The LGBTQ+ rights movement has made tremendous strides over the past few decades. Much of the progress in our visibility is thanks in part to Gay Pride parades and demonstrations held in cities around the world.

The global landscape for LGBTQ+ rights, protections and acceptance varies tremendously by location. Some destinations attract millions of visitors to their events like Madrid Gay Pride, Sao Paulo Gay Pride or San Francisco Gay Pride, while more than 70 other countries have laws that allow discrimination or persecution of LGBTQ+ people.

We are proud that the UK has grown from having just four or five annual events decades ago, to what's been more than 270 Pride events staged this year. It's a fantastic achievement for LGBTQ+ people in the UK, although it certainly hasn't been easy for those involved.

What is Gay Pride?

Gay Pride events, including Gay Pride parades and festivals were started in major urban centers to improve the visibility, acceptance and some of the legal protections for LGBTQ+ people living in those communities. While the aim of Pride day started with a political nature, many cities around the world have such wide acceptance and strong legal protections that events have now become a celebration of Pride for all.

Depending on the country or city where the event is being held, the marches and parades often campaign for recognition and acceptance of same-sex marriage, legal protections for couples and families, anti-discrimination laws or trans rights. Although there are still obstacles in achieving full acceptance and protections for the LGBTQ+ community, recent progress has been significant.

A Brief History of Gay Pride

On 28th June of 1969, a group of LGBTQ+ people in New York City rioted following a police raid of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar located on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village. This series of events was a turning point for the LGBTQ+ community and marks one of the most significant events leading to the modern gay rights movement. The following year in June, organised demonstrations took place in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco to mark the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. As the years went on, additional cities in North America and Europe began to hold their own public demonstrations or a Pride day, eventually leading to what we know today as Gay Pride parades, Gay Pride festivals and Mardi Gras.

Find out more about the significance of Pride in the UK and around the world in our feature: Why Pride Is Important.

When is Gay Pride?