Pride Goes Global

A worldwide LGBTQIA+ Pride event announces first wave of speakers and artists appearing at the online event on June 27th 2020

By Michael Westman

Carlos Alvarado Quesada, President of Costa Rica – which this week legalized equal marriage – Prime Ministers of Norway Erna Solberg and Luxembourg Xavier Bettel, and Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil of India were all approached by Pride organizations in their own country to take part in Global Pride. More leaders will announce their participation in the coming weeks.

Artists including Pabllo Vittar, Ava Max, Olivia Newton John, Deborah Cox, Kristine W, Thelma Houston, Bright Light Bright Light, Courtney Act, Steve Grand and Rachel Sage are already scheduled to appear, together with audio and visual content by the artist George Michael to celebrate a community that he was so very proud to be a part of. More leading names from the world of entertainment including international musicians and bands and performers from the LGBTQIA+ community will be announced throughout June.

This pride season the world comes together for the first ever ‘Global Pride’ virtual event on Saturday, June 27, 2020. InterPride and the European Pride Organizers Association have joined forces along with many other national and regional organizations to celebrate pride month in response to the global crisis. Details are still emerging, so visit interpride.org for all the updates. “Annual Pride events in the United States engage and unite 20 million people who gather to celebrate the strength and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community and to raise awareness for social justice and equal rights of all individuals,” said Ron deHarte, Co-President of the United States Association of Prides.

“Through the pain and disruption caused by the novel coronavirus, we will deliver a virtual message of hope, comfort, love and we will have an opportunity to show our appreciation to first responders everywhere.” “We need community and connection more than ever,” said J. Andrew Baker, Co-President of InterPride. “This gives us an opportunity to both connect and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community’s resilience in the face of this pandemic and the true spirit of Pride,” continued Baker. “Pride 2020 represents a milestone for Pride events, with many honoring the 50th anniversary of their first gatherings and marches, such as New York to the first Gandhinagar Pride this year and we would not let that pass without recognition and celebration.” Kristine Garina, President of the European Pride Organizers Association and Chair of Baltic Pride in Riga, Latvia, said: “The unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 mean that most Prides will not take place as planned in 2020, but we’re determined that this won’t stop us from coming together as a united, strong community to celebrate who we are and what we stand for.

Global Pride will show the LGBTQIA+ movement for the absolute best it can be, showing solidarity at a time when so many of us are mourning and strength when so many of us are feeling isolated and lonely. Above all, we will show our resilience and determination that Pride will be back bigger and stronger than ever before. For millions of people around the globe, Pride is their one opportunity each year to come together and feel a part of a community, to feel loved, connected and to know they aren’t alone. It’s essential this year that as Pride organizers, we ensure there is still the opportunity to connect, even if we are connecting from home.”

Uwe Hörner, a board member of CSD Deutschland [German Pride network], said: “Especially in these difficult times full of uncertainty and insecurity, we need to show visibility. Social distancing must not lead to the disappearance of diversity. We are happy to demonstrate with “Global Pride” to be part of a large community, and we want to send out a strong sign of solidarity and human rights.” Jenny Dewsnap, Co-Chair of the UK Pride Organizers Network, said: “We are enormously proud that UK Prides will be a part of this global event. Our communities and our pride organizers now have something to look forward to this summer and a chance to be a part of this unique demonstration of worldwide solidarity and unity.”

Maria Jern, Vice-Chair of Svenska Pride [Swedish Pride network], said: “In these times, it is even more important that we can demonstrate the power and strength of a joint Pride celebration around the world. Let the rainbow flag light up the world.” Dana Marsh, President of Fierté Canada Pride, said: “It’s easy to feel isolated right now, especially with so many of our local Pride celebrations announcing cancellations or new dates. Pride celebrations bring our communities together in a show of solidarity and unity. Now, more than ever, we need to be loud and proud!

Pride is not just a celebration, but a homage to our origins, the defiance and resistance against all systems of oppression. We acknowledge the intersections that join us in the global fight against homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, gender discrimination, racism, sexism, classism, and colonialism. We must show that our global movement will persist, even when faced with new and unexpected challenges. Prides across Canada look forward to connecting with Two-Spirit/Indigenous, LGBTQIA+ communities from around the globe. Pride lives in us all.” “For OLA (Orgullo Latinoamericano), the Regional Network of Latin American Pride organizers, this project, in particular, has encouraged us to work closer and join efforts from all over the Latino diaspora with the Global Pride Movement to deliver hope and solidarity for the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Emmanuel Temores, Co-Chair of OLA. Indeed, the world has come together to celebrate Pride month. Stay loud, stay proud! For more information and updates, visit www.interpride.org.