It’s the most bundled-up pride parade on the planet: Greenland.
If the old LGBTQ rallying cry of “We Are Everywhere” needs an in-the-dictionary proof, this is it. But keep in mind that Greenland, despite being frozen solid, is actually more progressive than you might think. A possession of very-gay-friendly Denmark since the time of the Vikings, the island has long been washed by waves of liberal thinking coming in from Europe. Gay partnerships have been recognized since 1996.
In Greenland, all roads lead to Nuuk, the capital. Pronounced “nhook” with a slightly longer-duration “oo,” it is the biggest city in the territory, although that doesn’t mean a whole lot when the entire population of Greenland comes to around only 55,800 (17,000 of which live in Nuuk). But that is still enough of a crowd to throw a good party, and since when is a Gay Pride a bad one? Book your tickets, pack your parka, and off to the Land of the Midnight Sun with you!
Nuuk Pride takes place in June. Admittedly, it is a small Pride, modest in scope, and very grass-roots. Often, there isn’t even a website (horrors!). It goes without saying that the prides of New York or Sydney could swallow Nuuk whole with room for several desserts. More over, the cold climate keeps the skin to a minimum. But dagnabit, the Greenlanders were going to have a Pride, so they did. That means something.
Also, being as local as it is, Nuuk Pride is one of the few on the world stage that retains something of its own character. The native Inuit make up about 89% of the populace, which, by default, makes Nuuk Pride one of the most prominent prides with indigenous Native Americans. Over the years, the Inuit have taken great strides in reclaiming their cultural hold on the island, so be prepared to hear syllables you have never heard before. But have no fear, however—English is widely spoken as a second or even third language, if only because Canada is right across the chilly Baffin Bay.
But after the parade (and it is over fast), where does the party go? The clubs! Or, rather, club. Being as small as it is, Nuuk’s nightlife is rather “night-lite.” Manhattan, which is on Facebook, is the premier, and only, club of Nuuk. Thus, it is everything to everybody, and that includes the LGBTQs of town. So famous is the club as a gay hub, however, that graffiti on the side of the building once read “Gayhattan.”
Oh, and a final bit of advice: book your room at the Hotel Hans Egede. It’s the best in town. Be sure to contact Steele Luxury Travel to arrange your Greenland travel experience: https://steeletravel.com