From Left of Str8 Intern Tricia D.
Although June is the official pride month in the US, we are not the only nation that celebrates. This year, US Pride Month coincides with the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, which began June 28, 1969, in New York City. This Pride Month marks a larger reason for a celebration of the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community through decades of discrimination. In fact, the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center is opening June 28 with a private event. AARP is a founding sponsor of the visitor center. Even here in the US, states and locations celebrate their Pride at different times of the year, from Miami to Palm Springs.
101 countries worldwide where Pride and other LGBTIQ visibility events were held in 202
61 countries held Pride in more than one city
92 countries did not hold Pride events due to hostile laws and attitudes
Did you know that The Netherlands was the first country to legalize same sex marriage. South Africa was the first country on the African continent to legalize gay marriage. Let's take a look at some of the biggest and best Pride celebrations around the world.
Sao Paolo, Brazil; know for being the fourth largest cities in the world by population, they of course will have a very large pride parade. Brazil is known for their vibrant carnival celebrations, and the pride parade is right up their ally. The pride parade in 2006 had a whopping 2.5 million attendees, making it to "The Guinness Book of World Records" for the largest Gay Pride parade in the world. If you love the crowds, then you will love this pride parade.
Amsterdam: Culture and Diversity Hub. Amsterdam Pride, also known as the Amsterdam Pride Festival, is a week-long celebration of LGBTIQ+ diversity in the heart of the Netherlands.From July 27 to August 4, the city comes alive with vibrant events, including the iconic Canal Parade 2024, a carnivalesque, multicultural and slightly naughty boat parade, all of which create an atmosphere of inclusivity and acceptance. Join the festivities and celebrate Pride in Amsterdam, a destination known for its open-mindedness and dynamic LGBTIQ+ community. Immerse yourself in the city's electric energy as you embrace the freedom to love.
Lisbon, Portugal: Where Pride and Ocean Merge. Lisbon Pride, also known as Arraial Pride, is a lively celebration of the LGBTIQ+ community happening on June 22-23, 2024 in the heart of the city. With its inclusive atmosphere, vibrant culture, and lively nightlife, Lisbon attracts LGBTIQ+ travelers seeking love, diversity, and acceptance. The Lisbon Pride Parade, the highlight of a week-long celebration, occurs on the first Saturday, with concerts, drag queen shows, art exhibitions, and film screenings taking place throughout the week.
Madrid, Spain: Vibrant, Diverse, and Unforgettable. Madrid Pride, known as Madrid Orgullo or MADO, is a vibrant celebration of the LGBTIQ+ community happening from June 28 to July 7 in 2024. The highlight is the Marcha del Orgullo parade. Madrid's inclusive atmosphere, rich culture, and nightlife make it a popular destination for LGBTIQ+ travelers and promises an unforgettable celebration of love, diversity, and acceptance. Madrid Pride offers a diverse program of events beyond the parade. Concerts featuring both national and international artists, drag shows, art exhibitions, and film screenings are just some of the cultural offerings available during this exciting period.
Belize Pride: - In 2016, the Belizean Supreme Court struck down section 53 of the criminal code, a colonial-era law criminalizing “carnal knowledge against the order of nature.”
- This ruling made Belize the first Caribbean nation in which a court found the prohibition of consensual same-sex acts unconstitutional. - Belize held its first Pride event in August 2017, a year after decriminalizing same-sex acts. It includes beach parties, market fairs, and workshops, with increased visibility each year. - The government has failed to advance a proposed bill that would prohibit discrimination in employment, education, housing, and other sectors on various grounds, including sexual orientation and gender identity, age, disability, race, and other protected characteristics.
Berlin, Germany; The Germans call their pride parade Christopher street day. This is named after the Stonewall riots on Christopher street in New York City. It is known as one of the biggest parade in Europe, and the largest LGBTQ event in Germany. This one takes place in July, so once you're done with pride in June in the U.S., you can head to Europe and continue the celebrations.
Paris, France, a Pride full of Light. Get ready to paint the city rainbow at the Paris Pride Festival 2024! It's not just a celebration, it's a powerful symbol of solidarity, resilience and progress. The Pride Festival offers a wide range of events to suit all tastes and interests, highlighted by the Marche des Fiertés LGBT (formerly Gay Pride) on June 29. Immerse yourself in the pulsating rhythms of live music featuring talented LGBTIQ+ artists who will capture your heart and soul. Explore art exhibitions that celebrate queer culture and history, or indulge in the diverse culinary scene that Paris is renowned for. This year, you can also discover the Pride House during Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where visitors can look forward to a vibrant, historic experience as Paris showcases a fusion of sports and cultural festivities in 2024.
Copenhagen: Experience Pride and Joy. While most of the countries celebrate pride month in June, Copenhagen enjoy its pride events in August, from 10 to 18. The city comes alive with events, including the colorful and biggest Pride Parade in Scandinavia. This pride festival hosts educational workshops, panel discussions, and art exhibitions that highlight the challenges faced by the community and spark important conversations. The atmosphere in Copenhagen Pride 2024 is expected to be, as in every year, filled with joy, love, and a palpable sense of freedom, making it an unforgettable experience.
Pride serves as a poignant reminder of the strides made in the ongoing battle for equality, while also underscoring the continued journey towards universal inclusion, irrespective of one's sexual orientation or gender identity. It's a time for reflection on progress achieved, yet a solemn acknowledgment of the road ahead, where every individual, irrespective of who they love, is embraced and celebrated without exception. Of course, it also about joy and love. Don't forget to celebrate, have fun, and enjoy the company of the LGBTQ and straight ally community.
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