Against all odds: Saving Budapest Pride

Despite massive obstacles, Budapest Pride took place on 28 June with a huge turnout. The event marked its 30th anniversary with a march under the slogan “Itt(hon) vagyunk” (“We are here/home”). Not only did organizers and activists overcome the repression tactics and attacks against them, they supercharged the momentum behind the march by framing it as a symbol of the bigger crackdown on rights in Hungary. 

Ashmi de Silva and Barbara Horváth break down how this turnaround happened.

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Pride under pressure

Around the world, LGBTQIA+ communities are facing growing repression, as governments pass laws that restrict their rights to live openly, express themselves freely, and gather in solidarity. Hungary is no exception. In March, the government passed a law making it a crime to organize, lead, or participate in pride marches–effectively prohibiting the Budapest Pride March, held in June each year. The law also allows police to use facial recognition technology to identify people who attend such marches. 

The new law marks a significant escalation in Hungary’s ongoing efforts to silence and isolate the LGBTQIA+ community, and also violates EU human rights standards and values, such as the rule of law and freedom of expression and assembly. So far 20 EU governments have raised concerns about the new law and called for Hungary to revise it. 

Doubling down not backing down

Budapest Pride was forced to play by the Hungarian government’s book and adapt to its strategy of pushing through legislation unannounced and at break-neck speed,  thanks to the supermajority Fidesz has in the parliament. Knowing they are being used to divert attention from the government’s economic, political and moral failures, Pride organizers chose to resist and put all their energy into organizing what is expected to be Hungary’s biggest-ever Pride march. Choosing to show that pride is first and foremost an act of resistance, they invited everyone to stand up not only against homophobia but against the broader attacks on the right to assembly and freedom of speech. 

Through social media, pledges and letter campaigns, Budapest Pride focused on talking to everyone who values democracy and freedom. To get people on board, they stayed on message and created content around the need of Hungarians to live in a democratic country again. Repeating and circulating this message evoked solidarity in Hungarians and the free media also chose to emphasize the solidarity aspect of the march: if Budapest Pride is banned today who will be silenced tomorrow? 

Budapest Pride connected the march to the broader human rights agenda on their social media, such as this Facebook post.

By choosing to open up to the wider public and frame this year’s pride march as the ultimate protest against the attempts to curtail basic freedoms, Budapest Pride is attracting more supporters than ever before. This rapidly gained traction online, as influencers and content creators were already talking about Hungarians’ freedom of expression being taken away. Budapest Pride seized the opportunity of inviting as many politicians and influencers as possible. Riding these waves and achieving media coverage and a constant presence across the remaining free platforms provided further fuel to the resistance. 

The organizers expect a huge turnout of first-time marchers on top of its regular participants. This year’s slogan “Itt(hon) vagyunk” (“We are here/home”) also helps this cause as the whole theme is based on Hungarian images and imaginary–an attempt to mend a country with a deeply divided population. 

The organizers also reached out to Europe–not only to other Pride events but also to EU level politicians, embassies, parties and people. Realizing the international backlash Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was facing after banning the march, it was clear to everyone that Europe and the world is watching and cares about this dangerous threat to human rights in the heart of Europe. The team decided to put time and energy into one of the biggest outreach programs Hungary has seen since the regime change. 

The existing network was mobilized and Pride events internationally were ready to help and create their own personalized message to Hungarians and sometimes Orbán. Gergely Karácsony, the mayor of Budapest, became the biggest ally in the political space and toured European Capitals and Prides to raise awareness. 

Through their network, Budapest Pride reached European political parties and NGOs who were happy to help out with fundraising. Offering email drafts, sometimes even translated, and existing fundraising infrastructure, supportive entities were able to help with very little effort. It required a brave stance and the belief that European solidarity exists.

It does. 

This transeuropean program is one of the greatest successes the European microdonation-scene has witnessed. It would not have been possible without our allies on the continent and beyond.

European and global solidarity

Across Europe and the world, cities and LGBTQIA+ communities are standing in powerful solidarity with Budapest Pride. In London, a Solidarity Pride demonstration took place outside the Hungarian Embassy on 21 June, Stockholm Pride has also strongly condemned the Hungarian government's actions, expressing full support for Budapest Pride. In Ireland, Dublin Pride held a solidarity demonstration in March, calling on European institutions to pressure the Hungarian government to end its targeting of LGBTQIA+ communities. A similar rally was organized in March by Vienna Pride outside the Hungarian Embassy to express support. Besides the offline space online activism has spread, and with the support of European parties and organizations Budapest Pride raised enough small donations in Hungary and Europe to keep functioning—after 90% of the sponsors pulled out, threatening the very existence of the march. 

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony takes to the stage to speak at a Vienna Pride event

Budapest Pride did not only reach out to the world but also invited it in. This year, Europe and the world will not only watch Budapest but will also be present. Organizers encourage everyone to come and participate in the event from all over the world, show support to LGBTQIA+ people and Hungarians who are committed to democracy, freedom and human rights. Politicians from across Europe will be present from different levels to support democracy, freedom and equality. 

The coordinated acts of resistance reflect the strength of international Pride solidarity and send a clear message: LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights—everywhere. This year, Budapest Pride is more than just a celebration—it is a symbol of resistance for Hungary’s LGBTQIA+ community and a clear defense of democratic values. In the face of rising hostility, this year’s Pride carries a powerful message: that LGBTQIA+ people and average citizens alike will not be silenced in Hungary. It also stands as a beacon of courage for LGBTQIA+ communities around the world who are also facing similar threats. Supporting Budapest Pride means standing up for the fundamental principles of freedom, dignity, and democracy.

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Image credit: Justin van Dyke, CC BY 2.0