As the first country to legalise same-sex unions in 1989, Denmark is no stranger to the celebration of LGBT rights. Although its history goes back further than most, Denmark is still actively promoting gay rights, as evidenced by the christening of Rainbow Square in the hard of the city. Although Denmark didn’t legalise same-sex church marriages until July 2012 – becoming the eighth country in Europe and the eleventh worldwide to do so – the nation is still widely seen as a forerunner in liberal acceptance. 

 

Copenhagen Pride aims to promote and expose the LGBT community in order to encourage greater respect and tolerance for sexual diversity in society. In a world still very much split on the issue of LGBT rights (just see the controversial laws generating from countries like Russia, Uganda and Nigeria),  this year's theme is 'Coming Out for Global Rights’. The 100 percent volunteer-run Copenhagen Pride events began on Wednesday, but there is still plenty going on over the weekend. Here are some highlights:

 

Saturday, August 30th

 

Copenhagen Pride Parade; 1pm; Frederiksberg Town Hall, FREE 

 

The crown jewel of the week’s event, The Copenhagen Pride Parade starts at 1pm at the Frederiksberg Town Hall and will wind its way slowly to Copenhagen Town Hall (Rådhuspladsen). Expect a flurry of carnivalesque colour, music and dance.

 

Copenhagen Pride after party; 22:00 – 05:00; Pumpehuset, 100 kroner 

 

One of many after parties on tap, Pumpehuset's Pride party has the bragging rights of being the official pick of the bunch. Rosa Lux,  Conchita 4711 and Alfie Levi are some of the DJs and live acts who'll be flying the flag for this event. 

 

Sunday, August 31st

 

Queer Art; 2pm, The National Museum of Art, FREE 

 

Art lovers, novices, gays, heterosexuals – everyone is welcome for a free tour of the art museum, one of the Copenhagen’s true cultural beacons. 

 

Copenhagen Pride Prayer Ceremony; 4pm; Trinitatis Church, FREE 

 

Copenhagen's Trinitatis Church (under the famous Round Tower) in the heart of the city has gained quite a bit of fame over recent years for its liberal attitudes towards its prayer sessions. Inviting musicians unaffiliated with any particular religious beliefs and with an openly lesbian priest who is loved and adored by many, the church has been put on the map globally as a forward-thinking institution in what often seems like a wasteland of religious conservatism. Rather fittingly, it has been chosen for the final venue of this year's Pride festivities. A short ceremony featuring music from Halasan Bazar will be followed by a serving of champagne.