10 alternative Pride destinations around the world
Look beyond London, Miami and New York and you’ll find spectacular Pride celebrations in some of the most unexpected corners of the world…
Pride celebrates the resilience of the world’s LGBTQ+ community, along with the progress made in the fight towards equality. Ahead of London Pride and the anniversary of New York’s Stonewall Riots – a pivotal moment in the gay movement – we list 10 upcoming parades, guaranteed to be loud and very proud.
1. Seattle, USA
When: 30 June
This charming American city has become synonymous with love thanks to the hopelessly romantic Sleepless in Seattle, making it the perfect host for Pride. 2024 marks half a century since Seattle’s first Gay Pride Week, so organisers are expecting hundreds of thousands of parade spectators to celebrate the momentous milestone, probably being the event’s biggest turn-out to date. As ever, expect a procession of colourful floats, dancing, singing and love.
More information: seattlepride.org
2. Bogota, Colombia
When: 30 June
The capital of one of the most liberal countries in South America held its first ever Pride in 1982, with just 30 participants. Nowadays, Bogota throws one of the best Pride events on the continent, not that we’d expect anything less from the city that claims the world’s largest LGBTQ+ nightclub, based in the city’s gay neighbourhood of Chapinero. In addition to the parade, there’s something in store for everyone, from concerts and parties to exhibitions and conferences.
More information: bogotapride.com
3. Isle of Wight, England
When: 20 July
The Isle of Wight might’ve only held their first Pride celebration in 2017, but it’s certainly has made its mark. If the stunning coastal backdrop doesn’t wow attendees enough, then the star-studded line-up surely will. This year, well-known entertainers descending on England’s largest island include Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt and RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Ginger Johnson, who will take to the Harbour Beach in Ryde following the parade. If that weren’t enough, the next day, the 30-piece Symphonix Orchestra will pay tribute to gay icons Freddie Mercury and George Michael.
More information: iwpride.org
4. Cork, Ireland
When: 4 August
The lives of Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community have changed dramatically in recent years, thanks to the success of the Same-Sex Marriage Referendum in 2015 – a once unimaginable prospect in a country dominated by the Catholic Church. The slew of Pride festivals in cities and towns across the island reflect this hard-won progress. It might be Ireland’s second-largest city, but Cork promises to be unmatched in terms of celebrations this summer. Expect parades, picnics and parties galore.
More information: corkpride.com
5. Reykjavik, Iceland
When: 10 August
Twenty-five years ago, some 1,500 people attended Reykjavik’s inaugural Pride event. In an echo of the country’s fiery volcanoes, the numbers have since exploded, with tens of thousands now descending on the charming capital to promote love, acceptance and freedom. One of the world’s biggest little Pride events, the annual spectacle promotes visibility and courage while offering the gay community an essential platform to showcase their pride.
More information: hinsegindagar.is
6. Tartu, Estonia
When: 17 August
2024 is a special year for Estonia. On 1 January, the country – famed for its forests and medieval architecture – finally allowed its gay communities to marry. In doing so, it became the first Baltic state to legalise same-sex marriage. This year’s Pride in Tartu, the current European Capital of Culture, will be one to remember. The itinerary is bursting with diverse activities; aside from the central parade, there will be art exhibitions, panel discussions, comedy shows and drag performances. And possibly a wedding proposal or two!
More information: lgbt.ee
7. Queenstown, New Zealand
When: 31 August
The temperatures might differ from London, but the spirit of Queenstown Winter Pride is very much the same. Over 11 days, there will be parties, skiing, snowboarding and mountain walks, culminating in a fabulous bikini parade. Our Kiwi friends describe it as ’a festival in a small town with a bold heart’. Only the weather will be chilly; everything else will be warm and loving.
More information: winterpride.co.nz
8. Valetta, Malta
When: 14 September
Valetta, the Mediterranean limestone kingdom, will be awash with rainbow colours this September. Their first recorded Pride demonstration occurred 20 years ago; the response was muted, but the yearly festivities have blossomed into a key fixture in the island’s calendar. Malta Pride admirably ensures the LGBTQ+ community is kept at the core of the celebrations and avoids pandering to the all-too-common pink-washing by corporate or political propaganda.
More information: maltapride.org
9. Taipei, Taiwan
When: 26 October
Taiwan Pride is one of the loudest and proudest LGBTQ+ events in Asia – hardly surprising, considering the country enjoys some of the most progressive gay rights on the continent. In fact, Taiwan was the first Asian country to recognise same-sex marriage. Tens of thousands descend on Taipei annually for the colourful event. Their upcoming celebration kicks off with a showstopping parade, followed by shows, international DJ sets, special events and, more than likely, a few after-parties.
More information: twpride.org
10. Johannesburg, South Africa
When: 26 October
For 35 years, Johannesburg Pride has been a beacon of resilience, unity and diversity in Africa — and a lifeline for many gay people there who remain at risk of violence and worse. As one of the continent’s oldest and largest Pride events, they champion LGBTQ+ rights while simultaneously showcasing local culture. This year, there will also be another parade of sorts — ahead of the main event, Pride of Africa will partner with fashion icon Jean Paul Gaultier to present the Third Queer Met Gala.
More information: prideofafrica.org
