Beyond the Rainbows and Glitter: Pride Around the World in 2023

In the face of discriminatory laws and hostile political discourse, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) people and allies pulled off Pride and other queer visibility initiatives in at least 101 of the 193 UN member states in 2023, Outright International found in its new report, “Beyond the Rainbows and Glitter: Pride Around the World in 2023.”  The report, which provides a detailed analysis of the state of Pride and LGBTIQ visibility events globally, found that at least 61 countries held Pride events in more than one city in 2023, while in 92 countries, no public Pride or visibility events were held.

The report includes detailed case studies and snapshots of Prides in 11 countries. One key theme is activists’ resistance and resilience in places where Pride events were held despite political hostility or closing civic space, including Argentina, El Salvador, Bangladesh, Italy, and the US state of Florida. Outright also explored the inclusivity of Pride events for communities that face intersectional forms of discrimination, including Black South Africans in townships, intersex people in Latin America, migrants and refugees, and people with disabilities. The report also discusses Pride as an advocacy and public relations entry point in countries like Mauritius and Belize. The report, produced with support from Balenciaga and seed support from Google.org, also contains coverage of 2023 Pride events in Hong Kong, India, and Kosovo. 

Pride and LGBTIQ visibility events are crucial to build public awareness and support, connect communities, articulate advocacy demands, and sustain resistance against oppressive regimes. Outright International calls on governments around the world to uphold the rights to freedom of expression and assembly for LGBTIQ populations, allowing Pride and other queer visibility events to flourish.