Thousands March in Poland, Portugal for Pride Amid Political Shifts

Pride Month celebrations are underway with notable events in both the United States and Europe, reflecting ongoing tensions and advocacy surrounding LGBTQ+ rights. In Shreveport, Louisiana, the Caddo Parish Commission passed a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month despite opposition from some commissioners and local groups who preferred to designate June as 'Family Month.' Meanwhile, thousands marched in Polish cities such as Gdansk and Wroclaw to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community following the presidential election of nationalist Karol Nawrocki, whose conservative platform opposes civil partnerships and same-sex adoption. These marches, supported by political leaders and activists, underscore concerns about the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Poland, where advocacy groups rank the country among the least LGBTQ+ friendly in the EU. The pro-European coalition government introduced a bill to legalize civil partnerships, but its enactment faces uncertainty due to Nawrocki's veto power. Similar Pride events in Portugal and the United States emphasize ongoing efforts to promote equality and inclusion amid political and social challenges.