Phuket, Thailand -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/04/2011 -- Phuket, Thailand: Gay tourists are set to descend on Phuket, Thailand in large numbers next month as the tenth annual Gay Pride Festival returns to the Island on February 23rd 2011.

The first Phuket Gay Pride Festival was held in 1999 and it was an instant hit with locals and tourists alike.

The four day event is organised by the local lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community, with Patong Municipality and local gay businesses helping to organise the various events. These include; a gay beach volley ball tournament, firework displays, street performances, a gay tour of Koh Yao Yai Island and, of course, a drag queen party.

The Phuket Gay Pride Festival kicks-off with a ‘White Party’, held at the Paradise Complex in Soi Paradise, Patong on February 23rd at 21.00.
Soi Paradise is the centre of the gay night scene in Patong, Phuket, and is home to numerous gay venues such as hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and shops.

The festival reaches its conclusion on February 26th; with a special Phuket Gay Pride Grand Parade on Patong Beach from 16:00 to 18:00. The closing ceremony will follow on Soi Paradise at 21:00.

Each year, proceeds from the various events at the Phuket Gay Pride Festival are donated to local foundations and organisations which help the local gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

This year, all the money raised will go to the Andaman Power Organisation which is located at Patong Hospital and works to promote awareness of sexual diversity. The organisation focuses on promoting AIDS awareness and other health issues affecting the gay community in Phuket.

Phuket is famous for its gay night scene and large numbers of tourists come to Patong each year to see the infamous Katoeys or Thai Ladyboys, as they are often called.

Rebecca Smith
Phuket Ocean Villas - http://www.phuketoceanvillas.com

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