The International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia was celebrated today in Pristina, Kosovo with an equality march in the capital’s centre. The march which was organized by the three LGBTI organizations present in the country, CEL, CSGD and QESH was attended by Kosovo’s President Mr. Hashim Thaci, former President Mrs. Atifete Jahjaga, Mrs. Ulrike Lunacke Vice President of the European Union and many more participants from the government, civil society, international community, supporters etc.
Many participants held slogans that read “I am out, therefore I am”, “Homophobia free zone” etc. After the march a concert with U.S Music Bank Mary McBride and Dj was held. A conference organized by the government of Kosovo followed. While tonight the Government building will be lighted with the rainbow flag colours.
The event had a very big media attention while some MPs and public personalities made homophobic remarks and other statements.
The issue of political participation and representation of LGBTI people remains unexplored in the Balkan region. While several government leaders and politicians have expressed some degree of support towards LGBT people only a few of them have participated in events where the rights of LGBTI people are called for.