It’s June and that means it’s Pride Month. People in cities worldwide will be celebrating this most important and historical month celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
Celebrating during the month of June honors the Stonewall Uprising that took place in Manhattan in 1969. Also called the Stonewall Riots, it all started “when New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village in New York City.” A riot ensued followed by protests and clashes with police. “The Stonewall Riots served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.”
Pride in New York City
1970 was the first year of the NYC Pride March. The Christopher Street Liberation Day Committee put it together and has continued yearly to this day.
Today, Heritage of Pride, a nonprofit group, plans, organizes and produces New York City’s LGBTQIA+ Pride events. “Heritage of Pride works toward a future without discrimination where all people have equal rights under the law.” Through events that inspire and educate, Heritage of Pride also celebrates the diverse community and ensures safe events. Colorful and uplifting parades, festivals, and joyous celebrations are among the principal components of LGBTQ Pride Month celebrated in June in the United States as well as around the world.
If you’re in New York City in June, make sure you take part in the many celebrations leading up to the June 25th NYC Pride March. Pride festivities start on June 1 with Brooklyn Made’s Pride Kick-off with an imaginative, maximalist indie rock band, followed by Funky Reggae House Party on June 3rd where queer selectas, vendors, and amazing food and drinks will be served. On June 26th mingle with fellow EQUAL members in the NYC area at EQUAL NYC social hour where they will be pouring it up at the Industry Bar, and all you have to do is style it up!
The official theme for 2023 is “Strength in Solidarity,” which was announced amidst a backdrop of increased attacks against members of the LGBTQIA community. NYC Pride seeks to illuminate the good that can and has been accomplished through support.
It all comes together on June 25th at the Pride March. Beginning at noon, at 25th Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. It eventually passes the Stonewall National Monument as well as the New York City AIDS Memorial, and then it ends in Chelsea. New York City does Pride like no other city. Expect to be out late to celebrate!
Can’t make it in person? Not to worry, for the sixth year in a row, the NYC Pride March will be broadcast on ABC-7.
Celebrate 50 Years of Pride in London
With over 30,000 participants, Pride in London attracts an estimated 1.5 million visitors and is one of the longest-running and largest pride festivals in the UK. Pride in London is a not-for-profit that focuses on equality and diversity and provides a platform for LGBT+ communities. The organization is there “to raise awareness of LGBT+ issues and campaign for the freedoms that will allow them to live their lives on a genuinely equal footing.”
London’s parade is scheduled for July 1. “The campaign for 2023 is a nod to the 50th-anniversary event of last year and will commemorate the past 50 years and our evolution as a movement; acknowledging those torch-bearers who have come before us and their achievements.” #AllOurPride. CEO of Pride in London, Christopher Joell-Deshields says, “We look forward to London’g LGBTQ+ communities coming together again as we continue to show up for visibility, unity, and equality for all LGBTQ+ people.”
Join the Pride Journey in San Francisco
It’s now 53 years of Pride in the City by the Bay. “With over 200 parade contingents and exhibitors, and more than twenty community-run stages and venues, the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade is the largest gathering of the LGBT community and allies in the nation.”
During the last full weekend of June, Pride festivities begin Saturday and the parade is on Sunday. It starts at Beale Street and ends at Market and 8th Street in downtown San Francisco. Grand Marshalls of the parade comes from the San Francisco area and are from a variety of backgrounds. They help to further the cause of LGBTQ+ people.
This year’s theme is #LookingBackMovingForward.
When In Paris Be Sure to Celebrate Gay Pride
Back in 1981, the Paris Pride event was held for the first time. Today, there are more than half a million people who take part in the streets of Paris. From colorful floats to loud music, it’s the perfect time to take to the streets of Paris and support the LGBTQ+ population.
So, if you’re in Paris in June, it’s the perfect place to celebrate Gay Pride. The city starts off with Marche des Fiertes, LGBT (Pride Fortnight) which is two weeks filled with shows, exhibitions, debates, and partying.
What was formerly known as Gay Pride is now LGBTQI+ Pride March and is back this summer in Paris for the 2023 edition which is set for June 24th. Catch the parade leaving from the Station Michel Bizot in the 12th arrondissement, which will end at the Place de la République.
This parade kickstarts the summer season of parties and events around the city. When the procession finishes, the Pride celebration continues with parties spilling out into adjoining streets to the many nearby gay cafes, bars, and clubs.
See Madrid and Come Together to Celebrate Pride
A great destination for pride, Madrid celebrates with event dates from Friday, June 23rd, to Sunday, July 2nd. The actual Madrid Parade will take place on July 1st.
“Madrid is one of the best LGBTQ+ destinations in the world and its annual Pride is a must-attend for thousands of people from across the world.”
Celebrations in Madrid start on June 23, around the time of International Pride Day (June 28) which is when the Stonewall Riots occurred. Expect a week of everything from political activism to cultural events, and fun activities. It all comes together for the big day: the Madrid Pride Parade (usually from Atocha train station to Plaza de Colón).
There are so many activities to do and while held in the Chueca neighborhood, Pride is not just for this neighborhood; it’s held over the entire city. You’ll find a host of concerts and shows in various plazas.
Outdoor concerts will be held on six stages during this eventful week, with the closing party on Sunday, July 2.
Wherever you are in the world during Pride month, there’s most likely a march to show solidarity and that there’s strength in numbers. Go Pride!
Original post date: June 13, 2022