BiH Pride March, a Bosnian Tradition

Over the past five years, the BiH Pride March has become more than an annual event — it has become a political act, a space of resistance, solidarity, and hope. This year, under the slogan "Love is the Law", the march once again demonstrated its strength and reminded us that the rights and freedoms of LGBTI+ people in Bosnia and Herzegovina are still far from guaranteed.

We spoke with Organizing Committee members Ena, Jelena, and Lejla, who shared their thoughts on this year’s Pride, the development of the movement, their personal motivations, and the importance of community.

How satisfied are you with this year’s BiH Pride March?

Ena:"I’m truly satisfied with this year’s Pride on many levels. Most importantly, we succeeded in creating a safe space where community members could freely express their identities, emotions, and sense of belonging — without fear or hiding. That’s no small thing in a country like Bosnia and Herzegovina, where LGBTI+ people face daily violence, humiliation, and erasure.

What was especially important for me was seeing how many different people showed up — young and old, some attending for the first time, others returning year after year. The slogan ‘Love is the Law’ perfectly captured the spirit of this year’s march."

Jelena:"This year’s march definitely showed why it’s crucial to persist, to take to the streets and speak out against the inequality we face every day. Even after five years of marching, we’ve yet to see institutional changes that would ease the everyday lives of LGBTI+ people. I’m proud of every person who showed up and supported the protest. I hope we can maintain this momentum until our demands are met."

Lejla:"Every Pride March is important — especially today, when fascism is no longer even disguised. I’m proud that we’ve continued to persevere, organizing for six years in a row. That’s a huge accomplishment in a society that still looks at LGBTI+ people with contempt."

How do you see the difference between the first BiH Pride March and the most recent one?

Jelena:"The first Pride was a massive step forward — it was the first time we took to the streets together, visibly expressing our frustration with the violence we face, even within our own families. It was an empowering and political act. While there have been visible changes on a societal level, in terms of legal protections we remain invisible. The removal of terms like ‘gender identity’ from legal texts further erodes our protections. The fight is far from over."

It’s often said that Pride brought Pride Month to BiH. How do you see that statement?

Ena:"I agree. Pride opened the door for visible LGBTI+ events — exhibitions, discussions, films, art. Before that, everything was hidden or underground. But I also want to highlight the parallel, equally important scene — like Kvirhana in Sarajevo and Tuzla, which didn’t emerge from Pride but from the real needs of the community. These spaces may not be on billboards, but they are crucial for safety and belonging. Pride and the underground scene nourish each other — both are forms of resistance."

How has the organization of Pride changed over the years, and what is the relationship with institutions today?

Lejla:"It’s been a long, grueling journey. For six years, we’ve been trying to make institutions understand that Pride, though colorful, is not a party — it’s a political protest. Cooperation with institutions varies depending on election cycles, political context, and individuals in office. That says a lot about the fragility of our system and the uncertainty we face. But the biggest support comes from the community — from solidarity, friendship, and mutual care within the organizing team. That’s our secret. This year, we achieved that like never before, and it filled me with love."

What motivated you to join the Organizing Committee?

Jelena:"Pride’s visibility had a huge impact on how I understand discrimination — not just based on LGBTI identity, but also disability, gender, poverty, and race. Connecting within the community and creating safe spaces is what moved me to act. As a feminist, I believe it’s vital to fight all forms of oppression — especially now, when we’re witnessing the selective enforcement and even rollback of human rights."

What message would you send to LGBTI+ people who still live in fear and can’t publicly express their identity?

Ena:"Their bravery doesn’t depend on visibility. Surviving in this country is already an act of resistance. Many people feel guilty for not being ‘out,’ but there isn’t just one right way to be LGBTI+. Those of us who are visible do it for them, just as others once did it for us. If they ever feel ready to be seen, we’ll be there. And if that moment never comes — that’s okay, too. Their identity is real. Their love is real. Their life is valuable."

What message would you share with people considering joining the Organizing Committee next year?

Jelena:"It’s crucial that we understand what we’re fighting for — and that we never give up, neither on our goals nor on our identities, regardless of society’s approval. Life inside ‘four walls’ isn’t real life. Courage and authenticity are key — that’s how we’re truly seen on a human level."

Lejla:"It’s time to take that step. If you don’t yet feel the impact of rising fascism and capitalism — trust me, you will. This isn’t just a call to participate in Pride — this is a call for collective resistance. But even if nothing else, come and feel the incredible energy we all create together."

This year it was noted that women made up the majority of the Organizing Committee. How did that affect the team and atmosphere?

Lejla:"It just happened that way. The call to join the committee is open to everyone, but this year it ended up being 12 women who were truly active. We introduced a rule — if you don’t contribute, you don’t belong to a volunteer, non-hierarchical collective. That led to a team grounded in respect, responsibility, and solidarity. The energy was amazing — relaxed, positive. It was a pleasure to be part of it."

In Conclusion: BiH Pride as Tradition

The BiH Pride March now stands as a pillar of the LGBTI+ rights struggle in Bosnia and Herzegovina. But as Ena and Jelena emphasize — it is not just a parade. It is a battle against institutional neglect and a means of creating safe spaces beyond the spotlight. It is underground parties and formal gatherings; quiet resistance and public protest. It is community.

Traditional, but not conventional. Proud, but not painless. Visible, but still not fully protected.That’s why the struggle continues — and will continue until every LGBTI+ person in BiH feels that love truly is the law.

This article was published with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland. The content is the sole responsibility of the Author(s) and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tuzla Open Centre, the Department of Foreign Affairs, or the Government of Ireland.