Support the New Pink Parade Initiative

 

Behind every colorful float, vibrant flag, and joyful step of a Pride parade is a hardworking team of LGBTQIA+ advocates, nonprofit organizers, event coordinators, and volunteers. These are the people who meet month after month—balancing logistics, budgets, programming, and partnerships—all with one goal: to create a Pride celebration that uplifts, empowers, and includes everyone.

But bringing Pride to life isn’t easy—or cheap.

What It Takes to Put on a Parade

Before pulling up a flag, organizers must secure permits for street closures, sound and noise regulations, public safety plans, and security coordination. These negotiations with local authorities can take months and require deep attention to detail.

Then come the real costs:

• Equipment rentals (stages, speakers, lighting, fencing)
  

• Safety services (medical staff, security teams)
  

• Insurance, permits, clean-up crews, and more
  

While major cities may rely on large corporate sponsorships, Nice’s Pink Parade is proudly free to attend and powered by donations and community support. Every euro raised helps cover critical expenses so we can keep the parade open, safe, and inclusive for all.

Introducing: The New Pink Parade Initiative

This year, the team for the Pink Parade are launching an exciting way to give back—and get something fabulous in return.

Simply Scan the QR Code to Donate

When you make a donation to support the Pink Parade, you’ll receive an exclusive Pink Party Pass—your cut-in-line ticket for faster access to the official after-party following the march. It's our way of saying thank you, and your way of showing real solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.

Why Donate?

• You’re helping keep Pride free for everyone.
  

• You’re investing in safety, representation, and joy.
  

• You’re supporting an event that celebrates visibility, love, and resistance.
  

Pride isn’t just a day—it’s a movement. Be a part of it.

Donate. March. Celebrate.

Together, let’s make this year’s Pink Parade unforgettable.

Coco Chanel’s Roaring Riviera: A Dazzling New Exhibition Opens at Villa Paloma in Monaco

 

On 19 June 2025, the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco at Villa Paloma unveiled Les Années folles de Coco Chanel, a captivating new exhibition dedicated to the creative brilliance of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel during the exuberant 1920s along the Côte d’Azur.

The opening ceremony was attended by Princess Caroline of Hanover, joined by her daughters Charlotte Casiraghi and Princess Alexandra, as well as Alexandra’s partner, Ben‑Sylvester Strautmann. Princess Caroline’s presence, as President of the NMNM board, underscored the exhibition’s cultural weight and its celebration of the intersection between fashion and the arts.

Curated by Célia Bernasconi, the exhibition brings together more than 200 works. Among them are 30 iconic Chanel ensembles and accessories, paired with 40 pieces by artistic giants like Picasso, Van Dongen, Laurencin, Gontcharova, Delaunay, and Cocteau. Vintage photography by Man Ray and Edward Steichen adds further depth to this visually rich journey.

The exhibition unfolds across three thematic chapters:

• Outdoor Living & Seaside Leisure Highlighting Chanel’s revolutionary jersey garments designed for an active lifestyle on golf courses, tennis courts, and yachts.

• Ballets Russes & Slavic Influence Featuring Chanel’s famed Le Train Bleu costume, a collaboration with Jean Cocteau and inspired by the Monte-Carlo ballet scene.

• The Birth of Riviera Style Showcasing Chanel’s early Riviera boutique in Monte-Carlo, the launch of her iconic No. 5 perfume in Grasse in 1921, and the creation of her Villa La Pausa in 1928.

  
  Complementing the historical content, contemporary artist Chloé Royer offers a modern counterpoint with her sculptural installation Of Limbs and Other Things, which explores themes of feminine identity and transformation—echoing Chanel’s own legacy.
  
  Exhibition Information:

• Dates: 19 June – 28 September 2025

• Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–18:00 (extended to 11:00–19:00 in July and August)

• Admission: €6 (reduced €4); free entry on Sundays

Les Années folles de Coco Chanel is not just an exhibition—it is an ode to Chanel’s radical influence on fashion, femininity, and freedom. Through the lens of the Riviera's golden age, it paints a portrait of a woman who reshaped modern style and cultural expression.

If you’re in Monaco this summer, don’t miss this elegant journey into the heart of Chanel’s artistic revolution.

First LGBTQ Retirement Home Set to Open in France

France is on the verge of a historic milestone with the upcoming opening of its first LGBTQ+ retirement home in Lyon. Scheduled to welcome residents in autumn 2025, the Maison de la Diversité — or House of Diversity — is located in the city’s charming Croix-Rousse neighborhood. More than just a housing project, it is a bold response to the isolation, discrimination, and invisibility that many LGBTQ+ seniors face.

Why It Matters

Older LGBTQ+ individuals have often lived through decades of repression, many without the support of children or extended families. Studies show that 65% of LGBTQ+ seniors live alone — a stark contrast to 15% of heterosexual seniors under 70. Suicide rates among them are 2–7 times higher. The Maison de la Diversité aims to counter this isolation with a safe, inclusive, and supportive living environment.

 A Place to Be Yourself

Inclusive and Intergenerational

Primarily designed for those over 55, the home also reserves one unit for a student resident to promote cross-generational exchange. The goal is to build a community rooted in mutual respect and solidarity.

Community-Driven Design

The 680 m² residence spans five stories and houses 16 apartments (T1 and T2), each accessible via elevator and connected by outdoor walkways. In addition to private units, residents share 120 m² of communal space and a 200 m² garden — fostering daily interaction and companionship.

 

Charter of Shared Values

All residents agree to a charter emphasizing LGBTQ+ values, inclusion, and cooperation. While LGBTQ+ people are the primary focus, the home is also open to allies who support its mission.

Design & Comfort

 

Modern and Eco-Conscious

The building is fully accessible and constructed using hemp-based materials, targeting high environmental standards.

Functional Living Spaces

It features 9 units at intermediate rent and 7 at subsidized social rates, with apartments ranging from 24 to 42 m², each equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and living/sleeping areas.

Shared Amenities

The residence includes activity rooms, a laundry area, guest accommodations, a bike garage, and a garden, all designed to support healthy aging and social connection.

From Vision to Reality

A Community Effort
First proposed in 2022, the project received unanimous support from Lyon’s city council. Construction began in mid-2023 and is slated for completion by late 2024 or early 2025.

Broad Support Network

Backers include the City of Lyon, Métropole de Lyon, Croix-Rouge Habitat, and nonprofit Les Audacieuses & Les Audacieux. Mayor Grégory Doucet called the project a reflection of Lyon’s commitment to inclusivity and human dignity.

Scalable Model

Organizers hope this pioneering project will be just the beginning, with plans to establish 10 similar retirement homes across France over the next decade.

Voices from Within

Christophe Dercamp, general coordinator, describes the home as “a cocoon... a bubble of kindness, mutual aid, and solidarity between generations and neighbours.”

One future resident, François, told LyonMag:

“I could leave home wearing glitter — I know I’ll be safe.”

A National Movement Begins

While LGBTQ+-focused senior housing exists in countries like the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, Maison de la Diversité is a first for France. Lyon’s initiative could inspire similar projects in cities such as Paris, Marseille, Nice, Bordeaux, and Nantes, which are reportedly considering their own LGBTQ+ senior residences.

Looking Ahead

Set to open at 65 rue de Belfort, the Maison de la Diversité is more than a housing complex — it’s a symbol of social progress and belonging. For LGBTQ+ seniors, it offers not just a home, but a place to live freely, authentically, and surrounded by community.

In Summary

Lyon’s Maison de la Diversité challenges the invisibility that too often accompanies aging within the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a place where dignity, safety, and joy converge — proving that you can grow old and still sparkle on your own terms.

Dolly Party – Fête de la Musique 2025

 

The iconic Dolly Party returns to light up Nice on June 21, transforming Place du Pin into an exciting celebration of music, identity, and community. Organized by the Centre LGBTQIA+ Côte d’Azur in partnership with the City of Nice, this open-air music festival is a cornerstone of Pride and the Fête de la Musique.

What Is the Dolly Party?

Originally launched as the “Dolly Fête de la Musique,” this annual event has grown into a beloved Riviera tradition. Held on the summer solstice, it brings the streets to life with:

Electro & House DJ Sets – A stellar lineup including Nicolas Dermen, Ben Crafter, Jisse, FredSki, and Anna Crouse.

Immersive Visuals – Building façades transformed by projections from artist Moya, plus dazzling lighting and dancefloor energy.

Community Action – Info booths, free HIV/STI testing, vaccination services, and prevention outreach led by local associations.

Neighborhood Support – Surrounding bars, cafés, and restaurants join the festivities, with proceeds supporting the Centre’s vital advocacy work.

More Than a Party – A Celebration of Identity & Inclusion

 

Empowerment Through Festivity

Dolly is not just a celebration—it's a joyful act of resistance, a public affirmation of LGBTQIA+ visibility and pride.

An Inclusive, Safer Space

Everyone is welcome in this non-judgmental atmosphere. With controlled entry points and a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, Dolly offers a space where all identities can feel safe, seen, and supported.

Support That Lasts Beyond the Night

Funds raised go directly toward the Centre’s year-round efforts—legal advocacy, health outreach, and support services for LGBTQIA+ individuals across the region.

Why It Matters

Visibility & Belonging
By taking over a central square, Dolly celebrates queer presence in the heart of the city—amplifying voices and strengthening community ties.

A Safer Gathering
Dolly is a carefully managed event with entry checks and supervision, ensuring safety while preserving freedom and joy.

Awareness in Action
Through partnerships with organizations like AIDES and ENIPSE, attendees can access essential health services in an engaging, accessible environment.

Fundraising for Impact
The event directly supports the LGBTQIA+ Centre’s work across the Côte d’Azur—combating discrimination, promoting public health, and building community resilience.

What to Expect in 2025

When: Saturday, June 21 | 18:00–00:00
Where: Place du Pin & Rue Bonaparte, Nice
Entry: Free and open to all | Secured access with bag checks
Atmosphere: An exhilarating mix of beats, lights, community, and care—bringing together the essence of Pride and music festival magic.

Beyond June – A Cultural Staple

Dolly isn’t just a once-a-year affair. On August 14, the beloved Dolly White Party takes over Place du Pin once again—this time with an all-white dress code, drag performances, striking visuals, and continued fundraising for LGBTQIA+ causes.

Nice itself is a city proud of its inclusive spirit. From beaches to bars like Le Glam, it remains a welcoming destination where events like Dolly play a vital role in strengthening LGBTQIA+ culture and connection.

In Summary

The Dolly Party is a living celebration—bold, inclusive, full of joy and purpose.

On June 21, music and solidarity will pulse through the streets of Nice. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, LGBTQIA+ or an ally, this is your invitation to dance, connect, and be part of something meaningful.

Bring your energy. Bring your heart. And celebrate a community that celebrates you.