It’s not just almost summer, it’s almost Pride, meaning it’s almost time for pride 2019 parades. Every year during the month of June, and sometimes extending into July, cities all around the world celebrate Pride through a variety of parades, festivals, concerts, and community led activities. Despite the leaps and bounds in recent years that have been made towards equality when it comes to the rights for the LGBTQ+ community there are still several more steps that are needed to be taken. In too many places you can be persecuted to the point of death by simply being who you are openly.
Pride Fest is designed as a safe space for people in the LGBTQ+ community to come together and celebrate. Even if you’re just an ally Pride Fest is an important tradition not just because it’s fun but because of the significance behind being able to hold hands with the person you love safely in public. Below is a list of festivals you should consider checking out if given the opportunity.
This southern California city is synonyms with the LGBTQ+ movement. Several iconic moments in the history for equal rights have taken place in San Fransisco. That’s why it shouldn’t be a surprise that this city also is home to an equally iconic pride celebration. In 2019 the pride will be celebrating its 49th anniversary. Over 1 million people flock to San Fransisco to take place in this festival.
Not to be outdone The City of Angels has its own pride celebration that is equally as impressive. Los Angeles was actually the location for the first ever pride parade, in 1970. Throughout a weeklong celebration there is music, drag shows, dancing and a variety of special guests are typically in attendance. Be sure to check out this festival if you want to help continue the tradition.
If you find yourself on the opposite side of the country New York has their own pride celebrations. New York is proud to boast that they in 2019 they are holding the largest Pride celebration spanning the entire month of June. It will is also the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. In 1969 police raided a gay club in Greenwhich Village. Due to the brutality of the police it created motivation for the gay rights movement to really come into swing. This year they will be honoring that significant moment in history.
Of course I had to acknowledge my beautifully diverse Mile High City. While Denver may not be as glamorous as Los Angeles or New York this city doesn’t go without Merit. In November 2018 Colorado elected Jared Polis, who is the first openly gay governor. The Pride Fest in Denver is a weekend full of concerts, dancing, a 5k run and of course a parade that is incredibly fun to be a part of.
Across the pond you can find yourself at Londons Pride festival. It is one of the largest and longest Pride celebrations in the country, with well over 1 million in attendance. Despite being in an entirely different country and continent in 2019 London Pride will also be honoring the 50th anniversary of The Stonewall Riots.
The celebration in São Paulo is the largest Pride Festival in the entire world with well over 5 million in attendance. Many have come in agreement that this is the best festival to attend as well. Sadly though Brazil still has the highest LGBTQ+ murder rate in the world as well. Despite that sad statistic the people of São Paulo still continue to celebrate Pride.
If you find yourself in Germany consider going to their festival in Cologne. The country of Germany has had a long and complicated history with the LGBTQ+ community and Cologne, Germany has one of the largest celebrations in Europe. People have compared this celebration to that of Carnival.
If you’ve had dreams of dancing around in rainbow attire in ancient ruins look no further than the Pride Festival in Rome. Here you can march along side with fellow LGBTQ+ Europeans while walking in front of the famed Flavian Amphitheatre.
If you’re wanting to experience a Pride Festival in another country but can’t bring yourself to travel across an ocean consider going to the Toronto Pride Festival. In 2016 they announced that this is a celebration that will last the entire month of June.
Growing from a small, hidden celebration in the 1970s Pride Madrid has become what some have considered to be the largest celebration in Europe. After 2005 when equal marriage was approved in Spain the Pride Festival has blossomed into the massive celebration it is today. This is one of the best pride 2019 parades!
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