Four Pride organisations from the United Kingdom — Pride in London, Oban Pride, Pride Cymru and Belfast Pride Festival — took part in the world’s largest LGBT+ Parade in São Paulo as part of the UK/Brazil Season of Culture 2025–26, while also fulfilling a wide-ranging programme beyond the event itself.
Over four days, the British delegation immersed themselves in the city’s community life. They joined the 7th Brazilian Meeting of LGBT+ Pride Organisations, which brought together around 90 groups from across the country, and visited leading social projects such as Casa 1, Casa Florescer and EternamenteSOU, which provide shelter, housing and support for LGBTQIA+ people.
The programme also included a visit to the São Paulo Museum of Sexual Diversity, performances at the LGBT+ Cultural Diversity Fair — where British artists took to the stage — and participation in the Diversa Short Film Festival, which showcased LGBTQIA+ short films by British filmmakers in international partnership, as part of the British Council’s More Films For Freedom initiative.
These experiences highlighted the strength of Brazilian mobilisation and opened space for exchanges on shared challenges, such as visibility in small communities, ageing within the LGBT+ population, and the inclusion of trans and non-binary people.
Voices of experience
Dr Bev, Cardiff, Wales “It was a pleasure to see in Brazil so many initiatives we try to echo in the UK. There is much to learn about how to better support our LGBT+ elders, our young people and, certainly, trans and non-binary people. Visiting such inspiring projects sets a standard the whole world could follow.”
Rhys’ Pieces, Pride in London “The LGBT+ community in Brazil is incredibly inspiring. It is striking to see how different organisations fight for the needs of the community, the passion of those who work, and the resilience of those who use these services.”
Marcos Gold, Pride in London “What touched me most were the faces of people of all ages, some carrying signs, others simply walking in the sun. You could feel the weight of thirty years of history.”
Kevin Kane, Oban Pride “In small communities, visibility is vital. Being seen as gay, queer or trans can change lives. The impact is disproportionate to the size of the event: simply being present has immense value.”
Dan Walsh, Pride Cymru “It was wonderful to meet people from all over Brazil and realise that, despite differences, we have so much in common. Even more than 9,000 km from home, we felt part of the same world.”
Gráinne Gibson, Belfast Pride Festival “We live in a community where political and social attitudes can be deeply divisive. That is why opportunities to connect with Pride organisers around the world are so valuable. Sharing experiences strengthens us in the face of common challenges.”