Kyiv hosts Equality March for the first time since 2021, amid ongoing war and counter-protest
In Kyiv, the Equality March took place for the first time since the outbreak of the war. Media reports that the demonstration did not last long. At the same time, a second march "for traditional values" appeared.
For safety reasons, the equality parade was limited to 500 participants. Media reports that activists, representatives of diplomatic missions, foreign politicians, and international observers participated in the march. The demonstration was brief: participants walked 100 meters and then dispersed.
At the same time, a crowd of people organizing an action "for traditional values" appeared on Khreshchatyk. They tried to reach the march's location but didn't make it in time. A video from that moment was posted online.
The counter-demonstration took place near the Kyiv City Council building. Demonstrators came with banners containing anti-LGBT messages. They repeatedly tried to break through the police cordon but only succeeded after the parade ended.
"Unite for Equality and Victory"
The Chair of KyivPride, Anna Sarakhina, emphasized the importance of organizing the march in Kyiv this year despite the risks. She stated that one goal of the event is to increase Ukraine's visibility on the international stage and demand protection.
The march's slogan, "Unite for Equality and Victory," aims to convey the message that LGBTQ+ representatives are a part of Ukrainian society and also contribute to victory in the war.
"The time has come to show the whole world that Ukrainian society is confidently stepping towards democratic values," KyivPride wrote on Facebook.
The NGO, "Ukrainian LGBT+ Military for Equal Rights", also joined Pride, drawing attention to the discrimination and unequal rights they face in society while emphasizing the need for air defence and weapons for Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
