On May 17, 2013, the law allowing marriage for same-sex couples was enacted during Hollande's presidency. By 2023, this provision was celebrating its 10th birthday. Ten years that haven’t erased homophobia, stigma, and discrimination, but have allowed thousands of people to put a ring on their finger without their sexual orientation being a legal barrier.
A major societal advancement, celebrated by the City of Paris on Saturday, May 16, 2025, with a grand Ball of Love, this time held at the Place de la Bastille, after two successful editions held at the Town Hall's forecourt. The date is symbolic, as the following day marks the International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Phobias.
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Free karaoke, performances, cabaret, and DJ sets
The concept is the same: this third edition of the Ball of Love aims to be dancing, festive, accessible, and therefore free. Everyone is welcome, whether you identify as lesbian, gay, pansexual, bisexual, or transgender, the ball is for all.a destination for all Parisians, LGBTQIA+ communities, and their allies, spouses, families, youth, and seniors who wish to celebrate the adoption of marriage for all.
Starting at 6 PM, a high-flying program will showcase the artistic and musical contributions of LGBTQIA+ minorities from the 1960s to the present day, with a focus on equality and love. It all kicks off at 6 PM with a set by Frederic Djaaleb, and continues with cabarets, karaoke, dance performances, singing, and other DJ sets to keep you moving until night falls. The last concert is scheduled for 10:35 PM.
International LGBTQIA+ Awards Ceremony in Paris
Because May 17th is also the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, the event will allow the City Hall to reveal the identities of the 2025 award winners of the International LGBTQIA+ Awards in Paris, which honor advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights. They will be presented at the end of the afternoon, at City Hall, by a jury chaired by Victor Gutierrez, former elite athlete and Spanish deputy.
Alongside the love ball, a multitude of events will be organized throughout the days of May 16th and 17th, including an art exhibition dedicated to fighting against LGBTQIA+phobias, a series of conferences at the...
City Hall on the regressions of LGBTQIA+ rights worldwide, the inauguration of the first memorial in France dedicated to the homosexual victims of deportation at the Arsenal Port Garden, as well as a commemoration in tribute to Jean Diot and Bruno Lenoir, the last people sentenced to death for homosexuality, on Léopold Bellan Street (2nd).Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Ball of Love
Bastille Square – 4th
May 16, 2025 starting at 6 PM
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