Pride Month may only be half over, but it's proving to be one of the boldest and brightest yet.
June is known as the official time of the year to advocate for equality and celebrate the progress made within the LGBTQ+ community, but many festivities begin well before the summer.
With notable events like Miami Beach Pride taking place in April and DC Black Pride happening in May, there's plenty of opportunities to embrace queer joy all year round.
As a Las Vegas native, EDC serves as my personal kickoff to Pride season. The iconic Insomniac festival is one of the most inclusive parties for anyone to attend and it takes place right in the heart of May.
Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation continues to gain momentum across the globe, but that's not stopping gay people such as myself from showcasing their Pride in their neighborhoods and communities. Life is undeniably too short, so check out some of the top places I've had the pleasure of visiting.
Puerto Vallarta Pride
Puerto Vallarta is known as one of the top queer destinations in the world, so there's really no better place to start all of the Pride shenanigans.
Typically happening Memorial Day weekend in the United States, Zona Romántica shuts down the streets for their annual parade and block party. Plus, famous hotspots such as Mantamar Beach Club, Industry, Mr. Flamingo, and more are filled with gay people rocking their Speedos and loving the skin they're in.
Besides the staples, The Tryst Hotel Puerto Vallarta throws their legendary Drag Derby that features a fearless lineup of queens as tackle an intense obstacle course on Púlpito Street. You read that right. It's as wild as you think.
If Puerto Vallarta Pride is too tough of a getaway, Pensacola Pride serves as the largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebration to take place over Memorial Day Weekend in the United States. The idea of kicking off Pride season in Florida may sound a bit surprising, but it's a can't-miss occasion... trust me!
San Antonio Pride
San Antonio has proven to be the most surprising stop on my Pride circuit this year. Yes, even southern Texans know how to get down for Pride Month.
When you first think of this city, you'll likely think of the iconic River Walk and The Alamo, but the sense of community is what really makes this Texas destination so special.
Pride is already a very celebratory bash, but when you add the love for their NBA team, the San Antonio Spurs, there's nothing that really matches the level of energy amongst the locals. I've never in my life attended a Pride parade that would switch between sickening drag performances and a basketball game screening.
In fact, San Antonio's annual Pride River Parade expedited their scheduled shows to allow thousands of fans to watch the Spurs defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. I've never seen a city come so alive following a sports win. My ears are still ringing from all of the car honking, screaming, and partying that took over the streets!
Beyond the Pride River Parade, the entire city of San Antonio fully embraces Pride. The amount of rainbow flags I saw at numerous establishments including Best Quality Daughter, Elsewhere Garden & Bar, San Antonio Museum of Art, and the renowned Gay Strip truly had me in shock. Plus, the city even offers a 'Sip Around the Rainbow' excursion where locals and tourists can have Pride-themed cocktails at various places that proudly stand with the LGBTQ+ community.
San Antonio is so filled with Pride that earlier this year, the citizens painted the sidewalks on the Gay Strip rainbow as a workaround after state officials forced the city to remove rainbow crosswalks. Now that's how you enforce Pride!
West Hollywood Pride
This may not necessarily come as a surprise, but West Hollywood Pride is considered one of the best for many reasons.
Located in the heart of Los Angeles county, WeHo is home to thousands of queer people who frequent the well-known gay bars such as The Abbey Food & Bar, Micky's, Rocco's, and many more on Santa Monica Boulevard.
The beloved gayborhood serves as the perfect backdrop for Pride as the streets literally shut down every first weekend of June to throw an epic parade and host the Outloud Music Festival.
This was my second year attending WeHo Pride and I can certainly see why people say it's their favorite Pride celebration all year. With headliners that included The Pussycat Dolls, JADE, Ava Max, Cain Culto, and more, the city came alive even after the festival was over.
Yes, the bars had their doors open to everyone to keep the good vibes going, but locals also threw their own parties at various houses, condos, and pools. There's no shortage of fun in WeHo thanks to the constant circuit events, drag brunches, concerts, and get-togethers.
Although other major Pride bases such as Future Forms in New York City, Capital Pride in Albany, and São Paulo Pride have recently passed, don't fret. Major Pride celebrations are coming up in Madrid, Toronto, San Diego, and Amsterdam for WorldPride.
It's hard to believe Pride Month will be over in just a couple of weeks, but the mission is stronger more than ever. Gay rights remain on the line, so now is the time to be visible and proud.
These incredible trips were provided by Tryst Hotels and San Antonio Pride.
