Kyiv holds equality march amidst war tensions and counter-demonstrations

In Kyiv, the Equality March took place for the first time since the outbreak of the war. Media reports indicate that the demonstration did not last long. Meanwhile, a second march "for traditional values" also occurred.

For safety reasons, the Equality Parade was limited to 500 participants. Media reports state that activists, representatives of diplomatic missions, foreign politicians, and international observers took part in the march. Participants walked about 100 metres and then dispersed.

At the same time, a crowd of people organizing their own action "for traditional values" gathered on Khreshchatyk. They attempted to reach the location of the Equality March, but they didn't make it in time. A video of this moment was posted online.

The counter-demonstration took place near the Kyiv City Council building. Demonstrators carried banners with anti-LGBT messages. They repeatedly tried to break through the police cordon but only succeeded after the march ended.

Anna Sarakhina, the Chair of KyivPride, emphasized the importance of organizing the march in Kyiv this year despite the risks. She stated that one goal of the event is to increase Ukraine's visibility on the international stage and demand protection.

The march's slogan, "Unite for Equality and Victory," aims to convey the message that LGBTQ+ representatives are a part of Ukrainian society and also contribute to victory in the war.

"It's time to show the whole world that Ukrainian society is boldly moving toward democratic values," KyivPride wrote on Facebook.

The NGO, "Ukrainian LGBT+ Military for Equal Rights", will also join Pride, drawing attention to the discrimination and unequal rights they face in society while emphasizing the need for air defence and weapons for Ukraine in its fight against Russia.