Life
The month of June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month in the U.S., and it's an important chance to celebrate the diversity and impact of the LGBT community, all across the spectrum. While many of the festivities will be taking place during this time in commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall riots, Pride events around the world will be held throughout the summer. So whether you're in sunny Barcelona or traipsing through Paris, you too can celebrate queer history, art, and culture! Events and marches such as film screenings, art openings, open-air concerts and activism, will serve tens of thousands of people, so no matter where you are, you don't have to miss out!
This month serves as a time to recognize the impact LGBT people have had in the world and as an annual reminder of the discrimination and violence that the community regularly faces. Two years after the supreme court's historic ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, legalizing gay marriage in the United States, the fight for marriage equality still rages around the world. Amidst the current climate of political turmoil and divisiveness, it's so important to celebrate, demonstrate and wave the rainbow flag. Here are a few amazing Pride events that will be taking place this summer around the globe:
1
New York Pride Parade — 6/25
Known as "The March," NYC hosts one of the biggest LGBT Pride celebrations in the world. The parade will start at noon on June 25, traveling from 36th Street and Fifth Avenue to Christopher and Greenwich Streets. The destination is the historic Stonewall Inn, the site of the 1969 riots that launched the gay rights movement. The parade will be led by The American Civil Liberties Union, the first openly trans FDNY firefighter Brooke Guinan, actor Geng Le, and activist Krishna Stone. To register for the march and learn more about volunteer opportunities check out their website here.
2
Tel Aviv Gay Pride — 6/9
In Israel, Pride Week runs from June 4 through June 10, offering plenty of concerts, parties, and discussion. The festivities will culminate with Tel Aviv's popular Gay Pride parade. The event starts at 10 AM, in Me'ir Park and will travel through the streets to Charles Clore beach, where dancing and performances await by the waterside. The 2017 parade's theme is "Bisexuality" as an effort to "celebrate the acceptance of the bisexual community into the LGBTQ fold." To learn more about how to get involved check out the guide to events here.
3
WorldPride Madrid — 6/23-7/2
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first LGBTIQ pride parade in Spain, and the end of June will be full of Pride-filled events celebrating activism and diversity taking place in the central neighborhood of Chueca. Festivities including concerts, sporting events, and parties will climax with the WorldPride Parade along the Paseo del Prado on July 1. For more information on how to take part check out their website.
4
Pride Toronto — 6/23-6/25
Pride weekend features a number of exciting events and political demonstrations from the Trans march on June 23, to the "Dyke March" on June 24, and the 37th annual pride parade on June 25, as well as tons of affiliated celebrations taking place throughout the month of June. Festivities kick off with the raising of the Rainbow flag at Toronto City Hall on May 31. Those thinking of taking a trip to Canada should explore the full load of event listings and information for their second official Pride month here.
5
Amsterdam LGBT Pride Canal Parade — 7/29 - 8/6
Those in the Netherlands should travel to Amsterdam for a week of celebrating "equality for the gay, lesbian, transgender and intersex communities" July 29 through August 6. One of the most notable events is the annual Canal Parade, where 80 colorfully-decorated vessels will "put on a show with their onboard DJs, show-stopping themes and plenty of smiles" in the name of equality. In Amsterdam, it's whatever floats your boat!
6
Chicago Pride Parade — 6/25
Orange Is The New Black star Lea DeLaria will be the grand marshal of the Chicago's 48th annual Pride march, taking place on June 25. Those in the midwest can expect a packed lineup for Pride month, with everything from LGBTQ storytelling, to BBQs, standup, concerts, festivals and much, much more. Check out the exciting list of events and learn how to participate here.
7
ShanghaiPRIDE Festival — 6/15-6/18
Mainland China's only LGBT Pride celebration will take place this year in Shanghai over the weekend of June 15 through June 18. Events include a theater and film festival, art opening, concerts, and a fun run. The mission of the nine-year-old festival is to "create awareness and promote acceptance for the LGBTQ community through various sports, cultural, and social activities" as well as fundraise for local LGBT charities. This year's theme is “The Time Is Now…” so don't wait to find out how to get involved here!
8
Pride In London — 6/24-7/9
Over the course of two weeks of celebration, Londoners can enjoy Queer art exhibits, theater, self-defense classes, dance performances, dragon boat races, film screenings and more centered around the theme "Love happens here." The events culminate in a massive parade on July 8, that will celebrate all parts of London’s LGBT community and provide a platform for groups to raise awareness for a diverse group of issues and continue the fight for equality. Learn more about Pride in London's lineup here.
9
CSD Berlin — 7/22
Get your activism on at Berlin's Christopher Street Day march and rally. Named in honor of the Stonewall riots, the events are part politics part party and all about promoting diversity and visibility. Spontaneous marchers are encouraged to join the parade on July 22 and celebrate in a big finale in front of the historic Brandenburg Gate. To learn how to get involved with the celebration and join the parade route here.
