Gay Pride in Latvia



Hey Gentle Reader, I am not gay but I am exceptionally proud that our wonderful city of Riga is hosting EuroPride 2015. Its the first time a former communist country has hosted the annual event.
What makes any city a great place to live is the diverse points of view and freedom to live as you want.

 

 

Riga is just a two hour drive to the Russian border and Russia is particularly anti-gay. Latvia is not exactly welcoming to the LGBT community Latvia itself is a very religious country with around 70% of the population following strict religious doctrine.

 

In 2006 the Latvian Parliament amended the countries constitution banning gay marriage. This happened just a few months after the first Latvian Gay Pride march where demonstrators threw eggs and hurled abuse at the gay community.

 

 

Demonstrators at the first Latvia Gay Pride in 2005.

 

In the ten years since that first event, Gay Pride and acceptance may have increased, but LGBT people still need to be careful. Journalist Maris Dingelis, himself gay, says that "Gay people in Riga can live, but live quietly."

 

Latvia only has one LGBT organisation "Mozaika" and the staff there have been working exceptionally hard to organise this weekends event. Although the Riga government has supported the event, individual politicians have come out against it saying that the event is a pretentious piece of propaganda that does not promote understanding.

 

As a straight, free thinking man I believe that everyone should be able to celebrate their lifestyles and live freely and without fear. Narrow minded bigots who lash out without listening or even trying to understand peoples point of view are the ones who should be tainted and rejected, not peaceful people who are proud of their identity.

 

I am straight and proud.

 

#LGBT #EUROPRIDE2015 #MARISDINGELIS #MOZAIKA #ANDRISAMERIKS