Black Lives Matter will be centered in Global Pride event

Global Pride leaders say they will amplify Black voices, acknowledging the international response to the death of George Floyd and the unprecedented demand for racial justice by working with founders of the Black Lives Matter movement.

“As a Black woman in the LGBTQIA+ community, I feel we must confront the systemic racism and violence facing my Black brothers, sisters, and non-binary siblings, in the larger culture and within the LGBQIA+ community. I could not think of a larger platform than Global Pride to do this,” co-chair of the Global Pride organizing committee, Natalie Thompson said.

“I am proud to work beside so many diverse colleagues from around the world. Our community knows well that we must confront hate and prejudice head-on. We have been watching an epidemic of violence against trans people of color — mostly women — in the past decade and this larger discussion must be inclusive and all-encompassing. All Black Lives Matter.”

Organizers promise Global Pride to be the world’s largest-ever LGBTI+ Pride event. Singer, songwriter, actor, and director TODRICK HALL will host the all-day event Saturday June 27 featuring a long list of appearances from the world of music, entertainment, advocacy, and politics.

Former U.S. Vice-President JOE BIDEN, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives

NANCY PELOSI, Canadian Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU, Irish Prime Minister LEO VARADKAR and artists LAVERNE COX, ADAM LAMBERT, and KESHA are among those participating.

Global Pride is a 24-hour stream of music, performances, speeches, and messages of support, hosted by Todrick Hall on his YouTube channel on June 27, as well as on iHeart- Radio’s YouTube channel and on the Global Pride website. All content has been curated by Pride organizations across the globe who came together to organize Global Pride after the COVID19 pandemic caused the cancellation or postponement of more than 500 Pride events worldwide.

Other announced performers are ADAM LAMBERT, THE VILLAGE PEOPLE, MEL C, LEANN RIMES, PUSSY RIOT, CALUM SCOTT, NATASHA BEDINGFIELD, and MARY LAMBERT. Speakers from the world of entertainment include PUSSYCAT DOLLS, RITA ORA, BEBE REXHA, STEPHEN FRY, LESLIE JOR- DAN, and JOANNA LUMLEY.

In late May Costa Rica legalized equal marriage, and the country’s president, CAR- LOS ALVARADO QUESADA, will be part of the event. Also participating are the Prime Ministers of Norway, ERNA SOLBERG, and Luxembourg, XAVIER BETTEL, and PRINCE MANVENDRA SINGH GOHIL of India. All were approached by Pride organizations in their own country and agreed to be part of the festivities.

More than 500 Pride organizations submitted more than 1,000 pieces of content for Global Pride, and the volunteer production team is now editing the content to pull the 24-hour stream together.

“Fifty years ago, grassroots organizations came together to plan the first Gay Liberation Day that changed the world, including the Daughters of Bilitis, Gay Liberation Front, Mattachine Society, and Lavender Menace. The production of Global Pride has been planned in the same grassroots manner, but with a 21st-century technological twist. LGBTQIA+ people from around the world will come together virtually during this crisis of racial injustice and a pandemic,” said executive producer for Global Pride, Michelle Meow.

“By taking Pride online, not only are we making sure that LGBTQIA+ people everywhere can still experience the joy and community of Pride, but we also for the first time are enabling people to take part in Pride wherever they are. This means people who aren’t out, or who are living in socially conservative countries, can take part. The support will mean so much to marginalized people everywhere.”

Moreinformation at globalpride2020.org