Written by: Clara Marie Berens, Emma Zahurancová, Timea Fekete and Ema Čorbadžić
Thousands of local and international people dazzled the cobblestoned streets of Prague with rainbow hair, fringe crop tops, and sequin skirts for the 15th annual installation of the Prague Pride Parade this weekend.
Parents with strollers, rainbow-leashed dogs, and people in bold, expressive outfits danced in the cobble stoned streets of Václavské náměstí before winding their way across Čechův most to Letná for live music. The Prague Pride Association has been organizing this week-long August festival since 2011. This year, art exhibitions, drag queen shows, multiple live music venues, and open discussions have been part of the program in an effort to make queer people feel seen and represented.
“Pride for me is an opportunity to show something from my inner world,” said Miss Cute-T, a 27 year old Czech drag queen, whose tattoos peaked out of her pastel pink dress.
This year’s theme Where is My Home? seeks to provide a counter to far-right ideologies across Central Europe. Budapest Pride, one of the biggest in recent years, was organized in spite of a government ban.
“I feel much safer here than in Budapest,” said Eliska (22) remembering the fear that could be felt in the Hungarian march. She works for Amnesty International, one of the partners of the Prague Pride Festival.
Pride 2025. Photo: Emma Zahurancová
Through the rainbow flags and glitter accessories tiny faces and furry friends can be spotted in the crowd. Zuzanna (36) brought her 3-year-old daughter to experience the festivities. She wants to raise her child to feel free, authentic, healthy, and happy.
Photo by: Emma Zahurancová.
A cacophony of middle fingers were raised in response to signs in front of a nearby church that read “Jesus Christ is the one who can save you from Hell.” Police were posted in the area to ensure there was no escalation of events. Photo: Emma Zahurancová.
Volunteers in red T-shirts and colorful accessories were scattered throughout the event. Majda and Krystof, 19-year-old twins, have been attending Prague Pride since they were 14.
“We are now fighting for getting gender neutral identities recognized in the national ID” said Krystof, who has recently started taking testosterone. This comes after the Czech government recently made the process of gender transitioning in documents more inclusive, with reassignment surgery not being mandatory in all cases.
Vojtek, a 23-year-old ally, came from Jihlava, a town two hours South East of Prague, specifically for Prague Pride with rainbow face paint and his nails proudly done. He believes some people’s intolerance for the event comes from different upbringings.
The Prague Pride association was founded by Czech LGBTQ+ activists and expats living in Prague. Currently, Prague Pride is one of the largest cultural events in Czechia.
Anna (27) and Ava (25) are from the US, attending Prague Pride for the first time. “Home doesn’t need to be defined by blood. Home is people who respect you” Anna said, smiling.
This story was prepared as part of the Journey: Journalism Bootcamp sponsored by the Bakala Foundation.
