ROME PRIDE MARCH DRAWS 200,000 PARTICIPANTS

Summary:

• Around 200,000 people participated in Rome's Pride march on Saturday afternoon, themed "Outlaws"
• Organizers highlighted the lack of legal recognition for rainbow families and transgender rights in Italy
• The event contrasts with restrictions in other countries, including Hungary's recent Pride ban in Budapest

Saturday afternoon saw approximately 200,000 people take to Rome's streets for the annual Pride march, part of the month-long series of events celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide. The Italian capital's demonstration adopted the theme "Fuorilegge", in Italian means "Outlaws", taking its name from a song by Rose Villain, who served as the event's patron.

The choice of theme reflects current legal realities, according to organizers. Mario Colamarino, spokesperson for Roma Pride and president of the Mario Mieli Circle, explained during the event's press conference that the "Outlaws" designation represents more than symbolism. Rainbow families lack legal recognition in the country, while transgender individuals face social marginalization and no comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation exists to address homophobia, lesbophobia, biphobia, or transphobia.

Colamarino drew connections to restrictions elsewhere, noting similar challenges across different political contexts. He referenced Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government has banned Pride events, and the United States, where policies targeting transgender individuals have gained political support.

The Hungarian situation has intensified recently. Police authorities in Budapest formally prohibited the organization of Pride events in the city. This decision stems from legislation passed by the Hungarian parliament in March, which outlaws demonstrations that "represent or promote" homosexuality to individuals under 18 years of age.

The Rome march proceeded without incident, with participants gathering from various neighborhoods to walk through the city center. The event maintained its traditional route through central Rome, allowing demonstrators to pass by key government buildings and tourist areas.

The annual Rome Pride has grown consistently over recent years, with organizers reporting steady increases in participation. This year's attendance figures place it among the larger Pride events in Southern Europe, reflecting both local engagement and international participation from visitors to the Italian capital.

Local authorities coordinated with organizers to manage traffic diversions and ensure public safety during the march. The event concluded in the early evening with speeches and performances in a designated area of the city center.

Take a look at some heartfelt interviews on love and family that we conducted during Pride Rome, in collaboration with our partners Matters Now, Pride, LGBT, LGBTQ+.