The National Network Against Homophobia and Transphobia (NNHT) is set to hold the second Pride Parade in the history of the country in Skopje on June 26.
Kocho Andonovski, member of the event’s organizing committee, told a press conference on Tuesday that the second-ever parade will be held in person, as the pandemic has would down and measures have been relaxed. He stressed that the parade is dedicated to all supporters, both those who attend it and those who don’t.
Helsinki Committee executive director Uranija Pirovska added that organizers held a meeting with the Interior Minister some ten days ago, at which he confirmed that the police is committed to ensuring the safety of parade participants.
“Two years ago, our first-ever parade was declared the best one in the region, due to the security aspect. Although police presence was high, officers were not too visible, which made parade-goers feel free, but also protected. I expect the Interior Ministry to do its job this year as well, ensure our safety while we celebrate pride and demonstrate professionalism to make sure all participants have a nice time,” Pirovska underlined.
She stressed that following the initial announcement that the parade will take place on June 26, organizers were faced with a lot of hate speech, same as two years ago and on other occasions involving LGBTI community events. All incidents, she added, have been reported to the police, same as before.
Activist Elena Petrovska briefed reporters on details regarding the organization of the event. Participants, she noted, should gather at the Woman Warrior Park in the city center by noon, when the parade is scheduled to start. It will move through the city, past the government and end at the Skopje City Park. The parade will be followed by a celebratory event aiming to present the LGBTI community’s priorities and reaffirm hopes for a more sympathetic, humane and just society.
“The event will be addressed by North Macedonia’s Eurovision Song Contest representative Vasil Gavranliev and activists, and will also include a musical portion,” Petrovska said.
Interior Ministry spokesperson Toni Angelovski underlined that the police will undertake all necessary measures to ensure safety at the event. He added that all public order disturbances will be sanctioned and called on citizens to abide by laws.
