What did he look like 15 years ago?

In Lithuania, the first gay march took place fifteen years ago. At that time they were guarded by Aro officials, and even the crowded crowd was watched by even the Knight Police.

« I remember when the police told me that everything is – we have to finish the event. I understand if the police say they need to finish, then something serious happened – everything needs to be collected and disappeared, » said Vladimir Simonko, the head of the Lithuanian Gay League.

In recent years, the police are no longer in touch, but the police are still paying close attention to security issues.

« Now it is more celebrated than the fight.

Photo by D. Labutis / ELTA

In 2010, the municipality did not allow the march to be held on Gediminas Avenue – the permit was issued only to go down River Street.

« Remember how much pressure was in 2010 and 2013. I will mention the last name – Artūras Zuokas lost to us, » Simonko said.

The then Mayor of Vilnius A. Zuokas explains that decisions were made for security.

« The Vilnius City Municipality, in accordance with the police recommendations, issued a permit at the place due to safety requirements and to minimize as possible in the city’s normal life, » commented A. Zuokas.

Photo by J. Elinsk / ELTA

Then about three hundred LGBT community members and their supporters participated in the march. In recent years, several thousand participants have been marching on Gediminas Avenue. More than 20,000 people are planning to bring together this year’s march this year. people. The current Mayor of Vilnius Valdas Benkunskas also promises to participate.

« As far as we know, he said he was planning to participate.

Politicians are also invited to participate in the Baltic Pride march every year. Their support is expected to encourage the adoption of the Law on Partnership. Although the Constitutional Court has recognized the possibility of registering gender neutral partnerships, the Seimas has not yet begun its consideration.

« Even after the Constitutional Court’s decision, politicians still doubt.

At that time, Zuokas emphasizes that he is not acceptable to the political escalation of conflicts.

« I never liked the political context or attempts to create artificial conflicts and do ideology from it. I am for the classic concept of love and family, but I am well aware that the world is much more diverse, » Zuokas said.

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This year, the LGBT community will march from Bernardine Garden Gediminas Avenue to the White Bridge, where a five -hour concert will take place. It will feature the most famous Lithuanian performers.

« Now there is more understanding, no longer in the head – it is very welcome. All performers are well aware that performances at such events give them dividends, especially when they go to the West, » said music producer Martynas Tyla.

For those who resent the participation of performers in such events, M. Silence suggested not to be angry.

« The world is just that, » he added.

Photo by M. Morkevičius / ELTA

The Vilnius Municipality is convinced that the procession also gives the city the benefits. It is expected that after a few years, not only the Baltic countries, but also the march of Europe, which are usually accompanied by hundreds of thousands of people, could take place in the capital.

« From a few hundred thousand to a million. Everyone understands what these events are about – about huge international opportunities. Investors notice such cities and such events, » the municipal spokeswoman emphasized.

However, the competition has not yet been won, so the European LGBT community march in Lithuania will have to wait at least a few years.