Small LGBT Pride in Macedonia
On 06.07.2012, after staying up all night preparing banners, 12 members of LGBT United made a small pride parade. We marched with banners that read our gender identity or sexual orientation. The march took place in front the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as the square of RM. The ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map that reflects the national legal human rights situation of LGBTI people, and evaluates Macedonia as -4, placing it in the same group with Russia, Ukrain, Moldova, Azerbaijan and Armenija confirms the fear that was present among us. However, the enthusiasm, the desire to change the situation and the hope of better tomorrow were incomparably greater, so we managed to take the attention of many passersby. We have demonstrated that we are here, and that we exist. In addition, several Macedonian as well as foreign media have written about this event, that was a topic of debate on the social networks. This event has sparked a debate among journalists also, some of who strongly supported this campaign, and some of who showed hatred towards the LGBT community. Summa sumarrum, the aim of this campaign was achieved, as LGBT United succeeded to open a debate about the LGBT issue, that was so far ignored not only by the Government and all the relevant institutions, but also by the media and the public.
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