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This year’s annual EuroPride took place in Latvia’s capital Riga on Saturday the 27th of June. Organisations, activists and individuals gathered to advocate for LGBT right in Latvia and in Europe.

The European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) participated in the historic Pride and celebrated diversity with more than 5000 people from all over Europe. Before the Pride a seminar for the individual members of LYMEC took place focusing on the legal situation for the LGBT population in Europe.

Under the motto ‘Your rights, our fight’ the liberals demonstrated for an equal and inclusive society. LYMEC president Vedrana Gujic explains the motto: “LGBT rights are not special rights they are basic human rights, all people equal regardless of their sexuality. It is not up to the state to value people’s sexual preferences but to secure that every human being has the same rights and duties. This fight is not a question of whether you are personally affected, but about standing up for each other. It is in the heart of liberalism to stand up against discrimination.”

LYMECs Campaign Officer Jelena Jesajana that lives in Latvia further explains: “Especially in Eastern parts of Europe there is still a long way to go until equalization. And it is not only about LGBT rights, but about rights for everyone in a modern society. In some states like Latvia there is no such thing as a cohabitation act neither for heterosexual nor homosexual relationships. All unmarried people that are in a long term relationship are discriminated compared to married couples. However, there is light as things are slowly starting to change and here in Latvia the young liberals Latvija Attistibai are working hard for the cohabitation law to pass.”