International Pride Events 2023
09 May 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.
If you are planning on travelling abroad to attend an international Pride event, you need to be aware how to protect yourself against health risks.
Advice for travellers
If you are planning on travelling abroad to a Pride event, please ensure you:
- check the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office foreign travel advice page for the country you are travelling to, for information on coronavirus, safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.
- read the country specific advice for your planned destination(s) for information on advisable vaccinations, malaria and other health risks.
Travel Insurance
Make sure you have valid travel insurance that covers all aspects of your planned trip.
COVID-19
Read the COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page for information on things you should consider both during and after travel in relation to COVID-19.
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.
If you are eligible for the vaccine are are planning on taking part in Pride or other LGBT+ events this year, you are advised to ensure you have received two doses of smallpox vaccine to provide long term protection.
- In Scotland, you can contact your 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
Other Health Considerations
If you are attending a Pride event, consider:
- reading the LGBT Travellers page
- if you are up to date with your routine vaccinations; and check if you might need any boosters
- seeking advice on safer sex and how to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- take care with respiratory hygiene precautions and wash your hands often
- taking safe food and water precautions
- practicing safer sex and use condoms
After Pride Events
After returning home from a pride event, remember to:
- seek medical advice if you are experiencing any symptoms of infection or illness
- seek sexual health advice and screening if you had unprotected sex with a new partner
Further information on accessing sexual health clinics see: