Kufstein´s first Pride Parade
"Kufstein coming out" was the motto of the first pride parade on 15 October in the fortress town. It was initiated by master's students of the FH Kufstein Tirol, who wanted to offer a platform and raise awareness for the LGBTQIA+ community as part of the practical project "Q+ You". It was realized in cooperation with the CSD Innsbruck (Christopher Street Day) and the HOSI Tirol.
A colorful day for more diversity
The eventful day kicked off with the Run & Walk fundraising run for Breast Cancer Aid Tyrol, which collected donations for the fight against breast cancer. From 2:00 pm on, the stage was taken over by hostess Betty Pearl, who called for line-ups for Kufstein's first Pride Parade after a speech by Deputy Mayor Brigitta Klein. Around 400 queer people and their allies walked through the town of Kufstein in a procession with many colourful flags and outfits and circled the fortress, the town's landmark, with the parade. Afterwards, the participants of the event were made aware of the fact that freedom and equality are not yet part of the everyday life of the queer community through different, partly very moving speeches. At the same time, the event made it clear that the community stands together and fights with strength against discrimination and hate. Through some colourful performances by drag queens, including the hostess Betty Pearl, the event became a colourful and exuberant afternoon despite some heavy topics. To celebrate the good mood and the get-together even more, there was an afterparty at 8:00 pm at Bau! Kufstein, where this eventful and successful day came to a fitting end.
The Q+ You team hopes that this event is the starting point for many more colourful parades in Kufstein and Tyrol and will make the city even more open and inclusive in the future!
Links:
- Instagram Channel Q+You
- Website of the Project Q+You
- Projects and reference works on diversity at the FH Kufstein Tirol