Our Participation in Sofia Pride 2025

Day 20 - Today was the 18th Pride in Sofia, Bulgaria. The very first occurred in 2008, had less than 200 participants, and was marred by violence. In 2025, the crowds were expected at 10,000 - 15,000. However, the format changed due to anticipated counter demonstrations. We only saw one angry young man shouting with a megaphone.  He was sitting the wrong side of history. That said, rights are easily revoked in any country and today is definitely not time to rest on gains and past progress. I wrote these words to friends as a message a few minutes ago:

A nice pride parade like they must've been like. Just gay people, their families' and supporter's taking up the downtown streets. Showing they weren't to be ignored and were still fighting for the same legal protections afforded to others in society ...

The people gathered in a downtown square.  A few politicians and European representatives welcomed everyone to the event.  Then, the main float began and folks followed.  It started exactly at 4:00 pm on the dot.

There were few spectators and those involved started walking.  Jay and I joined everybody on the one-hour journey through downtown streets, making a loop and returning to the same location.

A bit more than one hour later, we returned to the same square with tired legs but a feeling of accomplishment helping to show support.

We didn't stay for the 5:30 to 9:30 music concert with Bulgarian singers and recording artists.  

We feel lucky to have been in the city today and experienced a little bit of Sofia Pride 2025.