Vienna Rainbow Parade attracts more than 250,000 people
On Saturday the famous Rainbow Parade took place in Vienna - after a forced break due to corona. Finally it was possible again to celebrate a Pride in the Austrian capital. And it is not an exaggeration to say that it was a complete success. Once again, it was particularly interesting that it was not only queers who confessed to the community. Also many people who feel connected to the scene were on site to show exactly that.
There is even a rumor circulating in the social networks that the rainbow parade of 2022 was the largest of its kind ever.
This year's motto was "Pride against hate - make love, not war" and was accordingly not only extremely important, but probably more topical than ever.
Motto refers, among other things, to the situation of queers from Ukraine
It is no secret that many queers had to flee from the war zones in Ukraine - also to Austria. Among other things, some of them were afraid of what it would mean if Russia took over power in their respective home countries. Numerous queers who made the journey currently have the problem that they have not yet reached their respective destinations. They have been forced to stop in other Eastern European countries whose governments are often considered homophobic.
Accordingly, the situation for these people is sometimes dramatic. Many activists therefore demand that these queers receive support so that they can find refuge in a country where it is actually safe.
A rainbow parade with many messages
This year's Rainbow Parade not only dealt with the Ukraine war and its consequences, but also with other - unfortunately still current - problems. For example, queer people are often discriminated against in everyday life in other countries of the world (and thus also in Austria). Other demands that were brought into focus in the course of the demonstrations were more education and changes in the area of intersexuality in children and an improvement in the education of hate crimes.
Because: Many assaults that take place are not declared as hate crimes against queers. Accordingly, it is highly likely that many people are simply unaware of the problems queer people face in everyday life.
Peaceful and colorful: The Vienna Rainbow Parade 2022
Despite the large number of visitors, who of course came not only from the Austrian city, but also partly from many other parts of the country, the Rainbow Parade 2022 ran peacefully. Among other things, the many small side events and parties also ensured that here can undoubtedly be called a "colorful event".
And also many big cities outside of Austria might have taken a look at Vienna during the Pride weekend. The fact that the demonstration could become so versatile and meaningful is not only thanks to the clubs and activists, but also to the city. Many responsible persons already emphasized in the last years that there is definitely no lack of support here. Last but not least, also in 2022 many volunteers made sure that the mix of celebrations, demonstrations and important messages worked once again.
And just how versatile the event is, and that "diversity" is not just a word, was demonstrated by those responsible one day before the big parade. On June 10, the Pride Run Vienna took place. Here - very generally, but all the more insistently - more acceptance was promoted.
Those who could not be there live could also follow many events online.