With an estimated one in 10 people around the world identifying as LGBTQIA+, there are many destinations for LGBTQIA+ community members and allies to celebrate Pride, from New York to Taipei.
Pride flag at Pride Parade. William Murphy. CC BY-SA 2.0
The first official Pride parades in 1970 commemorated the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. On June 28, 1969, the New York City police raided an LGBTQIA+ safe space called the Stonewall Inn. Six days of protests, where thousands denounced the treatment of the LGBTQIA+ community, followed the raid. Since the first series of Pride parades sprung up across the United States in the 1970s, Pride celebrations have spread to every continent, including Antarctica.
1. Berlin, Germany
Partygoers at a Pride Parade in Berlin, Germany. David J. CC BY 2.0
Sometimes referred to as ‘the capital of the rainbow’, Berlin is among the most popular LGBTQIA+ travel destinations and boasts many Pride events. During the Pride Weeks between June 28th and July 27th, 2024, Berlin will celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride with Christopher Street Day and the Lesbian and Gay Street Festival, the largest LGBTQIA+ street festival in Europe. Drawing hundreds of thousands of people, Berlin’s Pride events are vibrant and full of music and performances.
The epicenter of Berlin’s Pride celebrations can be found around Nollendorfplatz Street in Schoneberg. Filled with memorials of LGBTQIA+ martyrs and icons, travelers can immerse in German LGBTQIA+ history. Beyond the Pride festivities, visitors can enjoy events and workshops at the Gay Museum, or explore nightlife in Berlin’s array of clubs and bars.
2. Cape Town, South Africa
Pride Parade float in Cape Town, South Africa. richie rocket. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
As one of the most welcoming countries for LGBTQIA+ travelers in Africa, South Africa is home to a variety of Pride parades and events. At the end of South Africa’s summer, between February 27th and May 2nd, 2024, Cape Town’s Pride events offer travelers the opportunity to celebrate pride with many unique activities.
From drag brunches to the Pets for Pride Promenade Walk, travelers have many events to choose from beyond the parade itself. Following the Pride Parade on February 27th, 2024, the celebration continues with the Pride Mardi Gras, featuring performances from drag performers, musicians and DJs.
3. London, UK
A participant in the London Pride Parade. Adrian Snood. CC BY-NC 2.0
Travelers can experience the UK’s biggest and most diverse Pride celebration in London. Since the first Pride Parade in London in 1972, London’s Pride has grown to be one of the largest Pride events in the world. London’s Pride features the Pride Festival along with the Pride in London Parade.
Throughout June, explorers can experience everything from exhibitions to cabaret shows at the Pride Festival. On June 29th, 2024 at the Pride Parade, attendees can cheer for hundreds of LGBTQIA+ community groups, non-profits, and businesses as they make their way through the streets.
4. Montevideo, Uruguay
Pride festivities in Montevideo, Uruguay. Montecruz Foto. CC BY-SA 2.0
Often rated as one of the most ‘gay-friendly’ cities in the world, the largest LGBTQIA+ Pride celebrations can be found in Montevideo, where tens of thousands flock to the annual events. Montevideo Pride began in the 1990s and will be celebrated on September 27th 2024.
LGBTQIA+-friendly activities in Montevideo span well beyond official Pride events. In Montevideo, travelers have many LGBTQIA+ destinations at their fingertips, including LGBTQIA+ bars and clubs like the Chains Pub and the Cain Dance Club. Curious explorers also have access to over 40 exhibitions and museums where they can delve further into the city's history and culture.
5. New York, U.S.A
Pride Parade in New York City. DVSROSS. CC BY 2.0
As the birthplace of Pride, New York City is an iconic destination to enjoy Pride festivities on June 30th, 2024. On this day, the streets are filled with rainbows as the Pride March and other Pride celebrations commence.
The Pride March is accompanied by PrideFest, a street fair where attendees can engage in games and other activities while supporting local business owners. At specialized events such as Bliss Days, which celebrates LGBTQIA+ women, participants can enjoy live music from DJs and dance performances.
6. San Francisco, U.S.A
Decorations for Pride, San Francisco. Lindsey Rodgers. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Pride has been celebrated in San Francisco for 54 years. Since then, the entire month of June has become full of Pride celebrations and events. On June 1st, 2024, there will be the first Block Party during San Francisco Pride. During the Block Party, celebrants can enjoy meals from BIPOC-owned food trucks accompanied by local LGBTQIA+ entertainment and connect with local vendors and businesses.
On June 7th, 2024 at the Pride Kickoff Party travelers can dive into Pride celebrations alongside live shows from drag to film. Those interested in human rights and international politics can learn from experts at the San Francisco Pride’s Human Rights Summit on June 27th, 2024. San Francisco's Pride month then comes to a close on June 30th with the Pride Parade.
7. Taipei, Taiwan
Pride Parade in Taipei, Taiwan. Ironypoisoning. CC BY-SA 2.0
Every year, between the 27th and the 29th of October, the Taiwan Rainbow Civil Action Organization organizes the largest LGBTQIA+ Pride in East Asia. Taipei is an ideal destination to embrace Pride in Taiwan, with nearly 200,000 people partaking in Taipei’s Pride in 2023.
A part of the Pride festivities is the Taipei Rainbow Festival, where people can support LGBTQIA+-friendly artists and local brands. Accompanying the booths, visitors can enjoy live musical performances by LGBTQIA+ performers and DJs. Besides the lively Pride celebrations, Taipei boasts natural and architectural wonders, from the Yangmingshan National Park to the Longshan Temple.
8. Sao Paulo, Brazil
A banner in the Sao Paulo, Brazil Pride Parade. Mídia NINJA. CC BY-NC 2.0
Between May 30th and June 2nd, Sao Paulo comes to life with Pride celebrations. Beginning with the metropolis's Diversity Cultural Fair and ending with its Pride Parade, the Pride weekend is full of alluring activities for travelers and locals alike.
With nearly 20 floats carrying dozens of performing artists and electronic music filling Paulista Avenue, Sao Paulo’s Pride Parade draws visitors from around the world. During the city's 27th Pride celebration in 2023, over three million people took to the streets for its Pride Parade.
Madison Paulus
Madison is a student at George Washington University studying international affairs, journalism, mass communication, and Arabic. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Madison grew up in a creative, open-minded environment. With passions for human rights and social justice, Madison uses her writing skills to educate and advocate. In the future, Madison hopes to pursue a career in science communication or travel journalism.