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
