Show Me Your Worldwide Pride
One of the best things about Pride is that it has no boundaries. LGBT Pride is celebrated in several different ways and in several different countries. While you’re gearing up for Denver Pride, find out a few cool facts about Pride in France, England, Spain, and Brazil.
O’Brian Gunn
Brazil
Brazil’s Pride is held in the metropolis of Sao Paulo and went down in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2006 as the largest Pride event on the entire planet. In 2010, one million reais were spent on the Pride parade, which is the equivalent of ~$318,200. Their Pride is considered to be the best in the world, and it’s easy to see why with a parade that measures nearly three miles long. Brazil’s Pride parade also includes a special float for politicians, a reflection of the fact that Sao Paulo’s federal government and governor support their LGBT community.
Spain
Held in beautiful Madrid, Spain’s orgullo, which is Spanish for “pride,” is one of the largest Pride events in the entire world. In fact, their Pride is so massive that it’s had to be moved back a week in order to let other local Pride events have a chance to succeed. Surprisingly, Spain’s Pride is actually the least gay event in the country. Instead, it’s a popular event for music lovers. Their Pride is also much more political than festive, even if there is a stiletto race.
USA
The recent years of Pride, celebrations in the US have seen a swell in sponsorship from such prominent companies as General Motors, American Express, Delta Air Lines, and Whole Foods Market. Our very own New York City has one of the largest Pride parades in the world in addition to one of the largest all-women dance parties in the country. When the Pride movement first started, the efforts were headed by transgender women of color and sex workers. Not only that, but our very first Pride parade was co-organized by a bisexual woman named Brenda Howard. So far, the only presidents to officially recognize Pride month are Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
England
As a way to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots, England held their initial Pride on the Saturday closest to the anniversary of the riots, which was July 1, 1972. The bells of the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields are rung the morning of Pride and while the parade is taking place. In 2012, the London LGBT + Community Pride received an official contract from the Greater London Authority that allowed them to organize Pride in London for the next five years. Any extra money the LGBT organization receives can only be given out as grants or reinvested into Pride in London events.
France
Know as “Marche des Fiertes LGBT de Paris,” France’s LGBT Pride parade has recently become more political and less festive. Just like with Sao Paulo, left-wing politicians have recently joined in the march to show solidarity and support for the LGBT community. If you really like to party, you’re sure to feel right at home with the seven-hour parade and festivities in the streets of Paris. If you’re staying at the Murano Urban Resort (also known as the 1K Hotel), you’ll be treated to a safe-sex tray, complete with an assortment of condoms.
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Take your Pride overseas next year and check out what the LGBT community’s like in other parts of the world. No matter where you choose to celebrate, you’ll always be around family.
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