Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris to participate in Paris Pride, marching to defend LGBTQ+ rights against a backdrop of increasing popularity for the far right in France. The event, which brought together approximately 50 associations, began at the Place d'Italie in the south of the capital and concluded at the Place de la Bastille, where a concert was scheduled.
Alexandre Schon, co-president of Inter-LGBT, the organization responsible for the march, emphasized the urgency of the moment. “We are just a few months away from the presidential election, so we are calling on LGBT+ people and allies to mobilize for a future based on solidarity,” Schon stated, adding that the community must stand up against the far right. Schon also expressed significant concern regarding the future of LGBTQ+ rights, noting that they could be the next targets and highlighting that such rights are currently under attack in other nations, including the United States and Senegal.
Several left-wing political figures joined the march, including Green MP Sandrine Rousseau and the leader of France Unbowed (LFI), Jean-Luc Mélenchon. In a post on X, Mélenchon advocated for acceptance, stating, “Sexual orientation or the sense of belonging to a gender are not choices. As long as one hasn't understood that, one is not a fully realized human being. Rights must follow. Gender freedom must be declarative. The process must be simplified.”
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire also addressed the ongoing threats faced by the community, noting that LGBTQIA+ venues continue to be subjected to violence, intimidation, and discrimination. In a post on X, Grégoire urged for the protection of these spaces and the bolstering of resources for associations.
While Paris Pride is traditionally held in June, this year's event was postponed due to a heatwave. The original timing of the march is historically linked to the Stonewall riots in New York, which occurred on the night of 27–28 June 1969. Last year, attendance figures varied significantly, with organizers reporting 500,000 participants, while police estimates suggested fewer than 100,000.
