The question of whether Pride is still necessary should be dropped

A question that you unfortunately hear again and again as a member of the LGBTQIA+ communityis:

Yes, the Pride is still needed – but the question should be done away with. And these are the reasons:

In Switzerland, countless young people grow up in families that do not share the same worldview as they do. They are the black sheep. If you think the LGBTQIA+ community is accepted, then you’ve never seen conservative, traditional, or orthodox families behind closed doors. This applies to people from Zurich as well as to people from the most remote mountain village.

I know some stories from Swiss and foreigners whose families did not accept them. These are not 50-year-old men who grew up in a different time. But these are people in their early twenties who were banned from their homes, who lost their circle of friends just because they came out. I know people who would rather hide their sexuality than express it because they fear oppression.

Much remains to be done: three years ago, a ZHAW study showed that one in ten Swiss believe that same-sex love is immoral. Young men in particular have a problem with gays and lesbians.

I have countless personal experiences and those from my environment. For example from the last Pride in 2022: When I was walking with friends from the barracks area of ​​Zurich to Niederdörfli after Pride, we encountered a group of young men. “Fuck off you bastards,” they shouted after us.

For these people, the family image they have is the real deal. Anything outside the line is bad for them. This is exactly why the Pride is needed. Because people who don’t live up to that image and grow up in such an environment need the chance to realize that they are not bad as they are. In fact they are perfect. Yes, you too are perfect just the way you are – no matter what sexuality you have.

Pride shows people how free, colorful, colorful and happy the world can be – regardless of sexuality.

That’s why you’re also welcome at Pride to see what it feels like to be yourself. Complete. Without limitations.