KyivPride not to reschedule LGBT festival despite Holodomor Memorial Day

KyivPride festival organizers. Photo: KyivPride

KyivPride festival organizers. Photo: KyivPride

The organizers of KyivPride have refused to reschedule their LGBT festival, planned for November 23, which coincides with the Day of Remembrance for Holodomor victims. Despite criticism over the date, the event team decided to proceed with the planned program. This was stated in a KyivPride announcement.

“On November 23 and 24, the KyivPride charity festival will take place. The festival aims to educate the LGBTQ+ community and raise funds to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The format of the event is a lecture series focusing on topics relevant to society. On November 23, we will join the nationwide moment of silence and the 'Light a Candle of Remembrance' event to honor the victims of the Holodomor. We are simultaneously part of the LGBTQ+ community and the Ukrainian nation—both identities are important to us,” the statement reads.

The organizers also explained that the festival is educational in nature and is not a party, concert, or parade. The original name, “Queer Propaganda Fest,” was intended to be ironic but was changed due to associations with Russian information-psychological operations (IPSO). “We wanted to show that we do not believe in the ‘propaganda’ of any orientation, but we understand that the word ‘propaganda’ is perceived negatively. We are making adjustments and emphasizing that the festival is aimed at fostering critical thinking and common sense,” the organizers added.

The decision not to reschedule the festival has sparked a wave of criticism online, with organizers accused of discrediting the entire LGBT movement.

As previously reported, the President of Ireland recently signed a law recognizing 72 genders and transgender identities.

SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says

According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.

Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia

During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.

Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris

Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.

Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit

More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.

Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk

Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.

Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death

The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.