Rainbow Pride Bratislava 2016: An important signal

text by Peter Weisenbacher

On Saturday 30 July between one and two thousand people took part in Rainbow Pride 2016 (Dúhový PRIDE) in Bratislava, Slovakia. The number of participants was relatively high, considering the unstrategically selected date in the middle of summer holidays and outnumbered the counter-demonstrating neo-nazis and catholic fundamentalists at least 3 to 1. On the other hand, the number was disturbingly low, considering last years homophobic referendum, the fact that no Pride was held in 2015 and that recently a nazi party joined the parliament for the first time since 1945. The whole event was peaceful with no interruptions and noticeably more young people and families with small children took part this year, in accordance with tradition (established in 2010).

The signal that the opinions of the establishment and extremists are aligned at the moment and that pro-LGBT voices are in a minority and are weaker, is an important one. Hopefully next year with better planning and preparation, the number of participants will be much higher and will therefore force some reflection among the ruling elites.