Yesterday, the streets of Hamilton were filled with color, celebration, and conviction as the annual Bermuda Pride Parade brought together hundreds of participants and allies in a unified call for equality, inclusion, and love. The event, led by OUTBermuda, the island’s LGBTQ+ advocacy charity, concluded at Victoria Park, where the spirit of the day remained electric long after the last float passed.
TNN spoke with Joshua Samuels, Executive Director of OUTBermuda, about the energy, purpose, and future of Pride in Bermuda.
“It was an amazing day. The energy was here. People showed up,” Samuels said, smiling as he stood among parade-goers in the park. “People are excited about this movement for equality and inclusion. Bermuda is a better place when queer folks feel like they belong.”
A Week of Pride
This year’s parade was the crescendo of an entire week of programming hosted by OUTBermuda. The festivities kicked off with a drag brunch last Sunday, followed by a panel discussion, open mic night, and community events that showcased the diversity and creativity of Bermuda’s LGBTQ+ population. The celebration continues with an afterparty at Pier 6, a church service at Wesley Methodist, and a Pride Cruise setting sail tomorrow.
“Pride is celebration, but it’s also born in protest,” Samuels noted. “It’s the community saying, we are here, we will be seen, and we belong.”
One Incident, Many Messages
Though the day was largely peaceful and jubilant, it was not without tension. One individual appeared at the parade carrying a placard labeled “Discrimination,” and was arrested by police shortly thereafter.
“Sometimes it’s ignorance. Sometimes it’s belief,” Samuels said, addressing the incident. “But queer people have always existed in Bermuda. I’m happy to be a gay man. I used to think my queerness was something bad, but now I see it as a gift. And queer people are a gift to Bermuda.”
Global Support, Local Focus
This year’s Pride also welcomed guests and allies from countries including Canada, the United States, and the Dominican Republic. But Samuels stressed that the heart of the event remains firmly rooted in Bermuda.
“We do this for Bermuda. This is a Bermuda event. And when we celebrate queer Bermudian culture authentically, others are drawn to it too.”
Sponsors and Sustainability
Samuels expressed gratitude to the organizations that supported this year’s events. Major sponsors—dubbed “Rainbow Sponsors”—included RenaissanceRe, Fortitude Re, Carey Olsen, and Bacardi, whose contributions not only funded the week of Pride but also help sustain LGBTQ+ programming year-round.
Attendance and Impact
While some noted that crowd numbers appeared lower than last year, Samuels said the emotional power of the event felt stronger than ever.
“The energy was there. I spoke with people who said this was their first ever Pride—who finally had the courage to show up publicly. And we march not just for those here today, but also for those who still don’t feel safe enough to be visible.”
Samuels emphasized that shame and silence still persist for many LGBTQ+ Bermudians, and that Pride continues to be a response to that struggle.
“Pride exists to defeat that shame. No one should feel ashamed of who they are.”
As the rainbow flags settle and the final events wrap up, one message remains loud and clear: Bermuda’s LGBTQ+ community is vibrant, resilient, and here to stay.
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