VIDEO | Garvanliev: The Pride Parade is a march and an opportunity to introduce people to everything that happens
The Macedonian representative at this year's Eurovision, Vasil Garvanliev, will open the second "Pride Parade" to be held on June 26 in Skopje.
According to the organizer, the event will start with the gathering of the participants in the park "Woman Fighter" from 10 to 12 o'clock, and the movement will be next to the Government, all the way to Shkolka in the City Park.
The parade is organized by the National Network against Homophobia and Transphobia.
- I returned to Macedonia three years ago because I believe in our talent, in our roots. In 2019, it was decided that the Eurovision representative will open the Pride Parade every year. It was supposed to last year, but the world as we know it stopped last year. I feel safe, but I have a small reserve since March when the whole scandal after the video occurred. I started waking up with thousands of messages, but I admit that to this day that cyber bullying has not stopped, Garvanliev stated in the morning briefing.
As artists we must be neutral in every sphere. We have that responsibility to be a voice for all those who do not have a voice. I am not afraid of that, it encourages me and gives me hope. If I manage to take a step that the young generations can live freely without being afraid to take a step and be what they are, then I am happy. This year the slogan of the Parade is "Outside the Walls", says Garvanliev.
- We must not be afraid and we must be informed and educated. The Pride Parade is a march for freedom and protest where we have the opportunity to inform people about everything that is happening. The more we inform and chat, the more we will wake up. I came back three years ago and I already see that times and people are changing. The younger generations are more open, so we have to continue to be who we are, Garvanliev thinks.
- It is important to know that you are loved no matter who you are. I took that step, I could not say it out loud, I wrote a letter to my mother, but she already knew, so I'm thankful I grew up with so much love, says Garvanliev.
