As the seasons change and the summer heat starts seeping into our winter bones, one thing is sure; fags in wild wigs and plenty of rainbow flags will be coming to a street, alley or park near you. You know it, summer means Pride season and this year everyone is cashing in on our pride. Upon a quick initial inspection we found at least 20 events planned for the UK for this summer, some old institutions and others, fledgling events.

What is it that draws so many homos to these events? Naturally I’ve been to a few, but for the love of cock, I can’t put my finger on exactly why. It must be that large gatherings of, mostly shirtless, men (exhibiting the fruits of past winter’s gym membership) prove absolutely irresistible even though no-one scores at Pride marches. As far as I can tell that’s not the intention.

It must be the thrill of holding up traffic. It’s the annual opportunity to stop cars from using the road just by being gay. As we march through cities, spreading joy, the message of tolerance, and sequins, hundreds of coppers are diverting traffic so we can take over the streets.

The opportunity to wear your bdsm kit/metallic hotpants/mother’s wedding dress out in public without getting unwanted attention might be another attraction for these events. The Pride events revel in the strange and colourful expression individualism. The leads to all kinds of crazy shit being considered appropriate for a day out on the town.

It must be the music! God, who could resist the thumping beat of happy gay house. I could, but very seldom have the option as it seems that rubbish techno is as synonymous with being gay as rainbow flags. There are however some alternative gay events planned this summer.

Gay Shame is an event, run by Duckie, that generally happens on the same day as London's Gay Pride march, and in contradiction to what the name suggests, it’s not for chavs and churchgoers. Instead it offers a outlet for the indie queers who are unhappy with the commercialisation of regular Pride events. You can expect art installations, excited partiers and great music.

Whatever your reason for glamming up and heading out onto the streets, have fun! There are more Pride events than you can shake a stick including a few niche and alternative ones, keep checking your Post Office bulletin board for local events!