“Queer communities are comfortable and open, and they embrace you. And of course, together, we want to decriminalise the queer community in other lands. I have Russian citizenship – in Russia [being queer is met with hostility], and we want to show that this should not be happening.” Kirill von Tsimkarzhenskii (actor, Bulgaria)
“I am here to support the leather community, and that’s why I am wearing only leather today. I am into the punk style, so I am trying to combine the punk style with leather fetish to make it more interesting.” Eddie Kiddo (sex doll brothel employee, Ukraine)
“I travelled out here to be with my wife who is Russian. I don’t know anyone else here but maube in an hour or so I thought.” Johan S. (Privateer, Germany)
“We are here to show our pride to our queer community, especially the queer Ukrainians who are fighting to protect their own land.” Philip A. (careworker, Germany)
“In solidarity with everyone we stand here today.” Martin M. (software developer, Germany)
“Before I moved to Germany, I lived in Russia and Kazakhstan, amd these are patriarchal countries wher people feel negative towards people who are a little bit different or people who deviate from ‘normal’ rules, so I am glad to be here.” Dasha M. (student, Russia)
“This is my first time participating in a Pride event. I was worried in the beginning but now I see that everyone is so friendly and it’s an amazing atmosphere. It empowers me to see people who accept you that way you are.” Daria (PhD student, Russia)
“It’s the first time I am here, and I just support the LGBTQ community. I have only been here for a week and heard about this through a small journal and wanted to attend.” Darina T. (set designer, St. Petersburg)
Lujbov S., Tatiana S., Olga R. (representatives of Ukrainian Peace, Ukraine)
Olga: “We tour around Germany. The other singer is also from Ukraine and she is the golden voice of Ukraine. We bring peace and love. The beginning of the war I came to Berlin and met these girls.”
“I have been coming for five years. It is important for the queer community and also other communities like trans, drag queens, puppies… it is important for the humans of the world and to create acceptance for all. Humans all have a right to life and should be able to live how they want.” Teddy and Scardi (Retirees, Germany)
” I was playing on the street and it was this way I found my first contacts. Someone noticed me and I was invited to this festival. It is now my third year playing here. It is very important to support people who haven’t had a voice in many years.” Rostislav Mazurkevic (musician, Ukraine)
“I am here to take care of people and make sure they feel healthy and happy and safe on this beautiful day.” Mark (Programmer, Chechenia)
“This is the first time I have joined this event. I just live across the road and wanted to see what was going on. It’s really fun!” Julia Oscar (artist, Germany)
