World Pride 2023

Pride is a global lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) event to celebrate and advocate for LGBTQ+ equality. Pride events began in 1970 to mark the riots which took place in the Stonewall inn, a gay bar in New York City in June 1969 which was one of the most significant events leading to the modern gay rights movement.

World Pride is to be held in Sydney, Australia between 17 February to 5 March 2023. This is the first time a city in the southern hemisphere had been chosen to host this event.

• see the official Sydney World Pride 2023 website for further event details 

In addition to World Pride, multiple Pride events are planned worldwide throughout 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 check the FCDO foreign travel advice page for the country they are travelling to, for the latest information on coronavirus, safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

In addition, travellers should be advised to have valid travel insurance in place to cover the duration of their trip, including all planned activities.

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.

Mpox (Monkeypox)

Since May 2022 cases of mpox have been reported in the UK, Europe and other international countries. However, while mpox does not spread very easily between human beings, it is able to pass between people through close contact with an infected person via:

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

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

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

Smallpox vaccination can help prevent mpox infection, and the NHS is offering smallpox vaccination to people who are most likely to be exposed to mpox. Further information on mpox is available from:

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

Also see Smallpox and mpox: 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