- In a country where conservative values still hold strong sway, Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, became the scene of a pride march that demanded not only visibility but also progress for the country’s LGBTQ+ community. Under heavy police protection, the participants called on the government to take action on issues that have long plagued the community, including harassment, discrimination, and a lack of legal recognition for same-sex partnerships.
The pride march, organized amidst fears of potential attacks from right-wing extremists, was a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Serbia. Organizers recounted a recent incident in which a young gay man was assaulted and had his rainbow flag stolen. Despite such threats, the crowd remained undeterred, carrying rainbow flags and dancing to music while demanding greater protection and equality from a government that has been slow to act on LGBTQ+ rights.
Serbia’s ongoing bid to join the European Union makes the issue of LGBTQ+ rights even more pressing. The country has struggled with its democratic record, and for many, the pride march highlighted the tension between Serbia’s aspirations and its internal realities. Mikhail Afanasev, a Russian refugee attending the march, spoke of the freedoms he longed for—both as a gay man and as a human being—after fleeing repression in his home country. His words underscored the universal struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and the desire for equal treatment, a cause that resonates deeply across borders.
Despite the presence of high-profile supporters like liberal politicians and international figures, the pride event faced opposition from Belgrade’s right-wing mayor, who refused to endorse the march. Still, the message was clear: the LGBTQ+ community in Serbia will not be silenced. Their fight for equality, though fraught with obstacles, continues to gain visibility and momentum, both within the country and internationally. Serbia’s future, particularly its place in the European Union, may well depend on how it addresses these human rights issues.
