What happens when Pride communities from around the world come together? We share experiences, challenge perspectives, learn from one another and find new ways to build stronger communities.
This fall 2026, Vancouver Pride Society (VPS) had the opportunity to represent Vancouver at the InterPride Conference in Phuket, Thailand, marking the first time this international gathering has taken place in Southeast Asia.
Bringing together Pride organizations, advocates and representatives from across the globe, the conference created an opportunity to connect with people working toward a shared goal: building a world where 2SLGBTQIA+ people can live openly, safely and with dignity.
Bringing Pride Communities Together
While every Pride organization operates within its own local context, many of the challenges we face are shared. Across different countries, cultures and communities, Pride organizations are navigating changing social attitudes, growing political pressures and the ongoing fight for equality and human rights.
Throughout the conference, conversations explored a range of important issues, including countering the rise of anti-LGBTQIA+ hate, advancing human rights and public policy, and building more inclusive communities across generations.
Just as important were the opportunities to exchange experiences. Hearing how other organizations approach advocacy, community engagement and Pride programming offered valuable perspectives on both the challenges and possibilities ahead.
These conversations reminded us that there is no single approach to building a stronger Pride movement. There is value in understanding different experiences, learning from what has worked elsewhere and recognizing the importance of supporting one another.
Representing Vancouver on the International Stage
We were proud to represent Vancouver alongside Destination Vancouver, sharing the vibrancy, diversity and spirit of our city with the international Pride community.
Vancouver has a strong history of Pride, shaped by generations of organizers, advocates, volunteers, community members and allies who have helped create space for 2SLGBTQIA+ people to come together, celebrate and advocate for change.
Being part of this international gathering gave us an opportunity to share that story while learning how other cities and communities are shaping their own Pride movements.
These connections also reinforce the importance of positioning Vancouver as an inclusive destination, where diversity is celebrated and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities are an important part of the city's identity.
Bringing New Perspectives Home
For Vancouver Pride Society, attending InterPride was about more than representing our city at an international event. It was an opportunity to build relationships, listen, exchange ideas and think about how we can continue to grow as an organization.
The experiences and perspectives shared in Phuket will help inform how we approach our work at home, from community engagement and advocacy to creating meaningful opportunities for connection and celebration.
As we look ahead, strengthening relationships with Pride organizations around the world will continue to be an important part of building a more connected and resilient Pride movement.
Thank You to Our Vancouver Pride Community & Supporters
A special thank you to Air Canada for making this journey possible and supporting Vancouver's representation on the national and global stage. Your investment helped connect Vancouver Pride Society with the broader international Pride community.
We would also like to thank InterPride for bringing Pride organizations together, and our local hosts Bangkok Pride, Phuket Pride, FOR-SOGI and Trans Pride Thailand for welcoming participants and helping make this gathering possible.
We returned to Vancouver with new relationships, fresh perspectives and plenty to think about as we look toward the future.
Because there's always more to learn, more ways to connect and more we can do to build a stronger Pride for our communities.