How to virtually celebrate pride around the world
This year's Pride is adapting, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate, and we've put some together here.
While Pride festivals around the world are typically a reason to hop on a plane, current travel advisorie 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 sofa.
1. Global Pride 2020
Global Pride 2020 will be a virtual one-day celebration on 27 June 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 to its 24-hour series of musical performances, speeches, special presentations and more.
Travelzoo tip: Here's a chance to see 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 month-long 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 looking likely at the virtual dance party, scheduled for 28 June from 2-4pm ET (7-9pm BST).
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 28 June-5 July. Special presentations will mark the 15-year anniversary of the approval of same-sex marriage in Spain.
Travelzoo tip: Tune in on 28 June for the LGTBI Pride performances, which will be streamed live.
Check it out at madridorgullo.com.
4. NYC Pride
NYC Pride is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the annual NYC Pride March. Events span 14-18 June, and range from online rallies to parties to lectures — with a whopping 5 million viewers expected.
Travelzoo tip: Tune in for the virtual NYC Pride March on Sunday, 28 June, 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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And if you're willing to wait...
Formosa Pride (Taiwan)
Billed as Asia’s largest Pride festival, this in-person event is still scheduled for 30 October-1 November 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: Check the website before making travel arrangements, as organizers continue to monitor the pandemic . And as always, follow appropriate safety measures and ensure you are abiding by government travel advisories.
Check it out at formosapride.com/en.