Jane Hazlegrove, beloved for her role in Coronation Street, shares her 30-year journey with Pride. As a woman in her fifties, Jane reminisces about her first Pride in the early 90s. She attended Manchester Mardi Gras in secrecy. However, over the years, she transitioned from hiding on Princess Street to proudly marching through London with her girlfriend. Keep scrolling for the full scoop!
Jane Hazelgrove Shares Her Pride Journey
Jane Hazelgrove, who plays Bernie Winter-Brown, is 50 now, and she remembers all the Prides she has attended over the past 30 years. Despite the mix of joy and sorrow Pride can bring, the actress still feels that she feels exciting about celebrating. Her first Pride was in the early 90s at the Manchester Mardi Gras.
She recalls standing on Princess Street and hoping no one she knew would see her since she wasn’t out to her family and many friends. Suddenly, she ran into a girl from a few streets over. Although they smiled at each other, Jane desperately hoped she wouldn’t tell anyone about it.
The following year, Jane had a girlfriend, and they set off in a black Nissan Cherry to find others like them at Watford Gap Services heading to London. Later, they ditched the car in North London and hopped on the Tube to Hyde Park. At every stop, more and more out and proud gay men and women joined them.
It made the soap star feel safe and happy. For the first time, she proudly held her girlfriend’s hand. They marched through London, surrounded by thousands of people just like them. She explains over the years, Pride grew bigger and bigger. Hazlegrove found her confidence and looked forward to Pride every year in London.
It was a chance to show solidarity with her community. The march reminded everyone to stay proud despite any abuse or hostility. It always ended with a rally that inspired the fight for equality. At the parade, people were dressed as Baywatch babes, often topless. Even the ITV star was topless once in Brockwell Park.
‘Times Have Changed For The Better’
Fast forward to Manchester Pride 2019, where Jane finds herself atop the Corrie float, snapping selfies with her coworkers. Also, her wife stands proudly beside her, waving to the cheering crowds along Princess Street. She really appreciates that times have changed for the better.
Nowadays, LGBTQ+ actors are seen on our favourite TV shows. Although challenges like prejudice still exist, Pride teaches us the power of love and unity. At last, she stated, “So, Happy Pride everyone. I look forward to seeing you all there. I’ll try and keep my bra on.”
For more such Coronation Street updates, stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily! Isn’t it amazing how the Corrie actress witnessed the entire evolution of Pride, standing tall through it all? Big cheer to her, and we wish her a Happy Pride!