Hundreds of citizens, activists and supporters of the LGBT+ community marched today in Tirana in the "Pride Parade", an annual activity that aims to raise awareness in society to accept and promote social equality and rights for all.
The organization, which this year had as its motto the unifying call "Side by side" started on Saturday morning at the "Reja" installation in front of the "National Gallery of Arts" where inspiring speeches were given by activists, citizens and representatives of institutions.
Patris Pustina, activist and community member, said that this year's slogan means that there are many of us and that we are supported by many.
"We also march for those of you who are at home today and cannot come. It is very joyful to experience PRIDE in Albania in Tirana, in my city where I grew up, as a part of the LGBT community", declared Patrice.
Livia Zotrija from the LGBT Alliance called on state institutions to recognize same-sex couples and transgender people.
"Give us the status we deserve, give us protection. Don't force us to leave the country, to live as ourselves," Livia said.
While he asked Albanian families to accept their children and not let them feel like strangers at home.
"Albanian families, there is no greater gift than acceptance. The choice is yours, to become a shield or a wound".
Alba Ahmetaj and Edlira Mara, who are raising twin daughters, but the Albanian state does not recognize their motherhood, also joined in the same call.
"We want our rights to be recognized the same as any other Albanian citizen. The same for marriage, the same for cohabitation, the same for adoptions, we don't ask for anything more.", said Alba Ahmetaj.
"Our commitment is no weaker, and our children deserve safety and protection just like every other child in this country. I ask you: what could be more traditional than loving your children?"", concluded Edlira Mara's speech.
Particularly notable was the presence of Health Minister Albana Koçiu, who emphasized the need to do more to support the LGBT+ community.
"We have challenges, which together we can address even better, but what I would invite is for us to be together, to dialogue and to do our utmost to respect and guarantee the freedoms and rights of everyone."", said Minister Koçiu, while stressing that we must make the voice of the community resound not only today, but every day.
Meanwhile, representatives from the community of people with disabilities were also present, who brought a new dimension of solidarity and cooperation.
"I am here with my 76-year-old father, who belongs to a conformist generation. However, he understands and considers it quite natural for this community to have children, to raise their children because he has experienced firsthand what it means to be despised and left in the corner just for a characteristic of your identity and not for more fundamental reasons than that," said Suela Lala, director of the "Together Foundation" which lobbies for the rights of people with disabilities.
Diplomatic representatives, such as the ambassadors of Sweden, Canada and the EU, expressed their support through their presence. While speeches emphasized the importance of respecting human rights, mental health and social inclusion.
"Our commitment to human rights goes beyond our borders" [Canadianë] and we are proud to partner with Albania […] as it continues to strengthen respect for human rights and social inclusion,” stated the Canadian ambassador, Elissa Golberg, during the event.
While the European Union Ambassador Silvia Gonzato stated that although he has a personal history that connects him to the community, he was also a representative of the European Union that conveys the message of values and respect for human rights and democracy.
"The European Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, and these values are common to all Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men flourish.", declared Ambassador Gonzato.
After gathering, the group began the march along "Dëshmorët e Kombit" Boulevard, passing the former Blloku area, "Mother Teresa" Square, and concluding the "Pride Parade" in front of the Prime Minister's Office, where support from this community is requested.
The anthem of the parade this year was a reinterpretation of the song "Zjerm" that represented Albania in Eurovision but with the lyrics: "We are love itself, we do not lack pride, 'Side by side' we walk together, we teach the world how to love, our colors today are freedom."
The anthem was sung the entire way, taking on the energy of the song by the duo Beatriçe Gjergji and Kolë Laca of "Shkodra Elektronike".
In the hands of the marchers, banners with clear messages were waved: "Freedom, equality, security side by side"; "Hate speech is not freedom of expression"; "Down with homophobia!"; "We want equality, we want freedom" and even messages of solidarity for Palestine.
This is the 12th march organized in Tirana in support of the LGBT+ community. Albania still has a long way to go towards equality, but every step, every banner, every song is proof that this change is possible – and necessary.
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