Belgrade Pride March, ‘There Is Room for All of Us,’ Draws Heavy Police Presence

Several thousand people are expected to march through central Belgrade for this year’s Pride March, held under the slogan “There Is Room for All of Us.” The gathering begins at 4 p.m. in Manjež Park, and the procession is scheduled to set off at 5 p.m.

Organizers describe the march as the protest and activist centerpiece of Pride Week. They say it gives LGBTI+ people a public way to express dissatisfaction with the absence of laws governing their lives. The community’s main demands remain the adoption of a law on same-sex partnerships and legislation covering gender identity and the rights of intersex people.

The event is not being presented only as a celebration. Organizers say Pride is also a protest and a reminder of rights that authorities have not addressed. Matija Stefanović of the Da se zna association told the Beta news agency that the march had been reported to police in accordance with the law. Asked about possible incidents, he said he expected police to “do their part.”

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There Is Room for All of Us

A metal fence has been installed around Manjež Park, traffic has been suspended and a large number of police officers in riot-control equipment are stationed nearby. The situation around the park was reported as calm before the march. Police and event stewards are checking access through four entry points.

The route runs from Manjež Park along Nemanjina Street, Kneza Miloša Street, Kralja Milana Street and Nikola Pašić Square to the National Assembly, before returning to the park. A drumming band and music trucks will lead the procession. Concerts by Ivana Peters, Tam, Zejne, Harem Girls and other performers are scheduled after the march. Television journalist and N1 author Danica Vučenić is this year’s Pride patron.

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do their part