Press Release Brussels, 26 February 2025 – The European LGBTQIA+ Media Association (ELMA) reaffirms its unwavering support for Budapest Pride and all Pride events across Europe. ELMA calls on Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management, and Equality, to take a clear stance in defending LGBTQIA+ rights.
“We are deeply alarmed by increasing anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, fueled by misinformation and political opportunism. This threatens hard-won protection of our community,” said ELMA President Giannis Papagiannopoulos. “ELMA will continue to support prides, amplify our voices, and advocate for a future where all individuals can live freely and safely. We will not back down.”
As LGBTQIA+ rights face increasing threats, ELMA stands in solidarity with communities advocating for equality, freedom, and visibility. Through advocacy and collaboration, ELMA fosters spaces for authentic self-expression while amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices across Europe.
ELMA urges the European Commission to take concrete action to ensure that Pride events can proceed safely and without political interference. It calls for a clear reaffirmation of the EU’s commitment to defending LGBTQIA+ rights, ensuring that Pride remains a powerful symbol of freedom and equality.
Recent remarks by Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, are sparking widespread concern. In his State of the Nation address, Orbán suggested banning Pride parades, labeling them “LGBTQ+ propaganda” and proposing constitutional amendments to restrict gender identities. Despite these challenges, Budapest Pride organizers remain resolute, emphasizing that Hungary’s constitution guarantees freedom of assembly and expression. Open societies are defined not by whether the government allows agreement, but by whether government tolerates dissent. Similar challenges have been faced by EuroPride 2022 in Belgrade, Serbia, where international solidarity ensured the event proceeded despite government opposition.
In 2024, ELMA partnered with the European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA) and visit.brussels to launch the Meaning of Pride survey, exploring the significance of Pride within the LGBTQIA+ community. The results will be presented on May 25, 2024, at the Brussels Pride Conference, reinforcing Pride’s role as a space for empowerment and social change.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Gareth Johnson, ELMA Coordinator and Media Liaison
Email: contact@elma.lgbt
Phone: +44 7851 675 618
The following publications and representatives express their fully support for ELMA:
HUMEN magazine – Zsolt Erdei – Hungary
STROBO magazine– Franck Desbordes – France
WINQ magazine – Edwin Reinerie – The Netherlands
KET magazine – Philippe De Wulf – Belgium
SHANGAY magazine – Alfonso Llopart – Spain
ANTIVIRUS magazine – Giannis Papagiannopoulos – Greece
BLU media group – Olaf Alp – Germany
Lui magazine – Jakub Starý – Czech Republic
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