Once again the streets for Bristol came alive with all the colours of the rainbow, reports Sam Benger.

The ‘We Our Proud’ festival or Bristol Pride event for 2012 was well attended by many sections of the gay community. Coming together at such events is a great way to celebrate not only diversity in our society but also the huge range of diversity within the gay community itself.

There were quite a few Leathermen out and about for the event which was great to see. Bristol may not be quite ready for a full Leatherman parade in the same way some of our other European cities do, but it was fantastic to have our section of the community represented.

As Bristol continues to grow as a destination for gay men and in particular leathermen, it is exciting to think that the Pride Parade of future events will have a strong assembly of leather guys.

From the conversations with people attending this year’s event it was clear that there is support to see more leather guys (and our rubber brothers) out and about in public. It is important for people coming to terms with their sexuality and with their fetishes to see other guys like them.

As many readers will acknowledge, it is difficult enough to come to terms with being gay - realising that you are a leather worshipper too can add a whole new layer of thoughts and questions to reconcile. Having leather guys at such events will allow newcomers to see that they’re not alone and also to meet guys and have those questions answered.