The inaugural event brought together 28 Pride organizations in a collaborative celebration hosted by GayTravel.com on Twitter @GayTravel, #VirtualPride on Sunday, June 28, 2020.
To be notified of future events, please visit: VirtualPride.com and learn more.
Virtual Pride is a new format that enables one to show their pride online and to interact with their favorite Pride events and popular LGBTQ+ social media influencers. The event was hosted by GayTravel.com.
June 28, 2020, commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the first Pride March, held in 1970, one year after the Stonewall Uprising in New York City. Therefore, the date of our VIrtual Pride event (28th of June) and the number of Pride organizations (28) were aligned to pay tribute to the date of the first Pride March, originally called the "Christopher Street Liberation Day March" that took place 50 years ago on June 28, 1970.
June was Pride month. Yet, due to the pandemic and social unrest, hundreds of pride celebrations across the country have been canceled or postponed. At GayTravel.com, we wanted to do something that would utilize our platform as a means for LGBTQ+ voices to be heard.
"Currently, celebrating Pride is challenging because we are unable to be physically close. Yet the spirit of Pride and equality has never been more significant, especially given the recent U.S. Supreme Court's historic decision to protect LGBTQ rights in the workplace. The decision delivers a major victory to LGBTQ employees and deserves to be celebrated. Virtual Pride will provide a platform enabling the community to remain visible and to be heard from their homes" said Sam Barreto, Social Media Chair at GayTravel.com.
Joe Bock, Director of Hawai'i LGBT Legacy Foundation, states: "When Honolulu Pride first learned about Virtual Pride hosted by GayTravel.com, we immediately knew this was a great way for our community to join the many others across the country, all the way to New York City, where we celebrated Stonewall 50 just last year. On June 28, we will all come together again and we're proud to be a part of this inaugural event."
Virtual Pride commenced at 11:30 AM ET and move from East to West, concluding at 4:30 ET with Hawaii. Celebrants were encouraged to submit photos, videos, or excerpts about how they are celebrating pride and what Pride means to them. Those who submited had a chance to receive gifts, including a 5-night luxury safari from Sikeleli Travel & Expeditions; suitcases from ROAM Luggage, the world's first color-customizable premium luggage brand; and Advanced Men’s Skin Care products from MËNAJI®.
"ROAM Luggage could not be more pleased to have the chance to support this inspiring event at an important moment in history. VirtualPride.com is a wonderful opportunity to "show our colors" and express our determination to help ensure equal rights and respect for the LGBTQ+ community."
- The ROAM Luggage Team
Share this article using our social icons. Everyone from sea to shining sea is invited to participate on virtualpride.com or on Twitter hosted by @gaytravel using the hashtag #VirtualPride.
P.S. Don't forget to become a GayTravel V.I.T. (Very Important Traveler) and receive the latest pearls of wisdom, perks, inspirations, and more!
