Glow Up judge Dominic Skinner felt ‘there was no other person like him’ until he went to Pride
The make-up guru reflects on his experiences in My Pride, sponsored by Taimi.
Words: Jamie Tabberer; picture: Attitude
Dom Skinner has spoken about the importance of Pride, saying it wasn’t until he connected with fellow LGBTQ people at his first celebration that he stopped feeling “alone”.
The judge on BBC TV show Glow Up opens up about his experiences of coming to terms with his sexuality and place in the community in My Pride, sponsored by Taimi.
The make-up guru will be joined in the video series – dropping this week as part of Attitude Pride At Home, in association with Klarna – by the likes of RPDR alumni Alaska, Lawrence Chaney and Bob the Drag Queen.
“There was no internet when I first went to Pride!”
“When I was young and going to Pride, it was your only moment to connect with other gay people because there was actually no internet!” explains Dom. “Whereas nowadays, there isn’t this lack of connection.
“So, I don’t if young gay people feel a sense of being alone… because that’s how I felt when I was younger. That there was no other person like me in the world. Going to Pride gave me a feeling of community, belonging and acceptance.”
View this post on Instagram
Dom adds: “What I would say is, it’s still necessary to still go to Pride, even if you don’t feel like you’re alone.
“Going and being surrounded by an incredible group of like-minded individuals makes you feel so connected.”
Recalling the first time he attended a Pride event at London’s 1997 parade and festival, Dom admits his emotions overflowed during Frankie Goes to Hollywood singer Holly Johnson’s now-legendary performance of ‘The Power of Love’.
“I did cry at Pride: that first Pride I went to, Holly Johnson singing and the fireworks happening, that was quite an emotional, tear-jerking moment”, he says.
“It was my first time being surrounded by other gay people. Being a closeted gay kid at school, you don’t know anyone else, so suddenly being in a field surrounded by other gay people, it’s like ‘there is life beyond what you know’.”
My Pride, sponsored by Taimi, is part of Attitude Pride at Home, in association with Klarna, that runs from 17-27 June at attitude.co.uk, youtube.com/attitudemag and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@attitudemag).
Attitude Pride at Home, in association with Klarna, is to benefit the Attitude Magazine Foundation for LGBT causes – this year supporting ten amazing organisations including AKT, Black Trans Foundation, Curly’s Legacy, Elton John AIDS Foundation, The Food Chain, Kaleidoscope Trust, LGBT Youth Scotland, Mermaids, Stonewall UK and Switchboard LGBT.
Each will receive at least £1000 courtesy of our sponsors Klarna, Bentley, Clifford Chance, Slingsby, Swatch and Taimi and individual supporters.
To donate £5 please text ATHOME5 to 70480 or see our Virgin Money Giving link here. Visit attitudemagazinefoundation.com for more details.