Bucharest Pride

Bucharest Pride, formerly known as GayFest, is an annual celebration of LGBT rights held in Bucharest, Romania. Organized by the non-profit group ACCEPT, the festival spans nearly a week and features a diverse array of cultural events, including film screenings, art exhibitions, theater performances, parties, seminars, and debates on LGBT issues. The festival's highlight is the March of Diversity.

Funding for Bucharest Pride is sourced from multiple channels, including the Romanian Ministry of Health, the National Council for Combating Discrimination, and private organizations such as the Open Society Institute and the British Council in Romania.

The Romanian gay rights movement gained momentum in the mid-1990s, particularly after the decriminalization of private homosexual sex in 1996. The first GayFest was held in 2004, and since then, the event has expanded, enhancing the visibility and acceptance of the LGBT community in Romania. Despite encountering resistance from conservative and religious groups, including opposition to the pride parade and counter-demonstrations, the festival has endured.

Over the years, GayFest has evolved to feature a wide range of events, attracting international attention and support. Issues such as same-sex marriage, civil partnerships, discrimination, and societal attitudes towards the LGBT community have been addressed. Although some political and religious figures oppose the festival, it continues to advocate for equality, rights, and acceptance for the LGBT community in Romania.

From its modest beginnings to its current prominence, Bucharest Pride has grown in both size and significance. It has played a crucial role in raising awareness, challenging stereotypes, and promoting the rights and visibility of the LGBT community in Romania.