International Pride events 2022 - update 2

Pride is a global lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) event to celebrate and advocate for LGBTQ+ equality. Multiple Pride events are planned worldwide throughout 2022 and 2023.

• see the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) website for a calendar of upcoming pride events worldwide

Those planning on travelling abroad to attend international Pride events should be reminded to protect themselves against health risks.

Advice for travellers

All travellers should be advised to have valid travel insurance in place to cover the duration of their trip.

COVID-19

Information on considerations that travellers should take both during and after travel in relation to COVID-19 are detailed in the fitfortravel COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page.

Monkeypox

Since May 2022 cases of monkeypox have been reported in the UK, Europe and other international countries. Monkeypox does not spread very easily between people however can spread through close contact with an infected person with monkeypox from:

• touching blisters or scabs and having any skin contact (including during sexual contact)
• touching clothes, bedding, towels or personal items used by a person who has a monkeypox rash, blisters or scabs
• coughs or sneezes from a person with monkeypox infection

Travellers to pride events can reduce their risk of exposure to monkeypox by avoiding:

• close contact (including sexual contact) with someone who is unwell and may have monkeypox
• touching the clothes, bedding or towels of a person who may have a monkeypox rash
• coughs and sneezes from a person who may have monkeypox

The NHS is offering smallpox vaccination to people who are most likely to be exposed to monkeypox. Further information on monkeypox is available from:

• NHS.UK (England, Northern Ireland, Wales)
• NHSinform (Scotland)

Also see Smallpox and monkeypox: the green book, chapter 29 for information on the vaccine.

Other Health Considerations

Furthermore, travellers attending Pride events should consider:

• reading the LGBT Travellers page
• being up to date with routine vaccinations; and check if primary vaccination or boosters, such as hepatitis A or hepatitis B, may be required
• seeking advice on safer sex and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood borne viruses (BBV)

During pride, travellers should be advised to:

• exercise care with respiratory and hand hygiene
• take safe food and water precautions
• practice safer sex and use condoms

After Pride

After returning home from pride events, travellers should be aware to:

• seek medical advice if they are experiencing any symptoms of infection or illness
• seek sexual health advice and screening if unprotected sexual activity has occurred