Bermuda’s annual Pride celebration promises another weekend of party and protest to highlight the local LGBTQ+ community.

Joshua Samuels, the executive director of OutBermuda, the organiser, said many helped Bermuda Pride to grow considerably since its founding in 2019.

He added that many saw it as an opportunity to express themselves and make friends, with younger LGBTQ+ Bermudians in particular being grateful for the event.

Mr Samuels said: “There are two things we’ve heard as feedback.

“One is young people saying ‘I never felt like I could feel so free to be myself, express myself and dress in the way that expresses who I am and not feel like I have to hide or shrink’.

“For so long in Bermuda, gay people have felt like they have to make themselves smaller in order to survive in Bermuda and to keep their job and not get kicked out of their home. Pride is that opportunity for people to show up and to really be their true selves.”

He added: “We’ve also had folks who have come and said ‘I made some good friends at this event that I came to’ or ‘I just felt really connected to other folks in the community who had a similar story’.”

Bermuda Pride 2026 celebrates the theme “Deep Roots”, which highlights how the island’s LGBTQ+ community was involved in the country’s history, heritage and society.

The celebration featured several events throughout June, all culminating in three major events between tonight and Sunday.

Mr Samuels said Pride helped the public to slowly become more accepting as people recognised many of their loved ones were within the LGBTQ+ community.

He added: “Folks become more welcoming and understanding when people take time to listen and to understand the LGBTQ+ people around them.

“We have seen progress, but there’s still a long way to go.”

The Blue Hat dance party will kick off the weekend tonight at Moongate Brewery in St George’s from 9pm to 2am.

Tomorrow, a gathering will take place in Victoria Park, Hamilton, at 3pm.

The park will be alive with family-friendly activities and refreshments, as well as stalls centred on health, human rights and networking.

At 4pm, organisers will lead the Pride march from the park, down Cedar Avenue, through Church Street and on to Court Street, down to Front Street, and to Queen Street before going back down to Victoria Park through Cedar Avenue.

Sponsors will hold water and hydration stops throughout the route.

The march will culminate in a free concert featuring several DJs, including DJ Corey Minors, and performances by drag artists, dancers and musicians.

Jaida Essence Hall, a drag queen who won the twelfth season of the competitive drag performance TV series RuPaul’s Drag Race, will headline the show and also perform during the Champagne and Diamonds drag brunch on Sunday.

She will be joined by local drag performers Mizz Merlot and Krissy Dior during both events.

Mr Samuels emphasised that Pride welcomed everyone, regardless of whether they were part of the LGBTQ+ community.

He said: “I like to say Pride isn’t just for the gays, it’s for everyone who believes Bermuda should be a more welcoming and inclusive place.

“We encourage allies to come on out and support, and it makes it easier for others to show up if you come as an ally.

“Every year, we hear from folks that this is their first Bermuda Pride that they’re coming to, so there are some folks who are nervous or scared and some who are coming by themselves, so it creates a sense of community and belonging.”

Mr Samuels recommended people bring sunscreen, hats and hydration during the walk, as well as high energy and “the mindset of ‘we’re going to celebrate’ ”.

He added: “Pride is part protest and part party, so be ready for both of those things.

“It’s a statement to say ‘we belong’ and it’s a statement to say ‘we’re celebrating who we are as queer people’.”

• For more information on the Blue Heat and Champagne and Diamonds events, visit theBermuda Pride website