World Pride 2023
13 Feb 2023
Pride is a global lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) event to celebrate and advocate for LGBTQ+ equality. Pride events began in 1970 to mark the riots which took place in the Stonewall inn, a gay bar in New York City in June 1969 which was one of the most significant events leading to the modern gay rights movement.
World Pride is to be held in Sydney, Australia between 17 February to 5 March 2023. This is the first time a city in the southern hemisphere had been chosen to host this event.
- see the official Sydney World Pride 2023 website for further event details
In addition to World Pride, multiple Pride events are planned worldwide throughout 2023.
- see the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) website for a calendar of upcoming pride events worldwide
If you are planning on travelling abroad to attend an international Pride event, you need to be aware how to protect yourself against health risks.
Advice for travellers
If you are planning on travelling abroad to a Pride event, please ensure you:
- check the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office foreign travel advice page for the country you are travelling to, for information on coronavirus, safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.
- read the country specific advice for your planned destination(s) for information on advisable vaccinations, malaria and other health risks.
Travel Insurance
Make sure you have valid travel insurance that covers all aspects of your planned trip.
COVID-19
Read the COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page for information on things you should consider both during and after travel in relation to COVID-19.
Mpox (Monkeypox)
Since May 2022 cases of mpox have been reported in the UK, Europe and other international countries. While mpox does not spread very easily between human beings, it can spread between people through close contact with an infected person with mpox from:
- the touching of blisters or scabs and/or having any skin contact (including during sexual contact)
- touching clothes, bedding, towels or personal items that have been used by a person who has a mpox rash, blisters or scabs
- coughs or sneezes from a person with mpox infection
If you are travelling to pride events you can reduce your risk of exposure to mpox by avoiding:
- close contact (including sexual contact) with someone who is unwell and may have mpox
- touching the clothes, bedding or towels of a person who may have a mpox rash
- coughs and sneezes from a person who may have mpox
Smallpox vaccination can help prevent mpox infection, and the NHS is offering smallpox vaccine to people at higher risk of coming into contact with mpox. Further information on mpox, including the mpox vaccine is available from:
Other Health Considerations
If you are attending a Pride event, consider:
- reading the LGBT Travellers page
- if you are up to date with your routine vaccinations; and check if you might need any boosters
- seeking advice on safer sex and how to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- take care with respiratory hygiene precautions and wash your hands often
- taking safe food and water precautions
- practicing safer sex and use condoms
After Pride Events
After returning home from a pride event, remember to:
- seek medical advice if you are experiencing any symptoms of infection or illness
- seek sexual health advice and screening if you had unprotected sex with a new partner
Further information on accessing sexual health clinics see: