Your Paris Pride Guide 2018: 5 Locals Offer Advice on How to Do the Festivities Right
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As with many Pride celebrations the world over, in the last few years Paris Pride has become so much more than a march through the city’s streets (though that’s happening on June 30). Instead Paris Pride includes weeks of parties, events and the typical parade.
For those who will be in the City of Lights for Paris Pride 2018, we’ve gathered all the best events taking place throughout Pride Month. And for those who might be celebrating their first-ever Paris Pride, we asked five locals for their advice to ensure you have the best time possible.
Our Official Paris Pride Calendar
June 15–July 1: Fortnight of LGBT Pride
Pride is so much more than the day of the march. The organization Inter-LGBT has put together a “fortnight of Pride” for the past several years. There are parties, conferences, movie screenings, concerts and more.
June 23: The ART Ball by the House of Ladurée
The first exclusively French voguing house is organizing a ball for Pride. And best of all, it’s taking place at City Hall in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, one of the city’s most prestigious venues. It’s perfect for what promises to be a thrilling event.
June 30: The LGBT Pride March
This is the official Paris Pride march. It starts at 2 p.m. and goes from Place de la Concorde to Place de la République. This year’s theme is all about sports; appropriate given that Paris is the host of this year’s Gay Games. Hornet will be there, of course, so look for our float and come dance with us to the sounds of DJ Lazy Flow.
And after you’re done marching on Saturday, June 30, there are plenty of parties that evening. Here are some of our favorites:
The 2018 after-pride cocktail party at Cox
Having a post-march apéritif in the Marais is tradition. During Paris Pride, the neighborhood is totally invaded by the LGBT community. Quench that thirst you worked up during a long day marching by stopping by Cox or any of the other neighborhood bars. You’ve earned it.
Bigbangparty: Caribbean Gay Pride
If you’d like to relax after the March in a Caribbean atmosphere (and the boys that go with it) you’ll definitely want to check out Bigbangparty.
Your lesbian friends won’t want to miss this party.
Unquestionably the queerest, craziest party of Paris Pride. Take in performances from Buck Angel and Les Paillettes, premiere drag troupe of Paris.
Finish Paris Pride in style at the Big Pride LaserBowl, dancing all night to great DJs spinning the best electronica.
Five Parisians offer tips on how to have a fantastic Paris Pride:
1. Môôssieur Jérémy, Dragathon organizer (a contest for baby drag queens): “Mojitos!”
“Alcohol may not be the best way to keep hydrated, but you can’t underestimate the party aspect of the March. I also recommend seeing the Florent Manelli exhibit of beautiful art of LGBT heroes that changed the world. Commitment, culture, celebration … all that’s missing is glitter!”
2. Catherine Michaud, president of Gaylib: “Pride is everywhere in Paris!”
3. Johan Amaranthe (below, center), President of Paris Black Pride: “Support LGBT businesses”
“Meet up with your friends, take a ride in the Marais and support queer businesses. (I recommend checking out the Caribbean Gay Pride Party at Brasil Tropical.)”
4. Joël Deumier, President of SOS Homophobie: “The March continues in Parisian bars.”
“The Paris Pride march is not just a fun event; it’s important to anyone who wants an open, inclusive society. To fully participate, you’ll want to see the speeches at the start of the March. But when the marching is done, Pride continues in cafés and bars all over Paris. It’s important to be as visible as possible. Pride isn’t just a party — it’s about LGBT equality, rights and visibility.”
5. Clémence Zamora-Cruz, Inter-LGBT spokesperson: “Good shoes!”
“Good shoes are essential to enjoying Pride. During the march there will be plenty of dancing while we’re celebrating our rights. With good shoes you’ll be able to take full advantage of the massive festival and protest. And at the end of the march there will be a great free concert, so you won’t want to miss that!”
