Baltic Pride 2021 kicks off in Riga with rainbow flag ceremony

  • 2021-08-03
  • LETA/TBT Staff

RIGA - The rainbow flag was raised at the Kanepe Culture Center in Riga on Monday to open the week of Baltic Pride 2021, an LGBT+ event that each Baltic capital takes turn to host each summer, the event’s representative Kaspars Zalitis told LETA.

He said that organizers informed about the Baltic Pride program and key events, as well as this year’s main goal – to raise awareness of human rights issues, providing a platform to the LGBT+ community and other unprotected groups.

Baltic Pride co-chair Kristine Garina said that pride is necessary always because for the LGBT+ community it is a matter of visibility and an opportunity for LGBT+ people to come together and have the sense of belonging. Although this year the pride events will take place differently – mainly online – the event, being a force that unites the community and increases its visibility, is as necessary as ever, Garina said.

Baltic Pride is taking place from August 2 to 7. The Kanepe Culture Center, which has become the Pride House for the pride week, will be the main venue of most of the 40 pride events, an information center, a headquarters for volunteers and activists, as well as a meeting and recreation place for the participants of Baltic Pride.

The main theme of Baltic Pride this year is equality and the creation of an inclusive society.

Baltic Pride will offer a wide variety of events, from female stand-up shows to famous Latvian comedian “roasts” about the latest events in politics and society, organizers said.