On August 26, 2023, the city of Košice hosted its annual Pride parade, a vibrant celebration advocating for the rights and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. The event attracted over a thousand participants who marched through the city’s center, promoting messages of love, equality, and acceptance.
However, the peaceful atmosphere was disrupted by members and supporters of the far-right political party, Kotlebovci – Ľudová strana Naše Slovensko (ĽSNS). Positioning themselves along the parade route, they displayed banners with slogans opposing LGBTQ+ rights and chanted phrases such as “Stop propagácii úchyliek” (“Stop the promotion of perversions”) and “Rodina je muž a žena” (“Family is man and woman”).
Tensions escalated when these individuals attempted to block the parade’s progress, leading to verbal confrontations that soon turned physical. Police intervened promptly to separate the groups and prevent further violence. One woman, who refused to comply with police instructions and resisted identification, was detained and later released after her identity was confirmed. Additionally, a young man was apprehended for engaging in disorderly conduct.
Despite these disruptions, the Pride participants remained resolute. Chanting “Láska zvíťazí” (“Love will prevail”), they continued their march, emphasizing the event’s core message of love and inclusivity.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Slovakia, particularly from extremist groups opposing their rights and visibility. Nevertheless, the unwavering spirit of the Pride participants in Košice serves as a testament to their commitment to equality and the belief that love and acceptance will ultimately triumph over hate.
