To mark the start of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, we’re honoured to share a powerful personal story from Angel Flint, a charity sector intern and advocate who lives with dwarfism. In this moving account, Angel recounts a night of joy, visibility, and inclusion at a Blackpool drag show that did more than entertain – it celebrated the true spirit of Pride by showing what accessible venues can make possible. 

My name is Angel Flint, and I live with a condition known as Hypochondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. Like many people with visible disabilities, I often navigate a world that isn’t always designed with bodies like mine in mind. From reaching high counters to accessing stages or restrooms, everyday experiences can sometimes turn into unexpected challenges.

But now and then, something happens that completely shifts the narrative. This moment reaffirms our shared humanity and reminds us of the profound impact that small gestures of inclusivity can have.

I had one such experience on the evening of 5th May 2025, at a drag show held at Garlands in Blackpool. That night was not only filled with glitter, music, and laughter—it became a personal milestone in visibility and inclusion, thanks to the efforts of the performers and staff, and in particular, the show’s hostess: the fabulous Bonnie La Blue.

A night where inclusion took centre stage

Garlands, nestled in the heart of Blackpool’s vibrant nightlife scene, is well-known for its electric atmosphere and powerful sense of community. This reputation takes on even greater meaning during LGBTQ+ Pride Month, when spaces like this become not just entertainment venues but sanctuaries of expression and celebration.

On this particular night, the venue was hosting one of its popular drag performances, headlined by Bonnie La Blue—a performer beloved not only for her talent but for her warmth and genuine engagement with the audience.

One of the recurring segments during Bonnie’s shows is a crowd favourite called “Open Bonnie’s Box”, where lucky attendees are randomly chosen to participate on stage in a lighthearted and entertaining mini-game. To my delight and surprise, my number was called during the show.

In many public venues, this might have been a daunting moment. Physical stages are rarely designed with accessibility in mind, especially for individuals with mobility differences.

But instead of the nervousness I might have expected to feel, I found myself experiencing something entirely different—support, kindness, and inclusion.

From the moment my number was called, the staff and performers made it abundantly clear that they were prepared to ensure my participation would be smooth and safe. A chair was quickly brought out to help me reach the stage level, and Bonnie herself took the time to assist me personally. After the segment, she helped me down with just as much grace and care.

This wasn’t some grand spectacle or over-the-top performance of kindness. It was simple. Thoughtful. Effective. And it meant the world to me.

To some, it might seem like a small act—fetching a chair, offering a hand—but for those of us who often feel like afterthoughts in the design of public spaces, these gestures can feel monumental. They represent more than physical access; they signal recognition, dignity, and respect.

The power of accessible venues during Pride

As Pride Month reminds us, diversity within the LGBTQ+ community includes a wide spectrum of identities and abilities. True celebration comes not only through bold expressions but through quiet accommodations—those subtle shifts that make spaces truly open to all.

Garlands didn’t just embrace me that night—they embodied the spirit of Pride. They didn’t just provide entertainment; they showed what it means to be an accessible venue: one that acknowledges and adapts to different needs without hesitation or spotlight.

Bonnie La Blue, with her fierce charisma and heartfelt allyship, set the tone. Her seamless inclusion of me on stage wasn’t about charity or spectacle—it was about belonging.

Why disability inclusion matters

Living with dwarfism means I’m often bracing for barriers. Over time, these physical limitations chip away at emotional resilience. But moments like this remind me of something vital: inclusion heals.

When accessible venues make proactive choices—when staff are trained, stages are adaptable, and patrons are treated with thoughtful care—they don’t just improve logistics. They affirm our place in the world.

That’s what Pride is about too. It’s about creating space—joyfully, unapologetically, and inclusively—for everyone.

Accessible venues leading by example

After the show, I had the chance to thank the manager at Garlands. He urged me to share this story not for applause, but as a real-world example of what thoughtful, accessible design and genuine inclusion can look like in action.

Accessible venues like Garlands are more than buildings with ramps – they’re beacons of community. And they serve as a reminder that true accessibility isn’t about flashy installations; it’s about empathy, flexibility, and listening.

A call to action

This isn’t just about one performance in Blackpool. It’s about recognising that all spaces should reflect the full spectrum of the communities they serve, including disabled people.

You don’t need to wait for the perfect renovation. Start with intention. Start with training. Start with a conversation.

Because when accessible venues become the norm, not the exception, we all win. We move from performance to presence, from tolerance to celebration.

Pride, glitter, and true belonging

As someone who often adapts to the world around her, May 5th at Garlands was a rare and beautiful reversal: the world adapted to me. It was joyous, it was affirming, and it was exactly what Pride should feel like.

I’m deeply grateful to Bonnie La Blue and the staff at Garlands for showing what inclusion in action looks like. Their small, thoughtful gestures created a night I’ll always remember—not just for the fun, but for the feeling of being fully seen.

So as we celebrate Pride Month, let’s also uplift the importance of accessible venues—places where every member of our diverse community can laugh, dance, speak, and shine.

Because everyone deserves the chance to take the stage, no matter how high it is.

Because when we share what works, we move one step closer to a world where accessibility is the norm, not the exception.

You can follow Angel Flint on Instagram and TikTok. 

Have you had a moment where an accessible venue made you feel truly welcome? Whether it was a thoughtful gesture, an inclusive design feature, or a memorable performance that embraced everyone. Let us know in the comments box, on social media or contact us to share your personal story. 

Subscribe To Our FREE Newsletter