KyivPride is teaming up with WarsawPride to organize a Freedom Rally in the place of their usual pride celebrations. Participants will march for peace and freedom of Ukraine and against Russian aggression in Ukraine. Due to Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, the 10th anniversary of the Equality March will be moved from Kyiv to Warsaw. The rally will take place on June 25. Around 7,000 people attended 2021’s event in Ukraine, with 2019’s 8,000 attendees marking the biggest turnout since the Equality March was initiated a decade ago. However, the organizers are hopeful for over 80,000 participants this year.
🇵🇱🇺🇦🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️KyivPride and WarsawPride will march for peace and freedom of Ukraine and against russian aggression in Ukraine.
The march will take place on June 25 in Warsaw! pic.twitter.com/vvzQZEK3Rr
— KyivPride (@KyivPride) May 6, 2022
Lenny Emson, the Director of KyivPride, stated in a press release, “Russia is taking away our homes, our families, our friends, and our loved ones, but it will never take away our freedom, our visibility, and our right to vote. On June 25, we are not celebrating. We want to appeal to the whole world: help Ukraine win! Help Ukrainian people live freely on their land!”
Julia Maciocha, the President of the Warsaw Pride, stated, “For us, in Warsaw Pride, community means standing up for others.Community means making space for voices that are not heard enough. Community means marching side by side for safety and freedom of those who had it taken away. We are proud to join KyivPride in their march for the victory of Ukraine!”
Russia first attacked Ukraine on February 24th. Since then, Europe has seen the fastest and largest displacement of people since World War II. According to the United Nations, over 10 million people have fled their homes, 4 million of which have fled to neighboring countries by the first week of April.
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