LGL Invites to the Baltic Pride 2016 March for Equality

We cannot believe it but the Baltic Pride March for Equality is coming back to the streets of Vilnius for the third time in the history of Lithuania. This time it is even more courageous, even more joyful, even more colorful – “WE ARE PEOPLE, NOT PROPAGANDA!” YOU can be a part of the LGBT* movement in Lithuania as well! Already on June 18th a colorful crowd will flood the streets of Vilnius with a very simple message – equality and diversity is of a benefit and not of a detriment for our society. Join us and show them all, how courageous, diverse and open-minded our city is!

On June 18th (Saturday) we will be gathering on Gediminas Avenue alongside the Lukiškės Square (between the streets of J. Tumo-Vaižganto and Vasario 16-osios) at noon. The crowd will start marching on Gediminas Avenue towards the Cathedral at 1 PM. Upon reaching the Cathedral, we will proceed alongside the Šventaragio street towards the Bernardine Garden. We will enter the Bernardine Garden through the main gates on Barboros Radvilaitės street. In the Bernardine Garden next to the “music fountain” we will find a little stage, where the closing speeches will be delivered. We are supposed to arrive to the Bernardine Garden by 3 PM, while the event will be wrapped up by 4 PM.

13092094_10154206118804650_605953837232898051_nAfter the community event in the Bernardine Garden, you will be invited to take a free bus ride towards the art factory LOFTAS, where the Baltic Pride Park concert will start at 4 PM. You will have an unique opportunity of dancing to the beats of the legendary winner of the Eurovision Song Contest Dana International, the Lithuanian representative to Eurovision this year Donny Montell, the world- famous DJ Leomeo from France, the drag queen from France LaDiva Live and the others. Join the crowd, as the event is absolutely free of charge!

Please note, that there is NO prior REGISTRATION REQUIRED with the view of participating in the Baltic Pride March for Equality. Just take your good energy, your lovely friends and join us on June 18th between noon and 1 PM by the Lukiškės Square. In case you are planning on marching with a group of more than ten (10) individuals, feel free to fill in this informational form.

Sometimes we encounter some negative stereotypes regarding the Baltic Pride March for Equality in the public sphere. Therefore we would like to use this brilliant opportunity of responding to some of these nasty comments!

1. I AM VERY OPEN-MINDED, BUT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND, WHY THEY HAVE TO DEMONSTRATE THEMSELVES ON THE STREETS?

We do not seek to showcase any intimate aspects of our lives with the Baltic Pride March for Equality. We simply want to raise awareness by the general public and the Lithuanian politicians about the challenges faced by the local LGBT community on a daily basis in Lithuania. This year we march with the view of abolishing the “anti-gay propaganda” legislation in Lithuania and with the view of encouraging the public debate on legal recognition of same-sex relationships.

2. THIS EVENT IS A BAD EXAMPLE TO OUR KIDS, BECAUSE IT ENCOURAGES THEM TO TRY NEW THINGS.

All LGBT* individuals in Lithuania were raised in the families more or less based on the traditional (i.e. heterosexual) model. Therefore it can be concluded that sexual orientation and gender identity is not a choice, but rather a given aspect of one’s complex identity. We can also ensure you that by observing a joyful LGBT* crowd you will not turn more gay than you already are. Finally, the bad example to our kids is not the diversity in our society, but rather homophobia, hatred and aggression.

3. WHY THIS EVENT IS ORGANIZED BY THE GAYS AND NOT BY THE LESBIANS?

Baltic Pride March for Equality is dedicated to gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender individuals, their friends, allies and to all peaceful and open-minded individuals.

4. DO YOU GET PAID BY PETRAS GRAŽULIS IN ORDER TO RAISE TENSION IN OUR SOCIETY?

If during the Baltic Pride 2013 March for Equality Petras got his face pressed against the floor, we are worried that this year Petras might be directly shooting up to the sky. We invite Petras to stay at home or to engage with any other socially useful activities on June 18th. Petras Gražulis is not welcome to the Baltic Pride March for Equality, as there is no place for haters in this peaceful event.

5. ARE THE GAYS GOING TO ESTABLSIH A POLITICAL PARTY AND TO RUN FOR THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTIONS?

The organizers of the Baltic Pride 2016 March for Equality encourage everyone to participate in the general elections in October, 2016 and to vote for politicians, who commit themselves to ensuring human rights to all citizens of the Republic of Lithuania without any exceptions.

The Baltic Pride 2016 March for Equality has its own event on FaceBook!

The full Baltic Pride 2016 programme can be found here.

See you on June 18th!!!

The Baltic Pride 2016 is organized by the National LGBT* Rights Organization LGL. In case you have any further inquiries, do not hesitate to contact us at office@gay.lt.