INTERNATIONAL GAY PRIDE CALENDAR 2010
Forty-one years have passed since the 1969 Stonewall Riots
in New York City sparked the modern-day gay rights movement.
Fed up with discrimination, harassment, and incarceration,
the crowd of gay men and women at the Stonewall Inn on
that fateful summer night finally stood up to the police.
What started as a three-day riot has become a worldwide
revolution.
Today, hundreds of cities and towns
across the globe host their own annual gay pride celebrations.
There are still, however, many battles to be won. Thirty-seven
African countries consider being gay an illegal act.
Meanwhile, in Middle Eastern countries like Iraq and
Iran, numerous gay executions, kidnappings, and torture
continue to occur. In the face of these terrible acts
of discrimination and hatred, there are signs of progress.
Last April, Jamaica held its first “March for Tolerance”
in Montego Bay. In July, Sitges, Spain will host the
first pride celebration in the city’s history.
As protests and celebrations highlight our setbacks
and accomplishments, the struggle for equal rights for
gay people around the world continues to be priority
number one.
BRAZIL
SãO PAULO
For those who believe that bigger is better, São
Paulo Pride is the place for you. In 2009, the event
attracted more than 3.1 million people, landing it in
the Guinness Book as the world’s largest gay pride
celebration. This year’s Pride, themed “Vote
Against Homophobia: Defend Citizenship,” is expected
to attract over four million visitors. As is only appropriate
for its record-setting reputation, São Paulo
Pride will feature a month of festivities throughout
June. Among these activities are the Cycle of Debates,
Citizenship Awards, and the LGBT Cultural Fair. All
of this, however, is just a teaser leading up to the
much-anticipated Pride Parade on June 6. So come take
over the city’s streets with Brazil’s sexy
boys and girls and show your pride in a big way. www.gaypridebrazil.org
For Many More Gay Pride Events in South America click here
CANADA
TORONTO
Since 1970, Pride Toronto has endeavored
to celebrate, sustain, honor, engage, and protect its
LGBT community. Today, the city now boasts one of the
biggest Pride celebrations in the world. This year,
Toronto will host its 30th Pride Week festival themed
“You Belong.” From June 25–July 7, it
will welcome guests from all over the globe for ten
days of world class arts, activities, street fairs,
and festivities. Kick off the fun with the Official
Pride Launch Party before paying respects at the Flag
Raising Ceremony at City Hall. Then, throughout the
week, sit for an elegant dinner at the Pride Gala, indulge
shopping urges at the Community Marketplace, or unleash
that inner athlete at the festival’s Golf Day.
Of course, don’t forget the spectacular Pride Parade
on July 4. www.pridetoronto.com
For Many More Gay Pride Events in Canada click here
ENGLAND
LONDON
Shakespeare would be proud. Theater, music, art,
and entertainment, are just a few of the ways Pride
London seeks to raise awareness of the challenges
facing LGBT folks the world over while also promoting
understanding, cooperation, and diversity. This extravagant
show of British pride attracts over 1,000,000 people
to the heart of London. This year, the festivities will
kick off on June 19 and continue until Parade Day on
July 3. The two weeks leading up to that much-anticipated
march, however, will be just as fabulous. This year’s
theme for the Festival Fortnight is “Celebrating
40 Years of Gay Liberation Front…Paint the Town
Ruby Red.” The following fourteen days will feature
offerings in theater, film, comedy, and art, which will
be sure to entertain. So come enjoy a bit of culture
and lots of pride with our British brothers and sisters
from across the pond. www.pridelondon.org
For Many More Gay Pride Events in the United Kingdom click here
GERMANY
COLOGNE
 Come
out and celebrate pride at the largest gay and lesbian
event in Germany: Cologne Pride. Hundreds of
thousands of revelers swarm to the inner city to partake
in events that range from a political forum to a massive
dance party that will have over 10,000 people. The two-week
festival runs from June 19–July 4 and promises
to have something for everyone. If you only have time
for one event, join the LGBT community in the streets
of Old Town for an outlandish, raucous parade that aims
to promote equality for the community in Cologne. Other
components include WomenPride, which has women-specific
events like film screenings, panel discussions, seminars,
and parties. When the celebration is over, Cologne gets
to look forward to the Gay Games that begin on July
31. www.csd-cologne.de
ISRAEL
TEL AVIV
From June 10–13, Tel Aviv Pride Weekend
2010 invites LGBT folks and friends to the “gay
capital of the Middle East.” Over three days, visitors
can choose from an array of exciting activities like
gay city tours, queer brunches, GLBT films, beach events,
music shows, and art exhibitions. There will also be
parties perfect for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and individuals
of every orientation. The weekend will then be topped
off by one huge pride parade. With so much to see and
do, guests should be sure to buy a TLV City Pass online.
Cardholders not only get quick entry and some free admissions
to Pride events but also major discounts, gifts, and
benefits. So make sure to snag one before heading to
Tel Aviv in June, and take full advantage of this hot
weekend. www.gaytlvguide.com
 POLAND
WARSAW
Once the site of a great uprising, Warsaw is again
making history as it hosts the first EuroPride
in Eastern Europe. Organizers hope the celebration will
set an example in Poland, as well as in all parts of
the continent, where GLBT citizens still lack rights
and support. Along with liberty and equality, Europride
Warsaw 2010 will promote tolerance. From July 9–18,
the Polish capital will welcome guests from all parts
of the globe. The ten-day celebration will be packed
with activities for every age and interest. Movie buffs
are sure to love the Film Festival while the London
Gay Men’s Chorus is sure to win over music lovers.
The Ars Homo Erotica Exhibition promises to appeal to
art enthusiasts, while the 3rd International GLBT Business
Leader Forum is perfect for ambitious, networking individuals.
Of course, there will be plenty of parties leading up
to Parade Day when all are encouraged to participate.
At Europride 2010 everyone is welcome to join in the
fun and be a part of history. www.europride2010.eu
For Many More Gay Pride Events in Europe
click here
Continued
|
