To Russia with love: world’s biggest Pride to twin with Moscow
They could not be more different events. In Sao Paulo, a multitude of toned, tanned gays take to the streets in a carnival atmosphere that happens to be the biggest gay parade in the world.
With Brazilian flair, the event has mushroomed in the past decade with estimates of between three and four million revellers on the streets at least year’s Pride.
In Moscow, Pride is banned year in and year out, homophobic mobs take to the streets to stop protests about the bans and marching is brave rather than festive.
The two worlds have come together with the announcement that Sao Paulo is to ‘twin’ with Moscow Pride.
Associaçao da Parada do Orgulho GLBT (the LGBT Pride Parade Association, APOGLBT), said in a statement:
“The presence of Moscow Pride organiser Nicolas Alexeyev will strengthen our fight against homophobia, and for Senate approval of a law criminalising homophobia,
“We consider that the two Pride Parades are the best examples to homophobia around the world and their organisers and participants represent our best hopes in construction of a world with more justice and respect to the human rights, as well the guarantee of citizenship of LGBT population.
“We hope this alliance can help them in their local struggle, summing more this support for a better condition in the next Pride Parades.”
Sao Paulo Pride Parade will take place on Sunday 25th May.
Mr Alexeyev will be flying in from Russia to take part and will be awarded the Pride “Citizen Award for Respecting Diversity” at a ceremony on Thursday.
