The LGBTQIA+ community in Romania and its allies set a new participation record at the Bucharest Pride March 2023, organized by the Accept Association. More than 25,000 people marched on Saturday, July 29, along the route Calea Victoriei – Bd. Naționile Unite – Bd. Libertății – Parcul Izvor to celebrate their identity, to make their voices heard and to claim their right to a dignified life.
Under the Visible love umbrella. Visible families, the largest event in Romania dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community, this year focused on the feeling of family, as well as the right to have a family recognized and legally protected by the Romanian state, regardless of the sexual orientation and gender identity of partners.
Among those who speak at the end of the march are Victor Ciobotaru and Florin Buhuceanu, one of the 21 families who sued the Romanian state and won before the ECHR. Following the decision handed down in May, the Romanian state has the obligation to offer a form of protection and legal recognition to LGBTQIA+ families. Evie Ciobanu – queer activist and content creator – addressed to those present, along with Gabriel Gherman – activist and facilitator of the trans community, Alex Zbîrciog – trans activist from the LGBTQIA+ organization Rise Out from Iasi, Cristina Mitroi – Roma queer activist and Alex Zorilă – coordinator and producer of the Bucharest Pride event. Content creator Silviu Faiăr, a strong ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, also joined those present on stage.
This year, over 5,000 people enjoyed art, workshops and queer debates in Pride Park – the outdoor festival organized with and for the LGBTQIA+ community in Izvor Park in Bucharest. Another 5,000 people responded positively to the invitation to participate in the exhibitions, concerts, performances, book launches and parties organized between July 21-29 in art galleries, cinemas and clubs in Bucharest.
I live in the area and saw the march. 25K is an over exaggerated figure. I would be helpful to know who announced this figure. To me it seemed around 15K with an extremely heavy police force. This is not the correct policing of a protest or parade. The police should be present but discreet. Here it was a provocative overstatement of power. Not good in a Democracy.