[ENG] EuroPride 2025 in Lisbon: between celebration, visibility and controversy in the LGBTI+ community

For the first time, Lisbon hosts EuroPride — Europe’s largest event celebrating and advocating for LGBTI+ rights. From June 14 to 22, the city will feature a diverse program of music, art, activism, and a historic Pride Parade.

Culture and politics hand in hand

Events will take place at iconic venues like Terreiro do Paço, Cinema São Jorge, and Palácio das Galveias. The Human Rights Conference will feature speakers such as Miguel Vale de Almeida, Inês Narciso, and representatives from the European Commission.

Musical performances include artists like Corona, Rozalla, Black Mamba, Melody, and a special Eurovision tribute with Manuela Bravo, Nucha, and Suzy.

The detailed program for EuroPride 2025 was released only a few days before the event’s start, leading to criticism from the community and potential international participants. The late announcement hindered travel planning and full participation for many interested individuals.

A significant political moment

Organizers state that “LGBTI+ rights face a real risk of regression,” emphasizing the event’s role as a space for resistance and solidarity amid political challenges in Europe and Portugal.

“At a time like this, we believe it is more urgent than ever to strengthen unity, solidarity and the visibility of our struggle“, said the event organisation.

Voices still unheard

Despite the extensive program, criticisms have emerged from within the LGBTI+ community regarding the lack of representation and transparency in the event’s organization.

ILGA Portugal, the oldest and biggest portuguese LGBTI+ rights’ ONG, announced its withdrawal from EuroPride 2025, citing that organizing such a large-scale event is incompatible with the association’s limited resources, risking its sustainability and the quality of services provided to the community.

ONGs rede ex aequo and AMPLOS also ceased their participation, leaving the association Variações as the sole organizer.

Meanwhile, Diogo Vieira da Silva, former president of the Variações association, is under investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office for suspicions of embezzlement, abuse of trust and fraud dating back to 2023, according to an investigation by RTP. Turismo de Portugal has also launched an audit of Variações’ accounts, after a newspaper investigation revealed irregularities in the management of the funds allocated by the state to the association.

Among the reasons for the withdrawal of several organizations is the connection between the EuroPride organizers and the Embassy of Israel in Portugal. This association prompted even more Portuguese LGBTI+ groups to reject participation, raising concerns about the political instrumentalisation of queer causes by states accused of human rights violations.

EuroPride 2025 is also said to be clearly centered around white, cisgender gay men — a fact that is reflected in both the organizing team and the event’s programming. This focus sidelines lesbian, trans, Black, migrant and other marginalised LGBTI+ experiences that are vital to a truly inclusive Pride.

These issues raise legitimate concerns about the integrity and representativeness of EuroPride 2025, prompting a deep reflection on how such significant events are organized and whom they truly represent.

Celebration with awareness

EuroPride 2025 presents a unique opportunity for visibility, mobilization, and advocacy, but also a moment for internal reflection. Pride is neither neutral nor homogeneous — and Lisbon bears the responsibility of making this celebration a true affirmation of all community voices.

Admission to activities is free, with registration required on the official website: europride2025.pt.

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