Its supporters say ‘Pride’ is about celebrating diversity, but the spotlight at recent marches in Vienna appears mainly to have been taken by Christian-bashing activists and companies pushing their products.
Austria’s Exxpress newspaper described this year’s event, attended by hundreds of thousands of people, as “thoroughly commercialised,” saying it was “a pure showcase for companies, brands and political parties.”
This is, of course, ironic given the presence also of communist organisations and other anti-capitalists. Indeed, some participants complained about the main parade being too commercial—what Exxpresstermed potential “pinkwashing.”
Separate parades saw the expression of more questionable sentiments, too, including one titled “March for the Ass,” run by “intersectional, anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist” activists. This focussed on what the organising Furia group described as “Christian fundamentalists” and pro-life activists. Its poster prompted criticism for displaying a trans-flag draped superhero-esque figure holding a small crushed man with an Austrian flag and cross in his fist.
An official poster promoting Paris Pride likewise resulted in condemnation earlier this month, for depicting a white man being assaulted.
Vienna Pride was funded by the city government with €651,000.
Former Hungarian government spokeswoman, head of ruling Fidesz’ group in the Budapest municipal assembly Alexandra Szentkirályi visited the event and said she saw “sexual parades of adults in front of children.”
How can they want to show this to children? What kind of grown man wants to get naked in front of children? This has no place in Budapest.
