Quote from Alex bobby on June 8, 2025, 6:55 AM

Pride and Protest: Poland and Portugal Mark the Start of Pride Month with Calls for LGBTQ+ Rights and Political Change

As Pride Month kicked off across the globe, Poland and Portugal held vibrant and politically charged marches on Saturday, signalling both celebration and defiance in the face of growing challenges for the LGBTQ+ community. For both countries, these events were more than parades — they were acts of resistance and unity, rallying thousands in support of equality, freedom, and dignity.

Pride in Poland: A Call for Solidarity After Conservative Electoral Win

In Poland, the cities of Gdańsk and Wrocław hosted their annual Pride marches just one week after the election of conservative-nationalist Karol Nawrocki, a candidate endorsed by the Law and Justice party (PiS). The timing lent a heightened sense of urgency to this year’s demonstrations, turning what is traditionally a celebration into a show of political resistance.

Wrocław celebrated its 17th Pride Parade, while Gdańsk marked its 10th annual event as part of the Tri-City Equality March, which also encompasses Gdynia and Sopot. Starting at 14:00 in Wrocław and 16:00 in Gdańsk, both marches sought to present their cities as inclusive spaces that embrace diversity and the fundamental rights of all their residents.

High-profile political figures joined the festivities, including Minister of Equality Katarzyna Kotula, Minister of Family, Labor and Social Policy Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, and the mayors of Gdańsk and Sopot. Marta Magott, president of the LGBTQ+ advocacy group Tolerado, underscored the deeper meaning of the march, describing it as a “reminder of freedom, solidarity, and equality.”

Poland still faces considerable challenges in advancing LGBTQ+ rights. Despite the fall of the PiS-led government in 2023 and the formation of a new coalition government, the country continues to rank as the second-worst EU member state for LGBTQ+ protections, just ahead of Romania, according to ILGA-Europe’s annual Rainbow Map. Progress has been incremental, and events like these serve as both celebrations and stark reminders of how far there is to go.

Looking ahead, Warsaw is scheduled to hold its own Pride march on June 14, adding momentum to the country’s broader push for social and political change.

Portugal's March in Lisbon Warns Against the Rise of the Far Right

Meanwhile, in Lisbon, Portugal held its 26th annual LGBTQI+ Pride March, gathering thousands in the heart of the capital to defend the hard-won rights of sexual minorities. The theme this year, “Resist and not just Exist,” reflected the growing anxiety surrounding far-right political movements gaining influence in both Portugal and across Europe.

Marchers began their journey from Praça do Marquês de Pombal at 16:30, waving rainbow flags and holding signs denouncing discrimination, hate speech, and political inaction. The tone was celebratory but cautious, as Portugal's LGBTQ+ community faces a shifting political landscape.

ILGA Portugal, the oldest LGBTQ+ rights organisation in the country, played a leading role in organising the event. In a powerful statement on social media, the group declared, “The political forces that deny our rights are gaining institutional space… We don't back down, we exist, we resist.”

The group warned that hate speech is increasingly becoming normalised, threatening the democratic values of freedom and equality. They recalled the 48-year dictatorship that once criminalised homosexuality in Portugal, underlining that history must not be allowed to repeat itself.

Among the voices of concern was Mariana Mortágua, leader of the Left Bloc party, who stressed the importance of speaking out despite threats from extremist groups. “Nowadays, it's difficult to demonstrate for human rights without being threatened by extreme right-wing forces,” she told RTP, Portugal’s national broadcaster.

Hélder Bértolo, one of the march’s organisers, echoed the sentiment. “We have to keep fighting for rights,” he said, emphasising how fragile these rights have become, particularly in parts of Europe where populism and authoritarianism are on the rise. Bértolo cited Hungary and Poland as cautionary examples, and warned that even countries like Germany and the Netherlands are not immune.

The 2025 Lisbon Pride March also featured participation from the Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality (CIG) and 18 other associations, reflecting broad civil society support for LGBTQ+ rights.

Looking Forward: Pride, Progress, and the Road Ahead

As Poland and Portugal continue their Pride celebrations throughout June, the focus now shifts toward sustaining the energy of these movements beyond just one month. The marches serve as powerful moments of visibility and solidarity—but real change happens through year-round activism, legal reform, and civic engagement.

In Poland, the upcoming Pride March in Warsaw on June 14 is expected to be another major display of support for LGBTQ+ rights. With a new coalition government in place, activists and allies hope to push forward policies that will offer real protections against discrimination and hate crimes—issues that have long plagued the community.

Meanwhile, in Portugal, the LGBTQ+ community remains vigilant against the growing presence of far-right ideologies. Activists aim to engage more with lawmakers, strengthen alliances with human rights groups, and educate the public to ensure that equality remains a priority in the national agenda.

For both countries, Pride Month 2025 isn’t just a celebration—it's a launchpad for lasting change. As challenges persist across Europe, these marches offer a reminder that progress is possible when communities stand united, raise their voices, and continue to resist.

Conclusion: Pride as a Platform for Change

While Poland and Portugal are at different stages in their journeys toward LGBTQ+ equality, both Pride marches made one thing clear: visibility matters, and rights must be defended.

In Poland, Pride represents both a breakthrough and a battleground—a movement still fighting for institutional recognition and protection. In Portugal, where LGBTQ+ rights have seen greater legislative progress, the concern is about preserving those achievements in the face of a resurgent far-right.

In both nations, Pride was a declaration: of identity, resilience, and the unyielding demand for justice. As rainbow flags fly across Europe this June, the spirit of resistance is as strong as the celebration. Pride, after all, is not only about who we are—it’s also about what we stand for.