Especially in times of increasing anti-queer politics, visibility and unity across borders are more important than ever.

“Vienna Pride and the Rainbow Parade in Vienna, as well as every other demonstration for LGBTIQ rights, are necessary and important tools of democracy and a strong sign of hope for our friends in countries like Hungary,” explains Katharina Kacerovsky-Strobl, Managing Director of Stonewall GmbH and organizer of Vienna Pride.

Ann-Sophie Otte, Chairwoman of HOSI Wien, also emphasizes: “It is our responsibility to stand with those whose rights are being massively curtailed. The ban on Budapest Pride by the Hungarian government is an attack on fundamental rights such as the right to assembly and freedom of expression, and thus on the very foundations of democracy.”

Vienna Pride has been in close contact with Budapest Pride for many years and stresses the necessity of cross-border cooperation. “As long as people in Europe cannot be free and safe to be themselves, our work is not done,” says Kacerovsky-Strobl.

“Our participation is an act of lived solidarity – loud, visible, and non-negotiable,” says Otte.