The world is no longer what we knew it to be. Lives have changed, working systems have been forced into evaluation, relationships have been restructured- all because of a pandemic we did not see coming. And with COVID-19 came the tide of change, sweeping through the world and shaking up everything.
June is arguably the most celebrated month within the LGBTIQ community, globally. For one month, the global community celebrates its self-affirmation and the progress that has been made over the years.
However, this year like all other worldwide celebrations, the LGBTIQ community has been forced to take a step back and find more creative ways of holding Pride events without putting anyone’s life at risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus.
Some countries and cities have had to cancel or postpone their pride festivals whilst others have opted to have Pride virtually.
Some of the canceled events include on Pride in Hull, Drogheda Pride 2020, Lisbon Pride 2020, Pride Barcelona 2020, Pride Mexico City 2020, Big Pride Paris Weekend among other.
The postponed events are Madrid Pride Orgullo MADO 2020, Helsinki Pride 2020, Paris Gay Pride, Chicago Pride, UK Black Pride etc.
Being the strong willed people that we are, many communities and organizations have taken the online route. For the first time in history, there will be a digital uprising of Pride across the world. Those that have chosen to go with the new virtual era include Coming Out (Staying In) – Pride in London, Reddit Pride 2020, Queer Asia 2020, CSD Bielefeld, Dublin Digital Pride Festival & Parade and others totaling to over 500 events
Uganda will also be holding its first ever virtual Pride after failing to celebrate the annual festival in the last four years and the biggest global celebration, World Pride will be an online event that will take place on 27th June. It will provide an opportunity for the LGBTI+ community around the world to come together celebrate diversity and equality during these challenging times.
To find out how you can be a part of the World Pride festivities please visit https://www.globalpride2020.org/
