Faces of Pride: Lara Özlen || Istanbul Pride
“It is important for us to shout out loud and being more visible since there are no legal regulations in relation to hate crimes or marriage equality in Turkey.”
Faces of Pride: Czeslaw Walek || Prague Pride
“Come to Prague and support us by visiting Prague Pride. We aspire to be the first Eastern European country to legalize equal marriage and we need your help.”
Faces of Pride: Hadi Damien || Beirut Pride
“Be kind, yet firm, and trust that we are moving forward, no matter what. It is called evolution. We will get there, for we are genuine and authentic.”
Faces of Pride: Alexa Hoffmann || Barbados Pride
“In a society such as Barbados, where religious ideologies and pop culture influence prejudice against LGBT persons, Pride stands as a statement by those who participate that they will not bow to the shame anticipated by those who are against the idea of us being treated as equals in society.”
Faces Of Pride: Evie Wu || Shanghai Pride
“This year is the 10th year of pride in Shanghai and we initiate CnPRIDE at this moment with grassroots organizations around Mainland China, that have developed for years and that have the capability to organize a festival or an event for their local community. From May to July, the whole community around the mainland can celebrate TOGETHER!”
Faces Of Pride: Julia Maciocha || Warsaw Pride
“For me it’s important because it’s gathering many minorities, not only LGBTQ people. We have 13 demands and more and more people are joining the parade because they feel this is their celebration too. It’s only one day in Warsaw when people can wear rainbow, hold hands and be protected by the police. It’s like a big breath we take, that we have to hold for one year.”
Faces Of Pride: Francesco || Milano Pride
“A lot has been done until now, but a lot has still to be done! Let’s stay alert, proud and inclusive and let’s spread the spirit of Pride everywhere!”
Faces Of Pride: Anil Persaud || Guyana Pride
“The LGBT community truly marched with pride in their veins as it was not only a parade but it was a movement and a clear statement – we exist and we deserve rights, like any other human being.”
Faces Of Pride: Eva Jóa || Reykjavik Pride
“I think Reykjavík Pride is important because the fight isn’t over. Socially we might be one of the most accepting countries, but our laws have us beaten.”
Faces Of Pride: Maurice Tomlinson || Montego Bay Pride
“Montego Bay Pride also is an opportunity for the small LGBT community to share survival strategies, feel empowered knowing that we are not alone, and show solidarity for each other as we “gear up” to face another challenging year in a very hostile environment.”
Faces Of Pride: Viktória Radványi || Budapest Pride
“The Ministry of Interior ignored our claim, so during the march, we teared down the cordons and marched, finally, in freedom. That was an achievement no one expected us to reach.”
Faces Of Pride: Kaye Ally || Johannesburg Pride
“Don’t turn a blind eye to the plight of the LGBT+ community in Africa. Africa needs your support!”
Faces Of Pride: Radoslav Stoyanov || Sofia Pride
“Without the pride Bulgarian media wouldn’t be talking about LGBTIQ people at all.”
Faces Of Pride: Thanos Vlachogiannis || Thessaloniki Pride
“Above all, Prides empower and give a huge boost to the self-confidence of LGBTI people, while they provide a safe space for them for self-expression.”