From May 31 to June 15, 2025, Vienna will once again become the stage for Vienna Pride, Austria’s largest LGBTIQ human rights event. Vienna Pride is a fixed annual highlight for the LGBTIQ community and a platform to advocate for equality and human rights through joy, visibility, and exchange. At the same time, it serves as a reminder: The journey toward full equality is far from over.
Diversity as a Cornerstone of Society
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer people are not a "trend" — they have always been part of society. That’s why a large, diverse, and visible Vienna Pride is essential.
Katharina Kacerovsky-Strobl, organizer of Vienna Pride, emphasizes:
“Vienna Pride is not just a series of events. It’s a platform that brings people together to connect, advocate for human rights, and find a safer space. Our goal is to strengthen the visibility of the LGBTIQ community and promote dialogue with the majority society. This way, we can break down fears, prejudices, and especially misunderstandings. No one should have to hide or feel alone. We want to show that every person has a place at the heart of society.
Vienna Pride is not limited to the Ringstraße; through numerous events and partnerships throughout Vienna and beyond, it spreads the community’s messages to every corner of the country. This year, the Pride Village at Rathausplatz will return — a community tent city featuring a multi-day program where LGBTIQ culture is showcased, inviting everyone to learn, connect, and celebrate acceptance together after the Rainbow Parade.”
Rainbow Parade: The Highlight of Vienna Pride
The highlight of Vienna Pride is the Rainbow Parade, taking place on June 14. It is not only Austria’s largest demonstration but also a clear statement for equality and human rights. Thousands of participants are expected to march “the other way” against the usual traffic flow along the Ringstraße.
Ann-Sophie Otte, chairperson of HOSI Wien (Homosexual Initiative Vienna), which organizes the Rainbow Parade, explains:
“After the politically concerning results of the National Council elections in October 2024, it’s even more crucial for the LGBTIQ community and its allies to send a strong message for equality and human rights at the 2025 Rainbow Parade. We are still far from achieving true equality.
We cannot allow hard-won rights to be rolled back due to the political shift to the right. At the same time, we must highlight how Austria lags behind many European countries in various areas. For example, we still lack a ban on conversion therapies, which attempt to ‘reprogram’ queer people through psychological torment. Medically unnecessary surgeries on intersex minors also remain legal, despite conservative parties often claiming to champion child protection. These and many other demands will once again bring us to the streets in 2025.”
City of Vienna Supports Pride Village
Deputy Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS) emphasizes: “The Pride Village remains the heart of Vienna Pride and plays an essential role in promoting acceptance and freedom. It offers a varied program with performances by queer artists, catering from the scene’s gastronomy, and contributions from numerous LGBTIQ organizations.”
The coalition partner is also showing strong commitment. City Councilor Susanne Haase (SPÖ) adds: “Diversity is a cornerstone of a just and vibrant society. Vienna Pride demonstrates every year how important it is for us as a community to stand up for equality, visibility, and acceptance. Vienna, the rainbow capital, stands for openness, joy, and solidarity. As a queer feminist, I see it as our shared responsibility to defend the hard-won rights of our community and to advocate for an Austria where everyone can live proudly and self-determinedly, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Only together can we overcome barriers and create a society that actively promotes diversity.”
Expert Exchange at the Vienna Pride Conference
On June 6, the Vienna Pride Conference will take place at Vienna City Hall. Experts from politics, science, business, and civil society will spend a full day discussing current challenges and solutions for the LGBTIQ community.
Community Engagement
In addition to support from the City of Vienna and various partners, Vienna Pride is primarily driven by volunteers. Around 200 volunteers will once again organize events, manage booths, contribute artistically and content-wise, and work together with the Vienna Pride Advisory Board to ensure Vienna Pride retains its community spirit. The organizers are already extending their heartfelt thanks to them.
