site.btaUPDATED Capital City Hosts Sofia Pride 2024

Bulgaria kicked off Sofia Pride 2024 on Saturday with a concert at Knyaz Alexander I square in Sofia, This year's campaign was entitled "Bulgaria Is Our Home Too" and seeks to bridge the theme of patriotism and national belonging in the context of the LGBTI+ community in Bulgaria and the people who support their rights.

"I would define Pride as a celebration of freedom and acceptance. An opportunity and an invitation to be ourselves, not to judge, not to hate and to love a little more. Of course, Pride is also a protest for visibility, equality and acceptance," said presenter Karin Okolie at the opening of the concert.

"I am very happy to be here, together with so many people and representatives of international organizations. We are here to support you," said the  Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bulgaria, Ambassador Simon van der Burg.

"After successfully changing the Penal Code last year thanks to you, we expect changes to the Family Code as well. Let's not forget the community whose rights were changed last year - trans people. Together we must fight for changes in the Civil Registration Act, so that they can change their civil gender, said Pride organizer Denitsa Lyubenova.

The march in defence of human rights took place for the 17th year in a row on Saturday evening

The police presence in the area was increased.