Rainbow parade in Wiener Neustadt: a festival for love and diversity!

Rainbow parade in Wiener Neustadt: a festival for love and diversity!

On June 30, 2025, hundreds of people gathered in Wiener Neustadt to celebrate their third pride. Under the motto "We celebrate what connects us: love. Diversity. Community" gave: inside a sign of tolerance, visibility and equality. This colorful event was a clear message against hatred and hostility that many LGBTQIA+people encounter in everyday life, as well as reporting reporting on the Pride-Month and the associated challenges, such as that many queer people in the office or in sport can still not be their identity, for fear of discrimination and disadvantages during promotions.

The demo train led through the Herzog-Leopoldstrasse, over the ring and through Bahngasse, while the Drag Queen Candy Licious led through the program as a moderator. DJ Karl Michael, who brought the participants in the mood with his beats, provided musical entertainment. Despite the summer heat, many visitors were looking for: cooling in the fountain in the fountain on the main square, which gave the happy festival an additional refreshment.

pride and visibility

Mark-Andre Veraszto from the Pride organization team informed those present about the importance of the event: "The Pride is more important than ever today because we live in a time when hostility against the LGBTQIA+community is increasing." He also thanked the community and the executive for the support that it had made possible that the event could be carried out without incidents. There were also representatives among the guests: inside the SPÖ, Greens and Neos, who showed their solidarity with the movement.

After the parade, the first official after-show party was celebrated in the Sparkassenaal. Here a varied program was waiting for the guests: In addition to the exhibition of the artist Mawi in the entrance area, DJ: Ane Frieda Phoenix ensured the background music while Eric Big Clit took over the moderation. The program included improvisation theater, stand-up comedy and another highlight that was amazed at the guests-a burlesque show by Rachel Riot, which completed the festive evening.

international solidarity

The celebrations in Wiener Neustadt are part of a larger context. In Eastern Europe, many pride events face enormous challenges. The Sofia Pride in Bulgaria, which is becoming increasingly important, is particularly mentioned. The fact that CSD Berlin Pride supports the event is a strong sign of international solidarity, especially in times when acceptance for LGBTQIA+rights in many countries can still be expanded. The Sofia Pride, which has been taking place annually since 2008, has developed into the largest human rights event in the country and attracts more participants year after year.

The Pride in Wiener Neustadt once again proves how important it is to stand up for diversity and equality, especially in times of prejudices and discrimination. There is still a lot to do to improve the reality of queer people-not only during the Pride-Month, but all year round. One thing is certain: the community cannot be kept down!