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lthough it’s important to celebrate all year, this month is the perfect opportunity to honour those who came before us — those who laid the tracks to a better, more equal and safer world for all.

The global phenomenon that is Gay Pride started with one simple brick thrown. In 1969, LGBTQ+ individuals were unable to live and love openly, so they sought solace and safety in queer-friendly spaces. However, even these havens were not always safe. On a fateful day in June 1969, New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, one such queer-friendly space. While such raids were common, this time the patrons resisted arrest. Tensions escalated into violence and riots that lasted several nights, with the movement gaining momentum and supporters each night.

This riot marked a turning point in history. The Gay Liberation Front (GLF) and the Gay Activists Alliance (GAA) emerged from this movement. A year later, the first Christopher Street Liberation Day march was organised, leading to the Pride marches we see today in cities and towns around the world. These parades feature floats, parties, demonstrations, concerts, exhibitions, workshops, activities and open-air festivities, but the beauty is that each Pride celebration has its own unique culture and identity. So if you have seen one, you definitely have not seen them all!

Who is welcome at Pride?

Everyone, of course! Pride is a celebration for the entire queer community, activists and allies. It’s a time to come together and show support. While there are many family-friendly activities, it’s important to note that not all events are suitable for all ages.

Pride is more than just a celebration with parties and dancing. It includes panels on important topics such as legal rights, intersectionality, mental health and more. It’s a reminder that we’re not free until we’re all free. Millions of people still live without rights protecting who they are and who they love, including same-sex marriage.

Travelling to different Pride events broadens our horizons and deepens our understanding of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. It also offers the chance to connect with LGBTQ+ citizens worldwide and enjoy incredible shows and events.

Travel with Pride

Pride Month, usually celebrated in June but varying by city and country, is an ideal time to explore new destinations and immerse yourself in the LGBTQIA+ history, present and future of the region. Plus, you can enjoy the summer weather and connect with like-minded locals.

LGBTQIA+ travel in Europe: safety tips

While many European cities are quite queerfriendly, some places are more conservative, and cultural differences may pose other challenges that you may not experience in your home country. Here are some suggestions to ensure smooth, safe travel through Europe as a member (or an ally) of the LGBTQIA+ community:

• Find out the legal LGBTQIA+ rights and the general attitudes in the countries you want to visit.

• Book accommodation that is clearly listed as LGBTQIA+ friendly.

• Utilise LGBTQIA+ travel resources, like the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), Spartacus International Gay Guide and local resources.

• Share your travel itinerary with a loved one.

• We hope for a future where the LGBTQIA+ community can travel as freely and securely as any other. Until then, we are grateful for the ever-growing Pride celebrations that show us a brighter future ahead.

We wish you all a happy, safe Pride season! Which European Pride are you headed to?

Paris Pride

Parade date: 29 June

Celebrate who you are in Paris, the city of love – all love! Marche des Fiertés, the Parisian Pride festival, is one of the oldest Pride celebrations in Europe, dating back to 1977. The Pride parade winds through some of Paris’s most iconic avenues, allowing marchers to take in landmarks like Place de la République and Place de la Bastille while they celebrate.

This year’s Pride will be a bit different, as much of the city is already adorned for this summer’s biggest sporting events. But that won’t stop us (yes, our headquarters are in Paris) from celebrating!

The best place to find LGBTQIA+ events all year long, especially during Pride, is in Le Marais. This vibrant neighborhood is home to many of the city’s LGBTQIA+ bars and clubs, offering a lively atmosphere for all.

Travel to Paris by train!

Madrid Pride

Dates: 28 June-7 July

Pride Parade: 6 July

Madrid, a famously open and accepting city, celebrates Pride like no other. Madrid Pride, also known as MADO, transforms the streets with poetry, puppetry, dancing and more. The parade travels along the iconic Paseo del Prado, offering a scenic route through one of Madrid’s most famous calles.

Experience epic concerts and drag shows at one of the six enormous stages set up just for the event. Most activities take place in the vibrant gay neighborhood of Chueca, where the atmosphere is loud and proud, drawing over 2 million people each year.

One popular event is the Feathers and Paws parade, which fights against discrimination not only towards the LGBTQIA+ community but also against animal abuse. You’ll see hundreds of precious adopted pets walking proudly alongside their owners.

Travel to Madrid by train!

Berlin Pride

Parade date: 27 June

Berlin prides itself on being a multicultural and inclusive city, so it’s no surprise that Berlin Pride is one of the biggest celebrations in Europe—and the world! Berlin Pride has grown significantly from its first year, which saw around 450 attendees, to now expecting around half a million participants. The parade route passes by iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and Victory Column, offering tourists a free city tour along the way. New Yorkers will recognise the name of this celebration, the Christopher Street Day (CSD), as honoring the street where the Stonewall riots took place.

Expect epic concerts, DJs and performances. And if you don’t make it to the main event, there are endless after-parties where you can dance the night away. One of the standout events is Euphoria, a 25,000 square metre space completely dedicated to Pride events and celebrations. For those looking for a smaller yet equally impactful experience, Kreuzberg Pride is another fantastic option in Berlin.

Travel to Berlin by train!

Amsterdam Pride

Dates: 27 July-4 August

March date: 27 July

This year marks the 27th Amsterdam Pride, a celebration that promises to be unforgettable. If you are looking for one of the most unique Pride experiences, look no further than the Amsterdan Pride Canal Parade. It takes place in the afternoon and features 80 fabulously-decorarted floats travelling down the city’s iconic canals. This family-friendly event is a must-see, so be sure to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, as it is standing room only along the canals.

The Pride celebrations do extend beyond the canals, moving into the gay neighborhoods for numerous events and concerts. This year, around half a million people are expected to celebrate Pride in Amsterdam, making it one of the biggest, most inclusive events of the year.

Travel to Amsterdam by train!

Milan Pride

Pride March: 29 June

While Rome may be the capital of Italy, Milan proudly holds the title of the capital of gay culture in the country. This distinction explains why Milan Pride is not only the largest in Italy but also one of the most significant in all of Europe. The parade itself takes off from Milan’s Central Station and concludes at the Arco Della Pace, where festivities continue through the night.

Inclusion is at the forefront of this celebration, with all Pride events interpreted in Italian Sign Language and streamed live on the Milan Pride YouTube channel. Beyond the parade, there are numerous events, including drag shows, DJs, concerts, exhibitions and workshops covering everything from civil rights and LGBTQIA+ history to mental health and more.

Travel to Milan by train!

Reykjavik Pride

Dates: 6-11 August

Get this. One out of every three Icelandic citizens attends Reykjavik’s epic pride celebrations. Also known as Hinsegindagar, or queer days, this Pride is small but mighty. Combine Iceland’s small population with its passionate LGBTQIA+ community and allies, this Pride is also known as “the world’s biggest small Pride.” The event itself is one big fundraiser that donated any profit to support LGBTQIA+ communities.

More 2024 European Pride celebrations

Here are some other exciting pride events to add to your itinerary:

Helsinki Gay Pride

Dates: 24 - 30 June Parade date: 29 June

Antwerpen Pride

Dates: 7 - 11 August Parade date: 10 August

Gay Pride Prague

Dates: 5 - 11 August Parade date: 10 August

Credit jin.uk