International Pride Events 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.

Multiple Pride events are planned worldwide throughout 2023.

• see the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) website for a calendar of upcoming pride events worldwide in 2023 and 2024.

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
• ensure they have valid travel insurance in place to cover the duration of their trip, including all planned activities
• review the country specific advice for their destination(s) for information on advisable vaccinations, malaria and other health risks.  

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

Since May 2022 cases of mpox have been reported in the UK, Europe and other international countries. Mpox has not gone away and there may be an increase in cases this summer as more people start to travel and attend events and festivals in the UK or abroad

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

The NHS is currently offering smallpox vaccination to people who are most likely to be exposed to mpox. A full course vaccine for those at highest risk of mpox exposure consists of two doses with an interval of at least 28 days between doses. 

 Travellers taking part in Pride or other LGBT+ events this year are advised to ensure they have received two doses of smallpox vaccine (if eligible) to provide long term protection.

• In Scotland, all those eligible are encouraged to contact their local sexual health clinic to arrange an appointment for vaccine
• England: see finding an mpox vaccination site in England
• Northern Ireland: see Vaccination to help protect against monkeypox
• Wales: see mpox vaccination programme

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