How to Virtually Celebrate Pride around the World
As 2020 continues to be an unprecedented year for travel, what is unchanged is the enduring pride of the LGBTQ community and its supporters.
While Pride festivals around the world are typically a reason to hop on a plane, current travel advisories around the globe to keep everyone safe are resulting in this summer’s Pride celebrations either going virtual or being restricted to locals, with proper physical distancing measures in place.
Don’t let your Pride go on lockdown. Join the celebrations and show your support with our top picks below — many of which can be experienced from the comfort of your own couch.
1. Global Pride 2020
Global Pride 2020 will be a virtual one-day celebration on June 27 to keep the spirit of Pride alive around the world. Broadcasting online from its website and Youtube channel, Global Pride 2020 is expected to attract nearly 300 million viewers in a 24-hour series of musical performances, speeches, special presentations and more.
Travelzoo Tip: Tune in from your living room for never-before-seen footage and performance clips by the late George Michael, provided by his estate.
Check it out on Globe Pride’s YouTube channel or at globalpride2020.org.
2. Pride Toronto
Join Canada’s biggest city in a free monthlong virtual celebration of LGBT2Q+ rights and freedoms, which will feature over 100 LGBT2Q+ artists, 14 party collectives, six special events, and over 40 community programs.
Travelzoo Tip: A surprise performance is being teased during the virtual dance party scheduled for June 28, from 2-4 p.m. ET.
Check it out at pridetoronto.com.
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3. Madrid Orgullo
Long known as one of the biggest Pride celebrations in Europe, Madrid Pride (or ‘Mado’, for short) will be going virtual this year from June 28 - July 5. Special presentations will mark the 15-year anniversary of the approval of same-sex marriage in Spain.
Travelzoo Tip: Tune in on June 28 for the LGTBI Pride performances, which will be streamed live.
Check it out at madridorgullo.com.
4. NYC Pride
NYC Pride is going virtual this year, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the annual NYC Pride March. Events span June 14-18, and range from online rallies to parties to lectures — with a whopping 5 million viewers expected to watch it unfold.
Travelzoo Tip: Tune in for the virtual NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 28, which will feature special performances and presentations from Janelle Monae, Deborah Cox, Billy Porter, Margaret Cho and others.
Check it out at nycpride.org.
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5. Shanghai PRIDE
Started in 2009, Shanghai PRIDE has the distinction of being mainland China’s first and only Pride festival. This year’s theme is “Raise the Pride,” which kicks off on June 12 with a celebration of Pride Art to celebrate diversity for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, as well as allies.
Travelzoo Tip: Go early for the highly popular Pride Run on June 14 to nab a spot to cheer participants on. Please ensure you are following appropriate safety measures and checking your country’s government travel advisories. Please also keep checking Shanghai Pride’s website and social media channels for updates on any changes to the program.
Check it out at shpride.com.
6. Formosa Pride (Taiwan)
Billed as Asia’s largest Pride festival, this in-person event is still scheduled for Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 in Taipei. Every year, nearly 80,000 people from around the world descend into Taiwan’s capital city for three days of parties to celebrate the LGBTQ community.
Travelzoo Tip: Continue checking the website before making travel arrangements, as organizers continue to monitor the pandemic situation. And as always, please follow appropriate safety measures and ensure you are abiding by your country’s government travel advisories.
Check it out at formosapride.com/en.