Where can we find the most fun and biggest gay pride parades in the world? LGBT (an acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender to describe a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation) pride is celebrated every year to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots in the month of June.
Became the tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement Stonewall riots, the Stonewall riot is a sequence of fierce protests and violent rally against police attacks of the gay community who confronted an anti-homosexual legal system. These intense and forceful raids in Stonewall Inn, a popular leisure pub and entertaining bar in Manhattan, New York where the gays hang out together, has been a major icon in the LGBT pride since then.
Usually celebrated on the last Sunday of June, the purpose of the gay pride which is attended by millions to participate in the fun parades, concerts, workshops, picnics and symposia are to memorialize the members of the gay community who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS and hate crimes. The Gay Pride festivity is also held every year for other people to be aware of and distinguish the influence and impact of the LGBT folks on the local, national and international history.
What are you expecting to see in a gay pride parade? Many parades differ depending on what countries, religious, or political surroundings you are in. In some cities that are free and tolerant, the parades take adopts Mardi-Gras-like festivals. This comprises of huge floats of drag queens and dancers with flashy music. Everyone is invited to take part in any gay pride parade.
Now let’s find out the 9 biggest gay parades in the world and have some fun! You might also want to check out The 10 Most Gay-Friendly Countries in the World, a list compiled to take a look at our picked countries’ behavior regarding homosexuality.
Let the countdown begin:
9. Madrid Gay Parade
When: July 1st to 5th, 2015
The Madrid Gay Pride also called “Madrid Orgullo” is the largest gay parade in Spain and the biggest parades in Europe with thousands of visitors. There will be a Kluster Party on July 4 at Chango in Calle de Covarrubias 42 with DJ Ben Manson of Paris and Marcelo y Domingo.
8. San Francisco Gay Parade
When: June 27th to 28th, 2015
The 45th Annual San Francisco Pride’s theme is “Equality without Exception”. The parade will kick-off at 10:30 a.m. along Market Street from Beale to 8th Street. The San Francisco Pride symbolizes the freedom of all people to express their gender and sexual identities. Also, to impose the obligations and responsibilities of the LGBT community in opposing and fighting cruelty.
7. London Gay Parade
When: June 21st to 28th, 2015
The main Pride in London parade will take place on June 27, 2015, from Baker Street to Whitehall via Oxford St., Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square. The parade’s theme is “Pride Heroes”. There’s going to be a live entertainment to cheer up everyone. Chartering of sports events and community stalls are some of the exhilarating activities to watch out for.
6. Berlin Gay Pride
When: June 21st to 27th, 2015
In 1979, the first sexuality equality parade in Berlin was staged with a few hundred participants. Now, known as Berlin Christopher Street Day, get ready for a week-long parade that is going to be attended by hundreds to thousands of LGBT families and supporters. The festivity includes lectures, exhibitions, film showing, concerts and lots of partying.
5. Amsterdam Gay Pride
When: July 25th to August 2nd, 2015 (Tentative)
The Gay Pride Amsterdam is a week-long celebration and one of the busiest weekends of the year with street and club parties, the Drag Queen Olympics and the famous Canal Parade that is watched by more than 300,000 participants and onlookers.
4. New York Gay Pride
When: June 23rd to 28th, 2015
The New York’s pride march is the oldest parade that passes the Stonewall Inn and Christopher Street. The week-long celebrations focus on five events: The Family Night (June 23rd); The Rally & Fantasy (June 26); VIP Rooftop Party, Tease & We Party (June 27th); Pride Fest, The March & Dance on the Pier (June 28th).
3. Sydney Pride Festival
When: June 29th, 2015
Live. Love. Be. This year’s pride theme is to live without discrimination; to love who you want, and to be ourselves. The gay and lesbian Mardi Gras parade is the peak of the month-long festival celebrating equality, pride and diversity at the Sydney Pride Festival.
2. Tel Aviv Gay Pride
When: June 12th, 2015
Dubbed as the Middle East’s gay capital and a competitor of Berlin and New York for craziness and loudness. The parade will start from Gan Meir (a modern gay community center) which includes activity booths, loud party music and live performances of a local youth gay band. The parade will continue to Burgrashov St. and down to Gordon beach. Get up, kid. Grab your board shorts or skimpy bikinis and enjoy the wild party at Tel Aviv Gay Pride.
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1. Pride Toronto
When: June 19th to 28th, 2015
The pride parade starts at 2 pm on Sunday June 28th, 2015, from the corner of Church and Bloor Streets all the way down Yonge-Dundas Square. Prior to that event, Trans March will be held on June 26. The #1 biggest gay pride parade in the world is plotted for the LGBT community and supporters come together and stand up in unity with their friends and allies; while on June 27th, the Dyke March will be held to demonstrate the diversity, strength and passion of LGBTTQ women and trans people. What are you waiting for? Save these dates and let’s support the lovely LGBT communities around the globe!
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