EuroPride 2015 needs your help to make history

From June 15 to 21, Riga, Latvia will host one of its most historic events – EuroPride 2015. Organizers of the pan-European Pride event today launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise needed funds for key elements of the week-long celebration.

25 years after regaining independence from the Soviet Union, Latvia will be the first post-Soviet country to host EuroPride. This is the first time that EuroPride is taking place on the European Union’s eastern border with Russia, which organisers say will be an opportunity to draw global attention to the region and stand in solidarity with those struggling to fight oppression of LGBT rights just across the border.

EuroPride 2015 will also celebrate a decade since Riga hosted its first Pride, which faced incredible violence and hostility when 70 activists faced the fury of several thousand protesters.

Ensuring a successful event in Riga, however, comes with its challenges. In spite of the gains made in Latvia, event organisers still face internal opposition challenging EuroPride. A group that call themselves the Anti-globalists have used legal loopholes to attempt to block the EuroPride 2015 Rally.

To ensure a successful event, EuroPride 2015 organisers are calling on supporters around the world to contribute to a 30-day crowdfunding campaign to help it fund critical elements of the celebration, including the parade, rally, security, exhibitions and Pride House. With a fundraising target of $81,500, they have a long way to go in the next 30 days – click here to help.