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In a major announcement, Global Black Pride — the international cultural, political, artistic, and celebratory platform for Afro-queer communities — has confirmed that its 2026 edition will be held in Paris from 9 to 13 September 2026.
Founded in 2020 by Nigerian activist Micheal Ighodaro, who sought refuge in the U.S. after Nigeria’s 2014 Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, the event has since aimed to highlight the lived experiences, visibility, and rights of Afro-queer people, particularly those from diasporic or immigrant backgrounds.
Why Paris?
Paris was chosen for several key reasons:
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The city holds symbolic weight as “the city of love,” as noted by Jean-Luc Romero-Michel, deputy mayor of Paris in charge of combating discrimination.
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French-speaking Afro-queer communities — many with roots in Africa and the Caribbean — remain under-represented in major international LGBTQ+ events and media. Paris offers a platform to center their visibility.
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Previous editions of Global Black Pride were held in English-speaking North American cities such as Toronto (2022) and Atlanta (2024). The move to Paris underscores a growing commitment to include Francophone communities and broaden the global reach of the movement.
What to Expect
Leading up to the September 2026 event, a year of activities is planned across Paris, including cultural festivals, community-building workshops, and advocacy programs.
One of the central goals is to merge art, politics, and care under one roof — creating a space “that connects diasporas, overseas territories, cities, and suburbs around a single conviction: there is no freedom without inclusion, no pride without all our prides.”
Safety is also being prioritized. After challenges at previous editions, such as vandalism during the 2024 Atlanta event, organisers emphasize that participant well-being and protection remain top priorities for 2026.
Significance & Impact
The decision to bring Global Black Pride to Paris carries powerful symbolism:
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It amplifies the voices of Afro-queer people in Francophone Europe and beyond, bridging cultural and linguistic divides.
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It showcases the strength of queer African diasporic activism and the intersections of race, migration, identity, and sexuality.
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It highlights the importance of inclusion and representation within global Pride movements.
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For Paris, it reaffirms the city’s role as a beacon for human rights, equality, and artistic freedom — especially for communities historically marginalized or silenced.
What’s Next
Organisers are calling on Afro-queer communities, cultural institutions, artists, activists, and allies to get involved in the coming months. From local initiatives and creative collaborations to international partnerships, the road to Global Black Pride 2026 promises to be a celebration of resilience, identity, and unity.
