LGBT rights in Europe

After Orbán – Budapest can celebrate Pride as usual again

A year ago, 200,000 people marched on the streets of Budapest in protest against the then government's harsh LGBT laws that effectively made the Pride celebration illegal. When the march is allowed again this year, participation is expected to be significantly smaller, writes TT.

– Unlike last year when we fought for our rights, this year will be a normal celebration. Last year it was a real pride! Like in the 60s and 70s, says journalist Ádám Kanicsár.

Lovise Brade, chairman of RFSL, tells SvD that she believes that last year's enormous turnout contributed to finally bringing about a political shift in the country.

– It was simply a big demonstration against Orbán, she says.

LGBT stigma remains strong in Hungary: “Many are afraid”

Despite Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party being out of power, many LGBT people in Hungary are finding it difficult to relax, writes The Guardian. 16 years of repressive Fidesz rule have meant that the stigma surrounding LGBT issues remains strong in society, says Petra Buzás, one of the organizers of this year's Pride festival.

She believes that it is too early to talk about any significant and generally noticeable change in everyday life, two months after the change of power.

– Many people are still afraid to be open about who they are, about their family or their relationships, she says.

Activist and journalist Ádám Kanicsár tells TT about the effects that Orbán's policies have had on him personally.

– Fidesz has stolen 16 years of my life.