Grief and solidarity: Rainbow parade commemorates Graz victims in Vienna

Grief and solidarity: Rainbow parade commemorates Graz victims in Vienna

Graz, Österreich - On June 14, 2025, the 29th Wiener Rainbow Parade took place under special signs. The demo train, which was moving through the city without music and cheers this year, began with a memorial march for the victims of the tragic killing spree in Graz. With a black banner that should symbolize the sympathy, the participants were led: inside from the town hall to parliament. Under the motto "Our hearts are in Graz", the path led to silent dignity in order to remember the previous events. Among those present included Vienna Health City Councilor Peter Hacker and the former Minister of Justice Alma Zadić, who demanded solidarity with the victims and their relatives. The double leadership of the Vienna Greens, Judith Pühringer and Peter Kraus, was also present and strengthened the cohesion among the participants: inside.

The demo train, led by members of the Hosi (homosexual initiative), had a clear message: against violence, hatred and discrimination. City Councilor Czernohorszky emphasized that the parade must continue to exist as a political demonstration. The political character also remains important in the mourning period to underline the visibility of the LGBTIQ community, as meinzirk.at.

solidarity and commemoration

The organizers of the parade had decided to make the beginning in silence in order to meet the memory of the victims. All participants: inside carried their colorful signs with black mourning flores, and a transparent with the inscription "Every child has the right to a future in safety" was laid down as a symbol in front of the parliament. These gestures illustrated the respect for the sensitive events that the public had shaken.

Despite the difficult circumstances, foot and space was big. After the quiet section, the parade could finally be continued loud and colorful, and the motto "Unite in Pride" was particularly important this year. The organizers called for unity against division, discrimination and violence. All events in the Pride Village took place as planned and were carefully adjusted to respect the moment of commemoration without losing sight of the diversity and human rights, how to lose sight of how GGGG.AT in detail.

a sign of the future

An important feature of this year's rainbow parade was the increased security concept that was developed in cooperation with the authorities. The participants were available to contact points for psychosocial care: inside the Pride Village in order to take the emotional needs into account after the incident. These efforts that offer space for fun and community despite the funeral moment show the resilience of the LGBTIQ community in Vienna.

This commemoration and cohesion are essential, especially in times when violence against LGBTIQ people worldwide increases. In numerous countries, from Iraq to Hungary to Africa, people of the community often have to deal with drastic repression and discrimination. In Austria, too, the constant use for equality and rights of the LGBTIQ-community remains necessary to counter these challenges, as amnesty.de underlines.

The Viennese rainbow parade not only has the character of a celebration, but also the order to continue the fight against hate and for equality. The silent beginning and the steamed festivity are an urgent call that the focus must be on humanity and rights of all people.