Prague Pride parade kicks off despite rainy weather
Despite rainy weather, the Prague Pride parade has kicked off today, as 20,000 attendees are expected by organisers.
Pride week began on Wednesday with a performance by the Pet Shop Boys.
The 4th annual pride to take place in Prague takes place this week, and aims to provide support to LGBT communities in countries where pride or public events are prohibited. The pride parade will pass through Prague on Saturday, and organisers expect over 20,000 attendees.
PinkNews publisher Benjamin Cohen spoke earlier this week at the event on the fight for same-sex marriage in the UK, how it was achieved in England, Wales and Scotland, and will urge the Czech Republic to push for the same.
LGBT Avatars have been launched this year, allonw gay and lesbians from around the world to log in to LGBTavatars.eu, in order to be represented in the parade. They can see a stream of pictures, videos and messages directly to them, and can assign tasks to those attending the parade.
A total of 117 events are taking place across Prague for the pride event this week.
The American Embassy in Prague will once again support Prague Pride this year by lighting up its Glorietta pavilion in rainbow colours. The Ambassador Norman L Eisen whose term is ending this August has prolonged his stay to attend the opening ceremony.
Surveys reveal Czech Republic to be the most LGBT tolerant post-Communist state, however there is still a large population who are against LGBT rights. Just under 50% were against same-sex marriage.
