The Tenth Zagreb Pride and Pride March for LGBTIQ People.

THE FUTURE IS ALSO OURS!

M A N I F E S T O

We, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersexual, queer, asexual and pansexual and queer straight people; fags and dykes, trans, bis and queers of all colours, proclaim that:

On the 29^th of June, 2002, in a massive coming-out against prejudice, we gathered for the first Pride march and rally in Croatia, with our heads held high, aware of our human dignity and civil rights, forever breaking the silence and no longer staying invisible. Because from that day, we are no longer punching bags to be abused or clowns to be mocked.

Knowing that there will be Prides in Zagreb as long as Zagreb and Croatia exist, in 2003 we came out proudly again onto the streets, to protest against injustice and violence, demanding our rights in the laws and institutions of our country. Because the police are here to protect every kiss.

With the shout 'Long Live Diversity' in 2004, transgender and transsexual people came out into the squares and streets, loudly and publically proclaiming that only we have the right to make decisions about our bodies and that ideological, political, legal, medical or religious norms must not violate the integrity of our bodies against our will, or prevent what or how we want to do with our bodies. Because trans is grand.

That Zagreb Pride March, and that we LGBTIQ people, have a place in this city, amongst our fellow citizens; that our pride and human dignity won't be trodden on again and again, or pushed back in the closet, we showed in 2005, proudly together. Because we are ready for marriage.

At the International Pride in 2006 we said we want 'To Live Free', not only in Zagreb but in all other parts of the country, throughout South-East Europe, the Balkan region, and beyond, affirming the right to freedom of assembly, anytime and everywhere; the freedom to protest and freedom of expression. Because breasts and bums are beautiful.

In 2007 we were gays and lesbians on the streets and in our souls, because we fought for and won the right to be public and visible, because we will always fight for a life without violence and discrimination. Because closets are for clothes, not for people.

Through the power of community in 2008 we had, and still have, the courage to build a society of solidarity, support and community in which nobody will ever again want to hide their love or be afraid to report violence; a society in which together we will confront violence, hatred and heterosexism. Because our side of the street is gayer.

In 2009 Zagreb Pride fought for the opening of our city towards acceptance of diversity and participation in the lives and experiences of all its citizens. In realising these values we make ourselves better people, and our society and our city a better society and a better city. Because Pride is also a patriotic act.

The police ware there to serve us when, in 2010, we went deeper, praising the freedom of gender expression, love and sexuality of all people with all our various genders and expressions. Because Croatia can swallow it.

This year, 2011, we celebrate our first decade – because the future is also ours.

Our struggle and resistance against all fascism, nationalism, racism, machismo, hetersexism and violence is not over. Ahead is another decade – our second – of maturity, growth and new triumphs.

The right to have our love and our life partnerships recognised and defined in law has not yet been achieved, but that is a victory we will achieve soon. Because Croatia will be as catholic as Spain.

We will fight for emancipated and secular education in our schools and faculties in which each child will have access to sex education that is not loaded with prejudice, religion and witchcraft. Because knowledge is freedom.

We will build our families, raise and educate our children, support each other out of love and solidarity, have a big, proud and self-aware LGBTIQ community, socially responsible and influential. Because we are everywhere.

Together with others, we will advocate total respect for the principles and practices of a secular state and secular values in accordance with the constitution of the Republic of Croatia, to ensure the autonomy of our society from all confessional influence. Because we need less Vatican, and more laws.

Ruthless, resolute and uncompromising, we will persevere in fighting fascism, neo-Ustashas, nationalism, xenophobia, chauvinism and sexism – until they entirely disappear. Because we don't talk to fascists.

Every year we will continue to march in the Zagreb Pride Parade, fighting for full and dignified right to the freedoms of public assembly and expression for all people. Because dogs bark, and Prides pass.