For the first time in Portugal, Europride today drew thousands to Lisbon’s Avenida da Liberdade to march for LGBTI+ rights and advocate for the right to love without prejudice.
Under the theme ‘Proudly Yourselves’, Europride 2025 called for a celebration of authenticity, unity, and love. This sentiment was reflected in the faces of the thousands who took to the Lisbon avenue, brandishing signs and the iconic rainbow flag.
Whether on foot or aboard one of the themed trucks along Avenida da Liberdade, the participants’ joy was infectious as they waved, danced, and sang to music from loudspeakers.
EuroPride 2025 marks its inaugural event in Portugal, organized by Variações – Associação de Comércio e Turismo LGBTI de Portugal, with support from Turismo de Portugal and the Lisbon City Council.
Speaking to journalists, José Marquina, president of Variações, expressed pride in hosting Europride in Portugal, emphasizing the event’s importance in advocating for and celebrating the rights of the LGBTI+ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex).
He highlighted the need to celebrate these rights and achievements, ensuring there is “no backtracking,” citing Hungary as an example where the LGBTI+ community faces criminalization.
In a more festive tone, and dressed as sailors, the couple Pablo (Spanish) and Olivier (French) told the Lusa agency they were participating because they believe rights are never fully won and “it’s always necessary to fight for freedom.”
“We must always fight for freedom and for those who cannot come out. We’ve never won everything, and we must fight and show pride in who we are,” said Olivier.
Pablo noted that displays of affection might not be as evident in Lisbon as in Spain, but assured he hasn’t faced discrimination.
Also attending the march, Portuguese participant Helena Lima emphasized the importance of such events for raising awareness in Portuguese society.
“I’m here because it’s my community and because it’s crucial for people to know our rights. There is still a lot of prejudice, but I’ve never felt very discriminated against,” she stressed.
With a more optimistic and philosophical tone, Eva from Germany asserted that what is at stake is “the right to love,” regardless of whom one loves.
“Love is love, no matter who you love. People’s rights cannot be taken away. We are colorful, not black or white,” she argued.
After walking the central Avenida da Liberdade, covering just over two kilometers, the march concluded at Terreiro do Paço.
