How do we celebrate Pride in other parts of the country? Let's take a tour.
When it comes to Pride, it feels like everyone comes together to celebrate. But truthfully, Pride Month (known in some regions as LGBTQIA+ History Month) is only recognized in 9 countries globally. Today, we’ll be virtually traveling to some of these countries to understand how they come together to celebrate.
United States
Here in the United States, Pride is everywhere. In the largest and smallest cities in the country, Pride celebrations are prevalent throughout the month of June.
SteelSeries’ North American offices are in Chicago, and we’ve got a lot of Pride. Apart from last year, the city of Chicago holds a Pride parade annually. In addition, we have multiple Pride-themed events that take place throughout the city. Festivals like Pride in the Park, Market Days, and more take place throughout the summer.
Pride isn't limited to just Chicago. Since the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015, dozens of cities across the US host major Pride parades or Pride-themed events in June.
United Kingdom
In the UK, Pride has been in the making for quite some time! From the first legal persecution with The Buggary Act of 1533 to the Stonewall Riots, when the Gay Liberation Front was founded. Since 2005, the Civil Partnership Act has allowed same-sex couples to marry, and it is now legal in all parts of the United Kingdom.
Since then, the United Kingdom has had Pride events spanning from June to September. Pride in London is a large organization that host many events. They have partnered with Pride in the City, whose events extend past the month of June, keeping the conversation going and expanding visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Canada
While LGBTQIA+ history month begins in October, Canadians across the country celebrate their Pride in June. Since the legalization of same-sex marriage on July 20th, 2005, these celebrations are most prevalent in some of the major cities such as: Halifax, Montreal, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Toronto and Vancouver.
Australia
Same-sex marriage was legalized December 9th of 2017. However, since 1978, the main event that has been held in Australia celebrating Pride is the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. This major event has stemmed from smaller Pride parades hosted throughout the year from other major cities and territories, including New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, Tasmania (mainly in February), Victoria, and Western Australia.
Like I said, it seems as though Pride is everywhere. We still have a long way to go globally to be accepted and appreciated for the things we bring as LGBTQIA+ people. Fret not, advocates for equality are acting and reacting every day to changes in our world and continue to fight for fundamental rights every day. Advocates like our friends over at The Trevor Project, whom we have supported throughout the month of June!
A very special thank you to my colleague and good friend, Cedelle Kupfer-Escobedo for her help with a lot of the research needed to complete this blog! Cedelle (she/her/hers) is a Jack Russel mom, MMO/RPG Fanatic and car enthusiast.
For more information on how SteelSeries celebrates Pride year-round, check out the SteelSeries Pride page. Feel free to check out more Pride-related blog posts below!
