"Love thinks of no evil": May 17, Rainbow Flashmob in St. Petersburg

08.05.2015

The 7th International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia rally “Rainbow flashmob” will take place this Sunday, May 17 at 12 pm, in the center of St. Petersburg (Marsovo Pole), under the slogan “Love Does Not Delight in Evil.”  In the climate of continued aggression, violence, and war, the organizers want to send society a message of love and peace, and to celebrate diversity together with the civil society of St. Petersburg.

Traditionally, “Rainbow Flashmob” in St. Petersburg is the biggest LGBT rally in Russia, with over 200 people taking part. This year’s event should become a true action of solidarity with many human rights initiatives of St. Petersburg and Russia. only together the right to be ourselves, the right to live without persecutions and oppression, the right to speak and to be heard can be defended.

Yuri Dzhibladze, president of the Center for Development of Democracy and Human Rights, one of the rally’s speakers: “Every human being has rights from the moment of her or his birth – without exception, in equal measure, and without any kind of discrimination. If anyone is excluded – based on any characteristic – then everyone faces the danger of exceptions and violations of human rights. When we understand this and together actively fight against any kind of discrimination, there will be hope that human rights will be guaranteed for everyone. “Rainbow Flashmob” is an important day for the fight for human rights for all without exception!”

Every year, the concern for the risks to the safety of participants is high. Deputy Vitaly Milonov, author of the St. Petersburg so-called “propaganda of homosexuality” law, comments to the press: “I don’t know if I will be able to personally prevent this action, but there are people who are planning to chase them away. We will not rest until we achieve full prohibition of public abasement of traditional values in St. Petersburg. The timer of people’s wrath has been started.” In 2013, 200 counter-protesters insulted, attacked, and threw fire crackers at the participants. However, for the last two years the organizers were able to establish prior contact with the police to discuss safety measures. As a result, last year, 200 police were present, and this year, the organizers hope for the same professional attitude.  

"Rainbow flashmob" partners: LGBT initiative “Stop Hate”, United Group for Public Monitoring (ОГОН), the Russian LGBT Network, Coalition for Civil Equality “Together”, “Side by Side” LGBT film festival, and independent LGBT activists.

Similar actions will take place all around Russia.

Foto: M. Michelson