Marche des Fiertés: Hundreds of thousands march for Pride in Paris

27th June 2022

Hundreds of thousands of people turned out to celebrate the annual LGBTQ+ Marche des Fiertés (Pride March) in Paris this year.

Taking place on 25 June, the day’s cold and damp weather appeared to have no effect on the crowds who showed up in honour of equality.

The march, which GAY TIMES took part in, moved from metro station Michel Bizot to the Place de la République, a distance of around three miles.

Placards displaying messages of love and support for the LGBTQ+ community could be seen at every turn, including “stop á la transphobie” (stop transphobia), “j’ai le droit d’être qui je suis” (I have the right to be who I am) and “marcher fièrement aujourd’hui pour que demain la honte change de camp” (walk proud today so that tomorrow shame changes sides).

Music blared from floats at all parts of the route, with many taking the opportunity to dance, drink and sing as they filled the streets of the French city.

Many attendees wrapped themselves in blue and yellow flags or held signs showing solidarity with queer people in Ukraine, whose march for “peace and freedom” took place in Poland over the same weekend following Russia’s invasion of the country earlier this year.

In Paris, a three-minute silence was held in memory of those who have been lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Formerly known as ‘Gay Pride’, the Marche des Fiertés celebrations have been taking place for more than 40 years.

This year’s event marked its full return after the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way it took place since 2019.

See more pictures of the 2022 Marche des Fiertés below: