Due to the impact of COVID-19, many Pride events have been cancelled or significantly altered for 2020. Naturally, we are devastated that our world is going to be a little less colorful this year and contain a little less Madonna. However, just because we can’t travel to Pride parades and celebrations, it doesn’t mean we can’t wave a flag for everything that Pride stands for – equality, diversity and acceptance.
Pride means something different to everyone. It is a time when people, no matter where they fall on the gender and sexuality spectrum, come to celebrate our diversity and help to increase the visibility of individuals from all parts of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is also a time when we remember those that fought for, and continue to fight, for LGBTQIA+ rights, and push for social and political change.
Each year, Pride has continued to grow across the world. This year, it will be a different kind of celebration. However, if the LGBTQIA+ community has proven anything over the years, it is strength and resilience. And that nothing will stand in the way of a good party!
Live stream Global Pride 2020
Under a banner of ‘Exist Persist Resist’, Pride organizations from across the globe will celebrate Global Pride 2020 on the 27th June. Live stream 24 hours of performances, speeches and a whole heap of rainbow-loving content from all over the world.
New York: Attend Black Queer Town Hall
NYC Pride are putting on virtual events and performances all month, including this three-day virtual event with GLAAD on the 19-21st June to support and raise money for black, queer organizations, and LGBTQIA+ performers.
London: Celebrate Bi Pride
Forced to cancel their September Pride event, Bi Pride UK will be live streaming a Bi-Fi Festival on the 20th June instead. The event will include a heap of bi voices, discussions and performances, plus a live DJ after party. (Obvs).
Dublin: Log on to Digital Pride
If there’s a nation that knows how to celebrate, it’s the Irish. Dial in for Digital Pride Dublin on the 18-28th June, plus events throughout the month including discussions on mental health, political debates, a cook-along online breakfast and a pet parade!
Toronto: Support Stay Home Saturdays
Featuring an online Trans Rally, Dyke Rally and Virtual Pride Parade, Pride Toronto’s online festival weekend kicks off from the 26-28th June. Plus, log on every Saturday in June for Stay Home Saturdays, which showcases and supports LGBTQIA+ talent.
Berlin: Save the date for CSD
On the 25th July, the 42nd Christopher Street Day Berlin Pride is going digital. Under the slogan of ‘Don’t hide your pride’, expect a live stream of DJs, performers and political statements, Berlin-style. (aka, don’t hold back on the PVC…).
Support your local drag artist
Without being able to support themselves through their typical means during their biggest income month (June), drag and LGBTQIA+ artists need your love more than ever. Support your local performers through their online shows, follow their social media activity, or purchase a personalised video via Cameo.
Throw a living room party
Pride just wouldn’t be the same without a screaming version of ‘It’s Raining Men’, a bucket load of glitter and some baby oil. Put on this Spotify Pride Classics playlist and a full face of makeup, jump on a video call and have a living room blow out.
Contact your local government
Write to your local government representative and let them know that LGBTQIA+ issues matter to you. Every day people are discriminated against and unjustly treated, and taking a personal stand goes a long way to making a collective difference.
By Corey Waugh, STA Travel Marketing Exec, Melbourne.