Happy Pride! Every year during Pride Month and beyond, LGBTQ+ people around the world gather in celebration, protest, and solidarity. But Pride is more than just rainbow and pride flags, glitter, and parades. It’s about personal identity, community resilience, and a continued fight for equal rights. The Pride movement emerged from struggles and continues to address the genuine challenges faced by queer people worldwide. In this article, we explore what Pride truly means – from the emotional process of coming out to the political roots of LGBTQ+ activism. We’ll share parts of our personal story, highlight key moments in queer history, and explain why Pride events remain essential in 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re questioning, recently out, a proud activist, or an ally: This guide offers insight, honesty, and heart. Join us on this journey and discover why Pride still matters.
We are providing you with information about the history of the LGBTQ+ movement, including LGBTQ+ activists from the past and present, as well as sharing colorful CSD and Pride moments from our trips. For us, traveling and attending pride festivals and demonstrations is an integral part of who we are, where we, as openly gay men, come from, and what difficult way is still lying ahead of us. As the fight for equality and acceptance is not yet over, we hope you will find all the information about the Pride and LGBTQ+ rights Movement on our Pride page on Couple of Men. And hopefully, we will see you with friends and our LGBTQ+ allies all very soon at our next Pride parade!
The Struggle of Accepting Yourself
Everyone can be proud of something they achieved, be it personally in relationships, professionally at work, or individually because of a personal success story. For many members of the LGBTQ+ community, be it lesbian, gay, trans, intersexual, queer, and for us, the word PRIDE has an additional meaning many people in our society’s white hetero norm wouldn’t even think of, let alone, understand. And honestly, how could they? If you’ve never had to question yourself or have been made aware that your role in our society can be different from the present status (like many LGBTQ+ individuals have had to), it is a complicated thing to grasp. Particularly, if you are not affected directly or indirectly.
Why accepting yourself as queer matters
- Builds self-confidence
- Encourages healthy relationships
- Is the foundation for coming out
- Helps break generational cycles of shame
Accepting yourself as LGBTQ+ is the first step
Accepting yourself as LGBTQ+ is often the first – and hardest – step in the journey toward one’s self and a free way of life. Growing up in a world that defaults to heterosexual and cisgender norms, many queer people feel different long before they understand why. This sense of otherness can be confusing, isolating, and frightening. Some realize early that their gender identity doesn’t match expectations. Others fall in love with the same sex or feel discomfort with rigid gender roles. Many internalize shame because of societal or religious pressure.
“I am most certainly not what anyone else is expecting me to be like. But who am I?”
But Pride begins with the bravery to recognize and embrace your authentic self. This internal process is a continuous act of self-love, not a one-time revelation. It creates a foundation for living truthfully and connecting with others in the LGBTQ+ community who share similar struggles.
Who am I? Why am I different?
“Why don’t I feel like the others?” This question is familiar to many LGBTQ+ youth. Without role models or representation, feeling different can quickly become a source of anxiety. The road to self-acceptance begins with acknowledging this difference and realizing that it doesn’t make you less – it makes you who you are. Exploring your identity can take years. It includes discovering your sexuality, gender identity, or both. It involves making sense of emotions, confronting social norms, and redefining your place in the world. This questioning stage is profoundly personal and transformative. It opens doors to chosen family, community, and purpose. And it often becomes the spark that fuels activism and visibility in the Pride movement.
Navigating the journey to your queer identity
- Journaling or reflecting on personal feelings
- Talking to trusted LGBTQ+ people
- Reading queer books or watching inclusive media
- Attending support groups or Pride events
Why is it necessary to come out of the closet?
For many LGBTQ+ folks, coming out is an act of survival, visibility, and resistance. It is not to be mistaken for attention-seeking behavior. It is, to put it simply, about living without hiding. In a society that assumes heterosexuality and binary gender, coming out is usually the only way to be seen for who you truly are. Coming out can relieve psychological stress and affirm your identity. But it can also be dangerous in certain environments. That’s why the process remains deeply personal. Each new relationship – at work, school, or home – can mean another moment of coming out. The reality is that closets are built by fear, shame, and societal pressure. Breaking out of them is liberating.
Why LGBTQ+ visibility matters:
- It challenges harmful stereotypes
- It builds stronger communities
- It helps others feel less alone
- It promotes acceptance and equality
Some examples from the community: When trans and intersexual folks have difficulties going to the restroom because of their gender expression. When same-sex couples cannot get a double-bedroom in a hotel, they will be addressed as father and son. Or some moments that seem to be trivial for many non queer people, like checking the correct gender box in a form. Or telling your boss you don’t have a girlfriend as a cis-male gay man, but instead a gorgeous boyfriend.
History of (Gay) Pride & LGBTQ+ Activism
The modern Pride movement started not with glitter but with a riot. The Stonewall Uprising of June 1969 was led by trans women of color, drag queens, and queer activists who fought back against police raids in New York City. That moment of resistance sparked a global movement. Pride has since evolved into both a celebration and a protest. It commemorates the battles fought for decriminalization, marriage equality, trans rights, and anti-discrimination laws. But it also reminds us of the work still to be done. In many countries, LGBTQ+ people still face challenges, systemic violence, and oppression.
Pride is a protest and a celebration
- Pride honors queer pioneers and history
- Pride demands political change
- Pride increases visibility for marginalized identities
- Pride brings the LGBTQ+ community together
The legacy of the Stonewall Riots: A detailed look at LGBTQ+ Pride history
WORLDWIDE: Exuberant people celebrating on the street, colorful costumes, kisses, and holding hands and above all the rainbow flag blows. However, it has not always been that easy for the LGBTQ+ community…
Pride Calendar Netherlands 2025: All 25 LGBTQ+ Events by Province
NETHERLANDS: Discover all Dutch Pride events in 2025. This guide lists every confirmed LGBTQ+ Pride date, city, and local highlight, making it your queer travel planner for the Netherlands.
How to be an LGBTQ+ ally? Our Guide for Supporting Queer Folks
WORLDWIDE: It’s crucial to understand how to support the LGBTQ+ community. We’ll provide you with tips on how to be a good LGBTQ+ ally for queer folks. Share it!
Coming Out – The delicate process of finding yourself
In any way, the Coming Out marks the critical climax of a process of self-discovery and self-acceptance, although it is just the beginning of a new phase at the same time. The process of accepting our identity, especially when gender expression, gender identity, and sexuality are involved, is a very private, very sensitive, and very delicate process. Many LGBTQ+ people feel particularly vulnerable during this time, understandably, especially because it can take up years of understanding their feelings, and their bodies, and eventually accepting their own resulting identity.
The process of coming out and opening up about sexuality, and gender identity towards yourself and in the next step towards family, friends, and the public, in general, is such a difficult time full of fear, pain, and vulnerability, most of the LGBTQ+ people will never have to face a similar challenging situation in their lives again. Naturally, mastering these challenging times makes us proud! Especially, since this often happens in such an early stage of our lives, usually before self-esteem and self-confidence have grown enough to handle disappointments, blame, and struggles for being different.
Reading tip: LGBTQ+ Glossary: Understanding Queer Terminology with Respect and Pride
Inner vs. Outer Coming Out
Coming out for us typically occurs in two main stages: first, to yourself, and then to others. The “inner” coming out is often the quiet, introspective process of accepting your identity. Resources like PFLAG’s Coming Out Guide can be incredibly helpful. The personal realization and acceptance of being queer can be confusing, frightening, and empowering all at once. It may take a long time of reflection, denial, and growth. After accepting our identity and sexual orientation, it is everyone’s own challenge to confront family members, friends, and colleagues, the beginning of part two of our Coming Out.
The “outer” coming out is what most people see – sharing your truth with family, friends, and the public. Years may pass before someone feels ready to take this second step. Telling family, friends, or colleagues adds another layer of vulnerability. The reaction can vary widely, from warm support to outright rejection. Many LGBTQ+ people come out during their teens, a life stage already full of emotional upheaval. Both phases can be empowering and terrifying at the same time. Still, each step strengthens your authenticity and connection to the broader LGBTQ+ community. And while self-acceptance builds internal resilience, going public often requires navigating fear of rejection or even danger.
Key differences between inner and outer coming out:
- Inner coming out: personal recognition, identity exploration, acceptance
- Outer coming out: disclosure, boundary setting, visibility in society
- Each journey is unique and non-linear
- Both are acts of courage
So, is a Coming Out in 2025 still necessary?
Many non-queer people might ask why that is so important to us. Well, if you have to live in fear that your own (gender) identity and sexuality might put you at risk of losing your job, maybe even your whole career, you might think differently about the challenges LGBTQ+ folks have to face. Despite these challenges, coming out is usually the key to building a healthy, open life. It creates space for joy, honesty, and meaningful connections. In any case, by overcoming most of our struggles, we, as members of a minority in society, experience a sense of pride. The self-confidence and strengths we gain by accepting our differences, embracing who we are, and standing up for it in public make us proud. It gives us the energy and balance to support others who are struggling and need our help.
Our Coming Out Stories
We both had our own, very different experiences with our coming out. While Karl grew up in a small, conservative, and socialist village in the mountains of Eastern Germany, Daan was born and raised in and around Amsterdam, Netherlands, one of the most progressive countries when it comes to the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Our coming-out stories couldn’t be more different, and yet, we managed to arrive at the same point in our lives together. And since our coming out stories took place over 20 years ago, many things have changed for the better, we like to think.
Karl’s Coming Out
My teenage years and early twenties have been all about struggling with who I was and who I want to become. But besides coming out to me by accepting to be different, I struggled a lot with sharing my sexual orientation with my mom, my dad as well as my friends.
Alternatives? Living a lie or even suicide…
For some LGBTQ+ people, coming out feels too dangerous. In such cases, hiding becomes a survival strategy, but one that comes at a high cost. Living a double life can cause anxiety, depression, and a sense of isolation. Constantly suppressing your identity can lead to long-term psychological harm. Tragically, some feel suicide is their only option. LGBTQ+ youth are at a significantly higher risk of self-harm and suicide compared to their peers (see The Trevor Project for crisis support). That’s why visibility, safe spaces, and inclusive laws are critical.
What happens when people can’t come out?
- Risk of mental health crises (depression, anxiety, PTSD)
- Loss of connection to an authentic self
- Pressure to conform to heteronormative standards
- In the worst cases, suicidal thoughts or attempts
For us, showing Pride and fighting for equal rights for all LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those who cannot stand up for themselves, is a necessity to make the world a more welcoming and LGBTQ+ friendly place. Pride is not just for the out and proud – it’s also for those who can’t be out yet.
Gay Travel Index 2025
The Berlin-based Spartacus informs LGBTQ+ and queer travelers about how gay-friendly a holiday destination is according to several ranking factors and criteria.
Which country ranks first? Where is it safe to travel to as a gay and LGBTQ+ traveler?
You can use the GTI to prepare for your gaycation and as a guide when choosing a holiday destination.
Support of the Pride LGBTQ+ Rights Movement
For many LGBTQ+ people, supporting the equal rights movement is the next logical step after their coming out. The inner urge to give back to the LGBTQ+ rights activists and their fight for the past by supporting lesbian, gay, trans, and queer people in the present is an opportunity to do one’s part in bringing more acceptance to our society. Supporting the Pride movement can take many forms – from attending rallies to mentoring queer youth. For us, supporting LGBTQ+ rights means showing up, speaking out, and telling our stories. We both engage with LGBTQ+ advocacy in our travels and through community programs. Karl volunteered for Gerede e.V. in Eastern Germany, educating young people on queer topics. Today, we utilize our platform to raise awareness and support LGBTQ+ businesses and initiatives worldwide, including global organizations such as OutRight International.
Ways to support the Pride movement:
- Join local LGBTQ+ organizations or events
- Educate yourself and others about queer history
- Support LGBTQ+ businesses and creators
- Vote for inclusive policies and protect queer rights
Awareness and education remain the key components for the success of these community work programs. Today, we both support the visibility of LGBTQ+ communities by attending Pride events, promoting LGBTQ+ operated businesses, and sharing our travel experiences and destination tips from the perspective of an openly gay couple.
Our Pride trips to support the Pride movement
Over the years, our travels have taken us to Pride events in unexpected places, like Baltic Pride in Tallinn, where a small yet brave crowd marched despite visible tension from onlookers and authorities. Or Helsinki Pride in Finland, where joy, identity, and Nordic coolness mix into a vibrant celebration of defiance and hope. These experiences deepened our belief that visibility matters everywhere, not just in progressive cities. During our trip to Canada, we visited Jasper Pride in the snowy Rocky Mountains—a unique Pride in winter when an entire community stands together for equality. It was small, cozy, and filled with authentic local support.
These events reminded us that Pride doesn’t always have to be massive to be meaningful. Every so often, the most powerful Pride experiences happen in the most unexpected places. Our goal as LGBTQ+ travel bloggers is to highlight these often-overlooked stories and shed light on queer communities across borders. We believe that being visible in lesser-known places can have an even greater impact than being loud in those where acceptance is already the norm.
The meaning of LGBTQ+
Actually, do you know what LGBTQ+ stands for? Well, it is a bit of a history lesson about integrating the LGBTQ+ community as an accepted part of our society. It goes back to the beginning of the movement. People of different diverse genders and sexual orientations started to become slightly more visible when homosexuality was widely removed from the list of mental disorders in the 80s and 90s. Words like gay and lesbian became more commonplace, especially when the community gained political and financial traction. This also meant that the community became increasingly alluring to marketers and companies. And so the language continued to evolve as marketers sought new ways to connect with the community. This is how the acronym LGB came to be, as a more inclusive way than ‘just’ gay.
From LGB to LGBTQ+
Over the past two decades, the LGBTQ+ rights movement has secured broader rights for individuals of diverse genders and sexual orientations, including marriage equality in 35 countries worldwide as of 2025. With those rights, and of course, the internet, the expansion of self-identification and self-expression became unstoppable. The word queer was reclaimed from being a derogatory slur to a proud label, especially used by younger generations of queer folks.
While it began as LGB (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual), it expanded to include Transgender and Queer/Questioning individuals to LGBT. The abbreviation LGBT soon became LGBTQ, which, in turn, evolved to LGBTQ+. The “+” acknowledges those not explicitly listed: intersex, asexual, non-binary, pansexual, and others. Language matters. It evolves to reflect growing awareness and inclusion (see our LGBTQ+ Glossary).
Why do we use LGBTQ+ on our gay couple travel blog?
- It’s inclusive but still readable and practical
- Recognizes evolving gender and sexual identities
- Aims to represent without excluding
- Builds bridges through visibility and shared language
The letters LGBTQ+ are a living, evolving acronym that represents the vast spectrum of queer identities. It is a concise way to express the expanding group of allied identities that today would otherwise require 19 characters: LGBTTQQIAA2SNBGNCPK. We also use the short version of LGBTQ+ on our blog, intending to include everyone and exclude no one. For many, identifying as LGBTQ+ is both a personal affirmation and a political statement. It says: I exist, and I belong.
Gay Pride Songs & LGBTQ+ Travel Bloggers & Gay Icons
Queer culture and music have long been integral to Pride. Songs by LGBTQ+ artists and their allies uplift our community, turn marches into dance floors, and help us express joy and resistance. “Born This Way,” “I’m Coming Out,” or “Vogue” – these aren’t just hits. They are anthems of liberation. Likewise, LGBTQ+ travel bloggers like us help shape modern queer visibility. By sharing personal travel experiences, we build safe spaces and encourage others to explore the world as their authentic selves. And queer icons – from RuPaul to Elton John to Sylvia Rivera – continue to inspire change and courage.
Pride Songs: Our Top 10 LGBTQ+ Party Classics for 2024
WORLDWIDE: Pride celebrations are the best time to sing and dance along with new queer hits and the best Gay Pride Songs Classics. We all have our favorites, don’t we?
The 11 most Important LGBTQ+ Activists of the Queer Community
WORLDWIDE: The path for a change in the right direction always starts with a first step. These 10 people from around the world have made history for the LGBTQ+ Movement.
Top 13 Gay Icons of the LGBTQ+ Community
WORLDWIDE: These people have actively campaigned for gay and lesbian equality fought for LGBTQ+ rights and, in an exceptional way, ensured that attention could be drawn to change the perception of the lesbian, gay, trans and queer lives.
Advertisement
Order our book now!
The perfect present to inspire (German-speaking) LGBTQ+ travelers and their allies to travel the world open-minded, respectfully, and with a happy heart.
Order our book online or purchase it in bookstores in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
LGBTQ+ & Gay Pride Demonstrations still matter
We often receive this question, or read it in the comments underneath our blog articles or other pride posts on social media. And we have only one answer: Yes! Absolutely. While queer visibility has grown, LGBTQ+ individuals still face discrimination, violence, and legal barriers in many parts of the world. The political right-wing movement is trying (and succeeding) to take back and undermine human rights and achievements successfully implemented by decades of activism, education, and awareness-raising.
Thereby, the trans community has been the main target of worldwide anti-LGBTQ+ campaigning. Even in progressive cities and countries like Germany, hate crimes and exclusion persist or are on the rise. Pride demonstrations continue to be a powerful act of resistance and a symbol of solidarity. Marching in Pride is political. It draws attention to policies that threaten our rights and celebrates victories we’ve fought hard to achieve. It shows young queer people that they are not alone. And in places where Pride is banned, our visibility online and internationally matters more than ever.
Why Pride remains essential in 2025
- According to ILGA World’s global map, 72+ countries criminalize same-sex relations
- Pride builds international solidarity and awareness
- Demonstrations influence public opinion and legislation
- Visibility can be life-saving for isolated LGBTQ+ people
Gay Pride Trips Around the World
Join us on our colorful experiences during Gay Pride Parades in Helsinki, Benidorm, and Amsterdam and, of course, some extraordinary Gay Pride Festivals like Pink Lake Festival in Austria, Baltic Pride in Tallinn, the Castro Street Fair in San Francisco or Jasper Pride Festival in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Winter, with many events to follow.
And the list goes on and on. Even in countries where equality has been part of society already for decades, like in Amsterdam, LGBTQ+ folks are getting beaten up on the street for holding hands or showing affection towards one another. Did you know that being an LGBTQ+ person is still illegal in 65 countries? Even worse: In eight UN member states, same-sex intercourse can face the death penalty! In 22 countries, gay and lesbian freedom is hampered by propaganda and so-called ‘moral’ laws. A pride event or LGBTQ+ festival should be understood as a political demonstration for equality and acceptance, at the same time as a statement of freedom, love, and respect. We still need Pride demonstrations, no more than ever.
Pride Month: Highlight of the LGBTQ+ Movement
The month of June is significant in the Pride and LGBTQ+ rights movement. It was in 1969, when members of the LGBTQ+ community, gay, queer men, and drag queens refused to leave one of these at this time common and regular police raids in LGBTQ+ and queer locations. Even more so: they ignored referrals and resisted their arrest, which then resulted in the so-called Stonewall Uprising on the night of 27th to 28th June 1969. The riots continued intermittently until July 3, which is recognized today as the beginning of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
What makes Pride Month special?
- Honoring LGBTQ+ history and pioneers
- Empowering queer youth and allies
- Raising awareness through events and media
- Creating visibility and promoting intersectional activism
In remembrance, June became Pride month, now celebrated globally through parades, campaigns, art, and protests. Pride Month is a time to amplify queer voices, reflect on how far we’ve come, and recognize the work still ahead. It’s also a time to support queer-owned businesses, engage with activism, and uplift those within our community who still face barriers. Pride Month is personal, political, and powerful, supported by institutions like the UN Free & Equal campaign.
With Pride together for equal rights for the Queer Community
We’ve learned that activism doesn’t always mean marching with a banner. Sometimes, activism is listening. It’s supporting your trans colleague at work, or explaining to a hotel receptionist – again – why yes, we booked a double bed as two men. This happened to us on multiple occasions, where the staff automatically assumed we wanted twin beds. It wasn’t malicious – but it was heteronormative. And so, we smiled, explained, and used it as a teaching moment. That, too, is Pride: choosing education over anger, visibility over silence. And while we love sharing romantic moments on our Instagram channel, our real goal is to normalize queer love. It’s walking hand in hand during the dunes in Gran Canaria, eating at a gay-owned restaurant in Vancouver, or writing guides that help other LGBTQ+ travelers feel seen and safe. These are the everyday actions that we use to build long-term cultural change.
How to live Pride beyond the parade
- Be an ally every day, not just in June
- Celebrate and support queer joy and safety
- Educate yourself and challenge discrimination
- Use your voice, vote, and visibility to uplift others
Pride is a movement rooted in community, empathy, and collective action. While not everyone can attend a parade, we can all participate in supporting LGBTQ+ rights in ways that align with our lives. Whether it’s sharing a story, donating to advocacy groups, voting for inclusive policies, or simply showing solidarity online, each action contributes to a larger cause. This year, we will share photos, stories, and messages of support. Join us and thousands of others in making Pride not just a moment, but a mindset.
FAQ – LGBTQ+ Pride Movement
LGBTQ+ Pride is a protest to fight for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. At the same time, it is a celebration of achievements regarding identity, diversity, and equality. It honors queer history, promotes visibility, and continues the fight for equal rights worldwide.
In the United States, June is designated as Pride Month, commemorating the Stonewall Riots of 1969. What happened? At the Stonewall Inn in New York, another raid took place on June 27, 1969. The present gay men, black LGBT, drag, and trans individuals refused to leave the scene, ignored referrals, and resisted their arrest. This uprising marks a turning point in LGBTQ+ activism, leading to the modern Pride movement for equal rights for all queer folks. Pride Month is a US event that is increasingly adopted by the rest of the world.
Proclamation 8529 by U.S. President Barack Obama, May 28, 2010:
“I call upon all Americans to observe this month by fighting prejudice and discrimination in their own lives, and everywhere it exists.”
Yes. In many places, including Western societies, LGBTQ+ rights are under threat under the guise of child protection. Pride events raise awareness, build community, and fight for inclusion and equality.
Inner coming out is about self-acceptance; outer coming out involves sharing your identity with others. Both are essential parts of living authentically.
LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, plus other identities like Intersex, Asexual, Non-Binary, and more. It is, however, only a short form of the much larger queer community.
Allies can attend events, donate to LGBTQ+ causes, listen to queer stories, and challenge discrimination in their communities. Read more about how to be an LGBTQ+ ally here.
No. While centered on LGBTQ+ voices, Pride welcomes allies who support equality and want to contribute to creating a more inclusive society.
Classics like “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga, “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross, and “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper are widely considered queer anthems. Read more about Pride Song Classics here.
Be vocal against injustice, support queer creators and businesses, vote for inclusive policies, and create safe spaces in everyday life.
In many countries, yes. But safety varies globally. Always check local laws, security measures, and LGBTQ+ travel advisories before attending. We usually get in touch with local communities via apps to check what we should be aware of.
With Pride, Always and Everywhere
The Pride movement is more than a parade. It’s a mindset. A reminder that being LGBTQ+ is not something to hide, but something to celebrate, fight for, and to protect. From the heart of Berlin to the mountains of Canada, from quiet conversations in hotel lobbies to rainbow-covered streets in June Pride month, every moment of visibility matters.
Our journey as a gay couple and LGBTQ+ travel bloggers has taught us that Pride is personal and political, joyful and painful, local and global. And we’ll keep showing up – with love, honesty, and purpose. Because together, we are stronger. And with Pride, we move forward, every single day.
Do you want to know more about our gay travels around the world? Stay tuned on Facebook, Threads, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. See you again around the world soon, raising the LGBTQ+ pride flags and standing up together, united.
Karl & Daan.
Do you like it? PIN IT!
