June is LGBT pride month – a month that would usually be celebrated by people across the world in their thousands. However, the coronavirus pandemic has, unfortunately, put a stop to any pride events planned for this year.
Instead, they have now been replaced with online events that anyone can take part in. Here are just some of the virtual pride celebrations taking place over the course of the month:
Pride Inside – Online festival
Instagram: @whitleygraphics
When?: Saturday 28 June – Sunday 5 July
Amnesty International, UK Black Pride, Stonewall and ParaPride have come together to produce Pride Inside – an online event including gigs, comedy shows, panel discussions and more.
The line up for the event, which is yet to be announced, is said to include “an exciting array of LGBTI+ comedians, artists, DJs, musicians and activists.”
Sen Raj, Amnesty International’s Rainbow Network committee member, said: “COVID-19 won’t stop us celebrating LGBTI+ rights. This year, Pride will be inside – in our homes and in our hearts.
“Around the world, the pandemic is having a disproportionate effect on LGBTI+ people who have been historically discriminated against in their access to healthcare, housing and employment.
“That’s why this year, it’s more important than ever that LGBTI+ people and their allies have a chance to come together, celebrate how far we’ve come as a movement and support each other where we still have further to go.
“We invite all friends and allies to join us for Pride Inside to show that we’ll always be proud – no matter what, no matter where.”
Global Pride 2020
Image credit: Global Pride 2020
When?: Sunday 27 June
Global Pride 2020 will be a 24-hour online festival, streaming musical performances and speeches from activists and other public figures. Organised in partnership between InterPride, the European Pride Organisers Association, and national Pride networks in several countries, Global Pride 2020 aims to provide an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTI+ community in a time of uncertainty.
Although it is currently unclear what platform the festival will be streamed on, organisers have said that the event will be fully accessible from any device with a WIFI connection.
If you are interested in participating in Global Pride 2020, make sure to join the Facebook group for the event here to see further updates.
Pride Prom
Image credit: billboard events
When?: Saturday 13 June 2020
Hosted by Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter, Pride Prom is a virtual pride event that is not to be missed.
The star-studded lineup includes the likes of Anne-Marie, Boy George, Caitlyn Jenner, Cyndi Lauper and Doja Cat, along with Ru Paul’s Drag Race legend Bob The Drag Queen.
Pride Prom will involve a variety of performances, drag, artist cameos, glam sessions, and much more. Stay tuned to their website for more information!
Bi-Fi Festival
Instagram: @whitleygraphics
When?: Saturday 20 June 2020 – 17:00-21:00 (GMT)
Bi Pride UK’s Bi-Fi festival will be streamed on Twitch this year, celebrating bisexual voices from across the country.
Bi-Fi Festival will involve several discussion panels and performances, and all for no cost to the viewer! The organisers will, however, appreciate any donations to help the community.
If you miss the live stream of the event but still want to watch some of the performances later on, you’re in luck. Bi Pride UK has said it will record all of the performances and panels, so you don’t miss a thing!
Written by Jessica Goddard
Feature image credit: Karima Morsli – @karima.designs