NEW YORK CITY
Because of the pandemic, New York has yet to announce its plans for its famous in-person events like the pride march and Pride Island. However, the city has set up a plethora of online events throughout the month of June. Highlights include Savor Pride, which is a virtual culinary experience where participants can learn new tips and tricks in the kitchen, all while being guided through the preparation of a meal. Best of all, proceeds from the event go to support God’s Love We Deliver, a nonprofit that prepares and delivers meals for those living with life-altering illnesses like HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. Another highlight of Pride Month will be the annual Human Rights Conference. Each year NYC Pride brings together educators, activists, religious leaders, and politicians to discuss civil rights around the world. The public is welcomed and encouraged to participate by tuning in virtually from June 21-23. NYCPride.org
New York Pride
Photo: Kobby Dagan
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
Iceland’s capital city has a great program of events set up for their Pride Week this coming August. It’s a wonderful blend of culture, community, and current events. On the serious side, Reykjavik Pride will be holding discussions on the importance of trans-inclusive feminism, the current issues that LGBTQ people face in radically conservative Poland, and what it means to be queer in the workplace. These events are sure to be informative and reflect the true meaning of Pride: the LGBTQ community coming together to address the issues we face. On a lighter note, Pride week will also consist of various activities for the whole family, including a walking tour of LGBTQ history, a family-friendly festival for kids of all ages, and even a river cruise. Reykjavik is also planning a lot of exciting events, such as drag shows, pop-up art galleries, and the annual parade and street party. Iceland has been named one of the happiest countries for a reason…they know how to throw a party! Hinsegindagar.is
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
In July, San Diego will be holding their Pride week. The city hopes to have in-person events, but if they’re not able to, they’re already planning a way to quickly and seamlessly provide all the events virtually. Kicking off their festivities will be She Fest, an event designed to help women. She Fest includes live music, workshops, speakers, and a networking series. The event organizers have also made it very clear that She Fest is an open and welcoming space for all cis women, trans women, nonbinary people, and the intersex community. Another interesting activity at San Diego Pride is their Light Up the Cathedral event. The city’s gorgeous St. Paul’s Cathedral becomes bathed in rainbow lights for an interfaith spiritual service where various religious leaders and local politicians come together to discuss the importance of making religion a welcoming and inclusive space. It’s a unique Pride event that will resonate with anyone who grew up in a religious home. SDPride.org
TULSA, OKLAHOMA
Tulsa Pride is the oldest LGBTQ festival in all of Oklahoma. 2021 will mark the festival’s 39th year. To start off the festivities, residents can take part in the Rainbow Run, which is a 5k fun run where you can race at your own pace. Run it, jog it, or walk it. The point isn’t so much to race as it is to be part of the community. Best of all, proceeds from the race go towards LGBTQ advocacy and education programs around the Tulsa area. There’s a one-mile shorter option just before the 5k for those looking for a shorter run. The next day is the Pride parade and festival. The parade makes its way down 16 blocks of downtown Tulsa and concludes with a block party. One of the greatest things about Tulsa Pride is that it’s still very much community- centered. Without having the funds and sponsorship of large cities like LA or New York, Tulsa’s Pride celebration is put on entirely by the city’s dedicated LGBTQ community, which makes it a heartwarming and powerful reminder that we’re truly stronger in numbers. OKEQ.org.
Zurich Pride
Photo: Stephen F
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Zurich, Switzerland will also be celebrating Pride in June (which is the official Pride Month). From the 7th to the 20th, Zurich will be hosting a whole smorgasbord of events both in-person and online. This will all be leading up to the demonstration on June 19th. At the demonstration, a sense of community, love, and support will be overflowing. Speakers, bands, and activists will share their stories and talents with the crowd to help celebrate LGBTQ history, as well as to rally support for further equality measures. All members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and their allies, are welcome. For those who can’t participate in person, Zurich Pride will also have “Pride TV” where viewers can watch a livestream of the events at home or on their phones. ZurchPrideFestival.ch
