Celebrate Gay Pride Around the World

Forty years ago this month, the gay rights movement began with the Stonewall riots in New York City, as gays and lesbians demanded an end to the persecution they had long endured. Now, after decades of hard work, the fight has grown into a global movement to achieve a world in which all people live free from violence and fear, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Wherever you are in the world, you can take part in the Gay Pride celebrations. Here’s some of the events happening this year.

New York City Gay Pride
New York City is the birth place of the modern gay rights movement, so it makes sense that NYC would host one of the world's biggest and best gay pride events. A full week of activities begins with a rally and ends with a parade and all kinds of activities packed in between Sunday, June 20th-28th, 2009.

Amsterdam Gay Pride
Amsterdam hosts one of the biggest gay pride events in the world. Partiers celebrate in the streets all weekend long culminating in the Gay Pride Canal Parade. Whereas most gay pride parades take to the streets, in Amsterdam 100 decorated boats sail through the Prinsengracht river. More than 350,000 spectators watch every year.

San Francisco
San Francisco is the gayest city in the United States, so it makes sense they have one of the best pride parades and festivals. The SF Pride Parade route is not long, but it IS festive. And the Pride festival is huge and diverse, with the main stage right downtown by city hall. There is sure to be a scene at SF Pride for you from the roaring dykes on bikes to the homo hip hop stages or drink in the ladies at the The Nectar Women's Stage.

Atlanta Gay Pride
The South is hot and you can't get hotter than Atlanta's Gay Pride. Line up along Peachtree Street to watch the scantily clad guys and gals strut on by. And don't forget to march in the Dyke March on Saturday night. For 2009 Atlanta Pride has moved to Piedmont Park and will be celebrating in the Fall: October 30th – November 1st.

Chicago Gay Pride
The Chicago Gay Pride parade steps off from the corner of Halsted & Belmont. There's also a pride run and a big pride festival with speakers and performers. If you're under 21 be sure to check out the Youth Pride. Chicago Dyke March 2009 will take place on June 27th, 2009. Rally will begin at 1:00 PM on 18th and Halsted.

Sydney Pride
In America, the Stonewall gay and lesbian revolt occurred in 1969. In Australia, it happened in 1978, when police revoked a permit for a gay pride parade and arrested 51 people.
Celebrate Sydney Pride 18th June – 1st July. Full event listing can be found here:
http://www.stonewallhotel.com/pride

Toronto, Canada
Toronto is the most diverse city in the world and its gay pride celebration is a reflection of that. With a huge street fair, youth pride, dyke march and family pride events, there's sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. And be sure to check out all the free entertainment on seven stages over three days.

Long Beach, California
Life is better at the beach and Gay Pride is better in Long Beach, California. Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival & Parade is the third largest in the US attracting over 75,000 participants. With performers such as Ari Gold, Smash Mouth and Sara Bareilles, you know this is one party you don't want to miss.

Mexico City
Mexico City has the biggest pride event in South America with more than one million visitors. The parade marches down Paseo de la Reforma and ends at the massive Zocalo Main Square with a Rally and Carnival.

Montreal
Montreal has one of the best gay pride events in the world! Called "Divers/cite", Montreal's gay pride celebrates the diversity of this French and English speaking multicultural city. Be sure to check out LESBOMONDE, the biggest lesbian party of the year!