Matador Network's Blog, page 847
June 2, 2020
Black-owned bookstores to support
The tragic murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer has sent the country reeling. Nationwide protests are the most visible expression of grief and anger, but people are also seeking a greater understanding of how something like this could have happened. Many are attempting to grasp the extent of racial inequality in America, and a big part of doing that is self-education through reading.
Whether it’s books that delve into the nuances of racism and white fragility, history books illuminating the past 300 years of struggle and oppression, or impactful novels by Black authors, reading is a great way to educate yourself on the uncomfortable reality of racism and understand the country’s racial struggle, historically and now.
The good news is that more Americans are showing an interest in self-education and a willingness to broaden their perspectives. Unfortunately, the go-to bookseller in the US is Amazon — a massive corporate entity whose sales don’t entirely benefit the authors and help make a white billionaire richer.
There are hundreds of independent, Black-owned bookshops across the US that could use your patronage now more than ever, in person and online. Whether you’re looking for books on racial issues, or just browsing for a light quarantine read, Amazon doesn’t need your support right now. Black businesses do. Here are some Black-owned bookshops around the US to keep in mind for your next purchase.
Brave and Kind Books, Decatur, GA
Semicolon, Chicago, IL
Brain Lair Books, South Bend, IN
Afriware Books, Mayware, IL
Detroit Book City, Detroit, MI
Mahogany Books, Washington, DC
MeJah Books, Claymont, DE
Loyalty Books, Washington, DC
Uncle Bobbie’s, Philadelphia, PA
Harriett’s Bookshop, Philadelphia, PA
Ashay by the Bay, Vallejo, CA
Eso Won Books, Los Angeles, CA
The Lit Bar, Bronx, NY
Cafe con Libros, Brooklyn, NY
Sisters Uptown Bookstore, NYC, NY
Frugal Bookstore, Roxbury, MA
Dare Books, Longwood, FL
A more comprehensive list of black-owned bookstores in each state is available here. 
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The post Purchase your new reading list from these Black-owned bookstores, not Amazon appeared first on Matador Network.
Support Black Lives Matter online
People around the world have felt a sense of helplessness after the unjust killing of George Floyd in Minnesota on May 25. There are many active protests that rally support for the Black Lives Matter movement happening in the US and internationally, but protesting isn’t the only way you’re able to help the cause.
Protesting isn’t an option for everyone, particularly at a time when COVID-19 is still a threat. Whether you have concerns about public or personal health, mobility or crowd issues, live in a geographically remote area, or simply feel unsafe participating, you need not feel guilty about being unable to attend a physical protest. But you still should show up in another way — and not just posting a black box on Instagram.
Here’s how to support the Black Lives Matter movement in meaningful, tangible ways.
1. Donate to victims’ families and medical bills.
One of the best ways to make a personal impact on the lives of those directly affected by injustice is by donating to victims’ families. Families of murdered Black people often find themselves facing a gaping financial and emotional hole, and while donations won’t bring back their loved ones, it may ease the burden of funeral costs and loss of income. Fundraising pages for victims like Ahmaud Arbery are aimed at helping bereaved families financially recover in the wake of tragedy. Donations can also benefit protestors injured on the streets who are currently recovering in hospitals. Leslie, for example, was shot by police in La Mesa, California, while peacefully protesting, and her family is looking for help covering her medical bills.
Here’s a more extensive list of victims’ families actively seeking fundraising.
2. Sign petitions.
Signing petitions is an often maligned form of activism for being low-effort, but petitions have existed for this long because they help get the job done. Signing a petition shouldn’t be the only thing you do, but it is the least you can do, and it’s still vitally important. There are large-scale national campaigns, but you can often have the most impact petitioning at a local level. Here’s a useful Twitter thread of lesser-known petitions that could use your voice, but as always, search locally first.
3. Donate to, and patronize, Black-owned businesses.
Several Black-owned businesses were destroyed or severely damaged across the nation during riots. This is a devastating time for business owners to incur further expenses after suffering financially due to coronavirus-related shutdowns. From Florida to Minnesota, businesses across the country are struggling to rebuild, and you can help by donating and sharing donation links within your own network.
Buying from Black-owned businesses is something you should do year-round, not just when there’s an immediate need for support. Research and seek out those businesses in your local neighborhoods, and find out the best way to support them. That could be by ordering delivery tonight or purchasing a gift card or merch. It could be by inviting your friends to like their pages on social media. It could mean hiring a local business or independent contractor to work on a project, and then leaving positive in-depth reviews on their Google and Yelp pages and uploading photos of their work.
Local journalists are doing a lot of important work right now elevating these businesses, so the best thing you can do is search for your specific area — for example, Black-owned restaurants in New York City.
4. Donate supplies to the protestors and contribute to bail funds.
If you can’t be on the streets, you can still make an impact on the protests happening in your area or afar. Many peaceful protesters are being unjustly arrested or detained, and they’re unable to afford bail. Use this crowd-sourced list of city and community bail funds to help protestors get back out on the street, or at least back home to their families.
Local protests are also in need of basic supplies like water, food, and face masks. Look to the social media pages of local organizers for their most immediate needs and where to send them to. People may also be in need of shelter, and if you have space, you can offer up your home on social media, or with your local organizers, as a safe space for protestors to retreat to in the event violence escalates or if they feel otherwise unsafe or in need of things like a meal, shower, or emotional support.
5. Get involved in the BLM movement long term.
You don’t have to march down the street with a placard to express your support for the Black Lives Matter Movement. To avoid feeling helpless during these volatile times, one of the best things you can do is getting involved yourself. That means connecting with a Black Lives Matter chapter in your local area, and showing up a month from now, six months from now, and beyond.
According to BLM’s website, the goal of the global organization is to “eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.” The organization promotes African American arts and culture, supports emerging Black artists, and seeks to elevate the spirit of the Civil Rights, Black Power, and Women’s Rights Movements of the 1960s and 1970s. Black Lives Matter plays an integral role in raising awareness of racial injustice, educating the public on issues of inequality, and providing resources for the vulnerable Black community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To learn more, or find out how to get involved, check the list of local chapters.
In addition to Black Lives Matter, there are several organizations that host training related to racial sensitivity, justice initiatives, and education-based programs. These programs are aimed at informing people about their rights, promoting safety, and advocating reform.
Communities United for Police Reform
These are just a few of the organizations working to promote racial justice. Whether it’s attending and getting personally involved, donating, or just educating yourself online about causes and year-round events, the more knowledge you have about the movement, the better equipped you will be to combat inequality in your community.
6. Support policy change.
Today is a primary election day in multiple states, and there’s more at stake in the next election than just the presidency. Whether your election day has passed or not, it’s important to elevate awareness for lesser-known ballot initiatives and candidates of color, as well as offices that have direct impact on the Black Lives Matter movement, such as sheriffs.
Black Lives Matter launched the #WhatMatters2020 campaign to ensure that Black voices are heard in 2020. Supporting this initiative might be one of the most effective ways to influence the national conversation and continue it beyond this week.
The campaign’s chief areas of focus are encouraging Black voter registration, educating constituents about candidates that will best serve their interests, and engaging Black communities in the electoral process. The ultimate goal is to achieve reforms in the areas of racial injustice, police brutality, criminal justice, economic justice, Black immigration, voting rights and suppression, and education.
The best thing you can do to support the cause is spread awareness of the #WhatMatters2020 campaign, including pledging to vote, registering to vote, and encouraging others to vote in support of the goals of this campaign. You can also petition for more government aid for vulnerable communities.
Policy reform is especially important in the era of the pandemic, which disproportionately affects the Black community due to socio-economic realities. To increase awareness of how the pandemic is affecting the country’s Black population, you can add your name to a petition demanding the release of more racial data on the coronavirus.
7. Insist on police accountability.
Race inequality in America is often exacerbated, and brought to light, by the brutal actions of police. One of the most effective ways of addressing this issue is by supporting initiatives that seek to reform the justice system — and that starts with police officers. Campaign Zero is proposing policy solutions aimed at fixing the system, including increased community oversight, improved training and education, demilitarization of police departments, fair police union contracts, and more training and education. You can even propose your own policy solution for consideration by Campaign Zero.
To help Campaign Zero continue identifying solutions, and present policymakers with research and data, donate here.
8. Educate yourself.
Overcoming racial injustice in the US starts with individuals. Most of us claim to be progressive thinkers and anti-racist, but racism is a highly nuanced and complex issue that requires extensive education to truly understand and defeat.
Understanding terms like “privilege,” “access,” and “white fragility” are integral to having a firm grip on the national situation right now. That doesn’t mean you have to be an expert in social justice, but the better informed you are about the issues, terminology, and history surrounding racial inequality in America, the more effectively you’ll be able to support the cause.
This “Anti-Racism for Beginners + White People” document does a good job of introducing key terminology and encouraging introspection. It breaks down common misconceptions about racist thinking and white privilege, and it sheds some light on the importance of self-education in the country’s healing process.
More educational resources, including a history of racism in America, and information on the prison-industrial complex are available here.
9. Amplify the right voices.
The single easiest, non-monetary thing you can do right now is share articles, videos, and social media posts from Black voices — not just this week but year-round. The sentiment of #BlackoutTuesday was a good one, but it was quite flawed in education. Use of the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag effectively blacked out important information from being shared in favor of plain black boxes. Those with the algorithm on their side (celebrities, influencers, large media brands) took away from those with smaller followings but more important things to say.
If you take up space on social media this week and beyond, use it to move the needle toward tangible action instead of just solidarity. Do not share images from protests where you do not have the consent of the identifiable individuals pictured. Be mindful of sharing videos of graphic brutality that could be traumatic for others to view involuntarily. And if you see your friends and family misstepping, offer advice on how to do better in a way that is productive and doesn’t make them feel like they would have been better off saying nothing. Remember: Above all, silence is not the answer.
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The post How to support Black Lives Matter protests if you can’t be there in person appeared first on Matador Network.
Flags around world
National flags often fall victim to an unfair generalization. There’s a tendency to believe that they’re mostly boring rectangles, with stars, stripes, maybe an esoteric crest, and are only worth studying if you’re on a pub trivia team. Vexillophiles, flag enthusiasts and collectors, know better. Flags are more than a patriotic display or a piece of decoration, they’re windows into a nation’s history and identity. Flags come in all colors, and have meanings as varied as the countries they represent, and you don’t have to binge-watch Sheldon Cooper’s Fun With Flags to appreciate them. These are some of the world’s coolest national flags and the stories behind them.
1. Nepal
Photo: Christophe Cappelli/Shutterstock
It doesn’t take a magnifying glass to see what makes Nepal’s national flag so unique. The only non-quadrilateral flag in the world, its jagged edges represent the Himalayan Mountains. The flag was adopted after the unification of the smaller principalities of Nepal, with the blue border symbolizing peace and harmony, and the red background — the national color — indicating the brave spirit of the Nepalese people. The sun and moon symbols are an expression of the hope that Nepal will survive as long as the celestial bodies.
2. Mozambique
Photo: JetKat/Shutterstock
The flag of Mozambique basically says, “Come on, try it. We dare you.” The only flag in the world to feature an automatic weapon, this flag conveys a message of vigilance and a dedication to national defense. In addition to the AK-47, the flag also has a hoe, open book, and a star, symbolizing agriculture, education, and Marxism, respectively. The black stripe represents the African continent and the green represents minerals. Consistent with the prominent appearance of the rifle, the yellow stripe is a nod to Mozambique’s struggle for independence.
3. Kyrgyzstan
Photo: Daan Kloeg/Shutterstock
It might look like the official flag for the International Basketball Federation, but it’s actually the national flag of Kyrgyzstan, and it’s more complex than it looks. After declaring independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Kyrgyzstan adopted the new flag in 1992. It features a sun in the middle, representing peace and wealth, against a red background symbolizing valor and bravery. The forty rays around the sun symbolize the 40 different Kyrgyz tribes that were unified by the epic hero Mansas against the Mongols. Inside the sun, a tundunk symbol — which looks like a red ring crossed by two sets of lines — is meant to resemble the traditional Kyrgyz yurt (more precisely the wooden crown that holds the poles together from the top of a yurt’s roof), and represent the family home.
4. Bhutan
Photo: Yash Barve/Shutterstock
Any flag with a dragon on it is bound to catch your eye. The current design of Bhutan’s national flag has been in place since 1969, the background divided diagonally between yellow and orange. Yellow symbolizes the civil tradition and authority of the king, while orange represents the country’s Buddhist tradition. But it’s the white dragon that really steals the show. The Druk, or “Thunder Dragon,” symbolizes the purity of inner deeds and thought. The Druk is also clutching jewels in its claws, showing off the country’s wealth.
5. Somalia
Photo: bmszealand/Shutterstock
The national flag of Somalia proves that even the simplest, seemingly mundane designs are teeming with deeper meaning. From 1950 to 1960, Somalia had been the Trust Territory of Somaliland administered by Italy, and in 1954, the Somali labor trade union tasked Mohammed Awale Liban with designing a new flag to prepare for the country’s impending independence. Although composed of a simple blue background and a white star, the flag speaks to Somalia’s history and culture. Originally, the blue background represented the UN’s role in Somalia’s transition to independence. Now, it has come to symbolize the Indian Ocean and sky. The five-pointed Star of Unity represents the five areas where the Somali people traditionally lived: Djibouti, Somaliland, southern Somalia, the Ogaden region of Ethiopia, and Kenya’s North Eastern Province.
6. Cyprus
Photo: Yuriy Stankevich/Shutterstock
Nothing injures your national pride more than when people can’t find your country on a map. Cyprus, the small island nation in the middle of the Mediterranean, is using its flag to eliminate all doubts about what the country looks like. Against a plain white background, the silhouette of the country stands proud and prominent, its ochre color representing the island’s copper resources. When it was initially designed in 1960, the use of any blue and red was banned, as those colors defined the flags of Greece and Turkey; since 1974, the country has been divided in two parts, one led by a Turkish Cypriot government and the other one by a Greek Cypriot government. The crossed branches underneath the silhouette, however, represent the desire for peaceful relations with its neighboring countries.
7. Brazil
Photo: Bruno Martins Imagens/Shutterstock
One of the world’s most recognizable, Brazil’s flag still raises many eyebrows for its unique design. Its most defining feature is the massive globe in the center, containing white stars that represent the various states of Brazil. The crosswise banner bears the country’s motto, Ordem e Progresso (“Order and Progress”). You might be wondering why only one star sits above the banner, and yes, it’s intentional. The lone star represents the sole Brazilian territory in the northern hemisphere — Pará state. Once standing for the country’s ruling Portugese families, the green background has now come to symbolize the Amazon forests.
8. Belize
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Photo: Andrisk/Pixfiction/Shutterstock
The national motto of Belize is one we can all get on board with: Sub Umbra Floreo (“Under the Shade I Flourish”). It’s featured prominently on the country’s flag, underneath two woodcutters, which symbolize Belize’s logging industry. Unlike many flags, which simply showcase stars and stripes, Belize’s national flag is more like a still-frame from a movie, or a work of art. It’s the only flag to have people featured as a major design element. The two figures, one of African descent and the other of mestizo (American and European) descent, showcases the country’s diverse cultural heritage, while the dozen other colors and shades make the flag one of the most colorful in the world.
9. Sicily
Photo: Stefano Ember/Shutterstock
Sicily’s flag also features a mythological creature. Although Sicily isn’t technically an independent country, its distinct culture separates the island from the rest of Italy. This is evident in its flag, sliced diagonally into equal red and yellow parts, with a three-legged Medusa head staring ahead. The three legs are said to represent Sicily’s triangular shape, while the creature’s ears (made of literal ears of corn) are a nod to the island’s fertility.
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Best river surfing spots in world
It doesn’t take a surfer to know what makes a great surf spot. Wide, palm-fringed beaches with endless tunnels of peeling waves probably come to mind. Landlocked destinations likely do not. Enter river surfing. Riding river swells may not be the same as hanging ten in the tropics, but the appeal is obvious for wave chasers: River surfing is challenging, exciting, and often a little dangerous. Rides can last as long as surfers are able to balance, and they’re doable with no palm-fringed beach in sight. If you’re still not sold on the idea of ocean-less surfing, these eight epic river surfing destinations are guaranteed to get you on board. Maybe even literally.
1. Severn Bore — Gloucester, England
Photo: Raggedstone/Shutterstock
Some trace river surfing’s origins back to the River Severn, where this tidal bore is said to have seen its first surfer in 1955. Tidal bores occur near the coast when a strong tide forms a wave by flowing against the current. Now a go-to for competitive surfers, the Severn Bore has been the backdrop for record-breaking wave rides. The name most famously associated with the bore is Dave Lawson, a Gloucester-born surfer who rode its wave for upward of 40 minutes and 5.7 miles. To date, the Severn Bore is one of the top three surfable bores anywhere in the world.
2. Kawarau River — Queenstown, New Zealand
Photo: aodaodaodaod/Shutterstock
Rumor may have it that river surfing was born in England, but it was brought to the masses in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Adventure king Jon Imhoof pioneered the world’s first commercial river-surfing outfit on the Kawarau River in 1989. Now, river surfers and bodyboarders can ride standing waves created by Class II and III rapids. Surfers should hit the river during New Zealand’s summer months, from November to March, but riverboarders can still enjoy the thrill in late October and early April all done up in wetsuits.
3. Kananaskis River — Alberta, Canada
Photo: Chase Clausen/Shutterstock
About 45 minutes outside of Calgary in Canada’s Alberta province is the Mountain Wave, a renowned river surfing spot in Kananaskis Provincial Park. It’s the most challenging and best known of Alberta’s waves given its swiftness and shallowness, though there are also options for beginner and intermediate surfers in and around Calgary. Beginners can lug their boards to 10th Street in the city, while semi-skilled surfers can try their luck on the river’s Santa Claus rapids.
4. Eisbach River — Munich, Germany
Photo: Polina Shestakova/Shutterstock
Most major European cities have art museums. Few are mere feet away from a popular surf spot, particularly when those museums tout riverside locations. Arguably the biggest and best-known river-surfing destination in the world today is Munich’s Eisbach River, which has played host to wetsuit-clad surfers a stone’s throw from the Haus der Kunst museum for decades. Onlookers gather at the entrance to Englischer Garten as experts, including pros like Garrett McNamara, ride the river’s wild waves year-round.
5. Snake River — Wyoming, United States
Photo: B Brown/Shutterstock
Wyoming’s Snake River is no stranger to outdoor enthusiasts. Even surfers. The river’s legendary Lunch Counter rapid creates the perfect opportunity to take a surfboard for a spin on Class III whitewater. It’s no easy feat, but surfers have been known to ride a wave for 20 minutes or more, longer than they’d get in the ocean. Granted, they’ll feel like they’re staying in place while the rapid churns beneath their boards, and they’ll be sharing the whitewater with kayakers and rafters. Peak time to attempt Lunch Counter yourself is between May and August.
6. Pororoca — Amazon, Brazil
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jorge Pacelli (@jorge.pacelli) on May 20, 2020 at 3:16pm PDT
Springtime in Brazil means good news for Amazon River surfers. Pororoca is a tidal bore that flows upriver up to 15 miles an hour and reaches heights of up to 12 feet. It’s been a hit with surfers ever since a 1999 competition brought its first group of annual competitors to São Domingos do Capim in the Pará state of northern Brazil. Today, the bore’s wave is known for being virtually limitless, with surfers managing to ride it for more than 30 minutes.
7. Qiantang River — Hangzhou, China
Photo: chuyuss/Shutterstock
The Qiantang River, which empties into the East China Sea, plays host to the largest tidal bore in the world. Reaching heights as high as 30 feet, the bore has earned itself the nickname Silver Dragon and worked its way onto the bucket lists of fearless surfers. Red Bull has been hosting Qiantang Shoot Out competitions there since 2013, drawing countless professionals to the site.
8. Zambezi River — Livingstone, Zambia
Photo: Karel Gallas/Shutterstock
In travel circles, the Zambezi River lands on southern African itineraries as the home of Victoria Falls, one of the most formidable waterfalls on Earth. In water sports circles, it’s the Zambezi’s standing waves that surfers are after. Rapid 11 is the hot spot owing to the wave’s fast current, ample whitewater, steep face, and tight tube. There are two main surfing seasons on the Zambezi: July, when the water level drops, and late January, when it starts to pick up again — both of which create a roughly two-week sweet spot complete with an unforgettable barrel.
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Japan may reopen its borders
Japan isn’t lifting its travel ban that started in February just yet, but the nation is considering a system that would allow citizens from some countries to enter before others.
Reuters reported that Japan is considering a “travel bubble” strategy that would permit travelers from Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand, four countries with low levels of coronavirus infections, to visit Japan in the next few months.
The “travel bubble” would reportedly focus on business travelers first. They would have to test negative for COVID-19 both upon departure to Japan and at arrival in the country.
But even if those travelers test negative and are allowed in, they won’t be able to roam around Japan freely; they would be restricted to their accommodations, offices, and factories, and would not be allowed to use public transportation.
Japan is not the only country planning a “travel bubble.” New Zealand and Australia are considering allowing international travel between each other, but restricting tourism from everywhere else. The Baltic states have also implemented a similar system, allowing travel between the three countries since May 15.
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June 1, 2020
What to do in Paris for LGBTQ travel
If all of Europe’s capital cities were siblings, Paris would be the gay one. It tends toward extravagance, keeps up with the latest fashion trends, and is a sucker for a good love story. So it’s no surprise that it’s attracted famous LGBTQ people for centuries — think Gertrude Stein, Oscar Wilde, and John Cocteau to name a few. The city has been a safe haven for bohemians and misfits for the better part of the past 150 years, even during trying times.
It remains a major hub for gay culture today and continues to draw LGBTQ travelers from around the globe. Socialites and party-goers can enjoy Paris’s dynamic nightlife, with queer events happening almost every night of the year. For those into cultural happenings, festivals, bookshops, and art installations, there is a wealth to choose from. However you define joie de vivre, the City of Lights has you covered.
LGBTQ history
Bars by neighborhood
Parties, events, and festivals
Naturism and outdoor activities
Resources
LGBTQ history
La Belle Époque, or “the good times,” a period of several decades around the turn of the 19th century, is regarded as the era in which Paris earned its reputation. The beautifully renovated French capital, with its grand boulevards, opulent buildings, and formal gardens, reintroduced itself to the world. Along with the changing landscape of the city, social attitudes began to shift. LGBTQ artists and writers, like Stein and Wilde, came out without fear of societal rejection. They, and many other queer people, achieved prominent positions in artistic and intellectual circles while being openly gay.
The 1920s saw the first gay clubs and drag balls. Gender-bending was the zeitgeist: Women donned tuxedos, and men wore flamboyant frocks to raucous affairs in the neighborhoods of Les Halles and Montmartre. The bohemian spirit of prior decades set the stage for Paris to become one of the major centers for queer life in the world. But the Nazi invasion of 1940 and the establishment of Vichy France ushered in conservative legislation and major setbacks, forcing the LGBTQ community to withdraw underground.
The queer scene reemerged from the shadows in the early 1970s. Paris became a hotbed for gay liberation groups, similar to those forming in the US and Great Britain. Organizations with names like Homosexual Front for Revolutionary Action and Red Dykes pushed for LGBTQ recognition and an end to discrimination in France. This volatile time of organization and protest led the way to Paris’s first official pride march at the start of the following decade, in June 1981.
Twenty years later, the city elected its first openly gay mayor whose tenure was defined by contentious protests both for and against the marriage equality movement. But in 2013, same-sex marriage was finally legalized, inspiring hundreds of thousands of Parisians to flood the streets to celebrate. Despite achieving legal equality, LGBTQ people continue to face many unique challenges. It can be said, however, that Paris celebrates this community and honors its rich history now more than ever.
Bars by neighborhood
Le Marais
Photo: designium/Shutterstock
Once characterized by crumbling buildings and a general state of decay, Le Marais of today is almost unrecognizable. Trendy shops, high-end eateries, and rainbow flags galore blanket this gayborhood. Spread out across the third and fourth arrondissements, Le Marais is where you go for a classic night of bar hopping. You’ll meet tourists and locals alike indulging in cocktails and listening to pop beats at one of its many cosmopolitan bars.
RAIDD
Arguably the most famous gay bar in Paris, RAIDD is quintessential Marais. Its two floors are open daily, but weekends bring the crowds. RAIDD is usually the first stop for gay tourists. The atmosphere is spirited, and mingling between strangers is common. A night at RAIDD culminates with the famed “shower” when a burly go-go boy strips down in a glass room and takes a steamy shower as the whole bar stares in awe.
Where: 23 Rue du Temple
Hours: daily from 6:00 PM to 4:00 AM
Freedj
Photo: Freedj/Facebook
DJ Freddy pumps up the volume every night from the back room of this Marais staple. There’s nothing special about the ground level, but the descent to the cellar bar gives the feeling that you’re traveling back in time to a Medieval dungeon. Freedj doesn’t get crowded until later in the evening, but by midnight on a Friday or Saturday, it’s usually jam-packed. The drinks keep flowing until 3:00 AM, and the tight quarters make for a convenient ice-breaker.
Where: 35 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie
Hours: daily from 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Café Voulez-Vous
For brunch, dinner, or simply a night of drinks and conversation, Café Voulez-Vous is the right choice. The setting is chic and cosmopolitan. Music is played at a reasonable volume, and groups of friends congregate around tables. Set up like a typical Parisian café, everyone is there to see and be seen, and mingling outside of cliques is rare.
Where: 18 Rue du Temple
Hours: daily, hours vary
3W Kafé
3W is a great place to start the evening or spend the whole night. This lesbian-centric karaoke bar draws a big after-work crowd from Wednesdays onward. The casual atmosphere and the cheap drinks — happy hour lasts until 9:00 PM — are perfect for a night of belting out your favorite tunes with the gal pals.
Where: 8 Rue des Ecouffes
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, hours vary
Cox
Photo: COX/Facebook
Cox is hard to miss: A big red awning wraps around its entire corner storefront, and there’s always a crowd of guys congregating on the terrace. Perfect for a weekday happy hour — this spot plays electronic and pop hits and serves discounted drinks. Unlike many of the other Marais bars, Cox has a strong local vibe.
Where: 15 Rue des Archives
Hours: daily from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Les Halles
Photo: Romas_Photo/Shutterstock
Most visitors to Paris only associate Les Halles with shopping, but it’s also one of the city’s oldest gay districts. Occupying the first arrondissement, Les Halles is a bit more local and low-key than Le Marais. It’s not on the radar of many gay tourists, so it’s likely you may only encounter real Parisians at some of the bars in this area.
Bear Bar El Hombre
Bears can rejoice in this shaggy sanctuary. All are welcome, of course, but twinks and otters may not even catch a side glance from the guys cruising at this joint. The ground level has the atmosphere of a dive bar with kitschy plush stuffed bears adorning the walls. Head down to the basement on a weekend night, however, and you’ll encounter a bass-pumping club brimming with Paris’s furriest fellows.
Where: 15 Rue de La Reynie
Hours: daily from 4:00 PM to 4:00 AM
Le Labo
Photo: The LABO Bar Club Paris/Facebook
Haughty Parisians call Le Labo a suburban bar, but this lounge-style venue is pretty glamorous in its own right. Locals from all over the Greater Paris area and beyond frequent it on weekends. At night, the bistro tables are pushed out of the way and the whole place transforms into a dance floor. Classics from Beyoncé to Britney, ABBA and the Spice Girls keep the party going until 6:00 AM.
Where: 37 Rue des Lombards
Hours: daily, except Mondays
Mutinerie
More than just a lesbian bar, La Mutinerie is a self-described feminist space for queer and trans women. Activist-minded visitors will fit right in here, as Mutinerie is equally a space for political action and community-building. It has a chill and divey atmosphere, with a billiard table, arcade games, and cheap drinks to boot. Its Feminist Library, open on Sundays, has a vast selection of books that speak to the lesbian, queer, and trans woman experience.
Where: 176 Rue Saint-Martin
Hours: daily from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Pigalle
Photo: Subodh Agnihotri/Shutterstock
Home of the Moulin Rouge, this is Paris’s original red-light district. Today Pigalle is only a shadow of its licentious past, but still a must-visit for LGBTQ travelers. Take a stroll down Boulevard de Clichy and you’ll encounter sex shops and peep shows at almost every storefront. Sexodrome, a multi-level “love store” that claims to be the largest in the world, could be likened to a Walmart for kink. After you’ve satisfied your inner voyeur, walk toward Place de Pigalle to a tiki bar called Dirty Dick. This LGBTQ-friendly staple beckons visitors to bask in its campy Polynesian paradise all while sipping tropical rum cocktails out of phallic mugs.
Parties, events, and festivals
Jeudi Barré
On Thursday evenings, Cookie Kunty, one of Paris’s rising comedy queens, puts on a GLAMazing spectacle at Le Yono. This gay-friendly haunt in Le Marais draws a rambunctious after-work crowd. Jeudi Barré is interactive and the whole audience joins in singing and dancing to the last number. The entrance fee is three euros (about $3,40) at the door.
Where: Le Yono, 37 Rue Vieille du Temple
When: every Thursday at 10:00 PM
Bitch Party Paris
A monthly event hosted out of one of Paris’s mega-club venues, Bitch Party is très cher but worth the cost. Each month the party is dedicated to a different internationally renowned female artist. Whether it’s Rihanna, JLO, Britney, or Shakira, the artist’s style informs the music genre and vibe of the night. The venue, Gibus, is a massive concert-hall-turned-club, conveniently located in the 11th arrondissement, steps away from the République metro station. Doors open at midnight, and the club is packed with young, attractive circuit boys by 1:00 AM. The drink prices will burn a hole in your wallet, so the thrifty partygoer might want to pregame this one. An entrance ticket costs 15 euros ($16.70) online, and 17.50 euros ($19.50) at the door.
Where: Gibus, 18 Rue du Faubourg du Temple
When: monthly
Rosa Bonheur
Photo: Rosa Bonheur/Facebook
Every Sunday there’s a party at Rosa Bonheur, a historic LGBTQ+ venue inside of Buttes Chaumont Park in the 19th arrondissement. This event is so popular among locals that its infamously long entrance queue has a dedicated Facebook group: Comment est la queue du Rosa? [How is the line at Rosa?] Note that queue is also slang for penis in French.
From outside Rosa Bonheur is an unassuming country cottage, but inside flamingo neon lights and head-mounted unicorns plaster the electric pink walls. Glittering disco balls dangle from the ceiling, and a stripper pole at the center of the bar invites daring partygoers to give it a spin. To avoid the queue, arrive at 5:00 PM, before the party, or stroll around the park while you wait. Buttes-Chaumont park looks like a pastoral scene of the French countryside, complete with a lake and waterfall, and is worth a visit in its own right.
Where: 2 Avenue de la Cascade
When: every Sunday at 6:00 PM
Doctor Love
Doctor Love is not just a catchy name — the host, Mylène, is actually a medical doctor. This themed party takes place once per month at the impressive Club Haussmann, right off the grand boulevard of the same name. Mylène selects the theme and meticulously curates the space to match it. Whether it’s aliens, superheroes, or a masquerade, the club is transformed into an otherworldly place. Scene queens and circuit boys will not want to miss it. The entrance fee is 20 euros ($22.30) and includes one drink.
Where: 23 Rue Taitbout
When: one Saturday per month
Queer Week
Photo: Gaëlle Matata/Facebook
In April, the Paris LGBT Center and its partner organizations host a week of celebrating queer people. The events are varied — some are professional workshops that seek to improve queer lives, and others are just downright debaucherous parties. This year’s program includes a hackathon: a three-day workshop dedicated to teaching queer folks how to code, roundtable talks focusing on trans issues, a “tarot evening,” a day of mental health, dance parties, and much more. For a detailed program, consult the agenda located on the LGBT Center’s website closer to the time.
Where: Events take place at different locations throughout Paris
When: October 2 to 11, 2020
MercrediX / VendrediX
MecrediX and VendrediX are two weekly after-work gay parties that take place every Wednesday and Friday evening, respectively. The locations change each week, but both events almost always take place at a rooftop bar in central Paris. Check out their content on Facebook.
Where: Events take place at different locations around Paris
PRIDE
Photo: Julien_j/Shutterstock
In June, Paris paints the town rainbow — literally. Two years ago crosswalks in Le Marais were repainted in multicolor to celebrate gay pride. Now permanent, these displays are a precursor to the flamboyant extravaganza that is Paris Pride.
Where: Events take place at different locations around Paris
When: June every year
Existrans
Existrans is a march dedicated to transgender and intersex people. The organization, by the same name, is politically active year-round with the parade being their final showcase. Consult the website for exact dates and locations for the annual event. Allies are also welcome and encouraged to participate.
Where: Various locations around Paris
When: October
Naturism and outdoor activities
Bois de Vincennes
Photo: Mikhail Gnatkovskiy/Shutterstock
From April to October, a section of Bois de Vincennes, a park just on the edge of the eastern city limits, is designated for naturists. Parisian gays flock to this site for nude picnics and day drinking on the weekends. If you’re feeling frisky, there’s an unofficial cruising spot in the forest nearby the naturist area. While still a big taboo in North America, naturism is more mainstream in Europe and is enjoyed by gays and straights alike. Prepare to encounter people of all different ages and body types basking in nude bliss. Please note, photography and film are forbidden inside the limits of the naturist space.
Where: Espace Naturiste de Paris in Bois de Vincennes, Route Daupiné
When: Every day from April 15 to October 15
Tata Beach at the Seine
A former gay cruising spot on the river alongside the Jardin des Tuileries, Tata Beach fell out of use in the 1990s. However, it has remained an area where gay and queer people congregate, and it’s common to catch youngsters vogueing around here. Hang out with a bottle of wine and people watch for a while — rest assured, you’ll see something interesting.
Where: by the Seine alongside the Tuileries Garden Shops
Resources
Centre LGBT
Photo: Elena Dijour/Shutterstock
The LGBT Center is a welcoming place that’s always buzzing with activity. Inside, it has the feel of a gay YMCA. Every day there’s an exhaustive list of events and activities. On Monday evenings, there are several 90-minute yoga classes held in the cellar studio for only six euros ($6.70). All are welcome to hang out in the living room-style entrance area and enjoy a discounted coffee or snack. The LGBT Center is involved in almost every official LGBTQ event in Paris, so it’s a great resource for staying in the know.
Where: 63 Rue Beaubourg
When: Monday-Friday from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturday from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, closed Sundays
Les Mots à la Bouche
This LGBTQ bookshop has a high-quality selection in both French and English. All of the basics are covered, from gay canon classics to the hottest new LGBTQ novel of the summer. The prices are reasonable, and it’s not uncommon to see an eccentric elderly Marais gentleman with a sparkly cane and a feather in his cap browsing the aisles.
Where: 6 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie
Hours: daily from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Saint-Eustache
Photo: Sodel Vladyslav/Shutterstock
Yes, there’s a church on Paris’s ultimate LGBTQ guide — but it’s not just any church. Saint-Eustache has been a mainstay for gay and lesbian Catholics in Paris for years. Although not documented, many claim that there was a support office housed within this building for the sick and dying during the AIDS crisis. Allegedly the staff at Saint-Eustache remain friendly and open toward LGBTQ parishioners, but, of course, this is not official or sanctioned by the Catholic hierarchy. As if a silent nod to the LGBTQ community, Saint-Eustache is home to a triptych by the famously vocal gay artist, Keith Haring. The triptych portrays the life of Christ but in Haring’s signature contemporary style. Located centrally in Les Halles, this peaceful sanctuary is worth a visit regardless of your religious beliefs.
Where: 2 Impasse Saint-Eustache
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#BlackBirdersWeek movement
In response to an incident in Central Park last week, in which a white dog walker wrongfully called the police on Christian Cooper, a black birdwatcher, the black birdwatching community is coming together in solidarity. A group of 30 black scientists, birders, and outdoor explorers created a campaign to raise awareness about the black birding community and encourage birding among people of color.
#BlackBirdersWeek started on May 31 and ends on June 5, with each day dedicated to a different event.
To participate in the daily events, just follow the hashtag on Twitter and Instagram. Sunday was #BlackInNature day, which celebrated black nature enthusiasts around the world. Monday is the #PostABird challenge, encouraging users to post a photo of any bird you might spot in the wild. Tuesday is #AskABlackBirder — a two-hour Q&A session with the Black Birders on Twitter from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST. Thursday is a livestream community discussion called #BirdingWhileBlack, and Friday is #BlackWomenWhoBird, dedicated to female black birders.
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The initiative is led by economist Anna Opoky-Agyeman, Jason Ward of the “Birds of North America” YouTube series, herpetologist Earyn McGee, and other experts and activists.
Corina Newsome, a graduate student at Georgia Southern University and one of the organizers of the event, said, “This effort was borne out of a large friend group of Black scientists and outdoor explorers who want to make sure the world knows that Black birders belong here, we are thriving, and our community is growing,” Newsome says. “We want members of our community who might be interested in birding and outdoor exploration to know that they are welcome here and to not be deterred by people who have attempted to make these spaces hostile to us. We are changing the face of birding.”
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Restaurants supporting George Floyd
Restaurants around the country are expressing support for the George Floyd protests and speaking up to condemn the actions of the police officers in Minneapolis responsible for the incident. Messages of support and solidarity are coming from chains as large as McDonald’s, as well as smaller, locally owned restaurants.
In a “Letter to the McDonald’s System,” McDonald’s US President Joe Erlinger said he was “appalled by recent events in Louisville, Georgia, New York and Minneapolis.” He continued that “over the next several weeks, McDonald’s will provide several opportunities to discuss these issues and our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Additionally, I encourage you to write me directly with thoughts and ideas as to how McDonald’s can reinforce its commitment to our communities and share anything else that’s on your mind.”
Smaller chains are showing their support for the movement as well. &pizza is offering employees paid time off for activism while the Jamba smoothie chain is encouraging followers to sign a petition for justice for George Floyd.
For those in this pain. For those in this fight. We stand with the Black Community against racial hate and injustice.
In memory of George Floyd & in UNITY always.
From this day forward, @andpizza will be giving its employees paid time off for activism. pic.twitter.com/j6Capnl37t
— &pizza (@andpizza) May 31, 2020
We stand with you today and will always be a champion for diversity and inclusion in our stores and our communities. https://t.co/dkrga3pJG3 pic.twitter.com/ksDuwpdrIy
— Jamba (@JambaJuice) June 1, 2020
Leaders at Saxbys Coffee, a Philadelphia-based company, also spoke out. CEO Nick Bayer posted a photo of a location damaged in the riots, accompanied by the assurance that Saxbys is “ALL IN on equality for all.”
Other independent restaurants are expressing support and promising to dedicate resources toward fighting systemic inequality. Some are even shrugging off damage to store locations, and focusing instead on promoting the message of the protests.
Yes, we had some windows broken @FoundingFarmers on Penn Ave last night. Most important, none of our team was injured. Equally important, my team & I stand firmly with the message of the protest. If America's leaders (and citizens) listened to @Kaepernick7 when he peacefully
— Dan Simons (@DanSimonsSays) May 31, 2020
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Best RV travel in the US
When social-distancing norms came into place, the RV industry looked at itself, blinked, and realized it was about to experience a silver lining in an otherwise tough global situation. If there’s any moment that RV life would take over the world, it’d be this one.
And so far, “taking over the world” it just might. A recent survey conducted by the Cairn Consulting Group shows that Americans and Canadians are — more than ever — hard-pressed to find ways to travel, get into nature, and break from the daily chaos but with quarantine still in mind. In other words, we’re ready to hit the outdoors for RV adventures.
For starters, it’s just safer. You’re self-contained. No shared toilet seats, no stuffing into a flying sardine tube. You could still, technically, be under strict quarantine while traveling the country, provided that you’re stocked up on supplies. And it’s cheaper than a lot of options — given the current economic climate, that’s a big no-brainer. Its only rival in terms of budgeting is camping, and RVing comes without the sacrifice. You have your own space, plus many amenities offered at a resort.
If you’re lucky enough to have access to your home on wheels, where should you go? These options are beautiful and located along major road-trip routes in the US, meaning there are plenty of places to refuel and relax.
One important note: We do not want to suggest you bombard beautiful places, rural areas, or small towns. Ideally, you will gather all your supplies where you live and make minimal stops during your trip. Keep to yourself as much as possible, and have a plan B at the ready. If your destination looks busy, pass it.
For hiking adventures
Ridgway State Park, Colorado
Photo: Patrick Jennings/Shutterstock
Ridgway State Park is like a best-of outdoor buffet. Yes, the hiking is great. There are 14 miles of trails in the park. But nearby is Box Canyon Falls, Cascade Falls Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (hello, dark skies), and the San Juan National Forest. Lush hills, waterfalls, and gorgeous mountain peaks are all at your doorstep, there to enjoy.
The state park also has a five-mile-long reservoir that’s great for wakeboarding, waterskiing, windsurfing, and boating. While you’re here, be sure to get a glance at Ouray, known as the Switzerland of America because it’s surrounded by towering rocky peaks that resemble famous Swiss mountains like the Matterhorn.
The park’s Dakota Terraces Campground offers year-round RV camping sites. All Colorado state parks require camping reservations as of January 2020, so let them know in advance that you’re coming, even if it’s day-of. A site complete with hook-ups runs $32 per night.
Devils Lake State Park, Wisconsin
Photo: MarynaG/Shutterstock
Twenty-nine miles of hiking trails unfurl around this ancient river gorge, now a glacial lake sparkling under 500-foot quartzite bluffs. A section of the 1,200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail winds up and along the lake’s western ridge, granting fantastic views. Paddleboards and kayaks are also available for rent.
All three campgrounds welcome RVs, though only Northern Lights and Quartzite offer hook-ups. Rates are $20 per night for residents of Wisconsin and $25 for non-residents, the state’s best sunrise included. Explore the campground and make a reservation via the park’s website.
Crown Villa RV Resort, Oregon
Photo: Crown Villa RV Resort
Crown Villa is known for its spacious sites (with patios and storage) and for being the best RV spot in Bend, Oregon. The resort also includes access to the spa, bocce ball, and pickleball courts. Being right in town, Bend’s outsized attractions are just a few minutes away — namely the Deschutes National Forest. There are 100+ trails in the area, some leading to crystal-blue lakes, gigantic waterfalls, mountain peaks, and lazy rivers. Rates start at $45 per night this summer, but that gets you into a resort-like lounge area complete with a game room, business center, hot tub, steam rooms, and more.
For water adventures
Priest Lake State Park, Idaho
Photo: Hanjo Hellmann/Shutterstock
Northern Idaho has three amazing lakes, but Priest Lake is by far the most natural and pristine. With 80 miles of shoreline, the Selkirk Mountains to the east, and state and national forests on practically all sides, it is one of those treasures that highlight a trip.
Rent a canoe — or bring your own — and navigate the park’s quiet, hidden coves. Be sure to follow the 2.5-mile inlet to Upper Priest Lake, an even more serene spot only welcome to boaters and hikers. Pull up on the shore to take a break for huckleberry picking, in season.
Each of Priest Lake State Park’s three campgrounds offers RV sites: Indian Creek is open year-round. Make reservations through the state’s portal. Rates start at $24 per night.
Chula Vista RV Resort, California
Photo: Sun RV Resorts
This is about as luxury as RV camping gets. Right on San Diego Bay, Chula Vista has impeccable grounds, marina access, bike trails, live music, a swimming pool and spa, a workout space, and pet-friendly areas. Bayside Park and San Diego National Wildlife Refuge are just across the way, too. Even if you don’t have a boat, you can swim, fish, paddleboard, kayak, or just wander the paths by the water, taking in the views of San Diego Bay. Rates hover slightly over $100 per night.
Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground, North Carolina
Photo: Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground/Facebook
Cape Hatteras is the US’s first national seashore, and it stretches for 100-plus miles along North Carolina’s famed Outer Banks, from the Pamlico Sound to the Atlantic Ocean. Stay at the Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground and you’ll have the water on either side of you, giving you access to wild adventures on the waves or quieter moments paddling the sound.
The resort is massive, with 400 campsites with full hookups, cable, and WiFi. You’ll also get access to the camp store, swimming pools and hot tub, bike rentals, mini-golf, and bathhouses. Plan to spend slightly over $100 per night over the summer.
For national park adventures
Wonderland RV Park, Utah
Photo: Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock
Wonderland RV Park is within three hours of five national parks: It’s just five minutes from Capitol Reef, two hours from Bryc, 2.5 hours from Arches, just under three hours from Canyonlands, and three hours from Zion. You’ll overstay your welcome before you could ever run out of things to do.
The resort itself has all the basics covered: Free WiFi, cable, basketball courts, lawn games, and even fishing, with rates starting around $50 per night.
Riverbend RV Park, California
Photo: Riverbend RV Park
Right on the Kings River, Riverbend RV Park sits at the gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Because California proliferates with big-ticket attractions, that means you’re also only 90 minutes from Yosemite and fewer than three hours from Pinnacles. Streams that flow into the Kings River flow through the 30-acre resort, giving it a calming, natural feel. You’ll spend your non-park time playing cornhole, horseshoes, and letting Fido run free in the designated dog park. Rates start at $50 per night.
Midway RV Park, Washington
Photo: Bill45/Shutterstock
Around three hours from Mt. Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Park, Midway RV Park is truly “midway.” It’s smack dab in the middle of at least three national forests to boot, meaning whichever direction you head away in is a good one.
With 60-foot-plus sites, the biggest of big rigs can find a comfy home at Midway — and the food is equally “comfort”-based at Judy’s Country Kitchen, on site. There’s a fully equipped rec hall, and the views are pine-clad wherever you look. Rates start at just over $50 per night.
For “backcountry” adventures
While it is technically possible to take an RV out into the backcountry for “wild camping,” the below is a short list of off-the-beaten-track destinations, with campgrounds that have few, if any, amenities for RVers. They may not be backcountry per se, but they’re the next best thing.
Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, Colorado
Photo: Marilyn D. Lambertz/Shutterstock
The Boulder Ranger District, just west of the eponymous city in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, has seven campgrounds, five of which are open to RVers. They do offer hook-ups, dump stations, and showers. You’ll be tucked quietly into a glacial valley or near an old mining town, experiencing a slower side of Colorado than its busier national parks.
With 1.5 million acres — the forests are managed together along with Pawnee National Grassland — you’ve got quite the backyard to explore. There are hundreds of miles of trails to choose from just in this district alone. Check out this list if you’d like to get overwhelmed.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
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It’s uncommon, but primitive RV-compatible sites do exist in national parks. Big Bend has 11 that meet the cut for vehicles under 30 feet, though they are roadside, and generator use isn’t allowed. Sites are little more than a flat area to park with no distractions and great views — but that’s all you need, right? Do note that you need a permit for these sites as they are in high demand. Be sure to reserve early.
Superior National Forest, Minnesota
Photo: Sharon Day/Shutterstock
In the Gunflint Ranger District of Superior National Forest, stretching from Lake Superior all the way up to the Canadian border, eight campgrounds are suitable for RVers — though not all include electricity. Every site is pretty remote, in a heavily wooded area, and quiet, quiet, quiet.
Here you can fish in the Cascade River, go in search of the wildlife that abounds, and get proverbially lost in the pines. There are countless lakes and trails to wander up here, too, each far, far away from any WiFi signal or any reminder of city life.
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George Floyd protests are worldwide
Last month, it seemed unfathomable that the coronavirus could slip into the back of anyone’s mind. But in response to the tragic death of George Floyd after a police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis on May 25, protests have erupted around the country and dominated our national conversation. In cities and towns all across the United States, crowds of passionate protesters have been marching for six consecutive days to express their anger over Floyd’s unjust killing. And the protests aren’t just confined to US soil. This weekend, demonstrators gathered around the world to show their support for racial equality.
On Sunday, crowds defied London’s lockdown rules and gathered in Trafalgar Square, marching in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Some even marched to the US embassy in the Nine Elms area. Similarly, crowds in Berlin and Copenhagen gathered in front of their respective US Embassies holding Black Lives Matter placards and marching in extraordinary numbers.
Huge demonstration in front of the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark. We show solidarity with our black brothers & sisters and protest systemic racism and police brutality. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/hEDLRaEWnW
— Carl Valentin (@Carl__Valentin) May 31, 2020
In Milan, protesters took a different approach. A flash mob gathered in front of the US consulate, collectively sank to their knees, and held their hands to their throat in emulation of the now-famous “I can’t breathe” rallying cry. A similarly silent protest was staged in Dublin on Sunday, with 100 people standing in front of the US Embassy holding placards.
"Flashmob of protest against the killing of George Floyd in front of the consulate of United States of America on May 28, 2020 in Milan, Italy."#ICantBreath pic.twitter.com/aV9Tdj4Utn
— ᶜʰʳⁱˢᵗᵒᵖʰᵉʳ @ narco.news (@just_some_d00d) May 28, 2020
Over 100 people have taken part in a silent protest in solidarity of #BlackLivesMatter outside the US Embassy in Dublin. Demonstrator want justice for George Floyd and equality. pic.twitter.com/NiOD8ZdTeO
— Ben Finnegan (@_BenFinnegan) May 31, 2020
In Toronto and Vancouver, thousands of people marched against police brutality, chanting Black Lives Matter slogans and demanding justice for George Floyd. In Tokyo, protestors marched on May 30 in response to violent Tokyo police response against an ethnic Kurdish person in May. The latest protests also condemned the police killing of George Floyd.
Massive protest in Toronto. Black lives matter! #JusticeForRegis #JusticeForFloyd pic.twitter.com/pRV7phPS8e
— Nicholas Thompson (@meetnicholas) May 30, 2020
The demonstrations show that the rest of the world is watching, responding, and in solidarity.
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