LGBT History being made in Cyprus

This is a historic day for a country that now achieves a crucial moment of visibility for LGBT people. It shows the strength of the mobilisation for equality in Cyprus and the need to affirm that LGBT rights are human rights. It is also a historic moment for the European Union: all EU countries will now have had Pride marches. 

The March is organised by Accept-LGBT Cyprus and supported by the EU representation in Cyprus and by the Mayor of Nicosia, among many others. The Board of ILGA-Europe will participate in the March in support of our Cypriot colleagues and in recognition of their continued efforts to advocate for the LGBT community. 

Evelyne Paradis, Executive Director of ILGA-Europe, stated that “over the course of the last five years, the strength of the movement in Cyprus has grown substantially and showed that Cyprus is affirming its will to be on the right side of history”.

Gabi Calleja, Co-Chair of the Board of ILGA-Europe, added that “political leadership is now needed in support of LGBTI rights and an emerging LGBT community. One important step is to take concrete actions in implementing the Civil Partnership Bill that would give the necessary legal recognition to same-sex couples and their families.”

Paulo Côrte-Real, Co-Chair of the Board of ILGA-Europe, concluded that “this March is proof that freedom of expression is a human right that can be enjoyed across the European Union and it is both moving and encouraging to see that mobilisation by civil society has the power to drive sustainable change”.