London Pride 2022: Discover the most joyous LGBTQ+ events
June marks the start of Pride Month and the arrival of London Pride 2023 in the capital, when the city comes alive with parades, parties and cultural extravaganzas to mark the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots. From queer film festivals and celebratory art exhibitions to glittering drag performances, there are plenty of joyous opportunities to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Here we’ve rounded up the pride events you don’t want to miss this month and beyond.
Pride in London Parade
Saturday 1 July
The pinnacle of London Pride 2023 is the Pride in London Parade, which starts at Hyde Park Corner before winding its way down Piccadilly, Haymarket and Trafalgar Square, ending up in Whitehall Place. The parade is the culmination of Pride Month in London, and last year drew a record 1.5 million people out onto the streets, making it the biggest ever Pride protest. The event will see more than 300 floats travel through the city, as well as performances from big name music acts. This year’s line-up is yet to be announced, but 2022’s parade featured Emeli Sandé, Ava Max and Eurovision winner Netta.
The parade’s newly announced campaign for 2023, ‘Never March Alone’, will focus on supporting members of the trans and non-binary community in the face of media adversity, shining a light on this joyful community and its multifaceted individuals. “Pride in London is much more than a celebration of our vibrant community; it is a powerful gathering that fosters unity and support,” says Christopher Joell-Deshields, CEO of Pride in London. “Amidst the ongoing adversity faced by the LGBT+ community worldwide, we want every trans and non-binary person to feel the unwavering solidarity we offer. You are not alone – we stand with you”.
The Glory at the National Theatre’s River Stage
9 – 11 June
The Glory is known for being London’s most-loved LGBTQ+ pub, and now it’s bringing its infectious brand of dazzling drag performances to the National Theatre’s month-long mini festival, River Stage, on the Southbank. During their weekend takeover the venue will be putting on an extensive programme of performances and workshops hosted by the grande dames of drag Jonny Woo and John Sizzle, including their popular drag queen contest Lipsync1000 and an afternoon of ‘Drag Life Drawing’.
Too Desi Too Queer
Friday 23 June
The UK and Europe’s largest South Asian film festival is back at the BFI Southbank from 22 – 29 June, and along with it comes the welcome return of the ever-popular Too Desi Too Queer LGBTQIA+ short film programme. Dedicated to exploring the lives, loves, experiences and well-being of South Asian LGBTQIA+ communities, the pioneering series will be bringing together a selection of dynamic and thought-provoking recent cinematic offerings, followed up by an insightful Q&A.
Pride’s Got Talent final
Tuesday 27 June
If you’ve visited the Pride in London Parade over the years, chances are you’ll have caught a performance or two from the previous winners of Pride’s Got Talent. The mammoth talent show takes place in various LGBTQ+ venues across London in the run-up to the annual parade, with the grand finale taking place at the Adelphi Theatre at the end of June. Expect comedy, cabaret, drag and dancing as the UK’s finest LGBTQ+ acts battle it out to win the £1,000 prize and a coveted headline slot at Pride in London 2023.
Liniker + Ladies of Midnight Blue at Koko
Thursday 29 June
Liniker is a marvel in her own right. Despite being born in São Paulo in Brazil, the country with the highest rates of LGBT hate crime in the world, the trailblazing Black trans soul singer has captured hearts and minds with her expressive voice, becoming the first transgender artist to ever win a Latin American Grammy. Now, she’s heading to London for a one-off show at Koko, where she’ll be joined by Afro-Latin percussion & brass duet, Ladies of Midnight Blue for an unmissable night of music.
Desire, Love, Identity – an LGBTQ tour of the British Museum
26 May – 23 June
For those interested in exploring the lesser-known stories of queer figures and queer culture, this LGBTQ+-focused tour of the British Museum is a must. Led by volunteers, the tour explores a fascinating selection of objects with LGBTQ+ connections, all linked to the themes of desire, love and identity. Spanning the ancient world to the present day – and including some of the museum’s most famous artworks on display – it’s a truly eye-opening way to discover another side to this world-renowned permanent collection.
UK Black Pride 2023
Sunday 20 August
While the Pride in London Parade seeks to be as diverse and inclusive as possible, the UK Black Pride organisation plays an important role in carving out a space specifically for LGBTQI+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American and Middle Eastern-descent. The largest such pride celebration in the world, last year saw the organisation hold a record-breaking event, bringing together over 25,000 people to party and protest in Stratford. This year UK Black Pride is returning to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to celebrate its 18th anniversary, with a programme of ground-breaking performances, workshops and wellbeing sessions.
50 LGBTQI+ Who Changed the World
18 – 30 June
Strawberry Hill House, the Georgian Gothic revival pile in Twickenham created by Horace Walpole, is hosting a special art exhibition in honour of London Pride 2023. The exhibit will focus on the activists, writers and artists who have advanced the LGBTQI+ movement, paying tribute to them in 50 portraits. Featuring notable British figures including Olly Alexander, Alan Turing and Stonewall founder Michael Cashman, it’s a celebration that brings together people from all walks of life who have fought to create a more inclusive world.
