Kyiv Pride 2016

On June 12, Kyiv hosted a traditional March of Equality, or Kyiv Pride 2016, a peaceful march in support of the ideas of personal and public safety, human rights and against discrimination.

Firstly, the march was dedicated to protecting the rights of members of the LGBTI community, but many people joined it in support of the protection of human rights in general and against any forms of discrimination.

The march was attended by representatives of the LGBTI community, public activists, Ukrainian politicians, foreign diplomats, citizens from other states and Ukrainians who share the values. Also individual members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and even fighters from volunteer battalions joined the Kyiv Pride to show that not all soldiers are against the March of Equality, and that they also support the protection of human rights.

According to rough estimates, about a thousand people participated in the procession.

The main slogan of the event was "Human Rights Above All Else." Participants in the rally chanted it while they were moving along their route.

However, there were people who opposed the march. Some provocateurs, who in advance announced their plans to disrupt the pride parade, attempted to break into the area where the event was taking place, but law enforcement officers did not let them approach.

There were more than 6,000 police officers to guard the procession.