Get together with friends, family, colleagues and allies - it’s Pride month!
Although most of us are lucky enough to live in countries where the LGBTQ+ community is accepted and given equal rights, sadly there are still countries where being gay is a crime. There are still 64 countries that criminalise homosexuality which only highlights the importance of embracing Pride celebrations around the world so we can raise awareness to drive future change.
The History of Pride
Pride is an event that is celebrated worldwide but came as the result of years of injustice and ostracism of the LGBTQ+ community. After a police raid at a gay bar in New York on June 28th 1969, the Stonewall riots took place over several days which instigated the gay liberation movement that has developed into the pride events we see today. Looking back on the history of Pride is a reminder of how far we have come in terms of acceptance and equality, but also of how much more still needs to be done.
Here are 5 great Pride celebrations you could attend in 2023:
Amsterdam
Parade Date: August 6th 2023
Pride Amsterdam kicks off in early August and is the only Pride parade to take place on the water. The famous canals of Amsterdam will be transformed with colourfully decorated boats that float along as supporters celebrate through the Amsterdam streets. This unique event attracts around 500,000 people every year so be sure to book your tickets and hotel early if you want to go. There’s live music, parties and special cruises and walks specially organised for Pride.
New York
Parade Date: 25th June
New York is the birthplace of Pride celebrations, so if you want to celebrate big this year, New York Pride is the place to do it. New York Pride commemorates the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 — the beginning of the modern Gay Rights movement. It’s one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world and events are happening all over the city that are designed to educate, inspire and celebrate.
For more info about visiting New York look out for our ‘How to spend 3 days in New York’ blog coming later this month.
Reykjavik
Parade Date: 12th August 2023
Pride is celebrated like a festival in Iceland, where the nation comes together to celebrate that they have the freedom to love whoever they choose. ‘Hinsegin Dagar’ as it’s known in Iceland takes place over 6 days and includes lectures, speeches, concerts, a Pride ball and a post-pride dance party to bring the celebrations to a close. This small city is bustling as the Pride festival grows year after year and is becoming one of the most popular events on Reykjavik’s social calendar.
Brighton & Hove
Parade date: 5th August 2023
You may think the most popular Pride event in the UK is in London, but it’s actually in Brighton. There are so many great Pride celebrations all over the UK, but Brighton and Hove has become a well-known jewel in the Pride calendar. They are celebrating in style this year with a 4-day celebration that includes a 2-day festival-style music event with over 170 artists performing. There’s a Pride Village party on the schedule as well as live performances, DJs, and drag artists to make sure 2023 Pride is unforgettable.
Madrid
Parade Date: 1st July 2023
Spain’s capital makes a big deal of Pride because Spain was the third country in the world to legalise Celebrations are usually centred around the Chueca neighbourhood but there are events planned all over the city. It’s the largest Pride festival in Europe and focuses on raising awareness with over 50 floats from different LQGTBQ+ organisations around Spain. Madrid Pride has an incredible atmosphere and thousands of people enjoy the celebrations to celebrate diversity and advocate for equality.
If you can’t make it to a big Pride celebration this year, you can check out what’s going on in your local area or simply celebrate in a way that feels right for you and embraces everything that Pride stands for.
Happy Pride!
