Today, July 18, thousands of participants gathered in Námestie slobody square in Bratislava to take part in the annual Dúhový PRIDE march. The event, held under the slogan "Láska víťazí" (Love wins), aims to draw attention to the need for legal equality for LGBTI+ people in Slovakia.
This year's route had special symbolic meaning. The procession moved from Freedom Square, passed by the Presidential Palace, and went through Palisády and Zámocká streets. The last point is a place of remembrance — it was here in 2022 that a terrorist attack occurred at the Tepláreň bar, which resulted in the deaths of two young people. This tragic event reminds participants every year of the importance of fighting hate and intolerance.
Organizers emphasize that the march is not only a celebration but also a protest with specific political demands. The main one remains the introduction of civil partnerships (registrované partnerstvá), which would allow same-sex couples to legally regulate their relationships.
The overall atmosphere of the march was peaceful and festive, despite the seriousness of the issues raised. Participants carried rainbow flags and signs, expressing support for the community. The police monitored the event for safety. The event concluded with a concert program and speeches by activists in Námestie slobody square.
