KyivPride 2024 to feature Equality March and charity events
Kyiv will host KyivPride and a charity festival for the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As Pride Month kicks off worldwide on June 1, Ukraine prepares to rejoin the movement.
KyivPride 2024 will feature the Equality March and a charitable LGBTQ+ festival, aiming to bolster the rights and visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ukraine and garner support for the country’s frontline defenders.
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"In Ukraine, Pride is a platform for fighting for human rights," the organizers of KyivPride 2024 said. "During a major war, it is an opportunity to bring visibility to Ukraine globally and rally additional aid for those defending our independence."
The KyivPride Charity Educational Festival will be held at the Closer art center in Kyiv on June 9. The festival’s program includes lectures, discussions, creative workshops, a marketplace showcasing Ukrainian brands, psychological consultations, master classes, and musical performances.
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The festival will introduce the KyivPride Awards, a new accolade honoring allies of the LGBTQ+ community. Recipients, recognized for their contributions to equality and LGBTQ+ rights, will include politicians, businesses, media, and public figures.
Proceeds from the festival will contribute to the Pride Fund, an initiative under KyivPride 2024, with a goal to raise 4 million UAH ($98,000) for Ukrainian soldiers, facilitated by Ukrainian LGBTQ+ organizations.
The Equality March will take place on June 16, the first since 2021. Given the challenges posed by wartime, this year's march will be held in the Kyiv metro, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols and coordination with authorities. Negotiations with the military administration are underway to finalize arrangements.
Organizers have capped participation in the march at 500 individuals for security reasons. This includes activists, representatives of LGBTQ+ and human rights organizations, and volunteers. Further information about KyivPride 2024 events and participation can be found on the organizers’ social media platforms.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
