23 Heartwarming Photos From Pride Celebrations Around the World
Check out these inspirational moments caught on camera.
On June 28, 1970, the first Pride March was held in New York City to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, landmark demonstrations that served as a catalyst for America's gay liberation movement. Since that first Pride March nearly 50 years ago, cities on each of the seven continents—Antarctica held its first Pride celebration in 2018—have dedicated at least one day to celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.
In honor of the Stonewall Riots' 50th anniversary, we've compiled some of the most heartfelt images captured at Pride celebrations around the world.
1
This little girl who loves her moms in Lisbon
Since 2010, same-sex couples have been able to marry in Portugal (and they've been able to adopt freely since 2016)—and this young girl was happy to show her support for her moms at Lisbon Pride 2018.
2
This British police officer getting in the spirit
At nearly every Pride March around the world, you'll likely find scores of police officers attempting to keep the crowds in order—but some are also there to celebrate. This police officer at the London Pride March in 2017 showed his support for the LGBTQIA+ community, adorning his uniform—and face—with the rainbow flag.
3
These Boy Scouts making Pride strides in New York
After a turbulent relationship with members of the queer community, the Boy Scouts now welcome gay, transgender—and yes—even girls to join their ranks. Here they are joining in New York City's Pride March in 2016.
4
This special sign spotted in Thailand
Same-sex marriages, civil unions, and domestic partnerships are not recognized by the Thai government. Despite this intolerance, Thailand's queer community still manages to put together a heartwarming display of camaraderie with its annual Pattaya Pride Rainbow Festival Parade. This photo from the 2019 iteration really says it all.
5
This soldier who's all kinds of proud in New York
Since coming out as gay on The Rachel Maddow Show in 2009, Lieutenant Dan Choi, who served as an infantry officer in Iraq from 2006 to 2007, has been a leading activist in the fight to end the United States government's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy, which forbade lesbian, gay, and bisexual military members from serving openly.
To many LGBTQIA+ military members just like him, Choi's heroism extends well past the battlefield. At the 2010 New York City Pride March, he was honored with the title of grand marshal.
6
These elementary teachers supporting students in Toronto
The Elementary Teachers' Foundation of Ontario is quick to show its support for every student in their care, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. Here are two members at the Toronto Pride Parade in 2018, demanding "respect for all in our schools."
7
This heartfelt hug in India
In 2018, India decriminalized homosexuality—and the celebration that ensued proved to be a joyful one for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Southeast Asian nation. Held in November 2018 (just two months after the decriminalization), this Pride event in Delhi brought laughter and tears to a community that had waited years for this moment, as you can clearly see.
8
These Ugandans finding a place to celebrate
Though they couldn't celebrate in their home country, which famously passed what was called the "Kill the Gays" bill in 2013, these queer Ugandans traveled to the U.K. for London Pride in 2016.
9
These British siblings who define unconditional love
At the 2017 London Pride March, this proud sister acknowledged that her brother's sexual orientation is not a choice—but it is her choice (and delight) to love and support him. (And to point out the fact that he's single, of course.)
10
This proud lesbian mom of a transgender son in New York
This proud mom demonstrated what Pride celebrations are all about at the 2016 New York Pride March: showing love and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community, from within it and outside of it.
11
This San Francisco gay couple and their young children
A gay couple with two young children proudly celebrated their happy family at the San Francisco Pride Parade in 2013.
12
This longtime couple holding hands in New York
Among the young and enthusiastic queer people involved in the New York City Pride March every year, there are those members of the LGBTQIA+ community who have been fighting for equality for the majority of their lives. At Pride March in 2017, this gay couple celebrated 39 years together amidst cheering spectators.
13
This Canadian mother supporting her family, no matter what
Flanked by her two little ones, a mother at the 2018 Edmonton Pride Parade in Canada proudly demonstrated her love and support of her children, no matter what their sexual orientation or gender identity may be.
14
This couple celebrating their anniversary in New York
Think flowers and a card are the best way to celebrate your anniversary? Not according to this couple, who commemorated their 15 years together with this sweet sign at the 2015 New York City Pride March.
15
This royal kiss in Scotland
Queen Elizabeth II has shown quite a bit of support for the LGBTQIA+ community—even signing the Royal Assent for the Equal Marriages Act back in 2013. And based on this 2017 picture, it's clear that some members of the queer community—like these marchers at Edinburgh Pride in Scotland—are eager to show their gratitude via this celebrant dressed as Her Majesty.
16
This family who won't let rain stop them from celebrating in New York
Just after same-sex marriage was legalized in the United States, this couple and their young children celebrated the victory on the streets of New York City at the Pride March in 2015.
17
This lesbian couple marching with their children in Chicago
At the 2018 Chicago Pride Parade, two lesbian mothers and their children were decked out in rainbow gear to celebrate what makes their family so special.
18
This image of Cynthia Nixon and her wife embracing
At the 2018 New York City Pride March, Sex and the City star, then-gubernatorial candidate, and controversial bagel-orderer Cynthia Nixon marched through the streets of New York City with her wife, Christine Marinoni, and Orange Is the New Black star Lea DeLaria.
19
This state senator sharing a moment with his husband in New York
At the 2016 New York City Pride March, New York state senator Brad Hoylman and his husband, David Sigal, shared a touching kiss, much to the delight of thousands of onlookers and parade participants.
20
This mother showing up for her gay son in Edmonton
Spotted at the Edmonton Pride Parade 2016: an incredibly proud mother of a gay man.
21
These longtime fighters for marriage equality in New York
This gay couple provided inspiration to thousands of onlookers as they celebrated their 37 years together at the New York City Pride March in 2017. Their adorable wedding photo alone probably inspired a few tears.
22
This woman showing love for her trans sister in New York
Among the many signs spotted at Pride celebrations all across the world, a number of them are crafted by those adamant about showing their support for their LGBTQIA+ family members and friends, like this proud sister at the 2018 New York City Pride March.
23
And this original proud mom, who paved the way
Pictured above is the Christopher Street Liberation Day in 1972, a precursor to today's New York City Pride March. The woman in the front, Jeanne Manford (who's seen holding the "parents" sign in the photo above), was the mother of Morty Manford, a gay man. And she created Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) in 1973.
According to the PFLAG website, Manford decided to start the support group because of her experience at the March, where "many gay and lesbian people ran up to [her] … and begged her to talk to their parents [for them]." And for more heartwarming LGBTQIA+ tales, check out This Viral Story of Two Elderly Strangers Who Fell In Love on a Flight Will Melt Your Heart.
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