June is here, which means it's that time of the year again when love, acceptance, and fabulousness take center stage—it's Pride Month!
For an entire month, the world comes alive with vibrant colors, joyful parades, and a collective celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. Pack your bags because we're heading to destinations renowned for their LGBTQIA+-friendly atmosphere, visiting historical landmarks, and soaking up the electric energy of Pride celebrations.
Let’s celebrate Pride around the world with these fun facts:
- Pride Month is in June
- The first Pride Flag had 8 colors!
- The colors have different meanings
- There are over 20 LGBTQ+ flags
- The very first gay parade was in Los Angeles
- Brenda Howard, a bisexual woman, is considered the “Mother of Pride”
- The Gay Capital of Middle East is Tel Aviv
- Taiwan is the first place to legalize same-sex marriage in Asia
- The largest pride parade is in Sao Paulo
- Pride celebrations last a whole month in Australia!
1. Pride Month is in June
Join a parade this Pride Month! Credits to Margaux Bellott on Unsplash
When’s Pride Month? Well, it’s the whole month of June! It honors the start of the Gay Liberation Movement, the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, which lasted for days. Modern-day Pride Month observes parades, marches, and demonstrations calling for equal rights.
2. The first Pride Flag had 8 colors!
The modern Pride Flag now has six colors. Credits to Cecilie Johnsen on Unsplash
Did you know that the first Pride Flag had eight vibrant colors? This beautiful and inclusive flag flew high, capturing the spirit of unity and diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community. The flag has since evolved into showcasing six colors.
3. The colors have different meanings
Created by Gilbert Baker in 1978, the Pride Flag colors hold powerful meanings: Red for life and love, orange for healing and vitality, yellow for joy and positivity, green for nature and harmony, blue for peace and serenity, and violet for diversity and individuality. Together, they create a vibrant symbol of unity and celebration.
4. There are over 20 LGBTQIA+ flags
Just as there is diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community, there are various Pride Flags that represent specific identities and experiences. From the Transgender Pride Flag to the Bisexual Pride Flag and many more, these flags provide visibility and recognition for different individuals. Each flag carries its unique combination of colors and symbolism, celebrating the rich tapestry of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.
5. The very first gay parade was in Los Angeles
Meet different people in a parade. Credits to FransA on Pexels
Pride Month in L.A. is a big deal! Get ready for the annual L.A. Pride Festival and Parade, the world's first permitted gay pride parade in 1970. On June 12, the parade will kick off at Hollywood Boulevard and Cahuenga, ending at Highland South and Sunset Boulevard. With dancers, twirlers, and over 130 parade floats, it's going to be epic! Best part? It's free! So go out, celebrate, and paint the town rainbow!
6. Brenda Howard, a bisexual woman, is considered the “Mother of Pride”
Pride is a protest. Credits to Ian Taylor on Unsplash
Did you know Brenda Howard was pivotal in shaping the modern LGBTQIA+ Pride movement? To commemorate the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, Howard organized the Christopher Street Liberation Day March. This march eventually evolved into the New York City Pride Parade! Her legacy in organizing events and advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and activism as the Mother of Pride inspires generations to stand up, unite, and fight for equality.
7. The Gay Capital of Middle East is Tel Aviv
Catch Pride flags and Pride month decors in Tel Aviv! Credits to Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
The ultimate Pride Month celebration lies in the Middle East, where the Tel Aviv Pride is held! Since its beginnings in 1979, this extravaganza has skyrocketed to become one of the biggest events in the city—earning its title as the Gay Capital of the Middle East.
Brace yourself for a week filled with rainbow flags fluttering across Tel Aviv, vibrant events like the renowned drag festival "Wigstock," and a nonstop, week-long dance party to ignite Hilton Beach. The excitement begins with Matinee's Pervert Party at Haoman 17 on June 8, leading to the grand finale—the Pride Parade on June 10. Last year, a staggering 250,000 people marched from Ben Tsiyo and Melchet to Charles Clore Park, and this year promises an even larger turnout. Once the parade reaches the park, prepare for the legendary after-Pride party, where the music and dancing will groove into the night. Tel Aviv Pride is the place to be for an unforgettable celebration of love, diversity, and nonstop fun!
8. Taiwan is the first place to legalize same-sex marriage in Asia
Taiwan has always been a haven for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Credits to Shaine Tsou on Unsplash
Taiwan rocked the boat in 2019 by becoming the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage!
This groundbreaking achievement solidified Taiwan's reputation as a progressive destination for LGBTQIA+ rights. Among Asia's most significant Pride celebrations, Taiwan's annual Pride parade takes center stage in Taipei on the last Saturday of October. What began as a political rally in 2003 has transformed into a vibrant festival celebrating love and diversity. This year, mark your calendars for the Pride parade on October 28, accompanied by a lineup of exciting parties at Taipei's top gay bars and LGBTQIA+-friendly hotels throughout the weekend. While the country's mandatory week-long quarantine for international visitors remains in place, keep an eye out for updates and plan your visit accordingly to experience Taiwan's incredible LGBTQIA+ pride firsthand.
9. The largest pride parade is in Sao Paulo
Pride is celebrated all over the world. Credits to Norbu GYACHUNG on Unsplash
When it comes to Pride, São Paulo takes the crown as the ultimate party spot. While folks often flock to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, São Paulo hosts the world's largest Pride parade, giving Carnival a run for its money.
In 1997, the shindig kicked off with just 2,000 people, but nowadays, you can expect a whopping 3 to 5 million attendees each year. This wild bash happens Sunday after Corpus Christi, starting at 12 p.m. on June 19 outside the São Paulo Museum of Art. Don't forget to wear your most comfortable shoes for a lively march down Avenida Paulista, filled with flags, floats, costumes, and killer tunes. But hey, the fun doesn't stop there! Pride celebrations kick off a week earlier in hotspots like Frei Caneca, Jardin, and Largo do Arouche.
10. Pride celebrations last a whole month in Australia!
You shouldn’t miss out on Sydney Pride! Credits to Juliette F on Unsplash
Sydney knows how to throw a World Pride celebration that lasts longer than a koala's nap. It's not just a day or a week—it is a whole month of fabulousness!
Starting June 2, you're in for a wild ride with four jam-packed weeks of LGBTQIA+ events. Get starstruck by RuPaul's Drag Race legends like Alaska, play some drag bingo, and brace yourself for "A Night of Cher." Sydney goes all out with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Picture this: a dazzling parade down Oxford Street, mind-blowing floats, and a massive party that attracts thousands of visitors. It all began in 1978 when a fearless bunch stood up against injustice, and now it's one of Australia's biggest bashes. Sydney knows how to keep the pride party going, mate!
