Pride: Once Again a Protest

Montevideo, Uruguay, July 15, 2026, On the morning of June 28, riot police cordoned off Taksim Square in Istanbul with steel barriers and imposed a blanket ban on all weekend gatherings. Despite the restrictions, Pride parade participants continued their march, emerging from side streets each time law enforcement dispersed them. By the end of the day, at least 50 individuals were detained, including a journalist. This marked the 24th edition of Istanbul Pride and the 12th consecutive year that the event was outright banned by authorities. In Turkey, homosexuality is not illegal, but the state targets its visibility through punitive measures. Banning Pride parades under the pretext of protecting “public morality,” authorities also restrict access to the social media platforms of LGBTQI+ organizations and bring activists to court on charges of “obscenity.” These tactics reflect a broader trend across multiple countries, where the LGBTQI+ movement's hard-won victories, such as anti-discrimination laws, recognition of equal marriage rights, and increased public visibility, are being met with a coordinated backlash. This resistance often stems from authoritarian and populist leaders grappling with public dissatisfaction over issues like corruption, inflation, and unemployment. They redirect frustration toward a vulnerable minority, using the LGBTQI+ community as a convenient scapegoat. Meanwhile, conservative religious institutions frame opposition to LGBTQI+ rights, especially trans rights, as a defense of traditional values and societal morality. This alignment between political authority and religious conservatism creates a powerful force that legitimizes repression under the guise of safeguarding family, children, and national identity. The situation has escalated in several regions, with more than four West African nations recently criminalizing consensual same-sex relationships. In December 2024, Mali’s military government enacted legislation outlawing homosexuality, and Burkina Faso’s junta followed suit in September 2025. Niger’s newly adopted penal code, effective last month, mandates up to 20 years in prison for such acts. Within weeks, reports emerged of at least 40 arrests, the interruption of HIV prevention programs, and an exodus of individuals seeking refuge abroad. Even in electoral democracies, similar trends are evident. In Senegal, parliament in March 2026 raised the maximum sentence for “unnatural acts” to 10 years, with over 300 individuals suspected of being homosexual reportedly detained in recent months. Ghana’s legislature approved a bill that would impose jail terms on anyone identifying as LGBTQI+ and requires citizens to report prohibited activities to authorities. Although President John Mahama has not yet signed the bill into law, the mere discussion of the legislation has led to an increase in blackmail, forced evictions, and workplace discrimination. Uganda’s 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act serves as a template for many of these developments. The law includes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” and prescribes up to 20 years in prison for promoting homosexuality. Such legislation is frequently justified as a rejection of Western influence and the promotion of local cultural values. However, critics argue that these laws are funded by international conservative groups, including the American Center for Law and Justice and Family Watch International, which provide financial support to regimes hostile to LGBTQI+ rights. These legal and social shifts underscore a global retreat from progress, with Pride once again becoming a form of protest rather than celebration. As governments and religious bodies continue to challenge the visibility and rights of LGBTQI+ communities, the struggle for equality faces renewed obstacles. The future of Pride, and the freedoms it represents, remains uncertain, dependent on the resilience of those who demand justice and the willingness of societies to embrace diversity.