150,000 marched at the biggest Pride parade in the Middle East
Tel Aviv commemorated the 25th anniversary of its renowned Pride Parade, which is considered the largest Pride event in the Middle East. The festivities took place along the iconic Tel Aviv coastline, offering a picturesque setting for the grand celebration. The Pride Parade returned to the beautiful Tel Aviv Promenade, with the event scheduled during the afternoon hours, allowing participants to relish the refreshing sea breeze and witness the breathtaking sunset.
This year, Tel Aviv Global & Tourism showcased a particularly vibrant and mesmerizing pride float in collaboration with the leading drag queen, Erika Histerika Genderika, representing the next generation of drag. Erika brought her unique style, charisma, and performances to the parade, captivating the audience with her remarkable talent and artistic expression.
The parade kicked off at Shalag St. and proceeded towards Daniel St. It featured a vibrant display of nine trucks representing prominent party lines in Tel Aviv and various LGBTQ+ community organizations. Tel Aviv-Yafo’s Mayor Ron Huldai stated “The Pride weekend started with a clear message for everyone: We are all equal, we are all human, and we all deserve to love without fear, whoever we want. Happy Pride to all. Enjoy!” The dazzling trucks adorned with colorful decorations, manned by talented dancers and performers from the LGBTQ+ community, infused the atmosphere with electrifying energy.
As the engines roared to life and the music filled the air, an exuberant crowd began its march. The procession symbolized the ongoing struggle for equal rights for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Noa Tishby photo by Roni Kamhazi © Provided by Gaycities
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Participant says Tel Aviv Pride Parade an important counter to anti-LGBTQ politicians
In addition to the celebratory atmosphere, the Tel Aviv Pride Parade is also serving as a healing space for locals.
Omer Elad, 38, runs local transgender support organization the Gila Project, and is attending the parade alongside his entire family.
His parents, Tami and Shlomi, say they’ve marched with their transgender son at the Pride Parade for the past two decades.
Elad says he thinks today’s event is “especially” important in the current political climate.
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...“Pride weekend has kicked off with a clear message: We are all equal, we are all people, and we all deserve to love who we want without fear,” Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai said at the start of the parade.
Unlike previous years, the parade and the afterparty usually held at the end of the march were split into two events due to the intensely hot weather this year. The party will be held Friday at Ganei Yehoshua in the north of the city.
Thursday’s crowd was adorned with feathers, leather, glitter and rainbows, as German, English and Spanish could be heard among the mixture of locals and tourists.
“We love Tel Aviv, it’s the best party,” said Paul, a Czech in his 40s who has traveled to Tel Aviv for the parade three times with his partner, George.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-best-party-tens-of-thousands-march-in-tel-avivs-25th-annual-pride-parade/?utm_source=The+Daily+Edition&utm_campaign=daily-edition-2023-06-09&utm_medium=email
