On May 17, 2013, the law opening marriage to same-sex couples, commonly known as Marriage for All (and we might add, for all!), was enacted during Hollande's presidency. In 2023, this law celebrated its tenth birthday. Ten years that haven't erased homophobia, stigma, or discrimination, but have allowed thousands of people to exchange rings without their sexual orientation being a legal barrier.
A major societal advancement, celebrated by the City of Paris on Friday, May 15, with a grand Ball of Love, once again held at Place de la Bastille. It promises to be a festive and symbolic weekend, as May 17 marks the International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Phobias.
LGBTQIA+ Love at the Heart of Paris
The concept is the same: this fourth edition of the Ball of Love aims to be dancing, festive, accessible, and therefore free. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re lesbian, gay, pansexual, bisexual, transgender, the ball is for all Parisians!
Join all the Parisians, LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies, married couples, families, young people, and seniors who wish to celebrate love at the foot of the July Column.
© Guillaume Bontemps / Ville de Paris
But before the party, let's dive into some meaningful reflections. The City of Paris invites us to a public conference at the auditorium of the City Hall starting at 2:30 PM. With “Paris: City of Pride, City of Struggles”, we’ll take a look at discrimination, international issues, and the role of sports in the fight for equality. Join us with SOS Homophobie, the Association for the Universal Decriminalization of Homosexuality (ADUH), the Rainbow Cities Network, Fier Play, and the LGBT+ Sports Federation.
Free Performances, Cabaret, and DJ Sets
To keep the evening lively in the Place de la Bastille, there's a high-quality artistic program – presented by the Théâtre du Châtelet – that showcases...the artistic and musical contribution of LGBTQIA+ minorities from the 1960s to the present, with equality and love as the guiding theme. It starts at 6 PM, with a DJ set by Malaureins to gently warm up your legs on the dance floor, followed by three quality live performances with the artists Mac Hartley, Shinobihana, and Vicky R, with Monsieur K as the MC!
© Guillaume Bontemps / Ville de Paris
The concerts will be followed by fiery performances with a cabaret flair, featuring scenes from La Cage aux Folles – the sensational musical that stole the spotlight this year at the Théâtre du Châtelet – along with fabulous lipsyncs from legendary drag queens. The evening will finally wrap up with a DJ set by Corrine, an icon of Parisian nightlife.
Bal de l'amour
Place de la Bastille – 4th district
Friday, May 15, 2026, starting at 6 PM
More info
