Ukraine: LGBT pride march in Kiev June 18

Event

On Sunday, June 18, more than 5000 people are expected to participate in an LGBT pride march in Kiev, which will commence at 09:00 (local time) at Teacher’s House on Vladimir Boulevard. Anti-LGBT protests and violence are possible. The event will have a heavy security presence.

Context

Anti-LGBT violence is not rare in Ukraine. On June 13, protesters burned an LGBT flag during a Kiev Pride 2017 event. And in May, around 30 masked assailants assaulted participants and police officers at an LGBT event held in the city of Kharkiv (Kharkiv province).

Last year’s LGBT pride march in Kiev, which involved 1500 participants, was relatively peaceful. There were 5500 police present who detained, and later released, 57 people for trying to disturb the march.

Advice

Individuals are advised to remain vigilant and to adhere to any instructions issued by the local security forces.