Zagreb Pride 2007: "All to the Pride!”
Between June 27 and June 30, 2007, Zagreb will host the Zagreb Pride 2007 social-political event. This will be the sixth Pride in Zagreb in a row, an event that gathers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersexual and queer persons. The Pride Parade, the central event will be held on June 30 (Saturday). The Organization board of Zagreb Pride 2007 has already initiated the activities and invites all interesting persons to join the Board.
Prides are held in most cities of liberal democratic countries. The first Pride in Croatia, “Gay Pride Zagreb Iskorak KONTRA Predrasuda” (Step forward against prejudice), was held on June 29, 2002. In spite of violent outbursts by individual groups – a total of 30 persons were attacked during and immediately after the parade – future successful prides were held in Zagreb in the next several years. The visibility of LGBTIQ persons and the symbolic “takeover” of public spaces is the topic of 2007 Pride. That topic has produced this year’s slogan of the event – “All to the Pride! Everybody to the Pride!” The organizers believe that visibility in the public space is the decisive moment of empowerment of LGBTIQ population, sending clear and symbolic message of its existence and transparently presenting their needs and advocating their rights. At the same time, a message of tolerance, respect for diversity, mutual respect and recognition is sent. With that aim in mind, the Organizing Board decided to partially change the route of the Pride Parade, choosing the very central down-town area of Zagreb, the usual site of all sorts of public, cultural, political events, but also a place where public happens. Also, through advocacy activities, the organizers will attempt to attract as many diverse individuals to the Zagreb Pride, both within the LGBTIQ population and among persons of other identities, but also persons from public, political, cultural, artistic, scientific and media scene, state and city officials and other persons that have contributed, through public appearances, professional engagement and personal values to increased visibility of LGBTIQ persons, tolerance and respect for diversity. "The Zagreb Pride is organized on queer feminist political platform, while its principles underline all our activities directed at reduction of homo/bi/trans-phobia and sexism, chauvinism and militarism, violence, environmental destruction, inequality and discrimination on all grounds”, says the Organizing Board in a public statement. In addition to the parade, Zagreb Pride will offer a series of other events, depending primarily on the capacities of the Board and the support the Pride will get from other organizations. Freedom of association and gathering is one of the highest values in liberal democracies. Nonetheless, that freedom was somewhat restricted, together with the freedom of expression and speech, especially by the Police. The selection of new site for its central programme, the new route of the parade and new policies, the organizers wish to avoid the isolation imposed on them in the fenced off Zrinjevac park in the past, thus making another step forwards towards greater visibility for LGBTIQ persons. The organizations that will join the Organizing Board may choose the activities they want to get involved in, depending on their preferences and inclinations. The Board plans to implement a series of activities, including planning of programmes and logistics, fundraising, communication with domestic and international organizations, generation of community support and networking with similar movements. For additional information on the possibility for your participation in the activities of the Organizing Board, please contact info@zagreb-pride.net. |
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