By: Shqipe Gjocaj

As the saying goes, when someone comes out, the whole family transitions. The support and love, followed by opposition and hate, are all part of this struggle.

On Tuesday, Kosovo organized its first pride parade. As expected, once it was announced in the media, panic ensued.

Among the first to express contempt was Gezim Kelmendi, head of his religious political party Fjala and former MP. He wrote a homophobic status against the parade, only to have it removed due to its violation of Facebook’s community standards.

The first ever Pride Parade in Kosovo, due to take place on Tuesday, is drawing fierce opposition and derogatory language from some Muslim clerics and from parties close to them.

Some hard-line Muslim clerics in Kosovo have condemned the announced first Pride Parade in Kosovo, which is set to take place on 10 October in Pristina.

After three marches organised over the last three years, organisations promoting rights of the LGBTI community will organise in Pristina the First Pride Parade on 10 October. The event is scheduled to begin at 11.30 a.m. at the Skenderbeu Square and end with a concert at Zahir Pajaziti Square.