International LGBT Pride Day: Where to travel to celebrate

On June 28, the international LGBT pride day is celebrated around the world. The date is not random, June 28 marks the anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969, a riot led by transgender activists and drag queens who kick-started the movement for liberation of the LGTB collective and their rights.

The celebrations of the international LGBT pride day began to gain strength progressively around the world. At different rates, the demonstrations became more and more massive, they diversified and other activities were added to the annual date.

During the process of globalization of the celebration of LGBT pride, there have been cities that have become authentic LGBT destinations for the acceptance of sexual diversity. In most cities, LGBT pride celebrations last for a weekend or even an entire month. There are numerous cultural and festive activities that are usually held during the months of June and July. 

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What is the purpose of the LGBT Pride day?

International LGBT pride day celebrations often include parades with floats, fairs, parties and all kinds of cultural activities. In all of them, colour, joy and a vindictive tone always reign that remind us that less than 30 years ago homosexuality was considered a mental illness and the rights of the group were constantly violated.

Currently, only 28 countries in the world recognize gay marriage while a total of 68 criminalize the LGBT community in one way or another. On the other hand, 12 countries apply the death penalty to those convicted of maintaining homosexual relationships.

The International LGBT Pride Day is an occasion to vindicate fundamental rights, celebrate achievements and remember those whose lives were taken in the fight for LGBT rights.

What makes a gay-friendly destination?

When it comes to celebrating big, the LGBT community knows how to do it. Parties and parades are very popular activities among those celebrating the international LGBT Pride Day, but for an LGTB destination to become popular, it must meet a number of requirements:

• A vibrant nightlife offer with bars, restaurants, discos and parties for all kinds of audiences within the LGBT community. The more variety, the better!

• Touristic offer specifically aimed at LGBT people. In recent years, this has been gaining prominence and now is not uncommon to find hotels exclusively for the gay public.

• Museums, fairs and events related to the international LGBT pride day is a must to not limit your stay in a country to only partying.

• An open, social and understanding society and culture in the host city.

What are the most popular destinations to enjoy the LGBT day?

Based on the experiences of the LGBT travel community, we have chosen some of the best destinations around the world to celebrate LGBT pride day:

Los Angeles and San Francisco

These two cities on the west coast of the United States have the largest offer of LGBT activities in North America. Mecca of pop culture and sexual liberation, its streets are full of diversity and party during the months of June and July with a wide variety of activities for all audiences and tastes.

Madrid

Host of world pride 2017, Madrid has become one of the world capitals of the LGBT pride celebration. Its parade is one of the largest in the world and millions of people gather year after year in the streets of Madrid during the month of July to enjoy open-air parties, concerts and community-related activities.

Sao Paulo

Officially the largest LGBT pride parade in the world, Sao Paulo is the LGBT capital of Latin America. Every year, more than 4 million people gather along in one of the main avenues of the city in a festival of colour, music and dance that is unique in the world due to its size and character.

Curaçao

If you are looking for an out-of-the-ordinary LGTB experience, you should know that Curaçao is the most LGTB friendly island in the Caribbean. Its celebrations of the international LGBT pride day are increasingly becoming popular. The picturesque streets of its capital and its Caribbean culture make this island paradise the ideal place for a totally different pride.

Amsterdam

International LGBT Pride Day celebrations in Amsterdam are held during the month of August. The Netherlands decriminalized homosexual activity more than 200 years ago and was the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage. It is not surprising that it is considered one of the most progressive countries in the world.

The boat parade through the city's canals is the most popular activity and one of the most special LGBT pride experiences.