EuroPride 2027 could be hosted in this unlikely English county
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In a bid to host EuroPride in 2027, Pride organizations from Italy, Lithuania, Spain, and the United Kingdom are vying for the opportunity to showcase their cities as inclusive and welcoming destinations for the LGBTQ+ community. EuroPride, an annual celebration that first started in 1992 and is hosted by different European cities each year, attracts tens of thousands of people who come together to celebrate diversity and equality.
This year’s EuroPride is set to take place in Thessaloniki, Greece from 21-29 June, with Lisbon, Portugal hosting in 2025 and Amsterdam, The Netherlands hosting in 2026. The upcoming event in Greece will be followed by the unveiling of the hosts for 2027, with Torino Pride, Baltic Pride Vilnius, Torremolinos Pride, and Pride in Gloucestershire all confirmed as bidders by the European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA).
The organizations have five months to finalize their bids before submitting them to the EPOA. The bids will be made public on 6 September, with voting and the announcement of the winner taking place in Porto, Portugal on 2 November. Lenny Emson, EPOA’s president, emphasized the importance of Pride events in light of the rise of right-wing and far-right governments across Europe, stating that they provide a platform for the LGBTQ+ community to come together and demonstrate their strength and unity.
Emson highlighted the significance of EuroPride as a stand against the politicization of LGBTQ+ rights and noted the diversity of the organizations bidding for the 2027 event. He commended the variety of locations represented, including a rural setting, a tourist city, a historic city, and a former Soviet-occupied country, showcasing the breadth of the Pride movement in Europe.
Gloucestershire, located in the South West of England and home to the Cotswolds, is one of the bidding organizations for EuroPride 2027. Richard Stevens, chairperson of Pride in Gloucestershire, expressed confidence in their ability to host a successful event that empowers not only the UK’s LGBTQ+ community but also communities across Europe. He highlighted Gloucestershire’s reputation for inclusivity and community-focused events as key strengths for their bid.
Alessandro Battaglia, co-ordinator of Torino Pride’s candidacy, emphasized the importance of Italy embracing inclusivity and shedding its homophobic legacy through hosting EuroPride. He underscored Turin’s role as the birthplace of the Italian LGBTQ+ movement and its recent advancements in LGBTQ+ rights, envisioning EuroPride as a catalyst for nationwide change.
Baltic Pride Vilnius’ bid received support from executive director Vladimir Simonko, who saw the event as an opportunity to celebrate inclusivity and provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ activists from neighboring countries with less progressive policies. He highlighted Lithuania’s upcoming presidency of the council of the European Union during Pride as symbolic of the country’s commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ rights.
Torremolinos Pride president José Ignacio Martínez Pérez lauded EuroPride as a chance to showcase Torremolinos as a multicultural city where the LGBTQ+ community is fully integrated. He reflected on the city’s history as a beacon of freedom and diversity in contrast to its past reputation, emphasizing the transformative potential of hosting EuroPride.
The bidding process for EuroPride 2027 represents a diverse array of cities and organizations vying to showcase their commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion. The selection of the host city will not only mark a significant milestone for EuroPride but also serve as a testament to Europe’s continued progress towards equality and acceptance for all individuals.
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