Global LGBTQ Pride event on June 27 to amplify Black voices
Organizers of Global Pride said today that former U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden, Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and artists Laverne Cox, Adam Lambert, Kesha and Todrick Hall will appear. They are among more than 40 new aditions to the virtual online event.
two weeks until the world’s biggest LGBTQ Pride event
Global Pride leaders have said they will amplify black voices, acknowledging the international response to the death of George Floyd and the unprecedented demand for racial justice by working with founders of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Co-Chair of the Global Pride organizing committee, Natalie Thompson, said: “As a Black woman in the LGBTQIA+ community, I feel we must confront the systemic racism and violence facing my Black brothers, sisters and non-binary siblings, in the larger culture and within the LGBQIA+ community. I could not think of a larger platform than Global Pride to do this.
“I am proud to work beside so many diverse colleagues from around the world. Our community knows well that we must confront hate and prejudice head-on. We have been watching an epidemic of violence against trans people of color—mostly women—in the past decade and this larger discussion must be inclusive and all encompassing. All Black Lives Matter.”
With just two weeks until the world’s biggest LGBTQ Pride event, organizers have also announced a collaboration with singer, songwriter, actor and director Todrick Hall and a long list of additional appearances from the world of music, entertainment, advocacy and politics.
Global Pride is a 24-hour stream of music, performances, speeches and messages of support. It will be hosted by Todrick Hall on his YouTube channel on June 27. It will also be on iHeartRadio’s YouTube channel and on the Global Pride website. All content has been curated by Pride organizations across the globe. Each local Pride came together to organize Global Pride after the COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation or postponement of more than 500 Pride events worldwide.
Organizers announced that Adam Lambert, Kesha, Rita Ora, The Village People, Mel C, Leann Rimes, Pussy Riot, Calum Scott, Natasha Bedingfield and Mary Lambert were among more than 20 artists joining the already-impressive line up announced two weeks ago. Speakers from the world of entertainment include Pussycat Dolls, Rita Ora, Bebe Rexha, Stephen Fry, Leslie Jorden and Russell Tovey.
Public figures slated to speak include the United Nation’s Independent Expert on Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity Victor Madrigal Borloz, and European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli.
500 Pride organizations submitted more than 1,000 pieces of content for Global Pride. The volunteer production team is editing the content to pull the 24 hour stream together. Global Pride is supported by partners YouTube and We Are Social, and media partners DIVA, Q.Media and Time Out.
“Fifty years ago, grassroots organizations came together to plan the first Gay Liberation Day that changed the world,” said Executive Producer for Global Pride, Michelle Meow. “They included: the Daughters of Bilitis, Gay Liberation Front, Mattachine Society and Lavender Menace,” said Meow. “The production of Global Pride has been planned in the same grassroots manner, but with a 21st century technological twist. LGBTQIA+ people from around the world will come together virtually during this crisis of racial injustice and a pandemic.”
“A 24-hour production like this wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the incredible and diverse contributions of people who understand the revolutionary impact of our visibility. From the support of folks like Daniel Cloudt and the YouTube/Google team to our talented queer siblings like Todrick Hall to the many international leaders to the Prides where it is not only a political act but a dangerous one to come together in community, I believe our LGBTQIA+ ancestors would be proud of what we are creating together.”
100% of funds raised by Global Pride 2020 will be distributed to Pride organizations in financial need. Global Pride 2020 is organized by European Pride Organisers Association, InterPride, US Association of Prides, OLA Orgullo Latinoamerica, CSD Deutschland, Svenska Pride, UK Pride Organisers Network and representatives of Prides in regions where no network yet exists. The Global Pride team includes representatives of Prides in Canada, USA, Mexico, UK, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Latvia, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Greece, South Africa, and Australia.
Here is a current list of confirmed speakers and performers:
Public Figures
- Carlos Alvarado Quesada, President of Costa Rica
- Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg
- Joe Biden, former Vice President of the USA
- Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality
- Guoni Johannesson, President of Iceland
- Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, UK
- Ann Linde, Foreign Minister, Sweden
- Victor Madrigal-Borloz, United Nations
- Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, India
- Erna Solberg, Prime Minister, Norway
- Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister, Canada
- Leo Varadkar, Taoiseach of Ireland
Artists
- Courtney Act
- Natasha Bedingfield
- BETTY
- Betty Who
- Bright Light Bright Light
- Melanie C
- Deborah Cox
- Laverne Cox
- Daya
- Stephen Fry
- Tom Goss
- Steve Grand
- Todrick Hall
- Thelma Houston
- Erika Jayne
- Leslie Jorden
- Jordy
- KEiiNO
- Kesha
- Adam Lambert
- Mary Lambert
- Max
- Ava Max
- Olivia Newton John
- Peaches
- Pussy Riot
- Pussycat Dolls
- Rita Ora
- Kate Pierson
- Bebe Rexha
- Leann Rimes
- Rachel Sage
- Fred Schneider
- Calum Scott
- Jake Shears
- Lucy Spraggan
- Russell Tovey
- Village People
- VINCINT
- Pabllo Vittar
- Kristine W
- Martha Wash
- Conchita Wurst
