Scenes of LGBTQ+ Pride Around The World!
June is here, and that means LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the U.S.! But, the fight for rights and freedoms and the beauty of celebrating Pride is global. Join me and individuals from around the world to celebrate the incredible progress that has been made towards realizing rights for LGBTQ+ communities across international borders. Simultaneously, we also must recognize the struggles and persecution so many individuals and communities still face as they are unable to love or live openly and freely. Traveling to attend Pride festivals this June is not an option. Instead, we are sharing scenes of LGBTQ+ Pride created by artists, historians, educators, leaders and, of course, everyday people. From the streets of New York to Taipei to Buenos Aires join us virtually in a celebration of love, acceptance and Pride.
Table of Contents
Helsinki, Finland - A Week of Pride
Contributed by Jack from Queer in the World
One of the most tolerant and open-minded places in the world, Helsinki in Finland, embraces its queer community all-year-round. This is the city that produced Tom of Finland after all. But during Pride, held annually during the last week of June, it showers its LGBT inhabitants with extra-fabulous love and attention. Pride programs in Helsinki run for one week, with sports events, gallery shows, seminars, a rainbow fair, and plenty of incredible parties.
Everything culminates in a colorful Pride parade on Saturday, which runs through the heart of Helsinki to a huge park outside the Finnish parliament. Here, the procession ended – but the celebration continues with a soul-warming, picnic/concert extravaganza. Of course, the city’s nightclubs are then filled until the early morning with Eurovision songs and joyful beings. Held since 1975, Helsinki Pride has now grown into one of the biggest public events annually in Finland, with over 100,000 attendees.
Taipei, Taiwan - Beacon of LGBTQ+ Progress in Asia
Shared by Nick Kembel of Spiritual Travels
The small island nation of Taiwan made headlines around the world when on 24 May 2019, it became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. This was not a sudden change, but many years coming. Numerous massive demonstrations saw hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets of the capital, Taipei City, in support of the constitutional review, while religious groups held similar (but much smaller) demonstrations opposing the change.
Taipei Pride Parade
Besides these demonstrations, the annual Pride Parade in Taipei has for many years been the largest in Asia. It is so big that the crowds must split into multiple routes before reuniting at Taipei City Hall. As can be expected, Taipei Pride features all manner of fabulous outfits. It is usually held on the Saturday nearest to Halloween at the end of October. Large contingents of foreigners also take part, including Western & Southeast Asian residents of Taiwan, as well as groups from different parts of the country. As of 2019, a Trans Parade is also held in Taipei the day before.
As you can see, Taipei is without a doubt one of the gay-friendliest cities in Asia. While local LGBTQ+ individuals still often have to face challenges with conservative families, it is the kind of place where same-sex partners can walk hand-in-hand in public with no shame or negative reaction from others. Ximending, a fashionable pedestrian district of Taipei, is the center of Taipei’s LGBTQ+ scene, with an all-are-welcome collection of the city’s best bar patios.
Lisbon, Portugal - Remembering Victims of Homophobia
Contributed by Wendy Werneth of The Nomadic Vegan
Lisbon, Portugal has long been known as a city of tolerance and diversity and has a long history of celebrating its gay community. Portugal legalized same-sex marriage in 2010 and was the eighth country in the world to do so. Normally, Pride celebrations in Lisbon include two main events, held on consecutive weekends in late June. The first is a massive street party in the huge Praça do Comércio, one of the largest squares in Europe. In 2019, about 70,000 people attended this celebration, and even more were expected to participate in 2020 until it had to be canceled.
The second of the two big events is a pride march that starts in a park in Príncipe Real, a neighborhood full of cute cafés, vegan restaurants and late-night gay bars. Even though there will be no march this year, there is a monument to the victims of homophobia, lesbophobia and transphobia standing in the park. Sculpted in concrete and iron by local artist Rui Pereira, the monument depicts two doors. A silhouette of a person stands in one door, while the other is open, inviting anyone who wishes to enter.
United Kingdom
London - Pride Going Strong Since '72
London was home to the UK’s first Pride rally in 1972, and continues to be the longest running Pride event in the country. By 2019 over 1.5 million people came to London to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community! During London Pride you can see a few of the city’s famous landmarks come to life, including Oxford Street and Trafalgar Square. For the past 15 years London has also been home to UK Black Pride, Europe’s largest event celebrating LGBTQ+ individuals from African, Asian, Caribbean, Middle Eastern & Latin American descent.
There are plenty of spots to enjoy London’s LGBTQ+ night life all year round! Head to Ku in SoHo (on the border of Chinatown), one of the top gays bars in the city! Today the UK offers extensive rights and protections for the LGBTQ+ community. But, it is also important to recognize the lasting historical implications of British sodomy laws on formerly colonized nations. According to Section 377 of Britain’s penal code sexual acts that were ‘against the order of nature’ became criminalized activities. Enacted over 150 years ago, Section 377’s legacy still lives on in some countries and territories.
Manchester - Visibility & Connection Through Street Art
Contributed by Zarina Rimbaud-Kadirbaks of Miss Travel Clogs
Featuring two men sharing a kiss, the mural ‘722 – 481 BC’ by Faith47 and Lyall Sprong situated in Manchester’s gay-friendly area, supports LGBT rights. As part of Faith47’s ongoing series 7.83 Hz., the mural explores the interconnectedness between individuals through time and space. It is also a celebration of human intimacy. The mural was painted during the 2016 Cities of Hope street art festival, and the geometric figures at the bottom light up the dark. Head to Great Ancoat’s Street to see this celebration of Pride in person.
In addition to being one of the top cities for street art in the UK, Manchester has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. Manchester’s Gay Village sits right at the city center along Canal Street. The annual Manchester Pride Parade is one of the largest in the UK, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators. The area is even home to the British series Queer as Folk, on which the US version was then based.
Brighton - Pride Vibes by the Sea
Contributed by Danni Lawson from Live in 10 Countries
Brighton has long held the title of the UK’s champion of diversity and inclusivity. Rainbows, gay and lesbian venues and a relaxed hippie vibe are part of the city’s charm. Every year crowds flock together to enjoy one of the country’s biggest and most famous prides – with Britney Spears famously performing during Pride fest in 2018. Pride includes a street party, an enormous festival, a parade and a separate more family oriented festival. It’s BIG.
Although 2020 saw the cancellation of mass events and gatherings, Brighton has kept up its spirits. Kickstarters have been launched to keep local businesses alive and plans are already going ahead for the celebration of a lifetime in 2021. Nothing is going to stop the good vibes, as this town has been the centre of inclusivity for centuries. Oscar Wilde, the Irish writer, had a favourite hotel in Brighton and Hove, not to mention Radclyffe Hall who also spent time in this seaside spot on the South Coast.
Madrid, Spain - Europe's Largest Gay Pride!
Contributed by Sion and Ben of The Globetrotter Guys
Madrid is one of the most welcoming cities in Europe for LGBTQ travellers, is home to the largest gay pride in Europe and holds the record for the 3rd largest pride ever held worldwide! In 2017 Madrid hosted WorldPride with over 3.5 million people in attendance. Bearing in mind the population of Madrid is 6-7 million, having so many people attend is incredible! We first went in 2018 and were blown away by how pride was fully embraced city wide and how many people were there to celebrate.
The parade itself (pictured) is held after 7-10 days of events and brings over 2 million people together lining the streets, partying, dancing and watching the parade floats go by for hours! In fact we did not make it to the end of the parade as it went on until midnight! Madrid Pride is usually held in the first week of July. It is definitely one for your bucket list. Find out more about Madrid Pride and why it’s one of the biggest and best.
United States
Why is U.S. Pride Month in June?
It was the early morning of Saturday, June 28th, 1969. The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Lower Manhattan, was raided by police, a common experience in the 60s. But, this time was different. Brave LGBTQ+ individuals stood up against police brutality and fought back. Many of these individuals were also people of color and gender minorities who face many layers of discrimination, making their actions even braver. The Stonewall Riots lasted for 6 days and were the catalyst for the birth of the modern Gay Rights movement in the U.S. It is in commemoration of this event that U.S. Pride celebrations (and many internationally) are held in June.
New York City - 5 Boros of Celebration
Pride in New York City lasts all month! Each borough hosts their own parade, and there is an opportunity to celebrate every weekend in June! But, one of the best parts of NYC is that you can find symbols of pride throughout the city all year round. From rainbow flags hanging from windows along the Highline to street art in Bushwick, Brooklyln. Even one of NYC’s leading dessert shops is Big Gay Ice Cream! (Try the Salty Pimp or the Mermaid! )
If you’re in NYC during Pride month, there are so manys you can participate! March in a parade. Attend a public talk, film or workshop on the history of LGBTQ+ communities in the US. Or, even get some exercise and run in the Brooklyn Pride 5K!
There are plenty of ways to support LGBTQ+ communities on your visit to NYC even if it’s not during June. Here are a few recommendations of places to visit on your next visit to New York City:
Lesbian Herstory Archives – Brooklyn-based home to the world’s largest collection of photographs, books and videos by and about lesbian communities. (Take a virtual tour.)
New York City AIDS Memorial – Visit this Manhattan memorial site honoring the over 100,000 New Yorkers who have died of AIDS.
Make sure to visit these additional sites throughout the city to recognize the role and contributions of People of Color in LGBTQ+ history
Washington, D.C. - "LOVE"
Four years before the Stonewall riot, the first gay rights protest was held in front of the White House in 1965. Since that protest, rights for the LGBTQ+ community in D.C. have continued to evolve! There isn’t an official gayborhood in D.C., but there are plenty of spots dedicated to celebrating Pride. Head to Bladgen Alley in D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood. There you can visit the DC Alley Museum, home to the the vibrant “LOVE” mural. Painted in 2017 by local artist Lisa Marie Thalhammer, this is one of her many works dedicated to Pride throughout the D.C.
Germany
Cologne - Celebrate Christopher Street Day
Contributed by Margherita Ragg of The Crowded Planet
I’ve been to several Pride celebrations around the world and I can say, without a doubt, that Cologne was one of my favourites. Unlike many other cities in Germany and outside, where Pride is kind of a marginal event only lasting half a day or so, Cologne really, really celebrates Pride – or CSD, as it’s called in Germany.
CSD stands for Christopher Street Day, in reference to the address of the Stonewall Inn, remembering that Pride is not meant to be just a street party, but an event to commemorate a riot that was the result of centuries of (ongoing) discrimination. CSD has been celebrated with a huge parade, street parties and other related events in Cologne since the 1979, attracting up to 700,000 people each year.
Cologne CSD takes place on the first weekend of July. The main parade is on Sunday, starting from the Deutz area across the Rhine, through Old City, and ending at the Hauptbanhof, next to the famous Kolner Dom. However, the big parade is only part of CSD celebrations in Cologne – all through the weekend you’ll find live music, drag queen performances and other shows all over the town. The entire city truly comes together to celebrate Pride, in a way I haven’t found anywhere else in Europe.
Berlin - 100 Years of Gayborhoods
Images & inspiration contributed by Adam Roe Photography
Even in the 1920s & 30s, Berlin’s Schöneberg neighborhood was known as a gay district. Head there today, and you’ll still find the city’s largest gayborhood. Berlin is also home to the Schwules Musem, the first museum dedicated to gay history in the world! But, LGBTQ+ Pride is not only celebrated in Berlin, homophobia is also remembered and memorialized. On your way to Schöneberg take the metro to the Nollendorfplatz station. You’ll find a pink triangle plaque commemorating the lives lost to Nazi persecution of Germany’s gay community. The plaque was actually installed back in 1982, long before LGBTQ+ individuals have the rights they do today.
Every summer Berlin also hosts a Christopher Day Parade. But, in 2015 gay rights advocates took to Berlin’s streets to demonstrate against homophobia and discrimination still faced by the LGBTQ+ community today.
Manila, Philippines - Growing Pride in Southeast Asia
Inspiration and photo contributed by Pai Edles & Misty Floro
If you’re looking to celebrate in Southeast Asia, Metro Manila is home to the fastest growing celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride! Metro Manila’s first Pride parade was held in 1994 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Over the past couple years the number of people showing up to celebrate has skyrocketed, with 25,000 in 2018 and over 75,000 last year! And that was even in the rain! Reflecting on Pride in Manila, LGBTQ+ rights advocate Misty Floro shared, “I felt pride in seeing the community come together for our cause. I also felt HOPE that things here in the Philippines will change and improve as long as we continue to let our voices be heard.”
Planning a visit to Manila? Malate and Makati are popular neighborhoods for LGBTQ+ travelers visiting Manila, especially for their proximity to restaurants, shopping and as a launch point to visit other sightseeing highlights. In 2019 Manila Pride was held at the Marikina City Sports Center. Marikina City is located on the eastern edge of Manila Metropolitan area, so if you’re planning to travel to attend Pride make sure to look into where it’s being held and how to get there from your hotel. In 2019 Manila Pride was an all-day event, with doors that opened at 11 am and festivities into the night!
Buenos Aires, Argentina - First City to Legalize Same-sex Marriage
Photo & Inspiration Contributed by Jorge Minvielle & Juan Lucci
Buenos Aires is one of the best destinations in South America for LGBTQ+ travelers! In 2002 it even became the first city in the world to legalize same-sex marriage! The country at-large followed in 2010.
To experience Orgullo, or Pride, in Buenos Aires you should plan to visit during the first or second week in November. Buenos Aires’ Orgullo festival is like a giant street party, with plenty of music and dancing. Pride is less corporate than you’ll find in other countries like the US and the UK. Since the LGBTQ+ march in Buenos Aires in 1992, the event maintains an important political nature. Join the crowd starting from the Plaza de Mayo and marching 11 blocks up Avenida de Maya to the Plaza Congreso. Over 100,000 visitors from around the world come to Buenos Aires to celebrate Pride every year! Planning on heading to Buenos Aires for Orgullo 2020? Stay in the Palermo neighborhood to be close to the festivities.
Hong Kong - #PrideinRainbow Stairs
The status of LGBTQ+ rights in Hong Kong has progressed considerably over the past few decades, and small acts of pride can be found when you’re least expecting them! But, Hong Kong still has a long way to go. Rights including same sex marriage are currently (as of 2020) not recognized. Yet, keep an eye out in Central Hong Kong and in the Wan Chai neighborhood for the #PrideInRainbow stairs or other statements of pride throughout the streets by @PrideInRainbow.
A highlight from my Socially Conscious Guide to Visiting Hong Kong
Pride in Belgium - Trailblazer in Same-sex Marriage
You can find rainbow flags around the streets of Belgium any time of year! In 2003 Belgium was officially the second country to legalize same-sex marriage. But Belgium’s public fight for equality began back in 1979 with the Roze Zaterdag – Samedi Rose (Pink Saturday) gay rights demonstration. Pride marches in Belgium have continued ever since. As of 1996 Brussels became the official home of Belgium’s Pride when 2,000 people gathered to march in the name of gay rights. Now 100,000 or more come together in Brussels every year to celebrate. Belgium Pride 2020 has moved to August in hopes of still being able to celebrate.
A highlight from my travels in Belgium.
São Paulo, Brazil - #AmarSemTemer
We are wrapping up our global celebration of Pride in São Paulo, Brazil! The Parada do Orgulho LGBTQ de São Paulo is not only the biggest Pride parade in South America, but in the world! Although São Paulo’s first parade wasn’t until ’97, by 2017 there were 5 million attendees! The event is not only a giant celebration of #amarsemtemer (or love without fear), but also a political statement continuously advocating for respect and equality. Marching down São Paulo’s Avenida Paulista, cheers for LBGTQ+ rights and visibility overtake one of the city’s most prominent thoroughfares. Each year São Paulo’s Pride adopts a new slogan, often tied to calls for timely policy decisions.
For a dose of LGBTQ+ pride in São Paulo any time of year, visit the Museo da Diversidade Sexual. Located in central São Paulo the museum is dedicated to the history, culture and diversity of Brazil’s LGBTQ+ community.
Last, but not least, my personal favorite photo of Pride.
Thank you for joining us in this celebration of love around the world! Let these scenes of hope, joy, inclusivity, strength, protest, remembrance and elation continue to bring visibility to the diverse experiences and identities of LGBTQ+ communities near and far. Cheers to celebrating Pride!
Celebrate Pride & Pin It!
Amazing how the entire world gathers and celebrates love! Love pride parades 🙂
I’ve only done Pride celebrations in the US, but I visited Iceland right at the end of their Pride! It looked like such a ball, and I love that the entire city of Reykjavik celebrates and gets decorated! I hope I can catch a Pride celebration abroad next year!
Such a cool article about the different celebrations! I would love to see celebrations around the world someday.
This is such an amazing blog post! I still haven’t been to a Pride parade, but it is on my bucket list. Hoping to go to one in 2021! 🙂
Thanks, Taylor – Hope you can make it in 2021! Really appreciate you stopping by and showing your support. 🙂
Awww this is so heartwarming to read!! Love seeing countries from all parts of the world showing great pride spirit <3 Especially love the photo from Cologne! Thanks for putting this together, it brightened my morning! 🙂
Jiayi – Thank you for stopping by and for your support! Full credit for the Cologne photos and contribution goes to The Crowded Planet! Aren’t they great?! Thanks, again 🙂
This post warms my heart so much! Pride parades are such a great celebration of love and kindness, thanks for sharing!
Great article. Important that it’s still remembered this year. Shared onto my FB age 🙂