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Photos: Serbia holds LGBT march in Belgrade, first openly gay PM joins in
As the Serbian capital of Belgrade took to the streets celebrating the 2017 LGBT Pride Parade through the city, Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, one of the world's few openly gay government leaders joined in with a message ‘that diversity makes our society stronger, that together we can do more.'
Updated on: Sep 19, 2017 11:11 AM IST
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Ana Brnabic, 41, became one of the first openly gay government leaders in the world when she came to power in June, but activists say homophobia remains a widespread problem in Serbia. Holding rainbow flags, balloons and a banner reading ‘For change’ pride participants gathered in Belgrade, the Serbian capital, before setting off on a march through the city. Many approached Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, greeting her and taking selfies. (Marko Djurica / REUTERS)
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Two women take a selfie during the Gay Pride parade on September 17, 2017 in Belgrade. Serbia’s embattled LGBT residents face widespread harassment and violence from extremists. Violence marred the first pride march in 2001, and more than 100 people were injured during an event in 2010 when police clashed with right-wing groups and soccer hooligans. Several pride events were banned before marches resumed in 2014. (Andrej Isakovic / AFP)
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Participants dance under a rainbow flag during an annual LGBT pride parade in Belgrade, Serbia. Despite the hundreds of riot police stationed in downtown Belgrade and the helicopters flying overhead, activists said the atmosphere on Sunday was more relaxed than in previous years. (Marko Djurica / REUTERS)
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A woman reacts while riding a bicycle during the Gay Pride parade in Belgrade. Serbian riot police cordoned off the city center with metal fences early Sunday to prevent possible clashes with extremist groups opposed to the pride gathering. Right-wing activists gathered in a central area with banners, but no conflicts were reported. (Andrej Isakovic / AFP)
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A woman watches gay rights activists and a child hold up a rainbow flag during the gay pride march in Belgrade, Serbia. ‘Today we walk together and together we will stress that problems still exist and that we want to work together to solve them,’ said activist Goran Miletic. (Darko Vojinovic / AP)
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A participant dances in front of a rainbow flag during the pride parade in Belgrade, Serbia. Brnabic was elected earlier this year amid Serbia’s efforts to improve its image as it moves toward European Union membership. Gay rights activists in Serbia have hailed her ascension as an important step in their struggle, but say much more needs to be done. (Marko Djurica / REUTERS)
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Serbia's prime minister Ana Brnabic (C) attends the Gay Pride parade in Belgrade. ‘The government is here for all citizens and will secure the respect of rights for all citizens,’ Brnabic told reporters. ‘We want to send a signal that diversity makes our society stronger, that together we can do more.’ (Andrej Isakovic / AFP)
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People dance during gay pride march in Belgrade, Serbia on Sunday, September 17, 2017. Brnabic attended the pride march last year when she was public administration minister in the previous government of now-President Aleksandar Vucic. A former ultranationalist who now identifies as a pro-EU reformer, Vucic has declined invitations to attend the pride march. (Darko Vojinovic / AP)
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