As the world very slowly finds itself in a new normal, many of us will be thinking of how we want to do things differently in future. After being pretty much housebound since March 2020 I have certainly had time to think and reflect. One of the biggest things for me is the whole notion of ‘Live for the moment’ and the plethora of uplifting quotes that spring to mind. Lockdown and its impact are so widespread that I think a lot more of us will be working even harder to live life to the fullest. It has got me thinking about all those places that I really want to visit but just hadn’t got around to yet. We all have a ‘bucket list’ like that right? Granted, I could have visited a lot of different places for holidays over the years, but we choose to return to Walt Disney World again and again. I do not think we will ever stop returning to Orlando of course, it is our happy place. Still, 17 weeks (we had 1 extra because we were already self-isolating before lockdown began) of not being able to go places has definitely given us a sense of perspective and a renewed determination to visit new places too.

With the recent resurgence of my interest in theme parks, I have been thinking specifically about the theme parks around the world that I always said I wanted to visit but still haven’t and I thought I would share that list with you. At this point, I should say that there is a whole crop of theme parks that we have visited previously that now have sparkly new attractions I want to ride. That in itself is a whole different list. Today I will just be talking about the parks that are still totally new to me that are on my bucket list.

The heritage lover in me has always wanted to visit Coney Island. Strictly speaking, Coney Island itself is not a theme park so I am kind of cheating already. It is actually a residential and commercial district in Brooklyn, New York. At Coney Island, you will find Luna Park and Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park along with some other rides that don’t belong to a specific park. Luna Park is home to the ‘Coney Island Cyclone’ which is one of the oldest wooden roller coasters still in operation in the USA. The coaster is a New York City Designated Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I’ve ridden the oldest operating rollercoaster in the UK, the ‘Scenic Railway’ at Dreamland, Margate which opened in 1920. The ‘Coney Island Cyclone’ was built in 1927. There is a certain romanticism for those really old rollercoasters. By modern-day standards, they are very tame but that doesn’t take away from how important they are. In their opening years, they were the cutting edge of rollercoaster technology, well, to an extent, they were the birth of it. At the time they were the most thrilling thing that the general public had access to. In addition, New York City is pretty high up on my bucket list of places I’d like to visit all on its own.

To be fair, there are actually a few Japanese parks that I would love to visit and in all honesty, I just want to visit Japan. I absolutely love the idea of visiting a part of the world that is so culturally different. I picked Fuji Q because it is quite literally near the base of Mount Fuji and the location looks incredible. It also has ‘Eejanaika’, the second ‘4th Dimension Rollercoaster’ ever built. I have ridden the first, ‘X2’ at Six Flags Magic Mountain and to say that I loved it was an understatement. That coaster was unlike absolutely anything I have ever ridden in my life ever. It was a little brutal, to say the least, but in a good way. There were points around the circuit that I literally couldn’t tell which way was up. If there was any coaster-type that I would like to see more of in the world, it is these because they are just so ridiculously mental. I swear, whoever came up with the concept and designed it was on some mad trip or something. I need to try ‘Eejanaika’ just to be sure of course. In short, the combination of Japan, the culture, Mount Fuji and ‘Eejanaika’ is enough to make this list.

If you are not a theme park enthusiast, you might not know this. Not to play into a stereotype or anything but if you are a gay man, you should know this. Dolly Parton has a theme park! Well, she co-owns it, but the point is. Dolly. Parton. Has. A. Theme. Park. It’s called Dollywood for heaven’s sake! That in itself is enough to make me want to pack up the cowboy boots that I don’t yet own and get on the plane. Dolly is a legend and an icon. On top of that, she actually has some pretty cool looking coasters in her park. It is HER park, don’t argue! There is ‘Lightning Rod’ which is a Rocky Mountain Construction wood and steel hybrid. I’ve already ridden a couple of the RMC coasters and I would say that both of them were world-class. I have yet to see anything that would suggest that ‘Lightning Rod’ is anything less. ‘Wild Eagle’ the Bolliger & Mabillard ‘Wing-Coaster’ also looks pretty cool too. On top of the rides, the park looks absolutely stunning, set in the natural beauty of the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains. And in case you didn’t pick up on it, DOLLY PARTON!

Did you really think you were going to get a list of bucket list places that did not include Disney? Granted, I am cheating here a little bit because they are three very separate resorts. I have lumped them all together because my husband and I have often discussed and dreamt about a holiday where we take on all three resorts on the same trip. I don’t really need to get into the specifics of why we want to visit these resorts. They are Disney and that speaks for itself in my book. If we ever did get out there to visit all three, we would be able to say that we had visited every single Disney resort around the world. I’ll accept that this probably wouldn’t be a big deal for very many people but for me, it would be an achievement; a level-up of my Disney obsession.

With 17 rollercoasters currently operating, Cedar Point is probably the theme park capital, no, Mecca, of the world. I don’t think I know of a single theme park or rollercoaster enthusiast that doesn’t dream about visiting this park if they haven’t already. The park currently holds the record for the second-greatest number of rollercoasters in a single theme park. Six Flags Magic Mountain currently has the most at 19 operating coasters, but I have already been there twice. Adding another 17 coasters to my ride list or coaster-count is enough in itself to make me want to visit. Sure, there can be an argument made for quality over quantity. It would be a bit pants if all 17 of the coasters were the equivalent of a Wacky Worm or worse, a Vekoma SLC (sorry Vekoma :-P) but from what I can see, Cedar Point has a very eclectic bunch of rollercoasters to try, many of which are regarded as being the best of their type in the world.

I am ashamed but not afraid to admit that many years ago I bought into the narrative that people of colour needed to ‘get over it’ in relation to the slavery, legalised racial discrimination and racial segregation that they had endured. I will add I am not looking for forgiveness for that shame either, I just want to share how my thinking has changed.

The younger and clearly more naive me felt that those things were ‘ancient’ history. At that time I genuinely did not recognise that racism was still an issue or at least as big an issues as it is. I should be very clear that I was always raised to treat everyone equally and more to the point, I was raised to never treat anyone like they were less of a person because of the colour of their skin. In my much smaller world, you could use that phrase that I “did not see colour”. I did not see all that much racism in my world at all. Of course, there were occasions of outright racism (such as racial slurs) that I witnessed and in turn, I was always against it. It always seemed to me that it was a very small minority that held racist views and exhibited those behaviours.

As I grew up and my world widened. I met people from all different walks of life and different cultures. Each of them with their own different histories, perspectives, beliefs and view of the world around them. As a general rule, I love to learn, it was the one aspect of school I did like! I enjoy acquiring new skills and knowledge so I am always open to learning. I was happy to learn from those people in my widening world about their culture and their experiences. Some of that knowledge is incredibly fascinating stuff and some of it is completely mortifying.

It wasn’t very long before I learned (and am still learning) that the racism that I thought was ancient history really wasn’t ancient at all.

We can all agree that the use of the N-word is unacceptable as are other racial slurs and hate crimes etc. That was very much a part of how I was raised. What I didn’t realise all those years ago, was that these things were what is called overt racism. Overt racism is the stuff that is commonly unacceptable in society. What I didn’t realise all those years ago was that racism runs so much deeper than those things. There are so many other examples of racism that are more covert, meaning that in many cases, white people don’t even consciously recognise that we are doing it. Over the years I have been learning more and more about those examples of covert and systematic racism. And I am still learning.

A particular example of this racism links back to how I started this article and the phrase that people of colour need to accept it is history and get over it. Yes, slavery was abolished in the United Kingdom and throughout the British Empire in 1833 and for the United States in 1863. Yes, that was a very long time ago.

Yet, just recently I saw a meme on social media that read “Sir Francis Drake defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588, preventing an invasion of England. He was allegedly playing a game of bowls on Plymouth Hoe when he was warned of the approaching ships, but he decided he could finish his game and still beat the Spaniards. He did. Proud to be British.”

So it’s ok for us to take pride in an event that happened in 1588 but people of colour are expected to ‘get over’ the way things were prior to 1833 (and 1863 in the USA)?

In more recent history, the civil rights movement began in 1954 and the subsequent acts that were introduced saw the end of legalised discrimination and segregation. A movement that had an impact around the world including here in the UK.

I really do not need to give an example of how we Brits take pride in ‘our’ part of defeating Hitler and the end of WW2 in 1945. That success is repeatedly referenced and used in many political and social discussions. We are often reminded to ‘never forget’ those who fought and made the ultimate sacrifice in that war and we do not forget, nor should we. My point is that it is often referred to and used as a clearly defining moment in British history. It was certainly framed that way by many people in recent discussions and arguments around Brexit.

So it’s ok for us to take pride in an event that happened in 1945 but people of colour are expected to ‘get over’ the way things were right up to the Civil Rights Movement?

Now, don’t get this twisted, I am not saying that us British people should not have pride in the successes of the past and the country that allows us to be. Not even slightly. What I am saying is that I’m my mind, it is tremendously hypocritical to tell a person of colour to stop ‘banging on about their history - it’s in the past’ but then turn around and literally bang on about our successes in a war.

This is particularly well illustrated in recent events surrounding the removal of certain statues in the UK (and has happened in other parts of the world too). These statues being of people with a well-documented relationship with racism, such as their involvement in the slave trade. It is quite common to hear the rationale of “it is a part of our history good or bad so the statues should be preserved”.

While on the subject, I may as well share my thoughts it, as I did through my social media:

“No, I don’t think they should be torn down by protestors and destroyed.

A wonderful memory turned up on my Timehop today. On this date last year I had taken a weekend trip, over 400 miles away, as the crow flies, to Aberdeen in Scotland for the BrewDog Punk AGM or Annual General Mayhem. To say that it was one heck of a weekend would be an understatement. It was also on this date last year that I invested (a small amount I hasten to add) in the company and became what is fondly referred to as an Equity Punk. You could say that I had already 'invested' in the company long before then, as I had become something of a hardcore fan. I was introduced to BrewDog by my best and oldest friend quite a number of years ago and the company have essentially become my go-to craft beer. There is rarely a time when I don't have at least one of their brews in my fridge.

I am writing this article while the UK and the rest of the world are in the middle of the global Covid-19 pandemic. Of course, being limited to staying in our home has given me plenty of time for reminiscing. If you recently read my theme park enthusiast series of articles you may have picked up on the fact that I do love a bit of reflection. This pandemic has certainly provided that opportunity. I have been thinking a lot about the businesses out there that have or have not been forthright in doing what they can to support their communities and their employees in this surreal reality. Essentially, the companies that are doing the right thing and therefore still deserve our custom when this is all over.

This thought process has also made me think of something that in all honesty, I should already have been doing a lot more of. I have on occasion steered clear of businesses that have a reputation for homophobic and anti-lgbtq+ rhetoric but I could do better. I could and should take more of an active interest in those companies that champion equality in the right ways and of course, those that do not. Over the last few years and in line with the increased acceptance of equality there has been a boom in the number of companies that support our LGBTQ+ community.

Naturally, it is a sliding scale. From those that not only champions equality and actually put their money where their mouth is through to those that are a little bit fairweather and only have surface support. The types that slap a pride flag on their logo and say they are pro-equality but do little else. I want to pay more attention to this so that when I spend money, it is with companies and businesses the ideals that I believe in and promote a culture that I myself consider important.

Me at the BrewDog brewery in Ellon, Scotland in 2019

For that reason, I want to write about and celebrate those companies that are on the 'right side of equality'. I wanted to share my thoughts so that others can consider it too. Given that Brewdog turned up in my Timehop and reminded me of some pretty awesome memories and in part, due to their reaction to the global crisis that we all face, they were as good a place to start as any...

You may have already seen in the news that BrewDog has been supporting the fight against Covid-19 by turning over some of their production lines to create hand sanitiser that is then being given to the NHS and other local community organisations. That in itself is really positive and I have to say, it makes me proud to have invested in a company that is taking such a stance. It is not a surprise to me though. As a company, they routinely demonstrate their commitment to ethical conduct, to sustainability, to their employees as a living wage employer and through the BrewDog Foundation with its commitment to donate £1Million per year to charitable initiatives.

So what about their commitments to the LGBTQ+ community? Over the years, BrewDog has created many 'protest' beers such as 'Make Earth Great Again' which was a protest of the President Trump decision to withdraw the USA from the Paris accord. In 2014, they created 'Hello, My Name is Vladimir' in response to the Russian ban on 'homosexual propaganda'. On the BrewDog blog they wrote:

"Hello, my name is Vladimir. I am a beer for uber hetero men who ride horses while topless and carrying knives. I am a beer to mark the 2014 Winter Olympics. But I am not for gays. Love wrestling burly men on the Judo mat or fishing in your Speedos? Then this is the beer for you!

The sick, twisted legislation brought about in Russia that prevents people from living their true lives is something we didn't want to just sit back and not have an opinion on. Our core beliefs are freedom of expression, freedom of speech and a dogged (no pun intended) passion for doing what we love. Thus, we are donating 50% of the profits from this beer to charitable organisations that support like-minded individuals wishing to express themselves freely without prejudice.

Right out of the gate, yes, I am feeling a little riled up. I opened up Twitter this morning to discover that a friend of mine had been called a 'faggot' simply for having an opinion about a theme park attraction. Quite frankly, I am sick to the back teeth of it. I am infuriated that in 2020, people, and grown-ass adults no less, still think it is ok to persist in using words like that as an attempt to belittle, hurt and victimise others. We are not in a playground and it needs to stop. Unless you are describing a 'bundle of sticks bound together as fuel' or a 'British meatball commonly made of pork offal', stop using the word faggot! It really is that simple. Just stop using that word. Period.

Many years ago, I wrote an article about derogatory terms and how they are often used within the LGBTQ community somewhat playfully and even as terms of endearment. I spoke about how it could be seen as an attempt to reclaim ownership of those words. Much like a victim of bullying will beat the perpetrator to the punch by mocking themselves before anyone else can, if we take ownership of the derogatory language used against us, we can neutralise its power as an insult. That being said, the use of the word 'faggot' as a means to be demeaning and degrading has always been one that I simply can not abide. I refuse to accept it as a term of endearment or playful banter. It is a disgusting and vile thing to call someone.

As far as I am concerned, the use of the word is comparable to using the 'N-word' as a way to insult a member of the black community or any person of colour for that matter! It is not acceptable. This is not an area for debate. I don't care if people within that community use that word in a completely different context. I am not a member of that community and so I am not in a position to dictate their taking ownership of that word. I have heard the argument so many times that "well if they can use that word, why can't we?". To me, that is such a weak position to take. It actually doesn't matter to me that they can use the word and I can't. We all know full well why that word is deeply offensive if used by those that are outside of that community. Anyone who claims that they do not know why it is abhorrent is exhibiting naivety to conceal a lie. We all know. So I simply do not use that word. Problem solved.

I am, however, a member of the LGBTQ community and so I can voice an opinion on the use of language that has been used to attack us.

You see, I grew up with people calling me a faggot. We are not talking once or twice here, we are talking about years of it. That word has literally been screamed at me throughout most of my life. From playground bullies to 'grown-up' adults across a road or in a bar. That word has been used as a way to belittle, demean, humiliate me. The context in which that word was used was exactly like in the song, an attempt to inflict hurt. Thankfully, and after years of this kind of behaviour, I have developed a thicker skin and can defend myself but should I have to? Amongst the many terms that are used with the same intent, 'faggot' is amongst the worse. In fact, if you look up the word with Google, it is the first definition offered. An informal and offensive noun for a male homosexual. The use of that word is to homophobia what the 'N-word' is to racism.

While I am here and as an example (I confess a rather longwinded one) of discussions relating to that word, you may remember that back around the Christmas of 2019 there was a large debate about the use of the word 'Faggot' in the popular Christmas song 'Fairytale Of New York' by The Pogues, originally recorded in 1987. In fact, I seem to recall that a similar discussion had taken place the previous year too, however, in 2019, the debate intensified because the song was then used in what was the most-watched TV show of Christmas Day, 'Gavin & Stacey'. At the time, I steered clear of the debate. I actually did not want to write about it because it was so widespread. In all honesty, some of the conversations that I saw occurring just made me want to put my face in a pillow and scream and not in a sexy fun-time kind of way! Putting it simply, I wasn't in a place where I felt strong enough to wade into the argument so I steered well clear of it. Looking back, I have some regrets about that because I do feel a certain kind of way about it and I should have spoken up. I should have added my thoughts to the myriad of different voices. As a member of the LGBTQ community and one who has his own little slice of the internet to share his voice, I should have done.

In my opinion, that song should indeed be consigned to the history books. First and foremost when looking at words that are deemed offensive is to consider the context. That actually goes back to what I was saying before about the use of the 'N-word'. In the context of the black community and how they use that word it is acceptable. Outside of that context, it is not.

The context within 'Fairytale Of New York' is an evolving argument between a couple. The song tells the story of how this couples life in New York was a fairytale. It starts out with dreams and aspirations but quickly dissolves into an argument:

You're a bum
You're a punk
You're an old slut on junk
Lying there almost dead on a drip in that bed
You scumbag, you maggot
You cheap lousy faggot
Happy Christmas your arse
I pray God it's our last

Ah, the Spice Girls. They really were a force to be reckoned with, weren’t they? For anyone growing up the 90’s, girl power was inescapable. They were not merely a girl group, they were household names. I for one, felt like I was a part of all of it. From the release of their first single ‘Wannabe’ in July of 1996, I was on board. I, like so many others, was not just a fan. I was obsessed. From the albums to each and every single, merchandise (of which there was a LOT), magazine cuttings and even recording their TV appearances on VHS, I amassed an almighty collection of Spice Girls memorabilia. To me the Spice Girls were EVERYTHING.

I know I am not alone in that either. There are die-hard fans like myself who still long for the day they announce a new album, a new song, a film, a TV interview or anything. Anything at all. Their rather spectacular stadium tour of 2019 was proof of their legacy and that there is still an appetite for the group. It was reported that at one point over 700,000 people were simultaneously attempting to buy tickets in what Ticketmaster has stated was their busiest ticket sale ever. The initial six tour dates sold out in minutes prompting additional dates to be added - finally performing 13 dates. I myself was lucky enough to be at the very last night of the tour at Wembley Stadium, the fourth time I had seen them live. I even did a vlog of the day which you can view below.

It is somewhat incredible that the legacy of the group only consists of 3 albums. With just 3 albums (although some fans may argue it was just 2 - personally I LOVED 'Forever') they became one of the most influential pop acts of all time. Who knows what would have happened had they continued to make music together.

From my teen years through to the present day, the Spice Girls have and always will be a part of my life that I simply can not let go. Now that I’m all ‘grown-up’ it is fun to see whole new generations jumping aboard the Spice Bus. My daughter, at the very young age of 16 months, loves to bounce around throwing her arms into the air whenever Spice Up Your Life is played. This is basically a list of the 10 Spice Girls songs I listen to the most. To be clear, there is not a single Spice Girls song I dislike, not even the much-maligned ‘Headlines (Friendship Never Ends)’. I really could have included every last song as ‘essential’ but then it wouldn’t really be a list so much as me just talking about the songs. I guess that to me, they are all essential. Nevertheless, with a whole new generation discovering the group for the first time, if someone was to ask me which songs to listen to, here are my Top 10 essential Spice Girls songs:

Wannabe

“Clomp, clomp, clomp, ha ha ha ha, Yooooo! I’ll tell you what I want, what I really really want”. The undeniably iconic opening of their debut single certainly left its mark on the world to the point that in 2014 the song was named as the ‘most easily recognisable pop song of the last 60 years’. The song perfectly captures the energy, sass and attitude of the group. At the time, many labelled it as a one-hit-wonder unaware of the rise to global domination that was to come. Eventually, that little one-hit-wonder topped the charts in 37 countries and has amassed over 7 million sales.
From the album ‘Spice’ (1996)

One Of These Girls

Along with the three albums, there was a whole host of B-Sides that will be relatively unknown to many but are equally worthy as being included on this list. The Spice Girls were well known for the fact that they each had their own style and personality and this track lays that out. Individually they were very different but when they come together, they ‘come as a one’. I often think of this track as some kind of ‘manifesto’ for the group which is what makes it essential listening. Other B-Sides that almost made this list include ‘Bumper To Bumper’, ‘Take Me Home’ and ‘Outer Space Girls’.
From the single ‘2 Become 1’ (1996)

Who Do You Think You Are

If You Wanna Have Some Fun

It is certainly not the first time and it is highly likely that it will not be the last, but here I am discussing 'Pride' again. More specifically, I want to open a conversation with those that are opposed to 'Pride'. Naturally, I urge you to take a look at my other related articles too...

Proud of Pride?
Proud of Pride?... Revisited

With Pride season just getting started, its time to start thinking about all the outfits and accessories you are going to need and Zatchels has just released a superb collection of leather goods perfect for the occasion. Of course, full disclosure here before I get into it, this item was gifted to me by Zatchels.

I have always been a fan of the classic and timeless style of a satchel. They fit into both the smart and trendy columns and who doesn't appreciate a well-made, high-quality leather bag? I had actually been considering a 'backpack' style satchel for some time so this collection release actually came at the perfect time for me.

If you have never heard of them, Zatchels are a British leather and accessories brand that was established in 2011. They use traditional manufacturing techniques and highly skilled staff here in the UK to create these high-quality leather bags. For 2019, they have created a whole Pride Collection that is designed for men, women and children to wear and celebrate Pride. The collection consists of 9 different styles for you to choose from, each of them decorated with the Pride rainbow flag. In addition to creating this collection, Zatchels are also donating 20% of all sales from the Pride Collection to York Pride.

That bit is actually really important. Over the last few years, it has become quite common for brands to slap a pride flag in their logo and talk the talk about supporting the LGBT+ community. Sometimes that is just face value lip service, but not for Zatchels. They are using this collection to raise money for York Pride and therefore, in turn, all of the LGBT+ organisations that the event is supporting. I am pretty sure that many of you, myself included, would have noticed the 'commercialisation' of our community in recent years. That is why I absolutely welcome and support any company that isn't just resting on a visual 'support' of everything pride stands for and is actively fundraising. The Pride Collection is the start of an ongoing partnership between Zatchels and York Pride in support of the organisation and events throughout the summer.

So let's get into it. Zatchels sent me out one of their 'City Backpacks' to try out and enjoy (which I most definitely am). Straight off the bat, I can tell you that I love the style of this bag. As I said before, it is fashioned in a way that is both smart and stylish. Satchels certainly have that 'old-school' aesthetic, but Zatchels have managed to create a version that looks sleek and modern. The use of the 'Rainbow Flag' is spot-on without being over-the-top and it is definitely a bag that I can pair with a lot of my wardrobe on a day-to-day basis. I am a fan of the backpack style, simply because it works with how I have to carry a lot of extra 'parenting' baggage so I always need to keep arms free. Backpacks work in that sense. If you did want something a little different, as mentioned before, there is a varied range to chose from:
The company boasts that each bag is carefully hand made especially for each customer and this goes as far as personalisation which is offered across a large range of their products. You can opt for a name, initials or perhaps a short personal message. Of course, mine has indeed been personalised with my initials on an engraved leather plaque that sits on the front of the bag. It just gives the whole product that personal touch which I really appreciate. This bag is very much MY bag! (What? I can't be allowed at least one Dad pun?)

True to their word and their company bio, Zatchels have created a strong, sturdy, high-quality bag that is built to last. Being constantly on the go as a parent, I appreciate a bag that isn't going to fall apart on me. The stitching on the leather is visibly thick and strong which means it will hold together well. The straps and buckles are all solid and sturdy meaning that I can trust the bag with a little extra weight too. Naturally, I have only been using the bag a short time so it is early days but I have every faith it will last and so do Zatchels. They offer a lifetime guarantee across their range that covers any manufacturing defects so if the stitching does happen to get a little loose or a strap breaks because of an unseen flaw in the leather, they will repair it for you free of charge!

I am so happy with this bag that I can most definitely recommend it. "Yeah, but it was gifted to you", I can hear you cry but I genuinely love it to the point I am actually looking at Zatchels wider product ranges and considering which one I will be purchasing in the near future. Couple that with the fact that the company are doing their bit for Pride and therefore supporting equality, diversity and inclusion, I am totally on board and I can't wait to continue showing my pride with this bag both at some pride events later in the year and in my day-to-day life.

The Zatchels Pride Collection launches today (May 31st 2019) and can be found HERE


Finally, be sure to show your support by heading over and checking out Zatchels social media on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

Thanks for reading xxx