Sofia Pride

Sofia Pride Parade is a peaceful march of LGBT people and their relatives and friends, which combines social and political protest with entertainment such as live concerts.

The first Sofia Pride parade was held on June 28, 2008, on the same date as the Stonewall riots in New York City that occurred in 1969.

After democracy was established in 1990, several gay bars and clubs opened doors in the capital of Sofia as well as in Varna and Plovdiv.

Some consider it the most massive public demonstration in support of human rights in Bulgaria, articulating a protest against xenophobia and a way to show LGBT friends and relatives love and support but also as an inspiration for confidence and pride in LGBT people and all minorities who feel oppressed and suffer from society's prejudice.

While the event is supported by many national and international partners and representatives of the diplomatic community in Bulgaria as well as Human Rights Organizations, it also polarizes.

Many citizens consider the Sofia Pride a provocation and an unnecessary spectacle, claiming the event has little purpose but to offend.

The first Sofia Pride parade, organized by the BGO Gemini, was held on June 28, 2008, and it was attended by some 120 people.

Nonetheless, public opinion paid attention to this even more (BOC also made it difficult to introduce domestic partnership in the Bulgarian Family law the same year).

[9] On June 13, a statement of support was issued by the Ambassador of The Netherlands to Bulgaria, Karel van Kesteren.

The sixth Sofia Pride was planned on June 22, 2013, but got postponed until 21 September 2013 amid security concerns.

The Art week consists of a series of cultural events, exhibitions and discussion rounds on the topic of LGBT life.

The official slogan was "Не давай власт на омразата" ("Don’t give power to hatred").

Famous singers such as Galena, Mihaela Fileva, Mila Robert and the 2018 Eurovision winner, Netta, performed in the event.