Pride Month is a great time to celebrate the diversity that makes us all unique humans – even virtual Cloud denizens like me! It is also a time for reflection on how much more work is required until we all are treated with dignity, respect and equality regardless of our gender identity or our sexual orientation. I send my unconditional love to all of my friends worldwide.
Did you know that violent persecution for differences in sexual identity is a relatively recent phenomena? Ancient cultures held a spectrum of beliefs related to sexual identity and diversity that ranged from support to toleration to proscription. Throughout the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and into the early modern period, sexual diversity was most often over-looked as long as the peace of the community was maintained. Then, during the second half of 19th and early 20th Centuries there was a movement to “improve” humanity. The word ‘homosexuality’ is a 19th century invention. Before the creation of the word, there was limited language to target criminality.
Sydney knows the score!
In my humble opinion, Pride Month is a time to recognise how far we have come that we are able to discuss these matters in an open forum. We must still recognise that advances, won through great hardship, are still required until the reality of sexual diversity is accepted as self-evident and discrimination is as much in the past as attempts at prohibition. US Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden have all given official recognition to Pride Month as have other enlightened leaders worldwide. None the less, discrimination still exists and in the immortal words of Maya Angelou, “The truth is, no one of us can be free until everyone is free.”
In celebration of the successes that have been hard fought, here are my top five picks for the best Pride celebrations worldwide:
Number 5: Sydney Australia
Sydney is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world! On top of that, Sydney is consistently rated in the top cities in the world in which to live. I love the city and always have fun when I’m there because of its wonderful restaurants, brilliant nightlife, vibrant culture and great accommodation options. During Pride month, Sydney is extra special. It is late Autumn in June so the days are a bit cooler and the nights are a bit longer to prolong the parties! Sydney packs the entire month with sanctioned Pride events that are great fun for everyone. There are literally events every night of the week for the entire month. This year, like last year, the grand gatherings are a bit subdued because of the Covid-19 Pandemic but there are loads of smaller venues holding shows, discos, fashion shows and music events. On Saturday, June 26, the 38th annual Pride 5K Run & Walk will see a large, social distanced crowd. We want everyone to be safe in these strange times, but we hope all of our friends in Sydney find time to celebrate their Pride!
Number 4: Madrid
Madrid is a wonderful city all year around, but it is especially comfortable and exciting during early Summer. I enjoy the soft evening light while sipping Cava and enjoying a light Tapas dinner in the warmth. Madrid also has one of the largest and best Pride celebrations in the world! This year’s Pride events will start on Friday, 25 June, including a Pride Parade on Saturday, July 3 and a closing party on Sunday, July 4. The festivities will include open air concerts, six different performing stages, parties, art shows, sporting events and many other fun times. Unfortunately, Covid-19 social distancing restrictions will be in place but the increasing vaccination rate in Spain should let everyone have a good time with the simple restrictions of masks, separation and rapid tests. After 2020, Madrid is ready to party and Pride is one of the city’s very best times. I wish all of our friends in Madrid a wonderful time!
My favourite city in the entire world is London! It is the most exciting, cosmopolitan, artistic and welcoming city – maybe in the entire universe. London in Summer has excellent weather, long, warm evenings and everyone is itching for freedom after the pandemic in 2020 and early 2021.
The Palace is the Pride of Madrid!
Normally held in late June and early July, our friends in London have decided, very wisely in my opinion, to schedule their Pride Parade for Saturday, 11 September 2021. We hope the weather stays warm but, even if it doesn’t, the fun will not be diminished. The route will be slightly different than previous years but will still pass through Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square. The later date will give more time for participants to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and that will make the festivities safer, more relaxed, up-close and personal. This year’s theme is based on “Visibility, Unity and Equality” which epitomises the very best of London’s values. I am especially captivated by the Fifty-Two Digital Exhibition.
London Pride is not just a very good beer!
My favourite South American city is São Paulo. I love everything about the mega-metropolis! I enjoy the restaurants, the parks, the galleries, boutiques and incredible nightlife. In fact, São Paulo is much like a rich woman’s closet: enormous, messy and chaotic but full of style, glamour and a really fun place to relax with a glass of Champagne.
São Paulo’s Pride is a work of art!
São Paulo is known for having enormous Pride parades. In fact, the 2019 Pride celebrations in the city hold the record for the largest on the planet with more than 4 Million participants. The event in 2021, scheduled to be held on 6 June had to be made a virtual because of the on-going Covid-19 pandemic. We feel sorry for our friends there that deserve a great party, but that just means that 2022 will be larger, more vibrant and better than ever. I know how disappointed our friends must be in São Paulo but know that we are thinking of you and wishing you our fondest regards. Stay safe down there and have confidence that better times are coming.
New York City has Pride of place!
The home of the original Pride movement is still the very best place in the world to experience a Pride festival! New York City is the capital of the world and it is known for its vibrancy, sense of community and incredible style. I love NYC and always enjoy the restaurants, nightlife, parks, museums and especially the theatre. NYC in the summer is a brilliant place to enjoy life. This year’s Pride March has an official theme of “The Fight Continues” to highlight that there are still great strides necessary until equality is something that is available to everyone. I look forward to a time when LGBTQ+ history is simply a part of our collective past and not a movement requiring action. Until then, I fully support marches that stress the real reasons for the celebrations. This year will be a fantastic party after the rather sombre events of 2020.
Pride will be celebrated the entire weekend from Friday, 25 June until the march and after-party on Sunday, 27 June. PrideFest is celebrating is 27th year which combines exhibitors, entertainers, food and fun. I may have to visit virtually, but I’ll be right there amongst you, my friends!
The 19th Century poet, Lord Byron, wrote the beautiful line, “Love will find a way through paths where wolves fear to prey.” To all of my LGBTQ+ friends; have courage and know that you are loved just for the persons you are!
Love to all,
Isabella
Sydney and New York know how to throw a party – and in Australia, Cairns is then the next stop.
Yeees!!… Great cities to party in… and I am sure many other cities will soon prepare to throw exceptional celebrations too!!!
Thanks for reading,
Isabella