Saturday: The Hearts Of Lions

We are down in Split this weekend to take part in Gay Pride.  Not only do I do this on a personal level but the organisation I work for is passionate about lending its support to LGBT issues, particularly in places where it is not so straightforward.  So, while I personally get a lot out of it, I also get to attend semi-officially.

The first Pride in Split was held two years ago when it was met with horrible violence and there were quite a lot of injuries.  Last year was better due to the very heavy policing and this year was better still, with the policing being a little more relaxed......that said, they were still guarding the entire route in full riot gear.

On the left, you have Milan, from Belgrade. The chap on the right is from Montenegro (unfortunately, I didn't catch his name) but we spent quite some time chatting.  Both are LGBT activists - the Montenegrin was telling how he is regularly harassed and attacked for the work that he does.  Last year alone he was in court sixty times pursuing cases where he had been attacked, his offices broken into, his car defaced etc. As K. said, they have the hearts of lions.  It would be so easy to just give up.

It was also great to see Split's newly elected mayor, Ivo Baldasar, marching and giving a speech afterwards.  The previous mayor was part of the problem and said some outrageous things - the new mayor is making everyone feel a lot more optimistic.

And it was a glorious day, so all in all, a great atmosphere.