With the start of Pride Month around the world, members of the LGBTQIA+ community across countries are making plans to join their nearest Pride celebrations. Throughout the month, members of the community celebrate each other and the quest for equality for all.
The world's hottest festival during this time is the US's LA Pride event, which takes place in Los Angeles, California. The nonprofit organisation, LA Pride, carries out a series of events during this time of year to celebrate the queer community.
The first event of the year will be on June 7 at the Getty Center for a kick-off celebration for LA Pride weekend. The organisation has partnered up with The Getty to kick off the celebration with the Getty and LA Pride Salon Series, Queering the Lens:?An Evening of Conversation and Celebration.?
"Starting at 6:00 pm, a one-hour conversation with three Los Angeles-based photographers¡ªRick Castro, Amina Cruz, and Texas Isaiah¡ªcreating powerful artwork that spotlights and celebrates under-represented LGBTQ+ communities," according to their official website.
On June 8, there will be the annual fan favourite "Pride Is Universal" event. The after-hours theme park experience is open to guests of all ages and includes park entry as early as 4 p.m., then exclusive extended park hours from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
As always, the event will feature live DJs, Universal character meet-and-greets, photo ops, and more musical guests, drag performers, and surprises to be announced," per the website. This year, a special add-on to the event will be Super Nintendo World.
Then on June 9 and 10, "LA Pride In The Park" will unfurl its gates. The event will take place in LA State Historic Park. On the 9th, the festival will begin at 3 p.m. and last until 11 p.m., while on the 10th, the fun will commence at 1 p.m. and go on until 11 p.m.
Iconic queer divas and queer performers will be part of the happening night. The website states, "Megan thee Stallion will headline Friday, and Mariah Carey will headline Saturday! The full Lineup is here! Fletcher, King Princess, Symone, Gigi Goode, Dorian Electra, G Flip, The Scarlet Opera, Violet Chachki, Gottmik, Sasha Colby, and more!"
The 53rd annual LA Pride Parade will set sail on June 11. Last year, over 145,000 people joined the parade to celebrate the rainbow hues of queerness. The step-off begins at 11 a.m. in Hollywood, and the parade is completely free of charge, unlike the other events.
Following the parade on June 16, there will be an LGBTQ Night at Dodger Stadium. "LA Pride will participate in the 10th Annual LGBTQ Night at Dodger Stadium to support the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, who will be graciously and magnanimously accepting the Community Hero Award during the pre-game award ceremony," stated their official website.
Then the members of the community will also enjoy an LGBTQ night at the open theatre at Cinespia. At the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, LA Pride will celebrate the 70th anniversary of 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' and show their love for queer icons Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell.
The rainbow month will conclude with another LGBTQ night at the Cinespia on June 24. The website explains, "For LGBTQ Night at Cinespia, rock out with your flock out for a special LA Pride screening of our favourite obsession:mind-flip, time-slip drag-num opus The Rocky Horror Picture Show at LA State Historic Park!"?
Well, if you cannot make it to LA in time, then do not worry because many countries around the world celebrate Pride Month! Here are some cities around the world that are known for their iconic Pride Parades:
1. Sao Paulo
2. Bangkok
3. Dublin
4. Newyork
5. Berlin
6. Reykjavik