DistantNews
Support us
🇩🇰 Denmark /Culture & Society

Thousands march in Hungary's first Pride since Orbán's exit

From Berlingske · () Danish

Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Tens of thousands marched in Budapest's first Pride parade since Viktor Orbán's departure from power.
  • The event symbolized resistance against Orbán's previous ban on Pride and his anti-LGBTQ+ policies.
  • While the new government has eased restrictions, LGBTQ+ individuals hope for further rights, including marriage and adoption.

Tens of thousands braved a heatwave in Budapest on Saturday to participate in Hungary's first Pride march since the departure of nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The parade through the capital symbolized a significant shift after 16 years of Orbán's rule.

We are proud of ourselves and everyone else for being here and coming, even though it feels like 50 degrees on the asphalt

— Zsuzsanna NaszalyiA 53-year-old teacher described the conditions during the Pride march.

Orbán's government had banned the Pride parade last year, citing a need to "protect children." Despite the ban, an estimated 200,000 people participated, turning the event into a powerful symbol of opposition to his long-standing anti-LGBTQ+ agenda. The change in government, with Peter Magyar now serving as prime minister, has brought a sense of relief to Hungary's LGBTQ+ community.

I think the situation is getting better and better, especially because of the change of government

— Petra TothAn 18-year-old attendee shared her feelings about the current climate for LGBTQ+ people in Hungary.

Participants expressed optimism about the changing atmosphere. "I think the situation is getting better and better, especially because of the change of government," said 18-year-old Petra Toth, attending her first Pride with her girlfriend. Sixty-year-old Balazs Moczar-Boor added, "The mood in public has really changed." He noted that he and his partner had considered leaving Hungary if Orbán had remained in power.

The mood in public has really changed

— Balazs Moczar-BoorA 60-year-old participant commented on the shift in public sentiment.

However, challenges persist, particularly outside the capital. "In Budapest, people have come further and accept everyone, but in rural areas, it's something completely different," shared Lidia, who traveled from northern Hungary. She expressed hope for the country's future, stating, "I hope the country gets back on track, and that homosexuals will be able to marry and adopt children. But it will take time." The new prime minister has indicated a less interventionist approach, stating his government will not dictate how people live, but concrete steps to secure LGBTQ+ rights have yet to be taken.

In Budapest, people have come further and accept everyone, but in rural areas, it's something completely different

— LidiaA participant from northern Hungary highlighted regional differences in acceptance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog