'We have been working with WHO over recent weeks to develop our messages and we will encourage Pride organisations and event producers across Europe to use their events to raise awareness of the facts about monkeypox so that people can protect themselves. 'We are reassured by the clear statement from WHO that major events including Pride should not be cancelled or curtailed because of the outbreak,' he said. Mr Taylor told the briefing that this summer Europe will host around 750 Pride events. Steve Taylor, board member at EuroPride, said the virus – which has been mainly concentrated in gay and bisexual men – must not be used as an excuse to shut down LGBTQ+ events. Global Pride events are an opportunity to spread public health messages about monkeypox and must not be cancelled, an expert has told a World Health Organization (WHO) briefing.