In Bosnia and Herzegovina, societal attitudes toward the LGBTI+ community have long been burdened by prejudice, insecurity, and social rejection. However, the Bh. Pride March has emerged as a symbol of hope, the fight for equality, and human rights, as well as a necessary step toward overcoming these challenges. The Pride March is not just an event for members of the LGBTI+ community but also for the broader public, providing an opportunity to express solidarity, support the fight for equality, and, most importantly, help build a safe and free society. For lesbians, who often face dual challenges—as women and as members of the LGBTI+ community—the Bh. Pride March is a crucial moment to be seen and recognized in society.
One of the primary reasons for organizing the Pride March is to support human rights. For LGBTI+ individuals in a country like Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is still recovering from post-war trauma and shaping its social identity, achieving equality can be particularly difficult. The Pride March is also a political act—asserting the right to love, marry, and enjoy basic freedoms without fear of discrimination. Every person has the right to be who they are, regardless of their sexual orientation.
“The Pride March isn’t just for us; it’s for everyone who believes in freedom, equality, and love. I feel proud to participate in this moment. Even though we live in a country where LGBTI+ people are not always accepted, I have the right to be who I am. The march gives me the strength and support to express that,” said Elvira, a lesbian from Sarajevo who joined the Pride March for the first time a few years ago. “It’s important to note that sexual orientation is not a choice, as some call it a preference—it’s something you’re born with. The march is an opportunity to appear in public as we truly are, even though it’s clear we’re not equal to other citizens,” Elvira added.
The Pride March provides a platform for the voices of quieter and more invisible groups to be heard. In a society deeply rooted in traditional values, acknowledging a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity can be an act of courage. Through the Pride March, everyone becomes aware of the LGBTI+ community’s existence, which not only reduces stigma but also offers hope for social change.
For lesbians, the Pride March in BiH represents more than just the fight for LGBTI+ rights. Many face dual challenges—as women and as members of the LGBTI+ community. In a society often prone to misogyny and homophobia, lesbians frequently remain invisible and marginalized, their needs and voices overlooked by both the majority population and within the LGBTI+ community itself. When it comes to women’s safety, lesbians are doubly exposed to hate crimes and gender-based violence. Especially in Tuzla, where the number of femicides is rising daily and perpetrators often evade justice, the situation is dire.
“The Pride March is an opportunity for me to be seen and recognized. As a lesbian, I often feel invisible, even within the LGBTI+ community. Most discussions about homosexuality focus on men, and women are often sidelined, as always. This is my moment—my voice is heard. And that means so much,” said Jasmina from Tuzla.
Unfortunately, lesbians are often overlooked, making it important to note that the entire Pride movement was initiated by transgender women and lesbians who decided to no longer endure violence from the police and others. In traditional societies like Bosnia and Herzegovina, a lesbian woman often faces dual societal expectations: being a woman in a conservative society and being homosexual at the same time. Thus, the Pride March is not just a political event but also a social space where lesbians can affirm their identity, fight for the rights they lack, and celebrate their love without shame.
Although organizing the Pride March in Bosnia and Herzegovina is extremely important, organizers face significant challenges. Deeply ingrained prejudices against the LGBTI+ community persist, as does the fear of violence and threats. The Pride March often carries security risks for participants, especially for lesbians, who fight not only for their sexual orientation but also for their position in society as women.
One of the biggest challenges for the Pride March in BiH is societal polarization. There is a deep divide between those who support LGBTI+ rights and those who oppose them, often citing religious and cultural norms. This divide creates an atmosphere where it is difficult to reach a consensus on basic human rights and freedoms. Although every Pride March is an opportunity for change, it is sometimes met with violence and rejection, discouraging many from taking this bold step. Many LGBTI+ individuals choose not to attend the march out of fear of being recognized and facing rejection or threats to their safety.
“Although I fear for my safety, I feel it is my duty to show up and support my community. We can’t wait for things to change if we don’t come out and make ourselves visible. The violence that might occur cannot stop us from fighting for our rights. As long as the march continues to be held in Sarajevo, I will participate and demand my rights, even for those who don’t dare to step out. One day, I hope to walk hand in hand with my partner in Tuzla without constantly looking over my shoulder to see if someone is approaching to attack us. It’s beyond comprehension that someone would attack others simply because they love each other, but I understand that’s the reality we’re living in, and I hope it will change,” said an activist from Tuzla who has participated in organizing the Pride March for years.
Organizing the Pride March in BiH has a profound and lasting impact on society. Firstly, it helps create a space for discussing LGBTI+ rights and social tolerance. The Pride March educates the public about sexual orientation and gender issues, reduces prejudice, and often shifts attitudes toward the LGBTI+ community. Through public demonstrations and the support they provide, people become more aware of the problems and challenges LGBTI+ individuals face in their daily lives.
“The Pride March offers a chance to show that love can be different but equally powerful. We want nothing more than the freedom to love who we choose. Here in Tuzla, where more and more people are showing up, I feel that society is making some progress. Being here, being seen, gives hope that things will change. Since I moved here from Sarajevo to study, everyone says Tuzla is always seen as an open community, and I believe it is compared to other parts of the country, but I don’t always feel that way. The problem is if Tuzla, as it currently is, continues to be regarded as open and liberal. While it is ahead in some ways, it’s far from liberal. However, I believe that organizing the Pride March in Tuzla would bring progress,” said Amila from Sarajevo.
The Pride March also serves as a springboard for further progress. Every year, every new march brings opportunities for new conversations, new initiatives, and new laws to ensure the safety and rights of LGBTI+ individuals. In this context, the Pride March is not just an event but an activism platform that extends throughout the year. That is the essence of the march—to show clearly that LGBTI+ people are a part of BiH and aren’t going anywhere, no matter how much some might wish otherwise. The march, with its city parade, symbolizes the one day of the year when LGBTI+ individuals can safely appear in all their colors and walk the streets without hiding their identity.
The Bh. Pride March not only represents the fundamental fight for human rights but also highlights the specific challenges lesbians face in BiH. In this way, they not only showcase their identity but also fight against societal norms that place them at a disadvantage. The Pride March is an opportunity to celebrate love and freedom, show solidarity, and strengthen the community. Despite the challenges, it stands as a symbol of hope and change and a step toward a society where all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, have equal opportunities, acceptance, and love.
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 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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