A rainbow of colors filled the streets of Skopje on Saturday when North Macedonia held its first gay parade. Demonstrators in the largely conservative Balkan region have called for the cessation of discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT). Hundreds joined a march with whistles, a huge flag with rainbow colors and posters. They were walking around the city with a strong police presence. “I am here to support human rights but also to support friends who are struggling to live fully and freely for who they are,” said Dafina, a 29-year-old resident of Skopje. Several ministers, lawmakers and ambassadors also joined the event, which ended with a concert by local pop star Tamara Todevska, who sang her Eurovision hit “Gord”.