The 29th edition of Brussels Pride kicked off in the city centre on Saturday afternoon, focusing on the theme “Unite, time to protect our rights,” urging a society where everyone’s fundamental rights are respected daily.
Before the vibrant parade began, several LGBTQIA+ activists from countries facing pressure on LGBTQIA+ rights shared their perspectives.
One activist from Budapest, Hungary, addressed the crowd, saying, “I come from a country that rebelled against Soviet rule in 1956, tore down the Iron Curtain in 1989, and has seen growing tolerance for sexual minorities in recent years. Despite its love for freedom, Hungary is now witnessing increasing embarrassment from its citizens for their government.”
The activist continued, “The ban on Pride events is just the latest attack on the fundamental rights of Hungarian citizens. However, the government can’t forbid Budapest Pride because love and freedom cannot be prohibited. Budapest Pride will take place on 28 June, and I invite everyone here to join us and make it the biggest, most colourful, and most international Pride ever.”
Viktória Radványi, chairwoman of Budapest Pride, directed her remarks at European institutions, criticising their inaction: “Since Pride was banned two months ago, we have seen no action from the European Commission. If the Commission doesn’t suspend the law banning all LGBTQIA+ events in Hungary, other Eastern European countries may follow suit. Failing to act would make the Commission complicit in restricting the basic rights of European citizens.”
