Many participants wore rainbow flags, others wore LGBT+ colors in headbands or on their T-shirts, according to a Keystone-ATS journalist on site. Zurich Pride is “a great event”, we heard during the official speeches on Helvetiaplatz. “But it is also an important and combative event”, because people continue to be discriminated against, and Pride sends a strong signal against exclusion.
In addition to the large procession of the demonstration, a festival began on Friday evening and continues on Saturday on the shore of the lake. One of the highlights was Nemo’s long-awaited first live appearance following his victory in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC). Thousands of people welcomed the young singer, who considers himself non-binary, as a hero.
More than a hundred groups registered for the event, more than ever. Zurich Pride, which has existed for 30 years, is this year under the motto “Free in every way – for 30 years”.
Nine people arrested
The demonstration generally took place peacefully, municipal police indicated at the end of the day. Even before the procession started, the atmosphere was relaxed and good-natured: people chatted, drummed and danced. However, nine people were temporarily arrested.
Six Swiss and a German aged 19 to 33, from far-right circles and who were traveling in particular by motorboat in the lake basin, were taken to a police station for additional investigations. They carried homophobic banners and circulated homophobic leaflets using a drone.
A 39-year-old Afghan and a 23-year-old Eritrean, who behaved in a disturbing manner towards participants in the demonstration, were also temporarily arrested, police said. Three other people were deported.
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