WorldPride has one simple mission: to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights globally. WorldPride spreads its inclusive message through parades, festivals and other fun activities. This year, WorldPride 2012 will be led by Pride London, which is known for its annual Pride London Parade, with support from London mayor Boris Johnson. The 2-week long event will include a main parade, on July 7, plus various other celebrations that are expected to attract more than 1 million visitors.

Pride Festival Opening
June 17
The WorldPride London Festival will kick off with a variety of acts at venues in Soho. It’s set to be a festive event, with acts performed by musicians, dancers and jugglers.

Variety Night at Soho Theatre
June 24
Visitors are invited to see a variety of LGBT acts at Soho Theatre. Performances will range from stand- up comedians to singers. Part of the event will be an open mic session, themed along the lines of "LGBT got talent."

Three-Day Fashion Show at CXR
June 25-27
Visitors can view a unique range of clothing from a new and upcoming designer, Vojyer, with his new “Off the Wall” clothing line. The designer has worked with various film directors, and has produced a range of clothing not to be missed.

Jazz Extravaganza
June 26-28
The Jazz Extravaganza is a new event this year, designed to bring together jazz musicians, both LGBT and LGBT-friendly, to perform. The venue is still to be confirmed.

Pride Pooch
June 28
Back by popular demand, this event gives LGBT dog owners the chance to have their beloved pooches displayed and judged in various categories. The event will be in association with the non-profit charity Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

Pride’s First-Ever Drag Ball
June 28
Hosted at CXR, the event will see the UK’s best and upcoming drag enthusiasts vie for the title of Miss WorldPride 2012 drag artist of the year.

SoHottie Final
June 29
Bars across Soho will send their best and brightest talents to this exciting event. Finalists will slug it out in rounds, including swimwear competitions and Pride knowledge trivia games, before telling the audience and judges what they hope to achieve during their reign as Mister or Miss SoHottie. The event will be hosted at the the home of last year’s first-ever title winner.

Opening Ceremony for the Last Week
June 30
The winner of SoHottie will officially turn on a fab lightshow on Compton Street. A variety of acts will also perform at the open-air event.

Come Dancing
July 1
Come Dancing will showcase a series of heats in various dance categories (Latin American, ballroom, jive and swing), before concluding with a live finale.

Beyond Gay
July 2
Enjoy a screening of the award-winning film Beyond Gay. Filmmaker Bob Christie takes his cameras around the globe to document the struggle for gay equality in places where coming out of the closet can get you thrown in jail. See what happens when a gay pride parade in Eastern Europe is shut down by authorities, and how the organizers get creative to spread their message.The venue is still to be confirmed.

International Evening
July 2-July 4
This 3-day series of events will feature acts from around the world, coming to London for WorldPride 2012. The venue is still to be confirmed. Pride International Conference, July 4 This conference will bring together activists from across the UK, sponsored by the work and social advocacy group Trades Union Congress, and will be held at Senate House, University of London.