Thousands of LGBTQ+ supporters gathered in Bucharest, Romania, on Saturday for the annual gay pride parade, celebrating its 20th anniversary. The event took place amidst a tense political climate following a divisive election cycle marked by increased hate speech against the LGBTQ+ community. Marchers of all ages filled the streets of the capital, waving colorful flags and holding placards with messages like "Be proud, be bold, be you!" The pride parade has been held annually since 2005 and serves as a significant moment for visibility and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights in the region.
This year's event follows a notable rise in support for far-right and conservative political parties within the European Union member state, known for its strong religious influences. Victor Ciobotaru, the executive director of ACCEPT Association—a prominent LGBTQ+ rights organization—reported a "huge increase" in hate crimes against the community during the 2024-2025 election cycle. He emphasized that the organization has seen more individuals coming forward with complaints about harassment and violence, highlighting a concerning trend fueled by hate speech. "This hate speech doesn’t remain without effect; we can feel the tension within society," he stated.
In addition to the pride parade, right-wing groups that advocate for traditional family values organized an anti-LGBT countermarch in Bucharest. Participants in this counter-demonstration carried national flags and displayed placards featuring religious icons. Prior to the pride event, the ACCEPT association reported an incident where a large "STOP LGBT" banner was hung over an abandoned apartment building in Bucharest, which later was taken down. Ciobotaru noted that such actions are increasingly being legitimized by hateful discourse prevalent in recent electoral campaigns, underscoring the stakes involved in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
This year marks the 24th anniversary of Romania decriminalizing homosexuality, a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in the country. However, according to ILGA-Europe’s 2025 Rainbow Map—a comprehensive assessment of the legal and policy landscape for LGBTQ+ individuals across Europe—Romania ranks last among the 27 EU countries, just below Poland and Bulgaria. This ranking reflects systemic challenges and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community within Romanian society.
The pride parade serves not only as a celebration but also as a protest against the rising tide of intolerance and discrimination. Participants boldly expressed their commitment to continuing the fight for their rights regardless of the political atmosphere. Ciobotaru concluded, "We will not be afraid to go on the streets," emphasizing the resilience and determination of the LGBTQ+ community in the face of escalating hostility.
