Kaunas LGBT+ march calls for rights, recognition and protection

Kaunas Pride, an LGBT+ community march, began on Laisvės Avenue in Kaunas on Saturday, LRT reported. The event aims to draw attention to LGBT+ people’s rights in Lithuania.

“We were, are and will be part of Lithuania’s history and future, in large cities, towns and villages,” organisers said. They are calling for respect, recognition, visibility, protection and suitable, accessible healthcare services for everyone.

Participants began gathering at about 11 a.m. in Independence Square, near St Michael the Archangel Church. The march was scheduled to leave the square at about noon, proceed along Laisvės Avenue towards E. Ožeškienės Street, turn around at the end of the avenue and return to Independence Square.

This is the second such march in Kaunas. The first was held five years ago. Organiser Beata Starodubova said preparations had gone more smoothly than in 2021, when Kaunas Municipality did not immediately issue the required permit.

Organisers are also calling for adequate representation of queer and LGBTQ+ people in education, their legal recognition and greater visibility. They said appropriate medical services should be accessible to transgender people not only in Vilnius. “We are protesting transphobia and homophobia,” Starodubova said.

About 2,000 people took part in Kaunas Pride in 2021. Organisers said many members of the community still do not feel safe being themselves in public, meaning each participant also represents those who do not dare to join the march.

Police said they had mobilised additional forces, including officers from other police districts, to maintain public order. Preventive measures were planned on Laisvės Avenue and nearby streets, while the event was to be filmed and participants’ belongings checked. Police urged attendees to follow officers’ instructions, avoid escalating conflicts and contact officers or call 112 if problems arose.