KyivPride not to reschedule LGBT festival despite Holodomor Memorial Day

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.

Read also