This makes it the biggest Pride event not only in the entire Middle East, but also in the whole continent of Asia. Indeed, the years 20 brought out over 250,000 participants, and even in 2021 over 100,000 celebrants joined in the fun. My own heterosexual siblings regularly attended Pride before the COVID-19 pandemic. Tel Aviv Pride is one of the city’s biggest events of the year, attended by many LGBTQ+ people from abroad as well as many Israelis, whether they are LGBTQ or not. It prioritizes a culture of free expression and lifestyle choices, not only permitting but also honoring its citizens’ decisions to live their lives in the way that brings them fulfillment and happiness. Although people associate the Middle East with oppressive homophobia, Israel is the exception. As a gay Jew watching Tel Aviv Pride this month, the fact that the largest Pride celebration in the Middle East (and one of the largest in the Asia) takes place in Israel makes me incredibly proud.