The Reykjavík Pride Parade is a celebration of joy, resistance, and solidarity—led by queer people and those who support their lives and rights. Participation is organized through pre-registered groups, many of which are open to members of the public. In addition, everyone is welcome to walk the route after the final registered group has passed. All groups must complete registration by the designated deadline.
Group Participation
Both formal and informal groups that support queer people and their cause may apply to participate in the parade. Please note that all formal participation of individuals and groups in the Reykjavík Pride Parade is subject to approval by Reykjavík Pride. The organizing body reserves the right to evaluate applicants, request additional information if necessary, and deny applications, with or without explanation or direct dialogue.
Category 1 – Generally Approved for Participation
The following groups are generally eligible to participate, provided they register on time and meet all participation and safety requirements:
- Informal groups of queer individuals and their allies
- Formal organizations or associations of queer people and their allies, including advocacy groups affiliated with Samtökin ’78 or the National Queer Organization of Iceland
- Groups that fall under Category 2 but have been approved for participation for each of the past three years
Please note that Reykjavík Pride reserves the right to limit participation by any specific group, even within this category.
Category 2 – Participation Requires Special Approval
The following groups may be eligible to participate, subject to a written rationale and/or special permission:
- General nonprofit or community organizations, such as human rights groups, labor unions, faith-based organizations, and youth groups, that want to express explicit support for queer people within their communities
- Institutions or municipal coalitions that have demonstrated meaningful support for queer rights
- Formal or informal groups of public officials—such as ambassadors or politicians—marching together as unified delegations (e.g., cross-party youth groups, town council members from a particular municipality)
- Queer-owned businesses whose primary mission is to serve queer people, pending special approval from Reykjavík Pride
Reykjavík Pride reserves the right to request additional information from Category 2 groups to better assess their policies and values regarding queer rights and inclusion.
Category 3 – Not Eligible for Participation
The following groups are not permitted to participate in the Reykjavík Pride Parade:
- Businesses, unless specifically approved under Category 2
- Individual political parties (Note: politicians may march under their affiliations in mixed, cross-party groups, as long as it’s clear the group is diverse. Party branding must be modest and not visually dominant.)
- Groups, organizations, or institutions that undermine queer people’s rights or wellbeing—such as those that promote marginalization, discrimination, prejudice toward queer employees, clients, or community members
- Groups participating in bad faith, such as those whose intent is to mock queer people or other marginalized groups. This includes acts based on cultural appropriation, as well as bachelor or bachelorette parties using parade participation to ridicule one another or others in the procession
- Any group that does not fall under Category 1 or 2
Groups identified under Category 3 may request a formal review by the Reykjavík Pride board. Such requests must be submitted in writing, with rationale, no later than July 15 of the parade year.