A young crowd gathered at midday, at the Porte de la Villette, a popular district in the north of Paris, taking up slogans in a festive atmosphere such as “let’s vote for our rights”, “put on glitter in your life”, “the fight is my pride”, “against transphobia: transsolidarity”.
This last slogan was also written on the banner at the head of the procession, while the organizers of this 2024 edition intended to denounce a transphobic offensive.
“Until now we suffered from ignorance, now it’s direct hatred,” judged Anaïs Perrin-Prevelle, director of OUTrans.
“In 2024, we experienced an unprecedented anti-trans campaign”, citing in particular the publication of the book “Transmania”, added the activist.
“Very serious” political context
Organized on the eve of the first round of the early legislative elections for which the far-right party RN is the favorite, the pride march is also an opportunity for slogans or political speeches aimed at all personalities or parties accused of being opposed to LGBT+ rights.
“Pride is a party, but before the party there is a riot, anger, in a very serious social and political context,” said Mimi, co-president of the trans support association Acceptess-T.
Lily and Noah, two sisters aged 16 and 20 who came from Normandy for the march, prefer to remain anonymous because their mother is worried: “In our small town, coming out as lesbian is difficult, here we feel surrounded and safe. This is our first march, we want to claim our rights which are threatened. »
Colorful floats decorated with unicorn and heart-shaped balloons, a percussion concert or a London-style bus from the Act-up association, the procession reached Place de la République at the end of the afternoon.
Protesters also observed three minutes of silence for those who died from AIDS.
