pleasant and you find your stay in our nation well. Now, come along, your majesty, if I may call you that.”

The President had arranged to put up a private gazebo, one that could fit a bit more than twenty people. Its occupants were to be Foreign Heads of States coming over for the Pride Festival happening nearby. There were two tables, one of which would seat the Heads of States, and the other had hot drinks and light beverages set up along it’s length. Ebston strode over to the table and poured both him and Orion some hot cocoa, and they sat down, where they stayed put for now, waiting for others to arrive.

Offline Norgeras

  • World Power
  • ****
  • Posts: 542
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Neu Uburzis
Re: Pride 2019
« Reply #5 on: July 19, 2019, 11:16:50 PM »
Orion felt oddly patronized by the President. They where both heads of State but in Orions eyes the President acted like a Kindergartner opening a present and getting exactly what he wished for.

"President Ebston, i assume?" Orion gave him a well studied acknowledging nod, following him to the VIP Gazebo. He'd wander the festive grounds later but for now, Duty First.

The Teen cringed and bit his tongue when the President served him hot Cocoa. That guy had either young children on his own or didn't deal with anyone of Orions age after he had left school. What did the old man think Orion was? Eight Years old?

/He is Just being nice... he's probably out of his Depth dealing with a Teen Monarch as i am feeling patronized right now/ Orion told himself as he took a sip from the cup:

"Thank you, Mister Ebston. I see i am the only one here in your Tent yet. Anything particular planned for the day? Or is a musical street festival with the rainbow flag what you aimed to achieve?"

Offline fuwapanzer

  • Basically New Zealand
  • **
  • Posts: 223
  • this man GUCCI'D down to the SOCKS but need $4 🤨
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Federation of Kaimaya
Re: Pride 2019
« Reply #6 on: July 27, 2019, 05:37:40 AM »
“Ah, of course not.” Ebston let out a chuckle. “I’ve a full roster of LGBT activists and leaders from across New Derusmia and across the world arriving and giving speeches on the numerous stages we’ve set up across the town.”

Ebston sipped his cup of cocoa and turned his head toward the main stage.

“In fact, once Jessie J steps off that stage, the leader of New Derusmia’s LGBT Community is giving her speech. Y’know, I know her quite well, her name’s Alicia Jewiss, she’s a very nice person. My children are quite big fans of her.”

Realising he was beginning to ramble, he stopped, and continued.

“Oh, sorry. I have a strange habit of rambling on about things. I hope I didn’t annoy you. Anyways, I’ve invited you here, as you are the first Uzurbian Head of State to visit New Derusmia, I just wanted to welcome you and ask some questions about New Uzurbis. Your empire has quite an interesting history and culture.”



Simon had come back to Veronica after waiting for what seemed like years in a line waiting for food.

“Damn, the line was huge, sorry for taking too long.”

He handed her a salted ‘spiralled potato on a stick’, and they both ate, waiting for Alicia to take to the stage. In the corner of Simon’s eye, he could spot uniformed men, guiding what seemed to be VIP’s behind the stage to a large white tent, guarded by more uniformed men.

Offline Norgeras

  • World Power
  • ****
  • Posts: 542
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Neu Uburzis
Re: Pride 2019
« Reply #7 on: July 31, 2019, 01:20:02 PM »
/I just hope none of the Activists from home are here.../

Orion thought to himself, sipping from his drink, while listening to Ebstons ramble:

"Well, Mundus is a large place. So Far, New Derumsia seems Hospital. More than i can say about other Countries." Orion nodded slowly:

"As for Question, go ahead. It's just that i am only fourteen after all, so don't expect me to know everything by heart. If you have Questions specifically, i can always set you up with history Professors or economic Advisers from Albrecht's close Circle."







Outside where Feuerschwanz was about to start their next Vulgar Drink song, a Couple of People had erected an Impromptu Soapbox Stage, with a Microphone and Speakers. They held up signs like "Marriage is love, not Utility" and "Treatment is not Mutilation" - before an angry Woman in her late 30's stepped up and spoke:

"Brothers, Sisters, and everything in Between. Today we celebrated achievements. Yet Neu Uburzis has achieved nothing for the last two Centuries. Yes, it is accepted that we sleep with each other. But can we Marry? No! We are supposed to have children first, then be unfaithful to our spouse and just have affairs with the person we actual love. What kind of nonsense is this? Of course we can adopt children, but since we aren't married inheritance is just as murky."

Some applause from the currently small but growing group around the Speaker:

"And now, we have the historic chance of having a world accepting us more and more, aside from a couple of slaving scumbags and genocidal maniacs, and we even have a little Emperorling who's been seen and reported to pick up a young Lodjan stud for a dance, but he still remains silent!"

More applause, as the crowd grows and the Band is getting drowned:

"HEY ORION!" the woman barked into the Microphone:
"WE KNOW YOU PLAY PETTY SMALLTALK WITH THE PRESIDENT! START CARING FOR US INSTEAD AND COME OUT! YOUR ONE OF US, SO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS NONSENSE! WE KNOW YOU SUFFER FROM THIS, TOO!"

Loud applause, as a man with a large wig walks on the impromptu Stage:

"I mean, let's be fair. He's probably under a lot of Pressure. But just look at the Statement your Friend Queen Klara has made Orion. It's time for you to step up and out of Albrechts Shadow. So show yourself. Queen Klara is probably embarrassed for you!"

Offline Libby

  • Order Of The Pen
  • Global Superpower
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,062
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Lodja/Kaitaine
Re: Pride 2019
« Reply #8 on: August 03, 2019, 11:19:28 PM »
Klara and Roksana spent some time wandering the food stalls, naturally there was a huge selection and it took the duo some time to determine what they wanted. After finding something that could be eaten while walking around they thought it important to find ice cream. They found somewhere quiet to eat it after all there was no dignified way of eating it and images back home of a Queen in casual attire coated in ice cream just wouldn't be seen as dignified. They began making their way back towards the main stage area to see what was happening music wise however along the way they heard heckling aimed at Emperor Orion of Neu Urburzis.

Klara and Roksana had to pass by the group on their way into the VIP area where they thought they should at least show their faces. She didn't really want to engage with them. She agreed with what they were saying but heckling a child wasn't the way to get things done. It was actually Roksana whom was recognised and then a heartbeat later Klara. She felt on the spot, "I am not embrassed for Orion" she said rather quieter than she'd expected. "The Emperor is still young, many in the world will see him as a child. I still face the issue being seen as perhaps too young, too niave to know better." she gripped Roksana's hand tightly. "I believe your Emperor needs your support and not your abuse. Once he grows into his authority then you can criticise him. Until then you're more the welcome to come to Lodja and marry. We'd welcome you with open arms." Klara smiled at Roksana hoping her words hadn't been too rude. She headed a step towards the VIP entrance, stopped and turned back. "I shall pass your concerns on to His Imperial Majesty." she said once more before flashing the pass around her neck.

She had a bit of a look around the VIP area, saw the musical performances from the side before finding Emperor Orion chatting with the hosts President. "Mr.President" Klara said approaching, she could see Roksana about to do her kind of semi official duty of introducing "Her Divine Majesty, Guardian of blah blah etc etc." and so started talking before her wife had the chance. "Thank you for hosting the event." she turned to Orion. "Emperor Orion. I have sadly just had to meet with some of your fellow country folk outside complaining about no same sex marriage." She guessed the Emperor already had heard them. "I simply told them that they'd be more than welcome to come to Lodja and get married, after all we do throw pretty good wedding parties. I hope this won't be an issue?" She asked, "After all the more Lodjain hosted wedding ceremonies for people from Neu Urburzis maybe the more excuses you'll have and come and see Lady Anna's nephew." she winked.


Offline Achkaerin

  • Lord Chief Justice
  • Global Superpower
  • *****
  • Posts: 3,967
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: the Holy Empire of Achkaerin
Re: Pride 2019
« Reply #9 on: August 04, 2019, 11:45:02 PM »
Sakura Sheppard was one of the Pride regulars, which probably didn't come as any surprise to anyone who knew her. A few years ago she'd have stayed away from this sort of event as well but she was far bolder now than she ever had been before and that was mainly down to her partner Becky Leighton, Becky was Dartfordian by birth the two had met at High School and fallen for each other back then, that was before a horrific accident had landed Becky in a coma for a few years. Both girls were musical, Becky was actually an Ozzie winning composer twice in fact having won for the arrangement of 'Don't Cry for me Rokkenjima' in the film Trust and then most recently for 'This is Me' in Caught in Rhythm. Sakura partly hoped that the trip to Pride would allow Becky to get her head out of all the scores she was working on for the next in the Rhythm series of film. First things first though spend a little time in the VIP area before mingling in the general crowd.

The protests were noisy but that was about it, to some extent they emphasised the true message of the movement, Sakura had been involved in the movement long enough now to know that their journey was far from over, yes Pride was a celebration but it was also a recognition that there was more work to be done. The protests showed that there was a world out there that screamed for the recognition and the rights enjoyed by citizens of nations where the LGBT community was welcomed and treated equally.

"Well at least they haven't got swords this time." Sakura said, she wasn't too far from where Orion and Klara were conversing and while she couldn't hear their conversation she could hazard a guess as to what the topic was, the swords reference was an acknowledgement of the events of the Pride that had been held in Gowu, the second ever Pride and the one that had been tasked with carrying on the momentum of the first, unfortunately one of the lasting memories of that event was a group of Toshikawan citizens armed with their swords in a stand off with Gowu police at the border between Gowu's turf and Toshikawa. Sakura then glanced at Becky who was scribbling away in a pocket book "Are you scouting?"

"Maybe." Becky said

Offline Norgeras

  • World Power
  • ****
  • Posts: 542
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Neu Uburzis
Re: Pride 2019
« Reply #10 on: August 13, 2019, 10:14:14 PM »
The protesters fell dead pan silent after the speakers jaw quite literally dropped open when the Queen he had just talked about actually answered him. He tried to find words but just stepped down from his box, the crowd trying to snap pictures with the Queen and her Consort but else they seemingly dispersed into conversation about what just had happened.

"Kla... i mean your Majesty! What a pleasure that you are here!" Orion actually beamed up with the welcome addition to the head of states club, then glancing at Rhoksanna: "I hope you liked the Paintings for the wedding. I found they'd make an awful present for the first wedding... but with the second they seemed..." he then deadpanned as the protesters where mentioned, turning bright red as he looked on the floor:

"I mean they are right in one respect, i am in the same boat." he sighed as he shook his head: "I'll Adresse it after the summer camps once i get a little speech in front of the senate... but i just have so much to do." he slumped down a little more, once Gavril had been mentioned:

"It'd be nice to see him more often, but im afraid i can't start something that's doomed. I'd just hurt both of us. I get my Wife picked for me, and i am not as lucky as to get to choose two." he shook his head slowly, quickly drying his eyes:

"I talked about their concerns with Albrecht." Orion tried to change the subject a little: "The whole concept off a love marriage has been introduced fairly recently into the empire, and it only starts to sink. Marriage before was about getting the prettiest and smartest babies, not about the parents getting along. Love was always considered to be a thing to happen outside of the institution of family."
He shook his head:
"It will take time, between having to find their place in the world and trying to adjust to the changes, swallowing this pill will take time for the people to accept. Brute forcing it won't make things easier, Albrecht said."

Offline fuwapanzer

  • Basically New Zealand
  • **
  • Posts: 223
  • this man GUCCI'D down to the SOCKS but need $4 🤨
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Federation of Kaimaya
Re: Pride 2019
« Reply #11 on: August 19, 2019, 08:11:47 AM »
Ebston had welcomed everyone as they entered the tent. The temperature inside was warm, compared to the chilly morning air outside. “Welcome, Welcome all. I hope you’ve enjoyed yourselves so far. May I pour you a mug of hot cocoa? Best in New Derusmia.”

After the greetings, he turned to Klara and Roksana.

“Ah, I forgot. Congratulations on your recent wedding, and my apologies for not being able to come. I received the invitation, but I wasn’t available to attend due to the Metrian Bombings of last year.”

He turned to the others and gave them a warm smile.

“Well, I’m awfully sorry about that. Anyways, hello, welcome. Take a seat if you like. I’d like to welcome you all personally to New Derusmia.”