International Pride Events 2024

Pride is a global lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) event established to celebrate and advocate for LGBTQ+ equality.

Pride events began in 1970 to commemorate 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 2024.

• 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 for the country they are travelling to, for the latest information on COVID-19, 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 potential health risks.

Mpox (Monkeypox)

Since 2022, cases of mpox have been reported in the UK, Europe and other international countries. For latest information on case summaries and rates of infection, see:

• European Centres for Disease Control and Prevention: weekly threats report (CDTR)
• World Health Organization report on Mpox global trends

While mpox does not spread very easily between human beings, it is able to pass from an infected person to an uninfected person via close contact, such as through :

• direct skin to skin contact, including the touching of blisters or scabs (including during sexual contact)
• the touching of 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 possibly 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
• practicing safer sex and using condoms

A vaccine designed for preventing smallpox (Modified Vaccinia Ankara vaccine) is being offered to people who are most likely to be exposed to mpox. Further information about the mpox vaccine and eligibility is available for those living in:

• Scotland
• England
• Northern Ireland
• Wales

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

For further information on accessing sexual health clinics see:

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