21 May 2020
As London's Virtual Pride 2020 that was due to take place next Saturday announces it has been cancelled, we look at parades around the USA that are going ahead this year despite COVID-19's best efforts to halt the festival. Those celebrating Pride will be able to do so virtually with friends in America, while a number of states have postponed events until the autumn, including; Pride Northwest in Portland, Dinah Shore in Greater Palm Springs, California and Pittsburgh Pride, Pennsylvania.
Denver PrideFest, June 20-21 - Colorado
Recognised as one of the top ten pride events in the USA, Denver PrideFest is a free, two-day festival that (usually) takes place in Denver's Civic Center Park. The weekend usually features activities and entertainment for adults, kids and pets – from a Dogs in Drag Parade and the annual Gay Pride Parade to the Big Gay 5K and three stages full of music and cultural entertainment. This year's virtual event will include digital versions of the parade, 5Ks, concerts, dance parties and more.
2020 Seattle Pride Parade and Trans Pride Celebrations, 26-28 June - Washington
Organisers of Seattle's annual Pride parade announced the 2020 edition of the downtown event will take place in a series of virtual events and celebrations. Seattle Pride is working together with PrideFest and Trans Pride on in-person Pride events to be held in late-summer, when it may be safer to resume community festivals. Keep up-to-date here for virtual pride information coming to you this June. www.visitseattle.org
San Diego Pride, 11-18 July - California
Ensuring the community remains connected during the pandemic, San Diego's Pride programmes and events will be moved online and hosted in virtual spaces. San Diego Pride is celebrated across a week in July with five individual events. Using the #TogetherWeRise, She Fest launches the celebrations recognising the talents and contributions of women, followed by Light Up the Cathedral with a ceremonial rainbow lighting. The weekend brings The Spirit of Stonewall Rally with a series of inspiring speaker webinars, a virtual 5k - rainbow gear, tutus and steamers encouraged and finishing with Pride Live. More details will be announced on sdpride.org.
50th Anniversary Celebrations to Kick Off via Digital Platforms, West Hollywood
To commemorate the 50th Anniversary, LA Pride has been working on new and exciting initiatives that will be hosted on various digital platforms in the coming months. LA Pride is committed to adapting to the current climate and ensuring the Pride celebration will be a staple moment with diverse and creative ways to honor the LGBTQ+ community regardless of an in-person gathering. More details to be announced in the lead up to LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June. As CSW Executive Director Madonna Cacciatore said 'Pride is not just about a specific month or weekend in June.
Los Angeles' LGBTQ+ community lives and breathes Pride every day' and therefore, celebrations will span through to 2021.
