Warsaw Gay Pride Parade Back After Backlash, Pandemic

The largest gay pride parade in central Europe took place again in Warsaw on Saturday for the first time in two years after a pandemic-induced break — and amid a backlash in Poland and Hungary against LGBT rights. The year’s Equality Parade came 20 years since the event was first held in the Polish capital. It was banned twice in its early years by a conservative mayor who feared it would promote homosexuality and last year it was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski walked at the head of the parade in a sign of support for LGBT rights, joining thousands who were cheered on by others waving rainbow flags from apartment balconies and sidewalk cafes. But that level of acceptance is not universal in Poland, a heavily Catholic, largely conservative nation. The joyful and colorful celebration was tinged with fear of what the future holds for the rights of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people after setbacks first in Russia and now in Hungary. “The day of the parade is always a bittersweet moment for our community,” said Rafal Wojtczak, a spokesman for the organizers. He described feelings of sadness and helplessness that LGBT people have not achieved rights liked same-sex partnership or marriage in Poland, while also facing new threats. The parade comes only days after Hungary’s parliament passed a law that makes it illegal to show any materials about LGBT issues to people under 18.

Regions: ,

Share this:

Latest Global News

Added on: 12/25/2024
12/24/2024
Syria’s newly established authorities will prioritize matters concerning the status of the LGBT community, regulations regarding women’s attire, and the consumption of alcohol, as …
Added on: 12/25/2024
12/24/2024
President Joe Biden signed an almost $900 billion defense bill even though the bill contained a provision containing restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender …
Added on: 12/25/2024
12/24/2024
In a pointed rebuttal to the growing anti-LGBTQ+ movement spreading across the African continent, leaders championing Africa’s so-called “pink economy” gathered recently in Cape …

Explore LGBTQ+ Issues

Other News from ,

Added on: 12/24/2024
The Law on the Protection of Minors from Negative Effects of Public Information posited an antiquated belief that minors are adversely affected by information …
Added on: 12/23/2024
Sandi Toksvig, the Danish-British comedian, broadcaster and activist, is getting ready to put on a Christmas show, heading back to the same stage in …
Added on: 12/22/2024
Is it the worst time to be gay in Russia? How unsafe is the LGBTQIA+ community under President Vladimir Putin? How has the political …