Isabella Feraca
LGBTQ+ Pride has grown massively in scale and support since its emergence, but many cities around the world have either maintained or enacted threatening legislation undermining the event.
Istanbul Pride 2013. Lubunya. CC by 3.0
With Pride month around the corner, many cities around the world will soon hold marches for thousands to showcase LGBTQ+ community solidarity, highlight progress and express hope for the future. While much global progress has been made since the start of Pride in the 1970s — some cities have even held their first parades in just the last few years — many countries still maintain hostile laws that do not allow for such celebrations, and some have even begun to strip back on previous momentum. As people around the world come together to express pride, it is important to remember the progress that is still to be made and acknowledge those fighting to secure it.
New York, U.S.
The city that originally started Pride as a commemoration of the Stonewall Uprising has been a leading force of the movement for over 50 years, most recently attracting over 2.5 million people in 2024. Given its size and national attention, NYC Pride has attracted many corporate sponsors over the years, including Chase Bank, Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines. However, in the wake of growing anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, over 25% of corporate donors have chosen to opt out of sponsoring the 2025 march for fear of financial repercussions. While corporate sponsorship of Pride has long been subjected to scrutiny by members of the LGBTQ+ community, if companies now deem the practice unprofitable, then it could be telling of a troublesome shift in public opinion. With events still in motion, perhaps this year’s NYC Pride will feel even more like the powerful protest it grew out of decades ago.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul held its first Pride parade in 2003. Despite its small scale, it was a mark of important progress for many, with peaceful marches held continually in following years and even expanding to regions outside of the major city as well. However, a turning point came in 2015 when the march was met with violent police opposition. That same year, authorities banned subsequent marches for gay and transgender pride, citing a “...flagrant violation of the constitution and law.” While this ban has remained in effect since, organizers have refused to back down. Just last year, a march was held to showcase continual communal strength in the wake of oppression. Despite being met with hostile blockades and opposition, protestors carried on, and organizers later took to X to publicly denounce the persisting ban, stating, “Get used to it, we are everywhere.” The Istanbul LGBTQ+ community continues to show defiance, announcing the dates for the 2025 march in a recent post from the Istanbul Pride Instagram account. The theme will be “Insisting On Life.”
Lagos, Nigeria
Nigeria has long maintained a conservative stance on LGBTQ+ rights, making it difficult for community members to be open about their identity. In 2014, the country implemented the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Law, which not only banned gay marriage but also criminalized public displays of LGBTQ+ identity. Despite these harsh restrictions, members of the community in Lagos have sought to express pride in an underground fashion. For example, in 2023, the week-long celebration Pride in Lagos took place, with various events like art exhibitions, fashion shows and raves enabling many to come together and safely celebrate their community. Similarly, last year organizers put together a secret party for the queer community with more than 500 attendees, calling it the Fola Francis Ball in honor of a transgender model that passed away at the end of 2023. This year, Pride in Lagos announced on Instagram that they would be holding events once again, with the theme “We Are All Together In This.”
Shanghai, China
Shanghai Gay Pride began in 2009, marking the first official LGBTQ+ event in mainland China. Subsequent years saw further events and growth for the organization, establishing an important safe space and celebration of queer identity, art and community. While homosexuality has been legal in China since 1997, many face social stigma, and it has become increasingly difficult for leaders to operate LGBTQ+ organizations amid government crackdowns. As such, many organizations have shut down in recent years, including Shanghai Gay Pride back in 2021. In a heartfelt message to supporters on their website, they assured, “No matter what, we will always be proud — and you should be, too.” Although the organization has not held any events since, their social media remains active, and their messaging has not alluded to a permanent hiatus. As such, perhaps there is a future to be seen for LGBTQ+ Pride in Shanghai.
Isabella Feraca
Isabella is a junior at Carnegie Mellon University studying professional writing and music technology. In her free time, she can be found reading, making music, and playing shows with her band around Pittsburgh.