Stockholm Pride, Sweden celebrates Together

“Together!” – Agnes, Margaret Cho, Transsexual MP Anna Grodzka and 30 Years Of HIV   The theme for this year’s Stockholm Pride is “Together”, which can be seen in the diversity of the festival program for this year offering something for everyone. The festival, which takes place on July 31st to 4th August, offers a vast program ranging from world famous pop star Agnes’ only concert this summer, the politically incorrect standup comedy of the world renowned bisexual comedian Margret Cho, one for the world’s first transsexual members of parliament Anna Grodzka (Poland), seminars commemorating 30 years of HIV in Sweden and the traditional Pride Parade. Stockholm Pride is offering its visitors performances from such stars as Agnes, renowned bisexual comedian and actress Margaret Cho, Eurovision stars Jedward, Eric Saade and Ivi Adamou and the list goes on, with even more to come… "This is my first appearance in Stockholm and I am very much looking forward to appearing in front of the LGBTQ community and taking part of the different Pride activities. I have participated in many Pride festivals before, but never in Stockholm. I'm delighted," says Margaret Cho. Stockholm Pride is proud to welcome one of the world's first transsexual Members of Parliament, Anna Grodzka. On the initiative and invitation of the Polish Institute, Anna Grodzka will attend Stockholm Pride on Friday August 3rd. Anna Grodzka is the first openly transgender Member of Parliament in Poland. "As a child I saw Sweden as a land of happiness and prosperity, and during the so-called sexual revolution, reports were heard that no one was discriminated against in Sweden just because they were different. Sweden became for me a role model, almost a dream: a fair and equal country with social protection and economic efficiency," says Anna Grodzka. "So when I received the invitation from the Polish Institute to come to Stockholm Pride, I thanked them with great joy and yes immediately."   This year marks 30 years since the first HIV case was discovered in Sweden. This will be highlighted with several activities during the entire festival, including a conversation between well known Swedish writers Jonas Gardell, Rikard Wolff and Anna-Maria Sörberg, seminars on being HIV positive – then and now, youth and HIV, and the “Over the Rainbow” HIV-commemoration ceremony. Stockholm Pride 2012 takes place on July 31st to August 4th with the traditional Pride Parade on Saturday August 4th. More information on the event and how to buy tickets can be found at www.stockholmpride.org/en. www.facebook.com/stockholmpride   www.twitter.com/stockholmpride

British Airways and Pam Ann fly Brighton Pride 2011: Video

British Airways took to the streets for the second UK gay pride of 2011 at Brighton with the infamous air hostess, Pam Ann. Joined by a congregation of largely British Airways gatwick crew the float flight departed from Brighton Pier at 11am and finished at Preston Park by 2pm.

It was certainly one of the best parade's I've ever experienced with huge enthusiasm and support throughout the route. The change to Preston Park and it's celebration certainly didn't deter anyone and appeared much more busier than in previous years.

Brighton Pride, certainly for me, is the ultimate gay event in the UK and an absolute must.

For more information: http://www.brightonpride.org/

Flying London Pride 2011 with British Airways

In 7 years of attending and participating in London Gay Pride not once did I experience the march - however I was invited by British Airways to join the crews, teams, pilots, operations, management teams as well as boy band Blue to be on their float this year.

Tim Macaovy and I, armed with our video camera, mic and bags of energy jumped on board setting off from Portland Place by the BBC down to Oxford Circus, through Regent Street, past Picadilly Circus landing just after Trafalgar Square.

It was a phenomenol experience as we made our way past 100,000's of people watching and cheering us on. Find out more in the video.

Check out the British Airways - Flying with Pride website: http://www.britishairways.com/travel/flying-with-pride/public/en_gb