May 17 Rainbow Chain

Pride marches have been held in the northern part of Cyprus every year since 2014. These marches are held to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and pluses (LGBTI +) are not discriminated against and have equal access to human rights. In recent years, we organize pride marches and many events in this context as the May 17 Organization Committee.

 

We aim to increase both visibility and awareness in these events organized by various organizations every year in solidarity with the Queer Cyprus Association.

 

Last year, due to the Pandemic affecting the whole world, we held our activities online and discussed the impact of the pandemic on us. The situation in the past year has shown that all refugees, women, children, working class, healthcare workers, the elderly and many other groups, especially us LGBTI +, are negatively affected by the pandemic and the administrators fail to control this situation.

 

Especially during the pandemic process, we react to the statement of many politicians “We are all in the same boat” with the slogan “We are in the same sea, not on the same ship”. Especially in the studies carried out by the Queer Cyprus Association in recent years, LGBTI + ‘s employment, health, accommodation, education, etc. It has been determined that LGBTI+’s are being discriminated and even the most basic human rights are being violated.

 

Therefore, in order to show solidarity with the LGBTI + struggle and end discrimination, we invite everyone to be a part of the Rainbow Chain we will form at the Pronto Roundabout on Monday, May 17 at 18:00.

 

Do not forget to take your masks and colours while coming to the event.