This Saturday, Podgorica was draped in rainbow colours. The streets spoke the language of freedom, and the 13th Pride Parade – under the slogan “Resistance Builds Freedom” – once again reminded everyone that the fight for equality is far from over.

“Freedom is won and built through determination and courage. Resistance means we do not retreat in the face of hatred, but stand firm in defending the rights that belong to us by birth,” declared speakers from the stage in front of the Parliament of Montenegro, from where the procession began its peaceful walk through the city. Banners carried clear messages: “I March for Freedom”, “Where Are Our Rights?”, “Don’t Be Afraid to Be Yourself.”

The Ambassador of the EU to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, members of the Delegation of the EU to Montenegro, and representatives of the diplomatic corps, marched under the slogan “Diplomats for Pride” side by side with activists. They showed the essence of the European project – respect for human dignity, freedom, and equality.

Activist Jovan Ulićević from the Spektra Association stated that the time for empty words is over and that the time for action has come. “I want to congratulate you for every protest for Montenegro. Pride today is not the only protest in the country. I believe the time has come to take to the streets and act,” he said, emphasising that the fight for human rights is not waged only through words, but through presence and persistence.

Staša Baštrica from Queer Montenegro added that resistance is the foundation of freedom: “Resistance is our pride and our anger, but also the greatest potential for unity and change. As right-wing structures gain strength around the world and the class divide deepens, the struggle for freedom is not a local matter – it is a universal challenge and a shared responsibility.”

Copyright: Evropska kuća

Speakers reminded everyone that Pride in Montenegro is not just a celebration but also a protest against discrimination and systemic injustice. The LGBTIQ community still faces institutional barriers, a lack of legal protection, and social stigmatisation. Therefore, participants reiterated their demand for the adoption of a Law on Legal Gender Recognition Based on Self-Determination – legislation that would represent a concrete step towards genuine equality.

To recall, the first Pride Parade in Montenegro was held in 2013 in Budva, when participants were met with stones and insults. Today, twelve years later, the march proceeds peacefully, with the support of the maturing institutions and a society. Montenegro has come a long way from the days of stones and fear – today it is building a nation that understands individual freedom as the core of its European path. With the adoption of the Law on Life Partnership in 2020, the country opened the way towards a society that increasingly embraces European Union values – equality, respect, and solidarity.