Across most of the world Pride season has started as communities come together to celebrate diversity and equality.
The exciting combination of colour, glamour, entertainment and enjoyment hits only those cities lucky enough to be able to
embrace their people’s sexuality.
Can you believe that there are 86 member states of the United Nations that still criminalise consensual gay sex.
So we are proud to recognise IDAHO (International Day Against Homophobia)! Not every day do we have the confidence to stand
up for ourselves, walk among the people holding hands with our partners –
but anything we can do to support those who are not as fortunate as us across the world should be done.
As you may have noticed, the day prior to IDAHO was selected for the Eurovision Song Contest -
an international event celebrated by gay venues worldwide. On the same day Moscow held its own gay pride.
Only two years has past since the international gay activist – Peter Tatchell – was punched and attacked by anti-gay groups.
Slavic Gay Pride, in Peter’s words: “is about the right of all Russian people to freely express their opinions and to protest peacefully.
The ban on gay parades is just one example of the systematic suppression of civil liberties in Russia.”
This year over 40 gay and lesbian people were detained by police during the event –
however that did not stop gay men and women attending and making their mark.
If you want to know more about gay-friendly events happening worldwide then check gaypedia where you can discover:
- Pride Page: As many Gay Prides as we can find. If you find more we’ll give you an additional 100 peanuts
- Forward to my best gay mates; come on, get your friends on board the gaypedia cruise ship!
Finally, gaypedia will be at The Edge in Soho Square, London on 26th May 2009 for a radio recording with FYi RADiO. This promises to be a
great night and so we invite you to join us for live music, great entertainment
and the chance to meet some fun and friendly people. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
