Category Archives: Gay Pride
CHRISTINA AGUILERA EUROPRIDE VALLETTA 2023
Malta, the hidden gem of the Mediterranean, will host EuroPride Valletta 2023, September 7 to 17, 2023.
The archipelago will hold 10 days worth of exciting festivities including the EuroPride March on Saturday, September 16 in the capital city, Valletta and the Pride Concert with headliner, Christina Aguilera!
At the intersection of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Malta has always attracted people from all over the world. Diversity is ingrained in Maltese culture, and over the past few decades, Malta has made significant progress toward becoming an LGBTIQ+ friendly destination reinforced by anti-discrimination laws introduced in the Maltese Constitution in 2014. For this reason, it should be no surprise that since October 2015, ILGA-Europe has ranked Malta #1 on the Rainbow Europe Map & Index for eight consecutive years!
Best Gay Pride Parades & Celebrations in the World
Who has the best Pizza in Chicago?
Who makes the best Tiramisu in Italy?
Who has the best Canelons in Barcelona?
Ask 10 different people and you probably get 10 different answers!
The BEST whatever is subjective – but we do see repeat patterns.
THRILLIST listed the top 10 best international prides!
NOMADIC BOYS listed 10 largest gay prides in the World
VISIT THE USA lists the top 5 Gay pride celebrations in the US not to be missed
WIKIPEDIA has compiled a list of the largest LGBT events in the world.
AFAR lists their top 10 biggest LGBTQ Pride Celebrations around the world.
Check them out! You will some places come up often, and a few surprises!
HAPPY PRIDE!
Best Gay Travel Guide
YES to Marriage Equality and Trans Rights in COSTA RICA
Costa Rica says YES to marriage equality and transgender rights!
Tens of thousands of Costa Ricans celebrated gay pride on Sunday in the capital, San Jose, in the first such march since the country’s constitutional court promised same-sex couples the right to marry starting next year.
The court voted last August to legalize gay marriage and said later the ruling would take effect in May 2020, making Costa Rica the first country in socially conservative Central America to recognize that right.
The ruling is legally binding in Costa Rica and 19 other countries throughout the Western Hemisphere that currently recognize the convention.
IACHR oversees are Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador and Guatemala.
They also rule over Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Suriname and Uruguay.
READ MORE HERE
To book your perfect vacation to Costa Rica, call our Travel Expert! Dave @ 1-800-252-2660
Key West to Display Flag at WorldPride NYC
The Florida Keys & Key West tourism council and the Key West Business Guild plan to showcase the inclusive spirit of the subtropical LGBTQ visitor destination in New York City’s WorldPride March and PrideFest street festival slated for Sunday, June 30.
New York City’s 2019 Pride is to take place in conjunction with the first WorldPride celebration held in the United States, and millions ofrevelers are expected to attend. The 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising also is to be commemorated in the event known asWorldPride NYC/Stonewall 50, with activities scheduled throughout June.
The Pride March is to feature a Keys contingent carrying a 100-foot section of the 1.25-mile “sea-to-sea” pride flag fabricated by the late rainbow flag creator Gilbert Baker. Baker and his assistants spent three months in Key West in 2003 sewing about 17,600 linear yards of fabric into the rainbow banner that was unfurled along Key West’s Duval Street from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean on June 15, 2003. The event marked the 25th anniversary of his creation.
WorldPride march participants carrying the flag are to include current and former Keys residents, their friends and families from across the U.S.
“We look forward to showing that Key West is one of the leading destinations to visit by displaying one of the most iconic pieces of history to be created for the LGBTQ community,” said Alan Beaubien, president of the guild’s board of directors.
Welcoming some 300,000 LGBTQ visitors each year, Key West lies at the tip of the Florida Keys island chain and is renowned for its inclusive recognition that all people are created equal. The philosophy was epitomized by the famed One Human Family initiativecreated by local artist J.T. Thompson. After Key West city commissioners adopted the One Human Family motto for the city in 2000,Florida Keys officials embraced it for the entire 125-mile-long string of islands.
The PrideFest street festival is slated for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday along Fourth Avenue from Union Square to Astor Place. The Florida Keys & Key West booth is to feature Keys giveaways and information on vacationing in the environmentally and culturally rich destination.
“It is important to be present at this historic moment to remind everyone that our islands serve as a place free from judgment for LGBTQvisitors and residents alike,” said Guy Ross, the tourism council’s LGBTQ sales manager. “By participating in WorldPride 2019, we can showcase why we remain such a special, much-loved and much-celebrated destination.”
(The original flag, below)
Florida Keys & Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/gay and fla-keys.com
Key West Business Guild: gaykeywestfl.com
Social: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Youtube • Keys Voices blog
World Pride in New York City 2019
NYC Pride is proud to unveil the location and initial talent line-up of the official Opening Ceremony of WorldPride. The Wednesday, June 26, 2019, 7-10pm Ceremony will be formatted as a benefit concert at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Proceeds from the ticket sales to this historic concert event will support Ali Forney Center, Immigration Equality, and SAGE – three leading organizations in the LGBTQIA+ movement based in New York City.
Prolific entertainer and internationally-recognized humanitarian, Whoopi Goldberg, will host the ceremony, featuring a growing medley of acclaimed speakers and performers. Cyndi Lauper, iconic performer for the LQBTQIA+ community and New Yorkers alike, leads the initial release of the talent line-up.
Cyndi Lauper is a groundbreaking Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning artist with global record sales in excess of 50 million. Her unmistakable voice, influential style, and infectious performances have catapulted her to stardom from her roots in Queens.
Chaka Khan, one of the world’s most gifted and celebrated musicians, will also perform at the WorldPride Opening Ceremony.
DAYA also joins the star-studded lineup for the WorldPride Opening Ceremony benefit concert.Ciara, a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, producer, model and actress has sold more than 23 million records and 16 million singles worldwide, including chart-topping hits “Goodies,” “Ride,” “Oh,” “1, 2 Step,” “Body Party,” and “I Bet.”
Billy Porter is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor, singer, director, composer, and playwright from Pittsburgh, PA. He currently stars as ‘Pray Tell’, in in the FX series “Pose,” for which he has received both a Golden Globe and Critics Choice nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series. Todrick Hall is a multi-talented singer, rapper, actor, director, choreographer, and YouTube personality who rose to prominence on American Idol.
Tickets start at $45
The Ali Forney Center is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive agency dedicated to LGBTQ homeless youths—assisting nearly 1,800 young people per year through a 24-hour Drop-In Center, which provides over 65,000 meals annually, medical and mental health services through an on-site clinic, and a scattered-site housing program.
SAGE is the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older people. Founded in 1978, and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is an organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBT older people and their caregivers.
Immigration Equality is the nation’s leading LGBTQ immigrant rights organization, representing and advocating for people from around the world fleeing violence, abuse and persecution because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status.
June 30, 2019 as NYC Pride welcomes all to a final celebration of pride from 7-10pm in NYC’s iconic Times Square.
The evening will provide a full slate of influential speakers and global musical talents who represent the cultural diversity, tenacity, and grace of the LGBTQIA+ community. One of the renowned artists slated to perform is Grammy-Award winning singer-songwriter, Melissa Etheridge.
Margaret Cho is set to host the occasion in Times Square.
Cho is a Grammy and Emmy Award nominated stand-up comedian, actress, and singer-songwriter. Through her hard work, Margaret has had the opportunity to be heard, to extend her point of view and become regarded as a true pioneer in her field.
Jake Shears and MNEK will also perform at the WorldPride Closing Ceremony.
THE PROM is the joyous Broadway hit that New York Magazine calls “smart and big-hearted” and The New York Times declares a Critic’s Pick! It’s a new musical comedy about big Broadway stars, a small town, and a love that unites them all.
Deborah Cox will perform in Times Square at the WorldPride Closing Ceremony on June 30th!
Deborah Cox possesses one of the most powerful and versatile contemporary voices of our time. The Canadian born star has an impressive list of #1 Billboard hit records, including twelve #1 songs on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play chart.
Additional talent will be announced in the weeks ahead.
FREE tickets and Paid tickets HERE
**To remain in compliance with the City there will be an extensive bag check and no provided restrooms. Please plan accordingly. **
Prohibited Items:
Weapons of ANY kind, Fireworks/explosives, Illegal Substances, Large or hard-sided coolers, Picnic Baskets, Pets, Glass containers of any kind, Alcohol (alcohol will be sold at the Festival), Instruments, Large backpacks, Laser pointers, Professional still camera equipment (no detachable lenses, no tripods, big zooms, or commercial use rigs), Audio/video recording equipment, Drones, No illegal vending is permitted. No unauthorized/unlicensed vendors allowed, nor Hoverboards.
Permitted Items:
Sunscreen, Hats, Sunglasses, Earplugs, Hilarious GIFs to send in response to your friends’ texts, Non-professional film, and digital cameras, Factory sealed bottles of water (non-glass containers), Phone charging case or phone charger, or Small backpacks or bags
Gay Pride Amsterdam 2019 Travel Deal
What better time to be in Amsterdam than Gay Pride!
Amsterdam Pride is one of the biggest gay events in the world. You will find street parties all weekend long, the best massive circuit parties and of course the famous Canal Parade through the historic Amsterdam Unesco canals on Saturday.
Gay Pride is one of the most busy weekends of the year in Amsterdam. Book NOW – you don’t want to disappointed!
Amsterdam Gay Pride is from 27 July till 4 August 2019, with the Canal Parade and street parties taking place between 2 & 4 August.
Every year Dave from Donovan Travel puts together an awesome package! Dave will hook you up! No matter where you are traveling from, Dave will take good care of you!
Office: (401) 885-3500
Email: dave@donovantravel.com
Honolulu Gay Pride
The 2018 Honolulu Pride™ Parade + Festival will be Saturday, October 20, preceded by Rainbows Over Waikiki — Pride Banners brightening Waikiki for two weeks leading up to the main events.
Rainbows Over Waikiki — dozens of Pride Banners sharing LGBTQ aloha — will kick off 2018 Honolulu Pride™ Month on October 9. Sponsor your banner here. The Pride Parade, on Kalakaua Avenue in the heart of Waikiki, begins on Magic Island at 11am on Saturday, October 20. Register your group here. The Pride Festival, at Diamond Head Greens, follows the Parade, and continues until 6pm.
Official 2018 Honolulu Pride™ caps, shirts, pins and more are now available. Click here to visit our online store, and get your Pride on!
And be sure to check out special offers from our Travel Partners here.
Plus there are already more than 25 additional events hosted by Hawaii’s LGBTQ+ communityscheduled during October. Save the Dates, and we’ll see you soon!
Get all the details HERE!
BE SURE TO STOP BY
THE BEST BAR
IN HONOLULU
Halloween in Palm Springs
It’s time to get on your broom and make your way to Palm Springs!
Halloween is an evening for fashion or at least careful consideration into planning a well-crafted costume that screams “creative,” “fierce,” “original,” or “over the top.”
And please stay at our favorite pick – INNdulge Palm Springs.
Bring your best costume with you or borrow from their well-stocked costume closet!
They will have their costume contest on the same night as the Arenas Road street festival.
Tuesday October 31, 2016.
Book now so you don’t miss out on all the fun!
Euro Pride Amsterdam Pride Deals
EuroPride 2016
Europride is a pan-European international event dedicated to LGBT pride, hosted by a different European city each year. The host city is usually one with an established gay pride event or a significant LGBT community.
For up to a fortnight, numerous sporting and artistic events are staged throughout the host city. Europride usually culminates during a weekend with a traditional Mardi Gras-style pride parade, live music, special club nights, and an AIDS memorial vigil.
I will once again be hosting a group for one of the largest Pride celebrations in Europe when Amsterdam welcomes EuroPride August 3-8
Don’t miss this year’s incredible “Canal Parade”, the only Pride celebrated on water, and the parties, concerts, and celebrations.
Our package includes 5 nights hotel stay, buffet breakfast, Red Light District Tour, Canal cruise and my assistance services on location.
*Prices subject to change and depend on availability at time of booking. Central hotels sell out fast so make your reservations now!
**Price is land only
***Airfare is not included. Air quotes upon request.
Call Dave 1-800-942-1280
Gay Amsterdam
24 gay hours in Amsterdam.
By Sebastián Sáenz @sebastiaenz
Welcome to one of the major gay capitals of the world. The Netherlands have shown for decades that this country is not only broadminded, but a true trendsetter when it comes to cultural, social and political progress. Historic, beautiful and a tad rainy, Amsterdam has much more to offer than wooden shoes, tulips and windmills.
Any tourist with a little self respect must cover a few basics. The Palace at the city center is an imperial masterpiece. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh’s museum are musts for art connoisseurs and lovers. Not visiting Anne Frank’s mouse hole is unforgivable. Misbehaving in one of those famous coffee shops and satisfying your thirst of curiosity at the Red Light district is expected. A nice boat tour in the canals should not be missed. Buying a good (and necessary) trench coat and exquisite cheese is mandatory. And yes, a tour at the Heineken headquarters will set almost anyone in an excellent mood. But what can an LGBTQ tourist do in one day in Amsterdam?
Ironically, facing the Westerkerk Church in the city center, people can find the Homomonument: three pink granite triangles that combined form a massive one (36 meters on each side), honoring the homosexual victims of WWII. One of these triangles is floor level, another one is as high as most people’s knees, and the last one forms stairs that go down the Keizersgracht canal (usually displaying flowers). This piece of the artist Karin Daan reads “Commemorates all women and men ever oppressed and persecuted because of their homosexuality. Supports the international lesbian and gay movement in their struggle against contempt, discrimination and oppression. Demonstrates that we are not alone. Calls for permanent vigilance. Past, present, and future are represented by the three triangles on this square.”
Tourists can also buy a few rainbow themed souvenirs in the little kiosk next to the monument. If, however, a little kiosk is not enough, shopaholics can walk along Warmoesstraat, where LGBTQ boutiques and leather shops such as Condomerie, Mr. B and RoB are almost one next to the other (don’t forget a porcelain couple of boys kissing). Regarding scandalous museums, Amsterdam has one dedicated exclusively to sex, and even though it mostly talks about straight sex, there are a few same-sex displays.
To grab a bite, the popular Bistro Bij Ons is owned by two lesbians who offer great traditional food, La Margatirta on Reguliersdwarsstraat is in the heart of the gay scene for those craving for Caribbean food, and on that same street, Saturnino, for Italian. Let’s talk about drinks, dancing and flirting. Fun choices for barhopping are Getto, The Queen’s Head and Taboo (don’t forget to ask the cute bartender for a tasty Limoncello Prosecco). But for those who enjoy NC-17 Rated experiences (gloryholes and leather for instance), Eagle is the best choice.
This is the marvelous capital of the first country to extend marriage laws to include same-sex couples, so expectations are quite high. Amsterdam has one of the biggest Pride parties in the world, where instead of cars and streets, attendees see people “march” on boats in the canals. So enjoy the Netherlands, and careful with the bikes!
AMSTERDAM CITY TOURS can help you with all of your sight seeing needs! The most exciting guided tours in Amsterdam! Guided tours through some of the most fascinating parts and places of Amsterdam and Holland. Amsterdam City Tours prides itself on the fact that all its tours benefit from the experience and knowledge of real Amsterdam experts. Any tour can be tailored to your personal needs.
Gay Days at Disneyland Anaheim
About 12 weeks away!
It’ll be here before you know it!
GAY DAYS ANAHEIM @ Disneyland!
This is one of our favorite parties – and favorite cities!
Gay Days Anaheim 2015
October 2 – 4
The schedule is awesome this year and you can pick and choose which parties and events you wish to attend. Coco Peru will be back this year and the fabulous WILLAM from Ru Pauls drag race fame. The parties run Friday thru Sunday but I encourage you stay a few more days. There is SO MUCH to see and do in Anaheim and Orange county. CHECK OUT THESE PAST ARTICLES! Shopping, dining, fresh air, art galleries and ocean waves. The historic Packing District showcases culinary offerings and events in a communal gathering space in the heart of downtown Anaheim, and celebrates their one year anniversary next month. You could spend an entire day here.
Discounted Park Tickets Available Now! Click here
Check out the Schedule of Gay Days Anaheim events HERE
Introducing the Gay Days Anaheim Concierge! Click for more information
If you’re not already on the Private Email List, sign up now!
Gay Prague Pride 2015
The fifth edition of the Prague Pride festival will be held from Monday 10 August till Sunday 16 August 2015.
This years slogan will be “We all have a rainbow inside”, visualized by thermal camera pictures. With this theme Prague Pride invites everybody, straight and gay, to join the festival and support that we are all equal. The full festival program is just coming together and looks better than ever before.
The Pride Village will be the main meeting point of the festival, located on the beautiful Strelecky island in the middle of the Vltava river right next to the famous Charles Bridge. The Pride Village is not just a community place, where you can get general information about the festival and meet Czech LGBT organizations, but it is also a place where you can watch LGBT movies, play sports, relax and enjoy various performances.
Of course Prague Pride would not be complete without its famous parties. Dirty Dirty Dancing on Friday 14 August will welcome London’s top DJs Josh Caffe and Borja Peňa. The official After Party on Saturday 15 August in club Roxy will host Hoxton Whores from the UK, Marcelo de Lazari from Brazil, Jonty Skrufff & Fidelity Kastrow from Berlin, Michael Burian from Prague and many, many more.
On a more serious matter Prague Pride will offer space for debates and culture in the Pride House and Pride Theatre. It will bring some top artistic events to the city. Prague Pride visitors are given an extra week of the exhibition of the contemporary British artist Roger Hiorns at the Rudolfinum gallery . The Wenceslas Square will host the photo exhibition “Homophobia in Russia” by the World Press Photo 2015 winner Mads Nissen. On Friday 14 August the London Gay Men’s Chorus will perform at the National Theatre, while on that same day the Pride Village will see the world premiere of the dance Dogtown by Israeli choreographer Nadar Rosano.
One of the highlights of Prague Pride will be the Pride Voices event on Wednesday 12 August, when inspirational speakers will share their personal stories. This year Prague Pride is proud to announce that among the guests will be former Icelandic prime minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, Dutch olympic medal winner Johan Kenkhuis, World Press Photo 2014 winner Jana Ašenbrennerová, Palestinian protagonist of the documentary ‘The invisible men’ Abdul Rawashda and Mr. Gay World Klaus Burkart from Germany. On Thursday 13 August the Business Forum welcomes BBC economics anchor, Evan Davis and Lord Browne, former BP CEO and author of “The Glass Closet”.
The main event of the Prague Pride festival will be the parade on Saturday 15 August. The march will start on the famous Wenceslas Square in the heart of Prague and then proceed through the historical city center all the way to Letna park where a big outdoor party with several DJ stages and an information market will be held.
The complete program will soon be released on our website www.praguepride.com. You can also find information about the Parade on our main Facebook Event Page here.
Gay Travel for Southern Decadence
GAY TRAVEL HOT DEAL!
Hosted every Labor Weekend, Southern Decadence is the 5th largest event in the city following Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, and French Quarter Fest. 2014 brought in over 160,000 participants.
It’s not to early to start planning for the giant 44th Southern Decadence celebration of LGBT life, music and culture. CALL David now FOR THE BEST DEALS! 1-800-942-1280!
Airlines Discount Gay Pride Travel
Airlines offering discount flights to gay people!
An airline has infuriated Republicans – by offering to fly gay people to Pride events across the US for a discount.
Alaska Airlines – which carries the name of the state known more for being the home of anti-gay politician Sarah Palin than for inclusiveness – made the offer as part of an ‘LGBT travel’ stunt.
Though it doesn’t exclusively apply to LGBT people, the airline has discounted flights to Pride events in a number of cities across the US.
It offers flights at a discount to Pride events including LA, New Orleans and Boston – in a move that has infuriated conservatives in the country.
Alaska Air said: “At Alaska, we have been longtime supporters of the LGBT community and remain committed to a more equitable society. We were elated when the State of Washington expressed the same commitment by legalizing marriage for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
“To show our continued support we are encouraging the LGBT community to travel, not only to Seattle, but to Pride events and gay friendly destinations all over the country.
“With that aim, we have put together this section of our site to highlight destinations that support marriage equality, Pride celebrations, and other things of interest to the LGBT community.”
Some have decried it as “discrimination” in favour of LGBT people, with one right-wing blogger claiming: “The establishment campaign to promote disease-spreading and culture-corroding perversity has reached the point that Alaska Airlines now implies discounts for homosexuals.
ALASKA AIR
How Happy is Your Country?
115,000 gay men told us!
Because of the Internet, online gay communities like PlanetRomeo are able to offer support for gay men that they may not be able to get anywhere else. Being at the heart of 1.8 million men globally, we have access to both the audience and resources to do this research for the very first time.
Incredibly, more than 115,000 gay men from all over the world participated in the HAPPINESS survey.
We initiated the research and collaborated with the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz (JGUM), Germany who designed a qualified scientific questionnaire and executed the survey.
ICELAND GAYS were the HAPPIEST.
UGANDA GAYS were the unhappiest 🙁
See how your country stacks up. (United States came in 29th out of 127).
Puerto Vallarta Gay Pride Travel Deals
• Hotels, condos, tour operators and airlines have joined forces to be part of the largest LGBT event in the region.
• Vallarta Pride is proud to have the unconditional support of local, national and international businesses to carry out a world class event.
The third gay pride festival “Vallarta Pride” will take place from May 17 to 25, 2015. This festival in honor of the LGBT community living and visiting our vibrant tourist destinationis being supported by several local, national and international businesses under the theme of “Unity”.
It is now easier than ever to come enjoy and live the Vallarta Pride experience with the special promotions and travel packages that hotels, condos, tour operators and airlines are offering this year.
The Blue Chairs Hotel, Hotel Emperador, Hotel Catedral, Hotel Mercurio, Puerto de Luna, Rivera del Río and Villa Mercedes are all offering the 4th night free by booking 3. This promotion will run throughout Vallarta Pride. The condos Andales on the Bay, Condo Carmen Alicia and Piñata Gay Guest House will also join this initiative offering the same deal.
Other accommodation deals include Casa Cupula and OlasAltas Suites (book 4 nights and get the 5th night free), Puerto Vallarta Beach Club (4th night free by booking 3 via http://www.equalitydestinations.com/ using the code EQDPV) and Puerto Vallarta Timeshare Rentals (Get 70% off resort prices when you book a week through http://www.sellmytimesharenow.com/).
The Airlines that have joined the Vallarta Pride travel deals and will offer a discount of up to 10% are Aeroméxico (code B542D12A, valid only in national flights and form May 20 to 25, 2015), Alaska Airlines (code EC8368 and valid till May 29, 2015) and Delta Airlines (code NMKSE and valid form May 9to June 2, 2015).
As nightlife entertainment cannot be missed during your Puerto Vallarta visit, Gay Vallarta Bar Hopping is offering 10% discount when booking using the code Vallarta Pride. GayPV is also offering two complete travel packages:
• Exclusive Travel Package for Pride*
Airfares, Hotels, Events and Excursions (Including Andrew Christian Events)
• VIP Travel Package*
Andrew Christian event tickets, “Wet & Wild” Gay Cruise, fashion show and 5-night hotel accommodation.
*Exclusive deals only available on: http://gaypv.mx/deals/pride2015/.
For more information on these deals and promotions, visit here
and the official Facebook Page
Gay Travel to Montreal and Amsterdam
Two of my Favorite cities!
SPRING AND SUMMER TRAVEL SEASON AHEAD
Days are getting longer already!
59 days until SPRING!
START PLANNING NOW!
Here are 2 GREAT GETAWAYS to add to your spring/summer calendar
MONTREAL JAZZ FESTIVAL – JULY 3-6 (2015)
More than 500 concerts – most FREE
World’s Best Artists and Genres of Music
AND …..
AMSTERDAM PRIDE – JUL 28- AUG 3 (2015)
World Famous Canal Parade
Circuit Parties & Street Parties
Amsterdam’s most popular festival
JOIN ME! LET’S PARTY! I can arrange great pricing for you and provide helpful tour information in both cities! Dave @ Donovan Travel
Gay Travel and Pride SERBIA
AFTER A 4 YEAR ABSENCE –
GAY PRIDE RETURNS TO SERBIA
Pride returned to Serbia this week, taking place in the capital city of Belgrade. The BBC reports that the march transpired almost completely without incident.
Participants marched through the centre of the city to the National Assembly, where ambassadors from numerous European countries addressed the crowd. “I feel phenomenal. Our efforts of the past three years have borne fruit,” organiser Boban Stojanovic told Reuters news agency.
On Saturday evening, anti-gay rights campaigners demonstrated in the capital in anticipation of the Gay Pride march on Sunday. But the influence of the far right has declined in recent years, our correspondent says, and several government ministers have spoken in favour of the march.
FROM THE AP…
Waving rainbow-colored flags, several hundred gay activists proceeded undisturbed through downtown Belgrade on Sunday thanks to the protection of thousands of riot police.
The march advanced for only several hundred meters through the empty Belgrade streets where shops were closed and public transport was stopped. Still, it was important symbolically as a rare public event staged by gays in this highly conservative Balkan country.
Skirmishes were reported between small groups of extremists and police during and after the march, with soccer hooligans attacking liberal B-92 radio and TV station with flares and smoke bombs. Two policemen were injured, the station said. Also, the hooligans set one public bus on fire with flares, police said.
Water cannons, armored vehicles and riot police blocked traffic on the route of the march amid threats of attacks from extreme nationalists, as Serbia tried to show it respects human rights of all of its citizens as it seeks European Union membership.
“This is a very positive and strong message,” Michael Davenport, head of the EU mission in Serbia, told the pride rally. “It is also a strong message to those using the hate language.”
Belgrade Mayor Sinisa Mali who joined the march together with several foreign diplomats, government members and Serbian party leaders, said it was a chance to show that Belgrade is a world capital “where all of its citizens are equal.”
Gay pride in Vermont
PRIDE WEEK September 7-14
Burlington, Vermont
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 –
2 pm Annual High Heel Race on Church Street, Church St.
This exciting race will provide a colorful and competitive start to the festivi- ties. The event is open to all who are brave enough to don high heels. Dress- ing in drag is highly encouraged, but not required.
Extra shoes will be avail- able to accommodate spectators wanting to sign up on site.
Register by email
highheelrace@pridevermont.com.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
5:30-6:30 pm Interfaith Prayer Service, Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 188 North Prospect St.
Designed by Deacon Stan Baker, rabbis, ministers and priests and from the greater Burlington areas several welcoming and affirming congregations all take part in this service. Join us for a PRIDE Vermont tradition, sharing our spiritual traditions together, with fellow LGBTQIA family and friends, both locals and visitors. All are welcome.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
7 pm Gender PRIDE Event, Contois Auditorium, City Hall
Model and transgender activist Geena Rocero will make a special guest appearance to discuss her work on gaining transgender rights throughout the globe. She has become one of the countrys leading voices for the transgender community.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
All Day OUT On Church Street, Church Street Marketplace
Special wristbands will be available for $10 each, and will provide discounts at participating shops, restaurants and department stores on the popular Church Street Marketplace. For a list of places to purchase wristbands, visit PRIDEVermont.com.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
4-4:30 pm Brick-Laying Ceremony in Memory of Wayne Beam, Upper Church St.
4-6 pm Generations of PRIDE History Exhibition and Reception,
Fletcher Free Library, 235 College St.
This exhibit traces the history of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community PRIDE celebrations in Vermont from 1983 to the present. Through 9/27/14.
5 -7:15 pm Stride To Pride 5K Walk/Run, Battery Park
7 pm Burly Bears Pre-PRIDE Party, Red Square, 136 Church St.
7 pm Wild and Precious, The Black Box Theatre, Main Street Landing
Vermont raised, Steven Cadwell performs his one man show Wild and Pre- cious, a theatrical memoir that chronicles one mans journey through sexual awakening, mental breakdown, and acceptance. Tickets $10 available at the Flynn Box Office.
9 pm-1 am Pop-Up! Queer PRIDE Party, Arts Riot
18 and up. $5 cover.popupqueerdanceparty.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
8 pm Risque PRIDE Ball, Higher Ground Ballroom
This 18+ multimedia event features two of Vermonts best DJs, Manny Ward and Man Machine, playing the hottest club music.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
12-5 pm Northern Decadence Vermont Food & Travel Expo, Battery Park
Produced by the Vermont Gay Tourism Association (VGTA),NDVT showcases LGBT-friendly businesses from across Vermont, includes food and drink samples and a silent auction. $5 for adults; children 12 and under free. Some alcoholic samples may have additional fees. For more information, visit northerndecadence.com.
12:45 pm PRIDE Parade, Church St.
The PRIDE Vermont Parade will start at at the bottom of Church Street and wind all the way to the Festival site at Battery Park.
1-5 pm PRIDE Festival, Battery Park
The festival will include music and entertainment in the Battery Park band- shell, vendors, family, youth activities, games, and community resources. Other highlights of the family-friendly PRIDE Vermont festival include:
Gender Fun Lawn Games and Scavenger Hunt. Play lawn gaymes, make craft projects, and get information on gender diversity, rights, and resources.
Live Entertainment hosted by drag artist Major Face featuring local and regional performers.
Dancing on the Lawn with music by DJ John Martin of Superior Sounds.
5 pm Screening of THE PARADE (PARADA),
North End Studios Studio A, 294 N. Winooski Ave.
Turning transgression into a comedic principle, this turbulent farce that toys with cliches and stereotypes turned out to be an unexpected hit in Serbia and other ex-Yugoslavian countries. FREE. http://vtiff.org/events/4380/
5 pm Burly Bears Tea Dance at Red Square, 136 Church St.