Vienna is becoming the rainbow capital again: From May 31 to June 15 the Vienna Pride takes place in the federal capital, with the 29th Rainbow Parade as its colorful highlight. The organizers expected a total of 300,000 visitors. “Here in Vienna we stand shoulder to shoulder with the LGBTQIA+ community—side by side with everyone who fights for visibility, equal rights, and a life in dignity,” said Deputy Mayor Bettina Emmerling (NEOS) on Monday.
The Pride has special significance for the organizers this year, because more and more rights and visibility of LGBTIQ+ people are once again becoming political points of contention. “In some countries this already leads to massive setbacks,” said Katharina Kacerovsky-Strobl, the organizer of Vienna Pride, at a press conference. Every person who supports Vienna Pride “stands up against this and helps to make our society more open and just. We will not let ourselves be divided,” said Kacerovsky-Strobl.
Although LGBTIQ+ organizations see Vienna as a “positive counterbalance” compared to the USA and Hungary, there is still room for improvement in Austria. “Whether it is the lack of protection against discrimination, the urgently needed ban on so-called conversion therapies, or the lack of protection and care for trans persons—these conditions are inhumane,” criticized Ann-Sophie Otte, chairwoman of HOSI Vienna. She demanded swift amendments from the federal government.
