It’s true, love really does make the world go round. That’s love, not money. And definitely not the conservation of angular momentum. Insert confused face.
To celebrate Pride and give all those extraordinary LGBTQ+ warriors out there some ideas for where to go, we give the world the rainbow treatment based on the best places to party.
Look lively, you DO NOT want to miss the float on this one.
LGBTQ+ – Let’s Go Travelling!
1. London
Celebrating more than 50 years of being loud and proud, and also 50 years since the UK Parliament first voted to legalise homosexuality, Pride in London promises its biggest and most vibrant year yet. Under a banner of ‘Love happens here’, this fortnight of fun, frivolity and flag-flying ends this Saturday with the finale parade.
As well as the usual shenanigans kicking off in Soho, there are also over 60 events taking place across the capital, five stages of music and cabaret, the Pride in the Park festival (hello dog show), and even an app to plan your perfect Pride.
Don’t miss: The 2.3km parade through central London, which usually starts on Regent St at 1pm. Magenta is mandatory.
2. Sao Paulo
Three words: Shirtless, samba and sunshine.
There are lots of amazing things to do in São Paulo and you probably don’t realise this city is home to the biggest Pride event in the world, an estimated three million people party at São Paolo Pride every year.
However, it’s not all carnival, cross-dressing and caipirinhas. In true Pride style, this parade comes with a strong political message, not only for greater protection for the LGBT community, but also for the separation of church and state in Brazilian politics.
Don’t miss: Celeb spotting. Stephen Fry and the cast of Orange is the New Black were just a few of the famous faces spotted in previous years.
3. New York
New York is Pride. The first march took place here in 1970, when a few hundred people marched down Sixth Avenue to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
Fast forward five decades, and Pride usually sees a month of LGBT celebrations and demonstrations across five NYC boroughs, performances from local and international artists, and A LOT of jello shots.
Don’t miss: A cocktail at The Stonewall Inn in Greenwich village, the historic bar that helped launch the global gay rights movement.
4. San Francisco
No list would be complete without the pride of place, San Francisco. One of the most liberal and gay friendly cities in the world, San Francisco hosts North America’s biggest and most inclusive LGBT celebrations, with over 200 parade contingents and over 20 community-led stages.
Don’t miss: Staking out your spot in the Castro District. The craziest weekend of the year, the population of San Francisco almost doubles as around 1 million people descend on the city
5. Sydney
Three weeks of sequins and speedos, Australia’s biggest LGBT event takes place over Mardi Gras in March. One of the world’s most outrageous parades – think Priscilla Queen of the Desert en masse – this colourful celebration also isn’t without its dark past.
Sydney’s first march took place in 1978 and saw over 50 people arrested by police. Homosexuality was still a crime in New South Wales until the mid 80s, and media coverage of the marchers saw many outed in their communities and even lose their jobs.
Don’t miss: The famous Mardi Gras Party. Stages of international DJs, crazy pyrotechnics and hardcore partygoers, it’s the hottest ticket of the year.
6. Taipei
One of the most surprising destinations on our list, Taipei is Asia’s most progressive and gay friendly country, with hopes to become the first Asian country to legalise same sex marriage, Taiwan Pride is the region’s biggest and most flamboyant parade. Taking place in October and with over 80,000 rainbow-clad revellers and lesbian brides-to-be turned out last year to strut the streets with messages of love, equality and acceptance.
Don’t miss: The famous Pride pool parties at the W Hotel, Taipei.
7. Berlin
Berlin is one of the most progressive cities in Europe and it is also one of the best cities in the world for festivals. The Berlin Pride Celebration, also known as Christopher Street Day Berlin, or CSD Berlin, is a pride parade and festival held in the second half of July each year to celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their allies. Since 1979, the event has been held each year and really is something that needs to be experienced.
8. Amsterdam
And finally.
Easygoing and enlightened when it comes to, well, most things… it’s no shock that Amsterdam throws a corker of a parade.
A week-long celebration each August, Amsterdam Pride is known for its ‘give a dam’ attitude, wild weekend street parties and Canal Parade. Taking the idea of festival floats to whole new and literal level, they float on barges along the canals rather than parade through the streets.
Don’t miss: The Drag Queen Olympics. The world’s premier cross-dressing sporting event, disciplines include the Handbag Throw and the 100 meter Stiletto Sprint.
Most Pride festivals take place over World Pride Week in June. If you do plan to visit an overseas destination for festivities, be sure to book in advance to get the best prices of flights and accommodation.
