• Monday, 04 November 2024

National Network against Homophobia and Transphobia expects a safe Skopje Pride to express protest

National Network against Homophobia and Transphobia expects a safe Skopje Pride to express protest
Skopje, 11 June 2022 (MIA) – Love is the only thing we can use as a tool to resist the violence to which those who are different are subjected even when there is peace for all others. Because no one should be deprived of the right to love or be persecuted because their love is not recognized by norms and laws. Because love must win, come out for love, the National Network against Homophobia and Transphobia told Saturday’s press conference on the upcoming Skopje Pride. The 2022 Skopje Pride will be held on June 25, Saturday, under the motto “Come Out for Love! Dignity. Equality. Justice.” Unlike previous editions of the Pride, this year the starting time is postponed to 5 pm at the Woman Warrior park, and at 7:30 pm a protest march will start on the streets of Skopje to the ARM Stadium in the City Park, where an entertaining cultural program is organized. The organizers said they expect a safe march, as they have excellent cooperation with the Ministry of Interior. “There will be a safe Pride again, where everyone who joins in will be able to feel safe and fight for what they think is important. Skopje Pride this year, like pride parades every year, celebrates sexual and gender diversity, and promotes queer culture,” the National Network against Homophobia and Transphobia said. The organizers added that they have mechanisms in place to monitor hate speech on a daily basis, noting that they will be recording all instances of hate speech and report to the Ministry of Interior’s Department of Computer Crime, so that together with the Ministry they work as much as possible in terms of security and prevention. “We look forward to a safe Pride to express our protest, highlight our demands as a community, and finally celebrate diversity,” said the organizers. They stressed the need to continue developing and practicing this concept of protest and visibility.