Vilnius is preparing for the most vibrant human rights event of the year as the Baltic Pride 2025 festival returns to the capital for the third time. On June 7, the city center will host the traditional Pride March, which is expected to attract over 20,000 participants. Among them will be members of the LGBTIQ community from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, as well as participants from Ukraine—including soldiers actively fighting for freedom and human rights.
“In the most painful moments of our history, LGBTQI+ Ukrainians remain visible, strong, and united because we know what we’re fighting for—life, freedom, and love. Our participation in Baltic Pride is a sincere gesture of gratitude to our Baltic friends for their warmth, support, and solidarity,” says Kamiliia Safarova, Director of Ukraine’s trans* rights organization “Resistance”.
June 6–7: International Conference on Inclusion and Leadership
A major highlight of Baltic Pride week will be the international conference “Pride and Progress: Creating Inclusive Workplaces Today”, taking place on June 6–7. It will bring together experts from across Europe. Speakers include:
- Laura Rissanen, State Secretary to the Minister of Social Affairs and Health of Finland
- Anne Lindboe, Mayor of Oslo
- Vytautas Mitalas, Deputy Mayor of Vilnius
- Prof. Marie Šafář Postma (Tilburg University)
- Jukka Lehtonen (University of Helsinki)
Also featured will be out LGBTIQ professionals, leaders of international companies, and human rights and education experts.
Topics will include AI’s impact on LGBTIQ+ inclusion, the role of gender diversity in companies, inclusive leadership, and building inclusive education. The conference, held at Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva, is free but requires pre-registration HERE and HERE.
Week-Long Events, Culminating in June 7 March for Equality
Baltic Pride week in Vilnius will be rich in variety, featuring:
- Interactive events at the Pride House
- Theatrical evening “Pride Voices Gala” at the Old Theatre of Vilnius
- A spectacular concert near the White Bridge
“Pride is not just a celebration. It’s a protest for equal rights, a stand against discrimination, and a manifestation of our identities, diversity, and human rights,” says Vladimir Simonko, head of the National LGBT Rights Organization LGL, which organizes Baltic Pride 2025.
This year’s theme – “Free to Be (Yourself)” – highlights the right to live without fear, authentically and with dignity.
Groups Encouraged to Register for the “March for Equality!”
On June 7, join thousands in a powerful celebration of love, diversity, and equality at the March for Equality!
This is more than a parade—it’s a declaration of unity, visibility, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Lithuania and beyond.
- From 13:00: Participants gather at Barboros Radvilaitės Street with entertainment and preparations
- At 16:00: The march begins along Gediminas Avenue
Organizations, companies, political parties, and groups planning to participate with more than 10 people or bringing banners, flags, or other symbols must register by May 30 HERE.
Post-March Concert Near the White Bridge
At 17:00 on June 7, the main Baltic Pride 2025 open-air concert will take place on the lawn by the White Bridge. This free event, following the march, will be one of the festival’s main highlights. Everyone is welcome—LGBT community members, allies, Vilnius residents, and city visitors who support LGBT rights.
Performers include well-known Lithuanian and international artists:
- Leon Somov, Jazzu, Rūta Mur, Beatrich, Aistè, Goya, Lolita Zero, Lion Ceccah
- Spectacular drag performers: Aura More, Edma, LaDiva Live (Belgium), Catherine D’Oex (Switzerland), and many more.
The concert is traditionally co-organized with the Lithuanian Music Awards Association (M.A.M.A.), which assists in curating performers and the event program.
Supported by: Vilnius City Municipality, Johnson Matthey, and Swedbank.
The event is free, open to all, and aims to increase visibility for the LGBT community, promote equality, and foster inclusion in public spaces.
More info about the Baltic Pride program is available at gopride.lt.
