EuroPride 2022: A breaking point for progress in Serbia and the Balkans?

Pride House, fre 5 aug 14:00–15:00

In Serbia and its region, the fight for LGBTI+ equality has been met with numerous obstacles in the past three decades. But in September, 2022, Belgrade will be the host of EuroPride, the biggest annual European LGBTI+ event. What will the political impact of EuroPride be for Serbia and the region when it comes to the LGBTI+ community?

The first pride in Belgrade, known as the "bloody pride" was organised in 2001, and was met with violent counter-protests by far-right extremists. Afterwards, Pride was banned for security reasons until 2010, when, again, thousands of hooligans clashed with police in order to attack Pride attendees. After four more years of bans, just since 2014, Serbia has managed to organise peaceful and consecutive Pride events. And, in September 2022, Belgrade will be the host of EuroPride, the biggest annual European LGBTI+ event, and it will be the first time that it is organised in the Balkans and South-East Europe. This event raises questions: Are the Balkans ready for LGBTI+ equality? Will Serbia, and many of its neighbouring countries finally legalise same-sex unions? Will EuroPride change the public opinion towards the LGBTI+ community in a positive manner? What will the political impact of EuroPride be for Serbia and the region?

Panelists:
Goran Miletić, Civil Rights Defenders/EuroPride 2022
Filip Vulović, Civil Rights Defenders/EuroPride 2022
Speaker TBC
Speaker TBC
Moderated by: Filip Lukić, EuroPride 2022