Phuket braces for Gay Pride extravaganza

PHUKET: Gay tourists are expected to arrive in Patong in great numbers next month for the 10th Phuket Gay Pride Celebration, an annual event organized by the local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Activities kick off on the night of February 23, when there will be a pre-opening White Party on Soi Paradise, center of the town’s gay nightlife scene.

Proceeds from the various events each year go to organizations and foundations that assist the local LGBT community in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This year’s recipients will be the Andaman Power organization.

Based at Patong Hospital, Andaman Power works to promote awareness of sexual diversity and focus on AIDS awareness and health matters.

This year’s event is being organized in collaboration with Patong Municipality, Andaman Power, local gay businesses and the LGBT Volunteers Team of Phuket Island.

February 23

9pm – 11pm: Pre-Opening White Party at Paradise Complex

Activities: Street performances

Dress Code: All White

February 24

11am – 3 pm: Gay Phuket Beach Volleyball Tournament

Preliminary rounds, at Patong Soccer Field

8pm to 11pm: Phuket Pride Grand Opening Party

Activities: Firework displays, street performances

Dress Code: Colorful, Rainbow

February 25

11am to 3pm: Gay Phuket Beach Volleyball Tournament (Semifinals & Final)

Patong Soccer field

11am – 7pm: Gay Day Tour to Kor Yao Yai Island (Sign up at Connect Guesthouse)

9pm – 11pm: “Night of Drag Queens Party”

Street performances, award ceremony

Dress Code: Strong makeup, amazing costumes

February 26

4pm – 6pm: Phuket Pride Grand Parade along Patong Beach

From the junction at Absolute Sea Pearl Hotel, along the beach road to the soccer field.

6pm – 9pm: Phuket Pride T-Dance on Soi Paradise

9pm – 11pm: Closing Ceremony Party

Dress Code: Colorful

All nighttime events will take place along Soi Paradise, well away from the main entrance to the Royal Paradise resort complex.

— By Phuket Gazette