Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials were forced to cancel the anticipated Pride events that normally happen during the month of June. These events are put on across the world where the LGBTQ+ community can participate in parades, concerts, and more. With the devastating news of cancellations, the LGBTQ+ community feared they would have to wait until next year to attend the festivities. Fortunately, Pride events are still being planned to be held virtually, making it an experience like never before. Here are some events that will be happening:

New York City Pride

A popular spot for Pride events is New York City. To live up to their past events, they have a whole month planned of virtual events that the LGBTQ+ community can look forward to. Beginning on June 9th to the 29th, the Criminal Queerness Festival will be the first event to kick-off the NYC Pride celebrations .

According to the NYCpride.org website, this is what the arts festival entails:

"Bringing together queer playwrights, activists and audiences, National Queer Theater and Dixon Place are providing a platform for artists facing censorship, shining a light on critical stories from around the world."

Following the Criminal Queerness Festival, the Runstreet Virtual Pride 5K Art Run will take place on June 20th. This event allows ticket holders to run in their neighborhood while sharing photos of themselves doing so. Participants who submit a photo on Instagram with @Runstreet tagged within the week of June 20th will be eligible for prizes.

The various festivities are all leading up to the main event, the NYC Special Broadcast Event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the march. The event will be broadcasted on ABC on Sunday, June 28th at 12 PM ET featuring performances by Janelle Monáe, Deborah Cox, Billy Porter and more. WABC's Ken Rosato and Lauren Glassberg will be hosting the event that will be commemorating the history of the Pride March and the LGBTQ+ movement. For a full list of events and updated information click here.

Global Pride

On June 27th, Pride organizations from all over the world are coming together to provide a celebration that showcases the LGBTQ+ community. The 24 hour livestream's mission is to "reflect and celebrate the beautiful diversity of LGBTI+ people everywhere" according to globalpride2020.org. Performers and appearances are still yet to be announced, but the collaborations with Interpride and the European Pride Organisers Association it is bound to be one of the biggest Pride events yet.

Toronto Pride

The City of Toronto has a whole month full of virtual Pride activities. On June 1st, Toronto Mayor John Tory will be livestreaming a special "Flag Raising Event" to welcome the LGBTQ+ community online. Every day of June will feature a different event including Family Pride Fridays, Train with an Olympian and more. For the full calendar of events and updates, click here.

Boston Pride

The city of Boston has also organized virtual events for the entire month of June for the LGBTQ+ community to enjoy. Beginning on June 19th, the Dancing Queerly Virtual Festival will feature live conversations, multimedia presentations, original works, pop-up dance lessons and more. The weekend festival will showcase performances chosen by guest curator Eva Yaa Asantewaa, and will be ending with a reception and conversation on Zoom.

Another popular event that will be live streamed is the annual lighting of Blackstone Park. Pride Lights has been a tradition in Boston, honoring those who have lost their lives to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The event will feature performances, music and the illumination of lights in the South End of Blackstone Square Park on June 9th at 6 PM ET.

Pride celebrations all over the world are providing a space where the LGBTQ+ community can come together, even if it is not in person. These virtual celebrations are allowing them to explore different ways in representing themselves and their community. June will be a month filled with Pride and love that will be accessible in ways it never has been before.