How Pride Is Celebrated Across The World - And Why This Is Important to young people

Blog by Izzy

Globally, different cultures celebrate things in different ways, from significant birthdays, to religious festivals, to memorable historic events. Pride is no different in the many different celebrations that occur across the world, and the vast diversity in these celebrations mirrors the very diversity that is being celebrated.

In Brazil, one of the world’s biggest Pride parades is held annually and attracts millions from many different continents. It is characterised by vibrant colours, music and dancing, alongside street performances and many other attractions which signify to those visiting both Brazil’s diverse cultural heritage and gender identities and sexualities.

Similarly, in Spain, Madrid Parade is held yearly, often known as Orgullo Gay de Madrid. Street concerts, parties and cultural celebrations come together in a beautiful display of community spirit often giving those visiting a unique sense of belonging, even if they are only tourists. 

In America, alongside the huge parades and festivals, many places also put on smaller community events and educational workshops, in a bid to welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community and to educate those who do not know much about it in order to foster a sense of welcoming and lack of prejudice. 

South Africa also hosts pride events in big cities, with a focus upon addressing the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in their country, such as discrimination or violence - this is often done by dialogues and workshops, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are targeted with community support groups to support them and ensure that they thrive.

Canada embrace all elements of pride, holding parades and festivals which place an emphasis upon inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as indigenous communities who have also been put at a disadvantage historically and currently by some groups.

Germany, one of the countries best known for embracing pride, being home some of the first ever LGBTQ+ spaces, such as a café in Jägerstrasse in Berlin in the 1880s, holds world-famous pride events, such as Christopher Street Day, and features celebration, alongside strong advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights in the form of political rallies, drawing attention to the problems of discrimination and equality that exist globally. 

Taiwan is known for being one of Asia’s most progressive countries when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights and holds one of the biggest Pride events in Asia, which brings in tourists from across the continent. Celebrations include parades, concerts, dancing and cultural exhibitions. 

The many different ways in which Pride is celebrated globally is a testament to how diverse the LGBTQ+ community is, and proves that, despite some people arguing against this, the LGBTQ+ community is a beautiful, diverse and vast community that exists globally, and the many methods used to show this makes the world a more welcoming place for everybody.