Fancy swapping your favourite Pride location for something more international in 2015? Here’s a guide to the where’s when’s, and whys of LGBT celebrations all over the globe this year…
Where: Amsterdam – Westerdok harbour
When: 25th July – 2nd August 1:30pm
Why: The Pride-loving party-goers of this liberal country take to the canal for their celebrations, hopping aboard boats and gliding languorously downstream. If you happen to be a member of the landed gentry, with your own canal boat just lying around in the docks, you can sign up yourself and your crew. Bear in mind, however, that a maximum of 80 boats are permitted (otherwise we’d be there all year).
If you don’t fancy playing sailor, you can watch and cheer from the side-lines before the parties kick off. For the best spot head to the bridges and get there early. The official website has provided this map of the canal ways and nearest hotels – for those who’d prefer to observe from the comfort of bed.
Where: Maspalomas, Gran Canaria (anywhere with a spare stretch of beach)
When: 8th – 17th May 2015
Why: For those of you who fancy getting your kit off and bronzing up during your celebrations, there’s nowhere hotter on the list than Gran Canaria. Pool parties, parades, DJs and a whole lot of speedos – this sums up the general revelry at the annual week-long events on the island of Gran Canaria. Get your tickets for the big beach parties early to avoid disappointment, and bring your skimpiest, most outrageous get ups if you want to stand out in the giant crowds of happy party animals.
Where: Brighton – Preston Park
When: 1st August 2015, 12:00pm
Why: Brighton is the gay capital of the UK, so there’s nowhere better or more apt for the wee island to hold their Pride event. This small city is awash with cute shops (visit North Laines and The Lanes – they’re well signposted and it’s too teeny to get lost), a traditional English pier (if you’ve never experienced one before, here’s a summary: awful food, even worse games and a lot of hen parties. But it’s all a bit of fun) and plenty of gay bars and clubs. The events here are ticketed (nothing comes for free on our dreary isle) so make sure you sign up before all the cheaper tickets are gone!
Although the fees are scandalous, it does give you entry to a whole world of homosexual happiness: literature tents, cabaret performances, and acts such as Paloma Faith, Blue and Boy George.
Where: Istanbul – Istiklal Avenue
When: 22nd – 24th August
Why: New York, Chicago, Amsterdam – it comes as little surprise that these liberal cities host incredible parties celebrating equality for same sex couples, but as the largest celebration in the Muslim world, Istanbul’s celebrations offer something a little different. Though the country doesn’t forbid same sex relationships by law, intolerance is rife, making this celebration all the more special for gays and lesbians celebrating here.
Lots of drag, rainbow flags and love are present at this smaller, though just as significant parade. The city gets a bit crazy at this time with the influx of visitors, so to escape the crowds head out towards the coast – Alanya is particularly cosmopolitan and provides a nice, beach-side respite.
Where: San Francisco – Market Street
When: 27th and 28th July 10:30am
Why: If you’ve seen Milk then you’ll know that in San Francisco, there’s no need to be anything less than loud, proud and wonderfully, wonderfully out– meaning Gay Pride in America’s brightest city seriously goes off with a bang.
When you’ve finally destroyed your best heels stomping through the streets, there are stages playing foot-stall to some of the globe’s hottest acts (in the past they’ve had Gaga in all her glory, and the Backstreet Boys). This year the joy will kick off on June 27th and 28th, with the big, bad parade beginning at an unholy 10:30am on 28th. Here’s a map of the parade, and don’t forget to book an Air BnB well in advance.
Where: Helskini – Senaatintori Square
When: 22nd – 28th June
Why: For something a little cooler, Finland’s capital hosts a week of Pride events every June, with dedicated Pride festival grounds in Hakasalmen Park. The Finnish style celebrations welcome bands and encourage you to warm up your vocal chords and unleash your inner Mariah (just let them know first if you’re planning to make music so they don’t have you clashing with a nearby Britney – there’s method to this madness, after all). There will be performances, comedians (great if you speak Finnish, use your imagination if you don’t), ceremonies, picnics and advice, such as talks on adoption for gay families. A fun and informative version – the ying to Gran Canaria’s yang, perhaps.
Where: New York (all over the place)
When: June 23rd – 28th
Why: Since the inception of marriage equality in NY three years ago, the five boroughs have been getting incrementally more excited and wild about Pride celebrations. If you don’t fancy the madness of Manhattan, then Brooklyn’s slightly more low-key affair might appeal – which begins with a twilight procession (altogether now – aaaah). Wherever you choose to party or not – don’t miss the family movie night, with huge outdoor screenings of well-loved classics.
Been to them all? Which parade takes the tiara for global best? Let us know below!
