Panama Pride Parade 2016

July 2nd 2016 thousands of people marched in Panama’s 12th national Pride Parade, lobbying for LGBT rights and sexual diversity. This year there were more than 40 national and international organizations dedicated to human rights marched in the Panama Pride Parade.

Along with thousands of citizens there were several prominent figures showing their support including Panama City Mayor Jose Isabel Blandon and the US ambassador for Panama, John Feeley.

Each year in Panama as part of the pride celebrations a pink egg is awarded to the most homophobic institution of person in Panama. To determine the candidates the public submits stories and experiences of homophobic encounters, the public then votes on a winner and the winner is rewarded a big pink egg.

While Panamanians marched down via Argentina in Bella Vista Saturday, people around the world in major cities like Toronto and Madrid also worked to create a more inclusive world. In Canada, Prime Minister Trudeau became the first PM to march among citizen calling for a more inclusive country. The march was dedicated to those who lost their lives in the recent shooting in an Orlando night club.