As the year comes to an end, it’s natural for many of us to reflect on the past months, asking questions about our experiences and making plans for the future. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, reflecting on the past often involves facing numerous challenges but also looking forward to a better and more equitable future.
For the LGBTI+ community in Tuzla, one key moment for social change could be the organization of a Pride Parade. While Pride Parades are celebrated worldwide as symbols of freedom, equality, and the right for all people to live authentically, hosting such an event in Tuzla would carry a unique significance. LGBTI+ individuals in this region often face marginalization and prejudice, so organizing a Pride Parade would be a step toward building an inclusive society that respects and values all its citizens. Furthermore, holding it in Tuzla, as the second city after Sarajevo, would highlight that LGBTI+ individuals are not only present in the capital but also in other cities, smaller towns, and rural areas.
It’s fantastic that the Pride Parade is now held annually in Sarajevo, and it should continue to be hosted there, as the city houses key institutions that are under pressure to improve the conditions for LGBTI+ individuals and minorities in society.
A Pride Parade in Tuzla would undoubtedly pose challenges but also offer an opportunity for residents to speak out and support equality. Conversations with gay men who have shared their thoughts on holding a Pride Parade, along with the reactions of others who still feel unready for such a step, clearly illustrate that society is divided and that much work is needed to achieve genuine equality. However, these conversations also bring forth a strong message of hope and the determination to fight for a better tomorrow.
It is a sad reality that many LGBTI+ people still have to hide and live in fear of rejection, violence, or injustice. Yet the optimism that emerges from this fear underscores the importance of creating spaces for visibility.
Semir and Muhamed, a couple who have been together for four years, believe that hosting a Pride Parade in Tuzla has the potential to reduce prejudices against the LGBTI+ community. “For us, the Pride Parade is not just an opportunity to celebrate love but also a chance to fight against the discrimination we face daily,” Semir says. They are aware that, while the city is developing, significant barriers still exist when it comes to accepting diverse identities. “We feel that such an initiative would help those who may not yet be ready to come out,” Muhamed adds. Together, they believe that a Pride Parade could be a symbol of hope for all those who are still hiding and afraid to be seen. “Our love is no less valuable than any other, and we need to show that to the world. On the other hand, it’s not easy when I walk through the city with Muhamed and want so much to hold his hand or kiss him, but I have to hold back for safety reasons. It’s great that we have a café where we can kiss without fear of being attacked because the owners are very supportive,” Semir adds. Muhamed also shares his experience at Sarajevo’s Pride Parade: “Walking through the center of Sarajevo in the middle of summer and kissing in the streets was the most beautiful thing. At first, I was a bit scared, but there were so many people that I stopped worrying about who might see us. After all, I love Semir, and it would be a dream to love him openly in Tuzla every day, not just on the day of the Pride Parade,” Muhamed concludes.
As Tuzla is a student city, we also spoke with a student who recently moved to Tuzla. While he supports the Pride Parade, his perspective reflects uncertainty. He feels that the city, despite its potential, is not entirely ready to embrace such initiatives. “I think Tuzla could be a wonderful place to live, but deeply rooted prejudices against LGBTI+ people still exist here.” Although he supports the idea of a parade, he believes it could provoke violence or insecurity. “I think the Pride Parade should happen, but it would require a lot of education and awareness-raising to ensure the safety of all participants.” Nevertheless, he acknowledges that if the parade takes place, it could be a step toward greater acceptance and safety for all LGBTI+ individuals. “For now, even though I’m unsure how the city will react, I support the idea of taking the first step. Because only by fighting can we create change.”
For Ibrahim, who has been out for several years, the Pride Parade means more than just the event itself; it represents a fight for visibility and the right to be who you are without fear. “The Pride Parade is important because it gives a voice to those who may still be too afraid to be themselves,” Ibrahim says. He adds that he believes the parade should serve as a catalyst for broader societal change, showing that Tuzla—and Bosnia and Herzegovina—can be a society that not only accepts diverse sexual orientations but also celebrates their diversity. “When people see there’s a community fighting for their rights, it gives hope to those who are still silent out of fear,” Ibrahim asserts. He emphasizes that the fight for human rights is never easy but is worthwhile because it brings lasting change. “I’ll never forget the moment I told my family I was gay. It was the strongest thing I’ve ever done for myself. While it took time for everyone to adjust, the Pride Parade could be that step for many others.”
Mirnes, a gay man living near Tuzla and currently in a relationship, believes the Pride Parade is a positive step but acknowledges the challenges ahead. “While I want the Pride Parade to succeed, I’m not sure how society will react. There’s still a lot of intolerance, and I often feel like I can’t show too much. For now, that’s okay with me. This is my first relationship with a man, and I’m enjoying it. The only problem is that I have to travel to Tuzla to be with my boyfriend. The good thing is I can show affection with him at TOC events,” Mirnes says. He admits that it’s still hard to be gay in smaller communities but believes the parade would be a great way to raise awareness. “As gay men, we’ve had our fears, but I think that needs to change. We fight to live normal lives, and that’s why the Pride Parade is crucial,” Mirnes concludes.
Selma from Tuzla, a human rights activist, believes the Pride Parade must be supported by the entire community. “We cannot remain passive on such issues. Human rights are everyone’s rights, regardless of sexual orientation,” Selma says. In her view, a Pride Parade in Tuzla could symbolize resistance to all forms of discrimination and prejudice, and she believes it’s crucial for everyone to engage in this fight. “This is our collective task. If we don’t stand up for one another, how can we expect change and a better society? Enough of hate crimes, enough of gender-based violence, enough of femicide—enough of all forms of violence! Without solidarity, we cannot achieve change,” Selma concludes.
The Pride Parade in Tuzla is more than just a march; it is a fight for visibility, respect, and equality for all citizens. Despite the fear and uncertainty among those who still feel unready to come forward, the fact remains that such an event has the potential to pave the way for change. Conversations with gay men, couples, and activists reveal a deeply rooted sense of hope and a desire for transformation.
Tuzla, a city known for its multicultural and working-class traditions, has the chance to become a symbol of change for all of Bosnia and Herzegovina. If we want a city where everyone can live without fear, regardless of their sexual orientation, it’s essential to support the organization of a Pride Parade. This event could symbolize freedom, equality, and acceptance and send a message to society that the time for change has come.
If we want to ensure that Tuzla is a city of equal rights, we call on everyone to support this initiative. The Pride Parade is an opportunity for us all to show that love is powerful and worthy in all its forms. Our fight is not just a fight for LGBTI+ individuals but a fight for humanity, equality, and solidarity.
This article was published with the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The content of the article is the sole responsibility of the Tuzla Open Center and does not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the Government of the United States of America.
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