On 3 June, Utrecht hosted a spectacular event - Utrecht Pride. This festival takes place every summer as part of Pride Month and focuses on the theme of freedom and equality for all people.
Colourful boats sailed down the city's canals and were cheered on by the spectators on the quays. Rainbow flags, colourful costumes and original decorations created a carnival extravaganza on the water. People danced, sang and enjoyed their freedom and right to love. There were dance floors all over the city, with top DJs playing their sets.
The Russian-speaking LGBT+ community was also present at Utrecht Pride. Many of the participants were in the Netherlands thanks to the organisation "LGBT World Beside". This non-profit association supports asylum seekers and LGBTQ+ refugees coming to the Netherlands and other European countries from Russia and post-Soviet countries.
LGBT World Beside also organises its own Pride events, such as the annual PridePicnic in Amsterdam.
You can follow the organisation's events on the LGBT World Beside Facebook page and Instagram.
Cover photo: gay.nl
