Multitudes rally in Lisbon for LGBTI+ advocacy (and to oppose prejudice)

Under the battle cry of "No Retreat!", the 26th LGBTI+ Pride Parade (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender, Intersex, and various other identities) in Lisbon commenced at Marquês de Pombal around 5:00 PM.

Marchers danced to the rhythm of drums, echoing chants like "See the LGBTQ strength here!"

A sea of signs with statements such as "Protesting is our show of love" and "Being myself shouldn't be an act of bravery" filled the air.

Cristiano Constantino, one of the participants, expressed concern about the escalating political and social climate, stating that resistance is essential as rights are being contested. The lawyer pointed out that Portuguese law doesn't penalize crimes against the LGBTQ community, neglecting racism, and expressed anxiety about the outcome of recent elections given the situation in other right-leaning countries.

Talita Marques, a three-year resident of Portugal, shared how she faced numerous obstacles and believes that social movements serve as a bond of unity. She warned about the new parliamentary configuration in Portugal, which she finds alarming, but not intimidating, as society has overcome severe challenges before.

Evelyn Santos, a first-time participant, stressed the significance of these movements in bringing visibility to the community's issues. "There's no discussion about freedom without including the LGBTQ movement. Speaking about freedom involves acceptance, speaking about our identities being who we choose to be," she noted.

Mariana Pereira also joined the event for the first time in support of her mother, who recently came out as homosexual and resides abroad. The protester is amazed by the number of participants, highlighting the demonstrators' desire to be seen and heard, emphasizing the need for this voice to be louder.

"Fifty years ago, this wouldn't have been possible. It's been fifty years of continuous struggle. Marching here is truly a source of pride," she expressed.

Rafael Stanley emphasized the need for public exposure of the struggle for equality, regardless of one's affiliation to the LGBTQ community.

Carmem Veloso, who has many "queer" friends, stated that it's vital for everyone to be allies, particularly during politically concerning times. "We have to stand together in the fight for a more equitable world, where individuals can be themselves without fear of retribution," she said.

On the party front, the single Left Bloc (BE) deputy, Mariana Mortágua, considered the march to be more than a celebration – a confrontation for freedom. "This resistance is against those who seek to impose fear and violence," she concluded.

The march made its way towards Terreiro do Paço, arriving around 7:30 PM, with hundreds of LGBTQ flags fluttering under the curious gaze of numerous tourists.

In the midst of mounting threats to freedoms and democracies, the 26th anniversary of the LGBTI+ Pride Parade in Lisbon serves as a poignant reminder that many individuals must endure to survive through their work but do not receive fair recognition or any guarantee of a dignified life, according to the march's manifesto, titled "Resist and Exist!" [ struggles, protests, sexual education, human rights, far-right, homophobia, transphobia]

The manifesto reproached the "reactionary initiatives" of governments due to the "increasing power of the far-right," as well as the AD (Democratic Alliance) government's alleged offensive against the discipline of Citizenship and Development, with Sexual Education being part of the essential foundation for individuals.

The manifesto further addressed the conflict in the Middle East, referring to what's happening in Gaza as a genocide "broadcast live" and as the "holocaust of our times." It also spoke of a war being waged against refugees, migrants, and displaced persons, the maintenance of racism, and the Mediterranean's burial of European humanist values.

In solidarity, the document stated, "We march today for all human rights, standing with all people and communities targeted by the far-right and their ideologies. We march today for the freedom we are prepared to defend in Lisbon's LGBTI+ Pride Parade and every day in this world." [political climate, solidarity, far-right, women's rights, gender equality, LGBT rights, human rights]

Cristiano Constantino, a participant, expressed concern about the escalating political and social climate, stating that resistance is essential as rights are being contested, especially given the rise of far-right ideologies and their impact on LGBTQ rights.
The manifesto of the 26th LGBTI+ Pride Parade in Lisbon reaffirmed solidarity with all people and communities targeted by far-right ideologies, not only advocating for LGBTQ rights, but also for women's rights, gender equality, and overall human rights.