Pride March protesters wanted to make their voices heard

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in France on Saturday for the pride march. “Pride” is being held this year with the motto: the fight against transphobia.

For the soundtrack, there was Rihanna and Madonna among others. For the eyes, there were rainbow flags everywhere, drag queens and smiles. In short, a lot of joy on this day of pride, Saturday June 29, on the eve of the legislative elections. “I’m proud. You’re proud. You have to be proud.” chanted a participant into a microphone.

It’s not always easy to take responsibility for yourself every day. “It’s not easy to be proud on a daily basis and to accept who you are, because you risk being attacked. It still happens very regularly. As a woman, as a queer person, I don’t feel particularly protected in the street and I don’t feel totally free to be myself. Coming here today is very important to be able to be myself, to do what I want, to dress how I want. And I would like it to be like that every day later, to be free.” Marina hopes, glitter on her eyelids.

A hope of freedom for which we must remain very vigilant. “We have rights, but they remain very fragile. So, we have to mobilize every year, remind ourselves every year that nothing is ever a given. And that’s what I like about ‘Pride’, it’s super festive, but there are also real messages. It shows that the fight is never over, especially for trans people.” explains Bastien, same glitter eyelids.

Everyone in the procession talks about their fears of a harsher, less tolerant climate. Anti-LGBTQ+ acts increased by 13% last year compared to 2022. All of society must mobilize. Chloe says she came in “ally”. “I’m not queer per se, but it’s also to support, to be there, to enjoy the party. It’s important for everyone that we can be equal and happy together.” assures Chloe.