From the bustling streets of London to the rhythmic samba of Sao Paulo, Pride showcases the voices, experiences, and continuing struggles of the LGBTQ+ community.
It is also a chance to explore new destinations, learn about different cultures, and connect with people from all walks of life who share the same vision of a world where love knows no boundaries. As we celebrate together, we will also acknowledge the triumphs that have brought us this far, and the challenges we continue to face.
In a world where love is often met with hate, the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community stands proud, resilient, and unapologetic. And what better way to showcase this unwavering spirit than through the colorful and joyous celebrations of Pride?
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
(August 1- 6. pride.amsterdam)
Gay Pride Amsterdam, Netherlands (Photo by Kavalenkau)
The Amsterdam Gay Pride festival is one of the most popular and anticipated pride events in Europe, taking place in early August every year. The main highlight of the festival is the Amsterdam Pride Parade, where lavishly decorated barges give the term ‘float’ a literal meaning. Other events and activities that take place during the festival include special club nights such as the Backdoor Party, Rapido, and Funhouse. There are also street parties in the gayborhood on Reguliersdwarsstraat, which is home to many of the city’s gay bars and clubs. The festival also features the Pride Walk, which is a showcase of the Amsterdam LGBTQI+ community, and the Official Opening of Pride at the Vondelpark with a huge stage featuring live acts, DJs, drag queens, dancers, and more. Other events include Amsterdam Pride at the Beach, the Open Air Cinema, and the Closing Party at Dam Square.
BANGKOK, THAILAND
(June 1 – 30. bangkokpride.org)
Bangkok Pride (Photo by 1000 Words)
Why not celebrate Pride in Bangkok, one of the most gay-friendly and welcoming cities in the world, with a month-long series of events and parties. The highlight is the Bangkok Pride Parade on June 4th, which takes the Lumpini Park route, past the Ratchadamri line heading to Central World. Dress up in anything that expresses yourself with confidence, pride, and dignity, and join the parade and after-party which runs from 2 to 8 P.M. Multiple other after parties are held across the city, with lineups to be announced closer to the event date. Other Pride-themed events include the LGBTQI Film Festival at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, the Pride Cruise Party on the Chao Phraya River, the Pride Festival at W Bangkok, the W Bangkok Pride Drag Brunch, and the Pride at Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park.
KEY WEST, FLORIDA, USA
(June 7 – 11. gaykeywestfl.com/pride)
Key West Pride is an unforgettable event that offers a unique tropical vibe. From special concerts to pool parties and wine tastings, there is something for everyone. The world-famous festival includes an island-wide celebration that culminates in the Guinness Book of Records’ largest rainbow flag, a 1.25-mile-long banner running from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. The festivities begin with the Pride Kick-off Luncheon on Wednesday, followed by the Pride Welcome Party at the Island House. Popular pool parties are hosted at The Equator Resort, Alexander’s Guesthouse, and The Bourbon Street Pub, while the Fury Sunset Tea on the Sea cruise takes place on Thursday. The Bourbon Street Pub hosts a range of dance parties, including Thursgays at Side Bar and the men-only Fetish Ball at Saloon 1. On Sunday, the Key West Gay Pride Parade kicks off at 5 P.M., followed by the southernmost Beach Party at 7 P.M. Don’t miss the pre-parade drag brunch at Mangoes or the world-famous Tea Dance at Lateda after the parade. AquaPlex also hosts some great events throughout Pride, including the Rainbow Roast on Sunday evening.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
(July 1. prideinlondon.org)
London Pride is one of the most iconic events in Europe, attracting over 1 million spectators and featuring more than 300,000 participants. The parade, which takes place on July 1, starts from Baker Street and ends in Whitehall, with 200 community groups, companies, charities, and organizations taking part. The main stage, located in Trafalgar Square, hosts British and international acts and DJs, while other stages, such as the Dean Street Stage in Soho and the Out With The Family Rainbow Fete in Golden Square, offer a more diverse and family-friendly atmosphere. In addition, there’s plenty of circuit events, including the AS One Festival and the WE Party London, as well as the popular gay bars and clubs, such as Heaven, VFD, and Royal Vauxhall Tavern, which will host various parties throughout the weekend. The Big Pride Picnic in the Park takes place on July 2 at Vauxhall, featuring sports events, shows, and choirs.
NEW YORK CITY, USA
(June 23 – 25. nycpride.org)
NYC Transgender Support (Photo by AKatz)
New York City Pride is one of the world’s most renowned Pride events, attracting over two million attendees each year. The event’s highlight is the pride march, featuring colorful floats, music, and community groups. The Pride Rally, held on June 23rd, will focus on denouncing legislative attacks against LGBTQIA+ people. On June 24th, Planet Pride returns to the Brooklyn Mirage, featuring two signature parties, including RIO by TNW and WE Party by Madrid. Other must-see events include Teaze, Pride Island’s three-day festival featuring Kim Petras, and Pride Fest, an annual LGBT street fair held in Greenwich Village. The NYC Pride Parade on June 25th is not to be missed, starting at 25th Street and 5th Avenue and ending at 16th Street and 7th Avenue. Additional gay circuit events include DILF New York XL Pride Edition, Hustlaball New York Pride, and MEAT Underground Party, among others. Don’t miss this incredible celebration of love, acceptance, and activism!
SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL
(June 7 – 11. facebook.com/paradasp)
São Paulo, Brazil is home to the largest Pride Parade in the world, the São Paulo Gay Pride, which takes place every year on the Sunday after the Corpus Christi annual holiday. The parade route runs along Avenida Paulista and ends at Praça Roosevelt, with over 25 themed floats, called Trio elétricos, and festivities that continue late into the night. The São Paulo Gay Pride is a 5-day event with debates, plays, music concerts, dance performances, cultural fairs, street markets, and affiliate parties held over the weekend, such as the Ursound Club Bear Party and the 12 hour marathon party Guapo Fiesta at Sonora Garden. The best neighborhood to stay in is Jardin, home to great hotels, restaurants, gay bars, and clubs, including the Aloka Club, Danger Dance Club, and Bubu Lounge. Other gay-friendly neighborhoods include Frei Caneca/Consolação, Largo do Arouche/Centro, Pinheiros, and Bela Vista.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN
(October 22 – 29. taiwanpride.lgbt)
Gay Taiwan (Photo by Hananeko Studio)
In October, Taipei will proudly host Taiwan Pride, the biggest gay event in the country, which is projected to bring in over 200,000 visitors from all over the world. This five-day event is highlighted by the Taipei Gay Pride Parade on the last Saturday of the month, celebrating its 21st anniversary in 2023. The parade starts at the town hall and proceeds through the streets of Taipei, with two groups of participants taking different routes. The official gay pride village in front of the town hall will feature live shows and performances throughout the day, and a big Post-Parade party that lasts well into the late evening. In addition, there’s the Formosa Pride Weekend Party, with 10,000 attendees, several international guest DJs, and lots of hot GoGos. Taipei itself is a vibrant and modern city, offering endless shopping, dining, and cultural opportunities. The city’s gay scene is also thriving, with over 20 gay bars and three gay mega clubs in the Red House District.
VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA
(August 3 – 6. vancouverpride.ca)
Vancouver is home to one of the largest pride festivals in North America, and it attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. The Gay Village is the epicenter of the festivities, and hotels in the Davie Village area fill up quickly, so book early. The Pride Parade takes place on Sunday, August 6, and begins at Robson Street and Thurlow Street, winding its way through the historic LGBT community of West End before finishing at the Sunset Beach Pride Festival and Market. The festival is followed by the Davie Street Party, which is a highlight of Vancouver Pride Week. Other notable events include the East Side Pride and The Picnic in the Park at Stanley Park.
VALLETTA, MALTA
(September 7 – 17. europride2023.mt)
Valletta, Malta – September 10th 2022: People celebrating Malta Pride Week 2022
Malta, consistently ranked as the most LGBTQ+ friendly country in Europe by the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Index, will be the host of this year’s Europride. The ten day event will take place along Malta’s gorgeous eastern coast and will feature a variety of cultural events, parties, festivals, conferences, fashion nights, and concerts, not to mention warm and sunny weather with average temperatures of 24 degrees Celsius. To start, there’s the Opening Ceremony, which will be a colorful, lively affair at the Valletta Pride Village. Additional events include the Pride Boat Party, the Pride Pool Party, and, of course, The Europride Parade on September 16th. The parade includes floats, dancers, street performers, and other attractions, including a humongous 82-foot Rainbow flag unveiled on Pride Day. There’s also the Pride Open Concert and its after party, as well as a variety of circuit parties hosted by Lollipop Malta and Michelangelo, Valletta’s premier gay club. For those looking to relax, Pride Around the Grand Harbour offers the opportunity to reserve a boat and sail the Mediterranean.
WASHINGTON, DC
(June 2 -11. capitalpride.org)
Washington DC Pride (Photo by Gustavo Frazao)
Join the excitement and celebration of Washington Pride 2023, a 10-day event filled with parties, events, and activities leading up to the Capital Pride Parade. The parade, with the theme of Peace, Love, Revolution,” starts on Saturday, June 10th. Other events include the Pride Block Party and the Capitol Sunset Dance Party. Enjoy a full day of entertainment, food, and advocacy with over 300 exhibitors at the Annual Capital Pride Street Festival, located near the Capitol Building, and experience entertainment on three stages at the Capital Pride Concert, featuring international headliners and local and regional LGBTQ+ talent. Don’t miss the Dupont Dance Stage, located within the Dupont Beverage Garden, and the Monument Festival Stage, located on Constitution Avenue with the Washington Monument as the backdrop. Explore the gay bars and clubs located in Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill, and Columbia Heights, all within walking distance or a short taxi ride from Pennsylvania Avenue.
