Riga Pride attracts thousands to the street
Among other things, a Pride was also celebrated in Riga these days. The Latvian capital was transformed into a colorful sea of colors and a location with a clear message: the queer community needs more rights and more equality.
Among other things, the war in Ukraine also played an important role in the parade. Many participants of the Riga Pride showed solidarity.
Approximately 5,000 participants were present at Riga Pride
Of course, the number of participants in such events can only be estimated. The local police state that around 5,000 people were involved in this year's event in the Latvian capital. Among other things, the police presence was stepped up in this context. Even though most events of this kind nowadays fortunately take place peacefully, it cannot be ruled out that incidents will occur.
Of course, this is especially true when queers have a hard time in the countries in question anyway. The situation in Latvia could definitely be better, too. Many people here, on the other hand, refuse to accept that - apart from the cis norm - there are other orientations. Anyone who wants to publicly stand up for themselves and their "better half" on the street and hold hands, for example, definitely risks being attacked.
Demands for more rights for queers
Like actually every Pride, the event in Riga was also held under a certain motto. This time, many people who either belonged to the scene or felt connected to it addressed the country's politicians. Their demand: More rights for queers and accordingly more equality. Or in other words: queers should have the same rights as non-queers.
An important "detail" that should show many people how difficult the situation is for the community in Latvia is the fact that homosexual couples are still far from being equal to heterosexual couples in legal terms in Latvia as well.
More than "just celebrating
Riga Pride showed in an impressive way that the relevant events are not just about partying. Rather, important issues were also brought into focus this year. One aspect that always comes up in this context is the issue of visibility.
In Germany, too, however, this is a demand that many people who have not yet taken a closer look at the scene often like to ridicule. Again and again, it is argued that it is precisely this demand, among others, that leads to homophobia.
The thesis that the queer community has long since had equal rights and therefore has no reason to take to the streets is still persistent. However, the fact that it will still be a long time before we can speak of one hundred percent equality here is always pushed into the background and usually only becomes apparent when one is willing to look a little closer.
Prides in different countries
Pride Month is celebrated every year in June... Among others, also in many countries where queers are still discriminated against today. Many organizations in Germany are also campaigning for queers in other countries to be allowed to take to the streets and fight for their rights. So we can only hope that the Pride Summer 2022 - also apart from the month of June - will once again bring about a lot of positive change... Even if in many places in rather small steps.