But as the first round of voting draws to a close today, Wednesday 11 November, g10 group is proud to reaffirm its support for Bangkok's bid to host WorldPride 2030.

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Our position is not a criticism of Barcelona or its LGBTQ+ community. It is a recognition of the extraordinary opportunity that exists in Thailand. We believe Bangkok could deliver something truly transformative — not simply for the city, but for LGBTQ+ communities throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.

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A historic opportunity for Southeast Asia

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WorldPride has travelled to some of the world's most recognisable cities, celebrating diversity while drawing attention to the continuing struggle for equality. From Rome and London to New York, Sydney and Amsterdam, the event has provided a platform for LGBTQ+ communities to be seen and heard internationally.

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In 2028, Cape Town will bring WorldPride to the African continent for the first time. Now, Bangkok has an opportunity to make history of its own by becoming the first Southeast Asian city to host the event. For g10 group, this is one of the most compelling arguments in Bangkok's favour.

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Southeast Asia is home to hundreds of millions of people living across countries with vastly different approaches to LGBTQ+ rights. In some places, progress is being made. In others, LGBTQ+ people continue to face discrimination, restrictive laws and considerable social challenges.

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Bringing WorldPride to Bangkok would not automatically resolve these inequalities.  But it could provide something enormously valuable: international attention, regional solidarity and a powerful platform for those campaigning for change. It would send a message that LGBTQ+ equality is a global issue, not something confined to Europe, North America or Australia.

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Thailand has already demonstrated that progress is possible

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One of the strongest foundations of Bangkok's bid is Thailand's historic progress on marriage equality.  On 23 January 2025, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage.

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It was a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ rights, recognising the relationships and families of couples who had campaigned for equality over many years. The significance extended far beyond Thailand's borders. At a time when LGBTQ+ rights remain contested in many parts of the world, Thailand demonstrated that meaningful legislative progress is possible.

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Yet marriage equality is not the end of the journey. Questions surrounding transgender recognition, discrimination, access to services and wider social acceptance remain important. WorldPride 2030 could provide an opportunity to celebrate what Thailand has achieved while ensuring that the conversation about equality continues. That balance between celebration and campaigning is precisely what WorldPride should represent.

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Bangkok's vision goes beyond a parade

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Bangkok Pride has presented its bid under the theme "Until All of Us Are Free."  It is a powerful message that recognises an essential truth: equality cannot be considered complete while members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to face injustice. The proposed programme would run for 14 days, combining cultural celebrations, human rights discussions, community engagement and international solidarity.

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Importantly, the bid also places emphasis on accessibility and participation. Plans include an activist fellowship programme intended to help campaigners, particularly those from the Global South, participate in WorldPride. That matters. An international LGBTQ+ celebration should not become an event accessible only to those who can afford international travel, expensive accommodation and festival tickets.

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It should also create space for grassroots organisations, younger activists and communities whose voices are too often overlooked. For g10 group, the most important measure of a successful WorldPride is not simply how many people attend. It is what the event achieves for LGBTQ+ people after the celebrations have ended.

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Barcelona would be a worthy host

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Supporting Bangkok does not mean overlooking Barcelona's considerable strengths. Barcelona is one of Europe's most recognisable LGBTQ+ destinations, with a long-established Pride movement, a strong cultural identity and experience hosting major international events.

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Spain has also played an important role in advancing LGBTQ+ equality.  In 2025, the country marked 20 years since the introduction of marriage equality, and Barcelona's bid offers an opportunity to reflect on that progress. Under the theme "Let's Think, Let's Answer, Let's Change," Barcelona is proposing a WorldPride focused on strengthening the global LGBTQ+ movement and creating lasting change.

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These are important ambitions. Barcelona has the experience, infrastructure and international reputation to deliver a memorable WorldPride. If it is selected, g10 group would recognise the achievement and look forward to seeing its vision realised.

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But we believe there is an additional argument in Bangkok's favour. While Barcelona would build upon an established European Pride tradition, Bangkok could help extend WorldPride's reach into a region where international LGBTQ+ visibility carries particular significance. It is that potential regional impact which, in our view, gives Bangkok the edge.

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More than tourism, more than a celebration

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There is no doubt that hosting WorldPride would provide significant opportunities for Bangkok's tourism, hospitality and creative industries.  Thailand is already an internationally recognised destination, with Bangkok offering a distinctive combination of culture, entertainment, food, nightlife and hospitality.

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A successful WorldPride could introduce the city to new audiences while providing a platform for Thai artists, performers, businesses and community organisations.  But the economic benefits should never overshadow the event's central purpose.

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WorldPride is fundamentally about people. It is about the right to live openly, to love without fear, to express identity and to enjoy the same dignity and protections as everyone else. A successful Bangkok WorldPride should therefore be measured not only by visitor numbers and economic impact, but by its accessibility, community involvement and long-term contribution to LGBTQ+ rights. 

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The strongest legacy would be one that empowers organisations and campaigners throughout the region long after 2030.

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Why this matters to g10 group

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At g10 group, we believe LGBTQ+ stories deserve international attention. Our editorial commitment extends beyond individual Pride celebrations and the cities in which they take place. We want to highlight progress, recognise the people campaigning for equality and explore the challenges that remain. That is why Bangkok's WorldPride bid matters to us.

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It represents an opportunity to bring greater attention to LGBTQ+ communities across Southeast Asia and to celebrate the determination of those who have worked to secure greater recognition and equality. Our support is rooted in a belief that Pride should continue to evolve, reaching new audiences and amplifying voices from different parts of the world.

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Bangkok's bid offers a compelling opportunity to do exactly that.

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The decision now rests with InterPride members

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The host of WorldPride 2030 is being selected through a vote of eligible InterPride member organisations. According to the latest reporting from Thailand, more than 680 eligible organisations are involved in the voting process, with the first round scheduled to conclude on 11 November.

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A candidate must secure a two-thirds majority to win outright. If neither Bangkok nor Barcelona reaches that threshold, a further round of voting is expected.

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The outcome is anticipated by the end of November, although the precise announcement date remains subject to confirmation. Whatever the result, both bidding organisations deserve recognition for the work involved in bringing their visions to the international LGBTQ+ community. This is an important decision, and one that deserves careful consideration of what each city can offer.

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Our message: Give Bangkok its moment

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WorldPride has always been about more than colourful parades, celebrations and international visitors. At its best, it is a demonstration of solidarity. It reminds LGBTQ+ people that they are part of a worldwide community and that progress in one country can offer hope to those campaigning for change elsewhere.

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Barcelona would undoubtedly deliver a celebration worthy of the WorldPride name. But Bangkok offers the possibility of something different. A WorldPride in Southeast Asia could help create new connections between communities, elevate regional campaigners and demonstrate how far the international movement for equality has travelled.

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It could celebrate Thailand's achievements while encouraging further progress. And it could inspire a new generation of LGBTQ+ people to believe that their voices matter. For these reasons, g10 group believes Bangkok should be selected to host WorldPride 2030. Not because Barcelona is undeserving. Not simply because Bangkok would be an exciting destination.

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But because we believe the opportunity to create a lasting LGBTQ+ legacy across Southeast Asia is too important to overlook. The world has already seen what WorldPride can achieve in established LGBTQ+ destinations.  Now is the opportunity to take that message somewhere new. Bangkok deserves its moment on the world stage. And g10 group is proud to stand behind its bid.

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This article represents the editorial position of g10 group. g10 group supports Bangkok Pride's bid for WorldPride 2030 but does not claim to speak on behalf of InterPride or the bidding organisations.

For further information on the competing bids and the selection process, visit InterPride's official WorldPride website.