ShanghaiPRIDE Returns June 8-16 to Share the Pride

In our modern world of social media and global communication, the concept of sharing has become a way to spread knowledge, raise awareness, and connect over shared ideas and values. As the LGBTQ community makes strides across the globe, it is more important than ever to share a message of love, acceptance, and diversity. ShanghaiPRIDE will do just that as it returns on June 8-16 with its latest theme: 同享彩虹 Share the Pride.

As mainland China’s longest-running Pride festival, the volunteer-run organization will Share the Pride for the 11th year with a week of art, film, discussions, parties, and community-building, all aimed at celebrating the diversity and strength of the LGBTQ community.

The festivities officially kick off on Saturday, June 8 with the opening night of the Pride Art exhibition at Studio 4. A showcase of photography and paintings that explore the meaning of “pride” in all its varied forms will be on display from June 8-23.

Saturday, June 8 also sees the opening of ShanghaiPRIDE Film Festival (ShPFF), which runs daily from June 8-16 at venues throughout the city, including those of the German, British, Spanish, and Danish Consulates. One of the highlights of ShanghaiPRIDE every year, the film festival showcases some of the finest works of cinema exploring LGBTQ topics from around China, Asia, and the world. ShPFF also provides a platform for emerging Chinese filmmakers with its Chinese Short Film competition. The jury who will pick the winning film this year is comprised of producer/director Vivian Bao, film critic Dugudaozhu, and Xie Xiaoshan, whose short film Pink Pill took the award for Best Film at last year’s competition.

ShanghaiPRIDE’s Out & Equal Forum will be held at downtown Corporate Avenue on Thursday, June 13, with presentations from a variety of companies on diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Also on Thursday is ShanghaiPRIDE’s Ladies Party at UP; the party is an annual celebration for the city’s queer women complete with raffles and fun.

Saturday, June 15 kicks off with one of ShanghaiPRIDE’s most beloved annual traditions, the Pride Run, in which members of the community and allies race proudly around the city decked out in all the colors of the rainbow. The Pride Run’s finish line leads straight to Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai, which is hosting the annual Pink Brunch – an afternoon party and outdoor brunch on their beautiful terrace. This exciting day culminates in the evening at The Cut Rooftop with the Pink Party, ShanghaiPRIDE’s biggest celebration. Come dressed in your best pink ensemble and expect a jubilant party chock full of dancing, raffle prizes, and tons of Pride.

ShanghaiPRIDE wraps up on Sunday, June 16 with some of its most important events, including Pride Talk at M Glam. Hear directly from Shanghai’s LGBTQ community and allies as individuals share their personal stories about life under the rainbow. Also on Sunday at Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai is the LGBTQ Groups Open Day, an opportunity to explore the community groups that support LGBTQ individuals throughout China. The same venue will also host three forums throughout the day led by queer community leaders that shed light on important topics for anyone who identifies as LGBTQ. This year, the forums will explore the topics of Rainbow Families, LGBTQ History, and Gender Minorities.

ShanghaiPRIDE is an entirely volunteer-run festival. The organizers would like to thank this year’s sponsors, which include Title Sponsor Andaz Xintiandi, Platinum Sponsor Bayer, and Gold Sponsors Budweiser, Coach, Cotton’s, Diesel, Dow, Nike+ Run Club, and Old Navy.

For more information about the festival, contact ShanghaiPRIDE via email at shanghaipride@gmail.com or visit shpride.com.