KyivPride march gathers thousands in call for equal family rights

Around 5,000 people took part in the 10th KyivPride March in central Kyiv on June 21, as activists, diplomats and allies renewed calls for equal family rights and legal protection for LGBTQ+ Ukrainians.

The march, which lasted about two hours, drew visible backing from foreign missions and international organizations, NV reports. KyivPride reported participation from representatives of the embassies of Sweden, Canada, Germany, Australia, Italy, Norway, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Finland, Spain, Denmark and France. Canadian Ambassador Natalka Cmoc and Dutch Ambassador Alle Dorhout joined the event, along with delegates from the European Union, the Council of Europe, the World Bank and the United Nations.

This year’s central demand focused on legal recognition of families of LGBTQ+ people, including in the context of Ukraine’s broader reform agenda and aspirations for deeper European integration.

“Today, we once again saw the strength of Ukrainian civil society through the Pride movement on the streets of Kyiv. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, we have taken to the streets against corruption, against the Civil Code bill, and now we have come out for equal rights,” said Anna Sharyhina, chair of the board of the KyivPride NGO.

At the final stop of the route, organizers set up a stage for speeches. The program opened with remarks from Sharyhina and Oleksandr Demenko, head of the Ukrainian LGBT Military for Equal Rights NGO and a defender of Mariupol and Azovstal. Activists from various LGBTIQ+ organizations were scheduled to address the crowd, though some were unable to speak after an air raid alert over a potential Russian attack interrupted the event.

Participants directed particular criticism at the draft new Civil Code, urging lawmakers to withdraw or significantly revise it. KyivPride and other groups say the draft “contains discriminatory provisions and contradicts Ukraine’s commitments under European integration,” especially regarding equal treatment of LGBTQ+ families.

Activists at KyivPride emphasized that legal equality for LGBTQ+ people belongs at the center of reconstruction and reform. For those who want to support inclusive workplaces and connect with LGBTQ+ professionals and allies worldwide, signing up for myGwork offers a practical way to turn that commitment into everyday action.