Yesterday from 4 PM, the 9th edition of the Nice Pink Parade, the March for Lesbian, Gay, Bi, and Trans Visibility on the Riviera Côte d’Azur, flooded the streets of Nice in a colorful and protest-driven human tide. On the eve of the second round of the legislative elections, participants in the event chose the perfect time to make their demands heard!
The event was announced as the largest “local gay pride” of France’s second gay city after Paris, Nice, with over 5,000 participants expected!
At 5 PM, on avenue Saint-Jean-Baptiste in front of the “Tête carrée,” the 9th edition of the 2012 Pink Parade officially began. Whistles, “rainbow flags,” glitter, latex, and electro music set the rhythm for the procession which traveled from the meeting point to avenue Saint Sébastien in front of the MAMAC, passing through strategic spots: rue de la Liberté, Promenade des Anglais, place Masséna, and boulevard Jean Jaurès, all places of “great visibility” to make sure they were seen and heard.
The AGLAE association – Association Gay et Lesbienne Azuréenne d’Expression – brought together the entire LGBT community – understand, Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans – and “gay-friendly” supporters to participate in the largest march to defend their rights. A crowd gathered to demand equal rights for all: the right to marriage, adoption, and homoparentality. “The same rights for all, whether straight, gay, trans, or bi.”
Many associations were present, advocating for homosexual community rights or simply “gay-friendly.” Amnesty International, which is among the associations that have contributed to the formation of the LGBT, testified through Hélène Papadoperakis wanting to advance the gay cause and fight against homophobia. A shared purpose with SOS Homophobia; Félix Pellefigues, representing the association, expressed concern about a certain “rise in homophobia from extreme Catholics,” but was even more motivated to advocate repeatedly for their rights.
The cultural association Polychromes was also part of the event. Jean Flores, President of Polychromes, acknowledged the importance of this manifestation which through public space conveyed a true message of friendship and tolerance.
The support of Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi was a boon on the eve of this second legislative round, and the “provocation by CIVITAS” did not tarnish the event. For AGLAE, the Pink Parade was a great way to combine advocacy and celebrations. Alexandra Fabiano, head of the Association, stated: “we have been taking to the streets for years, and we will continue to do so until homosexual rights are carved in stone. Once they are, we will take to the streets to help less open countries than our own.”
As every year, a minute of silence was observed in front of the Centennial monument. It was upon arrival in front of the MAMAC where the “after” of the Pink Parade unfolded, that is, the famous Pink Drink took place in the open air on the terrace of the C’Factory place Yves Klein with the crazy soundtrack of DJ Lady Power at the turntables. The official Pink Parade party took place starting at midnight at the High Club with DJ Sébastien Boumati.
