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The second attempt to hold a LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) pride march in Belgrade has failed. It was announced this morning that it has been cancelled due to security fears. The police and the state can’t guarantee the safety of Serbian citizens marching for tolerance, understanding and an end to discrimination.
Far right nationalist organisations and football hooligans have been threatening violence against the participants of the march, which was supposed to take place tomorrow, 20 September, in central Belgrade. The threats were serious: earlier in the week French football fans were beaten in downtown Belgrade while drinking coffee, with 1 Frenchman rushed to intensive care. Graffiti stating “death to faggots” (everyone seems to forget about the lesbians) and “we’re waiting for you” had appeared all over Belgrade these last weeks.
The march had been seen as a test for Serbia with world organisations, governments and Serbian celebrities calling for tolerance for and understanding of the LGBT community in Belgrade who face serious discrimination. The cancellation of the march, following a meeting between the organisers and the Serbian prime minister this morning, has shown that violent nationalists and hooligans are stronger than the entire Serbian police force.
In hindsight, maybe in face of such violence, it’s best that the march was cancelled. I wouldn’t want to see a repeat of the sickening violence that happened during the first Pride attempt in 2001. But then I can’t be happy that intolerance and threats of violence have stopped a section of Serbian society from having its voice heard.
I love living in Belgrade and Serbia, but I’m sad today because back home in the UK sexual orientation was not an issue. I hung out with gay, lesbian, bisexual and straight people. It did not matter to me who they fell in love with (or had one night stands with) and it did not mater to them. We valued each other’s personalities, common interests and the ability to have fun together. I wish the same for LGBT people in Serbia.
This was more than just a gay pride march. This was a chance to say no to violence and fear and yes to human rights. Tomorrow was a chance for Serbia to move forward.
It took a step back.
We’re all the same deep down.
Stop violence, stop nationalism, stop intolerance.
What do you think of the cancellation? Was it the right thing to do? Please let us know by leaving a comment.
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