The 2026 Pride Parade in Belgrade took place on September 5, marking a significant milestone for the LGBTI+ community in Serbia. The event, themed “There is room for all of us,” commemorated 25 years since the first Pride Parade in the country, which was marred by violence in 2001. This year’s parade proceeded largely without incident, despite coinciding with a commemoration for Ratko Mladić, the former Bosnian Serb Army commander convicted of genocide and war crimes.
Participants gathered at Manjež Park, filling the area with music and flags before marching through central Belgrade. The parade route was completed without major disruptions, although there were verbal confrontations near the Vaznesenjska Church, where churchgoers played religious songs and burned incense as the parade passed. Police intervened to remove a clergyman from the vicinity of the Serbian Assembly, ensuring the parade continued as planned.
Organizers emphasized the parade’s role as a protest against ongoing discrimination and violence faced by the LGBTI+ community in Serbia. They highlighted the importance of visibility and solidarity, noting that the community still struggles with societal acceptance and legal protections. According to the organization Da se zna, there were 110 hate crime incidents against LGBTI+ individuals in Serbia last year, with many cases remaining unprosecuted. This year, incidents included a tear gas attack on a queer club in Belgrade and threats against Pride caravan participants in various cities.
The Pride Parade also served as a platform for personal stories and messages of support. Alan Batikov, a 23-year-old Russian living in Belgrade, shared his experiences of feeling safer in Serbia compared to his homeland. He carried a sign highlighting the contrast between the openness he encountered in Belgrade and the hostility he faced in Russia.
Danica Vučenić, a journalist and the godmother of this year’s Pride, addressed the crowd, underscoring the event’s significance as a call for solidarity and responsibility. Vučenić, known for her advocacy of democratic values and human rights, expressed hope that the parade would strengthen support for the minority community amidst broader societal challenges.
The parade concluded with participants urged to travel in groups and avoid responding to potential provocations. Organizers had advised attendees to remove makeup and glitter before leaving the park for safety reasons. Despite the tense atmosphere, the event ended without significant incidents, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that remain in the fight for LGBTI+ rights in Serbia.
