 |
| Members of the LGBT community in Pristina |
On Saturday in Pristina, the seventh pride parade with the motto "I love as you are" was held in support of the LGBT community's rights.
Representatives of this community in Kosovo say that this year's pride week is dedicated entirely to mental health of this segment of society.
They state that the motto aims to convey the message of support to all those "facing the challenges of stress, anxiety, and depression, which are a direct consequence of systematic homophobia and transphobia by the state, society, and family."
During the parade, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, stated that the state and society should learn about this community and create conditions for its protection.
"On this occasion, I express my indignation at the numerous abuses, threats, and discrimination that this community experiences. You saw how this community proudly called for equality and freedom today, and where there is a call for equality and freedom, I, as the Prime Minister, am also present because our democratic republic is meaningless otherwise," said Prime Minister Kurti.
Hundreds of people participated in the procession in the city center today, which concluded with a concert.
Lendi Mustafa from the organization CEL, dedicated to the protection of the rights of this community, stated that support for this parade is increasing year after year.
"More than ever, diversity in Kosovo is being embraced, more than ever, LGBTI individuals are coming out openly and joining the parade, and ultimately, more than ever, we have allies in relation to the rights of the community," he said.