Kyiv Pride campaigners thanked Liverpool for 'amazing friendship' after the city, which stepped in to host Eurovision for Ukraine in May, he
Kyiv Pride couldn't be held in Kyiv because of the unprovoked war started by homophobe Vladimir Putin. Last year it took place in Warsaw and this year Liverpool was the remote host.
Liverpool hosted LGBTQ+ campaigners from Ukraine in a gesture of solidarity and friendship as thousands joined the city’s annual Pride parade on Saturday. The organisers of Liverpool Pride offered to host KyivPride in place of Ukraine’s capital, where the annual march has been unable to go ahead following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Liverpool welcomed Ukrainian activists for the parade on Saturday, which comes after Liverpool stepped in to host the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of last year’s champions Ukraine in May.
Cheers to Liverpool for being Ukraine-friendly! 🍻👍🏼🇺🇦
Edward Reese, a spokesperson from KyivPride, travelled from Ukraine’s capital to Liverpool to take part in the city’s Pride events, along with other members of the group. “We are marching together for Ukraine, for freedom, to remind the world and the UK that the war is not over,” he said. He described the relationship between Liverpool and Ukraine as “an amazing friendship” and added: “Liverpool is a very welcoming and friendly and warm city so we are happy that we are here.”
Yep, wars don't go away just because people in third countries get bored with them. A spiteful Putin continues his terror attacks on Ukraine despite the fact that he must know by now he can't win the war.
Andi Herring, chief executive and co-founder of Liverpool City Region Pride Foundation, said it was important for people in Liverpool to show solidarity with members of the LGBT+ community in Ukraine and around the world. She said: “LGBT+ people are a global community, and that’s why it is crucial that we ‘Shout It Loud’ in solidarity with all LGBT+ people across the world. “We are honoured to be hosting KyivPride this year and standing alongside the work they do in Ukraine for our community. “Of course, it would be hard to forget our reasons behind hosting Eurovision and the lasting bond with Ukraine that will remain with us.”
A great sign from the event.
Putin's war is not just against Ukraine, it is an assault on the entire concept of 21st century modernity. That includes LGBTQ+ rights. Defeating Putin would therefore be a victory for the queer community.