Global Pride leaders announced today that they will acknowledge the international response to the death of George Floyd and the demand for racial justice by working with founders of the Black Lives Matter movement to amplify black voices in the June 27th streaming event.
Co-Chair of the Global Pride organising 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.”
The Global Pride event will be a 24-hour stream of music, performances, speeches and messages of support, hosted by Todrick Hall on his YouTube channel on June 27th 2020, as well as streaming on iHeartRadio’s YouTube channel and on the Global Pride website, YouTube channel and Facebook. The broadcast schedule will be announced during the week commencing June 20th. All content has been curated by Pride organisations from around the world who came together to organise Global Pride after the COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation or postponement of more than 500 Pride events.
Speakers and performers announced by organisers today include Laverne Cox, US Vice-President Joe Biden, Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, Adam Lambert, Kesha, Rita Ora, Village People, Mel C, Leann Rimes, Pussy Riot, Calum Scott, Natasha Bedingfield and Mary Lambert
Executive Producer for Global Pride, Michelle Meow, said: “Fifty years ago, grassroots organizations came together to plan the first Gay Liberation Day that changed the world, including the Daughters of Bilitis, Gay Liberation Front, Mattachine Society and Lavender Menace. 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.”
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