National Geographic Reveals 5 Destinations to Visit with Pride
Vacationer applauds mainstream travel publications like National Geographic for taking the initiative to highlight the value of the LGBTQ+ traveler and how the travel industry is embracing queer travelers as means to bounce back after a global pandemic.
In a recent article, the travel publication points out five cities where LGBTQ+ travelers are heading next to celebrate with Pride. Check out Connor McGovern’s in-depth article on Nat Geo’s website, and take a look at five places you may want to consider adding to your travel bucket list soon.
Brighton & Hove
August 5-7
It’s almost been three, pandemic-beleaguered years since the city last hosted a Pride event, but this summer sees the return of the country’s biggest (and arguably best) Pride celebration. A weekend chock-full of concerts, parades, street parties, cabaret, and even a dog show will make up the delayed 30th-anniversary celebrations. Check out our Brighton Travel Guide to plan your trip, too!
Belgrade
September 12-18
While attitudes in Serbia remain mixed, laws have improved considerably over the past decade. Openly gay prime minister Ana Brnabić took office in 2016, and this year the city will host Europride, the continent’s biggest Pride festival. Previous events in the city have faced intense hostility, so this is a watershed moment for the country’s LGBTQ+ community.
Toronto
In December, Canada followed the likes of Brazil, Germany, and Malta in banning the controversial practice of conversion therapy — another sign of the country’s progressive stance on equality. Multicultural Toronto is the nexus of the country’s LGBTQ+ scene — set to come alive for a month of eclectic Pride celebrations in June.
Valletta
Malta topped the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Index for a sixth consecutive year in 2021. The metric analyses the equality policies of 49 European countries and found that open-minded Malta is streets ahead of many of its neighbors, with recent amendments including an updated policy for LGBTQ+ refugee claims.
Sydney
March 5 – February 17, 2023
The cosmopolitan Australian city takes up the mantle as host of World Pride in February 2023. This will be the first time the event has been held in the Southern Hemisphere, so expect a celebratory 17-day program of Pride marches, beach parties, conferences, and a First Nations gala concert. Looking for hotels, restaurants, and things to do? Check our Queer Guide to Sydney!
Source: National Geographic