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Right now, the global spotlight is on Thailand. A full year after making history with the new marriage equality bill, the nation has just advanced to the first round of the selection process to host WorldPride 2030.
This is massive, especially considering Thailand now goes head to head with two absolute Pride-worthy giants: Barcelona and London. If chosen, Bangkok will become become the world's 'Capital of Diversity' in 2030.
WorldPride is a global event that promotes visibility and awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) issues on an international level..
The first edition took place back in 2000 in Rome, overseen by InterPride, an international organisation founded in 1982 in Boston to unite LGBTQIAN+ communities across the globe.
This year the event moves to Amsterdam, a city famed for its tolerance and claiming the throne as the most diverse city in the World. Cape Town, follows up in 2028, with all to play for in 2030. Tough competition.
Thankfully, InterPride already has Thailand squarely in its sights, with the InterPride World Conference 2026, happening in Phuket from October 29 to November 1.
LGBTQ+ leaders from around the world will gather to assess Thailand's potential before the official winner gets announced in January 2027.
So what does being shortlisted actually mean?
To even be considered as a WorldPride host, an organisation must have been seriously running pride events in public spaces for at least three years. But it's not just about parades. Bangkok is a city that openly allows LGBTQ+ people to be themselves completely, from top tier queer venues where you can enjoy the nightlife to medical innovation that truly understands and serves diverse lifestyles.