The São Paulo LGBT+ Pride Parade is recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest pride parade in the world, bringing together around 4 million people on Avenida Paulista. This year marks three decades since its first edition, held at Praça Roosevelt. In addition to the main celebration on Sunday, 7 June, a series of events will take place throughout the week, organised by the São Paulo LGBT+ Pride Parade Association (APOLGBT-SP).
The United Kingdom’s participation, with a delegation of leaders and artists from some of the country’s most important Pride Parades, has several aims: to promote international exchange of cultural practices and lived experiences, to strengthen dialogue on human rights, inclusion and democratic values, to foster partnerships between Pride organisations, and to increase the visibility of the UK LGBTQIA+ culture.
During the parade, the UK Unity flag – representing the four nations of the United Kingdom and the diversity of their communities – will be displayed on Avenida Paulista. Another highlight of the programme will be performances by four DJs and Drag artists (Queens and Kings) from the United Kingdom on one of the parade floats.
United Kingdom Delegation:
- Pride in London (England)
Marcos Gold is Board Director at Pride in London, a month-long festival culminating in the parade in July. He coordinates the Human Rights Conference and manages the Unity Fund, which supports LGBTQIA+ organisations in the UK.
RhyssPieces is a queer artist, drag king and cabaret producer based in London, internationally recognised and multi-award-winning for performances that combine political engagement and entertainment.
- Pride Cymru (Wales)
Dan Walsh chairs Pride Cymru, the largest LGBTQ+ community organisation and live event in Wales. He has been on the board since 2020, leading the organisation’s strategic direction and operations.
Dr Bev is a drag queen artist and activist with nearly three decades of experience in the Welsh and UK drag scene, also serving as a mentor and reference for new generations of artists.
- Belfast Pride Festival (Northern Ireland)
Gráinne Gibson is a Trustee of the Belfast Pride Festival, which hosts more than 150 events over 10 days. She sits on the Board of Directors and the Festival Committee, focusing on the inclusion of diverse families and the defence of children’s rights.
Rusty Hinges, a drag queen from Northern Ireland, is a presenter, DJ and lip-sync performer recognised in the UK and Irish scene for over 16 years.
- Oban Pride (Scotland)
Kevin Kane is Chair of Oban Pride, which organises events throughout the year for the LGBTQIA+ community in Argyll & Bute, culminating in the annual Pride Weekend in August.
Dorian T. Fisk is an award-winning queer artist, recognised by The Guardian as one of the UK’s most inspiring drag kings; since 2018 he has been active in training new artists.
Programme of the week:
LGBT+ Cultural Diversity and Entrepreneurship Fair
4 June, 10am – 8pm
Vale do Anhangabaú
Presents food areas, craft and design stalls, workshops, visual arts exhibitions and themed products, as well as a stage with live performances by LGBTQIA+ artists, featuring UK DJs (performing between 6 and 8pm).
Diversa Film Festival
6 June
Casarão Franco de Mello Av. Paulista, 1919
The programme includes four short films from More Films For Freedom (British Council):
- A Bird Called Memory Writer/Director Leonard Martinelli
UK with Brazilian collaboration | 2022 | 14 mins
- The Enchanted Day of the Eres Writer/Directors Coraci Ruiz, Julio Matos
UK with Brazilian collaboration | 2022 | 11 mins
- The Men Who Speak Gayle Director Andrew Brukman | Writer Nathan Kennedy
UK with South African collaboration | 2020 | 10 mins
- Egungun Director Olive Nwosu | Producer Alex Polunin
UK with Nigerian collaboration | 2021| 15 mins
UK Pride leaders are invited to join the roundtable discussion following the screenings. Read the film synopses in More Films for Freedom.
7th Brazilian Meeting of LGBT+ Pride Organisations
4 - 6 June
Hotel Nacional Inn Jaraguá
UK Pride representatives will take part in the Roundtable: International Panorama – Democracy and Strengthening the LGBT+ Pride Movement on the evening of 4 June. On Saturday, 6 June, the British Council’s Global Director of Arts, Ruth Mackenzie, will host a dinner for meeting participants.
30th São Paulo LGBT+ Pride Parade
7 June, 10:30–20:00 Avenida Paulista
Organised by the São Paulo LGBT+ Pride Parade Association (APOLGBT-SP), SP Pride is a large-scale public mobilisation that promotes human rights, equality, visibility and celebrates diversity. Guest DJs from the United Kingdom will take part in performances on one of the parade floats.