More events to celebrate Pride month

The month of June is dedicated to LGBTQI+ awareness and its annual series of events aims to highlight the community, its rights and struggles without forgetting to celebrate love in all shapes and forms.

This June is no different. The Queer Collective Cy organisation has already organised the first bicommunal pride march whereas the large annual march held by ACCEPT – LBGT Cyprus will take place in September. Nonetheless, several events are still going on, starting with an event at the Home for Cooperation discussing Pride and hate speech.

The 6pm talk on Friday is organised by Bubble Out Cyp and the Queer Cyprus Association and will address the effects of hate speech on those who experience them. Although the LGBTQI+ community is active on the island, it is not supported by all and every year the Pride marches are followed by hate speech and negative comments online or shouted from the streets.

“Such negative comments and discourses deeply affect the LGBTI+ community and allies,” say event organisers. “In particular, hate speech and online harassment negatively affect mental health and well-being.” As such, they will hold the In It Together: Let’s Talk about Pride and Hate Speech talk to discuss the effects this has.

The session will be moderated by a certified psychologist with a background in LGBTI+ issues and will allow participants to share their stories and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. The event will be held in English and language support will be provided to those who need it.

On Sunday, ACCEPT – LBGT Cyprus and Kafeneio Ison in Nicosia are organising the Proud Street Party from 6pm onwards. The party is free to attend and invites everyone to get together at Kafeneio Ison for Pride and in celebration of the Stonewall uprising in 1969 and dance to the music selection of DJ Vangelis.

In It Together: Let’s Talk about Pride and Hate Speech

Talk organised by Bubble Out Cyp and the Queer Cyprus Association. June 24. Home for Cooperation, Nicosia. 6pm-8pm. Free. In English

Proud Street Party

Music by DJ Vanelis. By ACCEPT – LBGT Cyprus and Kafeneio Ison. June 26. Kafeneio Ison, Nicosia. 6pm. Free