Today, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community marched in Belgrade Pride 2010.
Proof that tolerance is far from being achieved, this march took place in central Belgrade one day after nationalist organizations called the government to ban Belgrade Pride 2010.
More than 1,000 people came together to be with friends, express solidarity and stand together against discrimination. Among them were activists from Amnesty International and other international organizations, European Union ambassadors, Serbian politicians and representatives from the Serbian civil society.
“The parade is great. So many people have come! And most importantly, government members have expressed their support for the event and they are here with us today," said Boban Stojanovic, one of the organizers of the event.
Police surrounded them as well suffering the wrath of extremists. Stones and explosives were hurled, injuring many police officers.
“The authorities are reaping the results of their policies,” said Majda Puaca, one of Serbia's LGBT activists, reminding us that although there were government members at the event, the LGBT community is still offered little support.
Judging from marches in the past, there might be hope for Serbia.
“In the beginning it was the same in the Baltic countries, too much violence and too many police to protect us. Gradually, both the police and society in general started to accept us and our demands as well. I am sure the same will happen in Serbia" said Linda Freimane, a member of the Latvian LGBT organization Mozaika and veteran of marches against discrimination.
So sad how the LGBT community has come such a long way but with little to no support. You'd think we'd be a more accepting society but it seems that everyday there's some story on the abuse LGBT has to take. And this is all just recent exposure, it's been going on for such a long time.
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